Under The Bridge
Waterloo Bridge
"It’s open every day until 7 PM. Sheltered by the concrete arches of the bridge, rows of antique tables are piled high with second-hand paperbacks. It feels hidden, quiet, and impossibly romantic."
Literary Love.
You don't need a destination here. Just browsing the spines of old classics while the Thames flows by is the date.
BFI Riverfront
Right next door is the British Film Institute. Grab a coffee (or a glass of wine) and talk about the books you just bought.
Concrete Dreams. 🏛️
Some hate it, but at night, the National Theatre is stunning. The raw concrete is lit with colored lights (often purple or red), reflecting off the river.
The Understudy
This is the theatre's craft beer pub. It has a massive riverside terrace. It’s vibrant, unpretentious, and offers one of the best views of the sunset hitting the buildings on the North Bank.
* Pro Tip: No tickets needed to enter the lobby.
The Rooftop Deck
"Most people miss this. Take the elevator to the top floor. There is a wrap-around terrace that offers a panoramic view of the river bend."
Leake Street
The Arches
"Hidden directly beneath the train tracks of Waterloo Station. It’s 300 meters of authorized graffiti art. The smell of spray paint, the neon lights, and the echo of trains above creates a moody, cyberpunk vibe."
The Graffiti Tunnel.
A stark contrast to the polished riverfront. Made famous by Banksy, this tunnel is an ever-changing canvas. It's the best photo op on the South Bank.
Board Game Cafe
Tucked inside one of the arches is 'Draughts'. Grab a craft beer and challenge your date to a game of Scrabble.
The Golden Hour.
If you are going to do the Eye, time it perfectly. Book your slot for 20 minutes before sunset. You go up in daylight and come down as the city sparkles.
Jubilee Gardens
If you don't want to pay £30+, sit on the grass in Jubilee Gardens right underneath it. The wheel is lit up pink or blue at night, casting a glow over the whole park.
The Champagne Pod
"Yes, it's touristy. But have you done the Private Cupid’s Pod? You get the entire capsule to yourselves with a bottle of Pommery Rosé Champagne. It takes 30 minutes to rotate—exactly enough time for a proposal."