London Bridge is one of the London districts most loved by tourists because it offers unusual sights, iconic buildings and beautiful experiences alongside the world-famous river Thames.
Here is my list of things to do and see around London Bridge, let me know your favourite places in the comments.
THINGS TO DO AROUND LONDON BRIDGE
Where to sleep in London Bridge
London Bridge is very central, well connected thanks to tube and rail services, a huge selection of buses and even a river bus line and is a great base for exploring London.
Here is a list of hotels near the Shard where you can find deals and a beautiful five-star luxury hotel like the Shangri La Hotel At The Shard London.
What to see in London Bridge
HMS Belfast
Walking east along the river you will see the HMS Belfast warship, one of the most historical landmarks up right by London Bridge Pier and one of the only 3 surviving ships in the bombardment fleet on D-Day during the Second World War.
Tower Bridge
Going more east you will find the Tower Bridge, which doesn’t need any introduction, it’s one of the most instagrammed attractions in London.
You can walk on it and you can go inside and learn more about the bridge. You can also do yoga, wine tastings and much more, check their website to be updated on the latest events.
The Old Operating Theatre Museum
The Old Operating Theatre Museum is the oldest surgical theatre still in existence in Europe.
Hidden away in an attic of the 1703 St Thomas’ Church, just minutes away from The Shard, it is one of the hidden gems in the London Bridge neighbourhood.
Borough Market
Borough Market is London’s oldest food market and it has been around for over a thousand years. Located next to London Bridge is one of the most famous food markets in the world thanks to Jamie Oliver who showed the market in his TV shows. The market is made up of stalls run by selected small producers.
Must try: Pieminister if you like pies, Cannon & Cannon‘s British charcuterie, Bread Ahead bakery, The Ginger Pig’s meat, Brindisa’s Spanish foods and chocolate-centric Rabot 1745 in nearby Bedale Street.
If you like oysters and seafood try the Wright Brothers, they source fresh and sustainable fish from all over UK.
On the Italian side I would recommend you Padella, they make fresh pasta in front of you. If there is 2 of you take at least 3 pasta dishes, they serve small portions, at least for an Italian. 😀 Expect a queue.
The Borough Market market is open Monday to Saturday and closed on public holidays and Sundays.
Southwark Cathedral
Next to the market you find the most beautiful gothic church of London, the Southwark Cathedral.
Entrance is £2.
Where to go for breakfast in London Bridge
London Bridge is one of the easiest place to find food in London, there are many options in the Borough Market, beautiful restaurants on the Shard and all the coffee chains you can ask for.
I just want to share 2 hidden gems:
one is a Starbucks, which has a beautiful room overlooking the bridge, here is the location;
the other is TĪNG, situated at level 35 of the Shard, where for £34 you can have the TĪNG Breakfast, a Continental, Asian and Full English Buffet accompanied by unlimited Tea, Coffee and Juice. It might seem a lot but you can have breakfast till late here in UK, so you can do brunch with a view for a good price and leave with a full belly.
Where to go for the best view in London Bridge
You go to the Shard of course.
Taking inspiration from the spires of London churches and the masts of the ships, Renzo Piano designed The Shard as a spire-like sculpture emerging from the River Thames.
I am very proud of the Shard as Renzo Piano, one of the most influential architect of our times, is born in Genoa, my hometown 🙂
London highest and best view is situated at the top of The Shard, on floors 68, 69 and 72 and it offers visitors 360-degree views of London.
P.S. buy tickets in advance to save money and time
Where to go for a cocktail in London Bridge
Aqua Shard, Ting and Hutong at the Shard offer a great view and fantastic cocktails. Prices are on the expensive side but you there is a unique atmosphere which definitely worth the price.
Closer to the river you can go to Pulia, a wonderful restaurant where you can have a Spritz with proper Italian food, mainly from Puglia. I have been there many times, food is truly authentic and delicious.
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. The spending money was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own.
Check here the other London borough guides
Things To Do and See in Shoreditch
Things To do and See in Hyde Park
Things To Do and See in Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden
Things To Do and See in Hackney
Things To Do And See In Knightsbridge
Starbucks has the best view I am afraid, but you are right, I forgot Gentlemen Baristas, thanks!
and there are other 2 suggestions I got from a Facebook comment:
Monmouth at Borough Market (coffee is good despite the bad service I got the last 2 times I have been there)
and Roasting Plant on the London Bridge corner
Also Provisioners for lunch
Some very interesting points such as the Old Operating Theatre. I hate starbucks and would never go, but a great coffee is Gentlemen Baristas in Borough, without the view obvs 🙂