Southwark

London

Southwark showing night scenes and modern architecture
Southwark showing modern architecture, a city and night scenes
Southwark showing heritage architecture
Southwark featuring night scenes and modern architecture
Southwark which includes a ferry and heritage architecture
Enjoy some of the best views of the London skyline from this historic borough. One of the city's oldest neighborhoods is home to many of its top attractions. 

During the Tudor and Stuart eras, Southwark was a notorious hub of sordid entertainment and a refuge for criminals. Today it's a popular tourist destination thanks to its many interesting attractions.

Look inside beautiful Southwark Cathedral, one of London’s oldest Gothic churches. The cathedral was built in the 13th century, with numerous additions through the 19th century. Inside, notice several memorials to William Shakespeare, who is believed to have worshipped here. Look for the tomb of Shakespeare's brother, Edmund, as well as a stained-glass window depicting characters from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet and The Tempest.

Visit Borough Market, the region’s most iconic food market, held on the same site since the 13th century. During the week, the market has about a dozen vendors. Numbers swell to more than 100 stalls from Thursday to Saturday. Find vendors selling fantastic cheeses, homemade bread, organically farmed meats, fresh coffees and local produce and food products.

Check out Tate Modern, Britain’s largest modern art gallery. The collection is housed in an imaginatively restored mid-20th-century power station, with exhibits spread across seven floors. The gallery’s impressive permanent collection is arranged thematically into categories including “Still Life” and “Landscape.” Look for works by Picasso, Matisse, Anish Kapoor, Monet and Pollock in the Material Gestures galleries.

Discover the compelling Clink Museum on the site of a 12th-century London jail. See medieval torture instruments and learn about the horrifying conditions once endured by prisoners in these cells.

Tour Shakespeare's Globe, a detailed replica of the original 16th-century theater. Explore the attached museum, which examines Elizabethan theater and includes an interesting collection of historic Bankside entertainment material. From April to October in the Globe, watch performances ranging from Shakespearean productions to modern plays.

Southwark is located on the south bank of the River Thames. Walk here from Central London and the city’s West End. You can also reach the borough by Tube or bus.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Southwark Hotel Deals

Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
The price is ¥38,227 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥38,227
¥45,872 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star spa hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,975 reviews)
"Great hotel, nice rooms, wonderful staff"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Sea Containers London
The Hoxton Southwark

The Hoxton Southwark

4 out of 5
Blackfriars Road 32- 40, London, England
The price is ¥28,125 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
¥28,125
¥33,749 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,021 reviews)
"Fab experience , just let customers know there’s a £100 holding fee beforehand :)"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

The Hoxton Southwark
Rest Up London - Hostel

Rest Up London - Hostel

2 out of 5
172 New Kent Road, London, England
The price is ¥7,691 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
¥7,691
¥9,229 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in London. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions The Shard and London Bridge are ...
6.6/10 (995 reviews)
"Dormety was a clean, comfortable, and conveniently located place to stay with friendly service."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Rest Up London - Hostel
citizenM London Bankside

citizenM London Bankside

4 out of 5
20 Lavington Street, Surrey House, London, England
The price is ¥21,329 per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
¥21,329
¥25,595 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,018 reviews)
Fab
"Lovely modern hotel with fantastic staff, great location in walking distance from everything, will definitely use again."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

citizenM London Bankside
Shangri-La The Shard, London

Shangri-La The Shard, London

5 out of 5
31 St Thomas Street, London, England
The price is ¥92,591 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
¥92,591
¥111,109 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"Our stay at Shangri-La The Shard, London was truly unforgettable. The room was gorgeous with incredible views, and every detail was perfect. We loved the gym, spa, pool, and the food—everything exceeded expectations. The staff were outstanding—kind, attentive, and genuinely caring. They went above ..."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Shangri-La The Shard, London
ibis London Blackfriars

ibis London Blackfriars

3 out of 5
49 Blackfriars Road, London, England
The price is ¥18,055 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
¥18,055
¥21,666 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,018 reviews)
"convenient location"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

ibis London Blackfriars
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Southwark

Canary Wharf featuring city views, a bridge and a river or creek

Canary Wharf

4/5(168 area reviews)

Crossrail Place Roof Garden and Museum of London Docklands are top sights in Canary Wharf, and you should be sure to explore the fantastic nightlife. Hop aboard the metro at Heron Quays DLR Station or Canary Wharf Underground Station to see more sights in the area.

Canary Wharf
London showing a bridge, a river or creek and heritage architecture

Waterloo

4.5/5(20 area reviews)

Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Waterloo. Check out top attractions like London Eye and Southbank Centre, and jump on the metro at Waterloo Underground Station or Lambeth North Underground Station to see more of the city.

Waterloo
The City of London which includes a skyscraper, heritage architecture and a sunset

The City of London

4.5/5(808 area reviews)

The financial hub and ancient center of London, this area boasts historic sites like St Paul's Cathedral and Tower of London, and its iconinc bridges, including Millennium Bridge and Tower Bridge, make exploration easy.

The City of London
Victoria featuring heritage architecture and a city

Westminster

While you're in Westminster, take in top sights like Big Ben and jump on the metro at St. James's Park Underground Station to see more of the city.

Westminster
Admiralty Arch featuring heritage architecture

City of Westminster

4.5/5(4,574 area reviews)

Home to iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, this bustling borough offers world-class shopping on Oxford Street and Regent Street, as well as vibrant nightlife in Soho. With 27 Underground stations, it's well-connected and walkable for residents and visitors alike.

City of Westminster
Carnaby Street featuring a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

London City Centre

5/5(33 area reviews)

Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are a few top attractions in London City Centre. Hop around the city on the metro at Charing Cross Underground Station or Leicester Square Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, stunning river views, and acclaimed art galleries.

London City Centre

Southwark