A walk along the south bank of the Thames (South Bank) is one of the best ways to discover London, and the dynamism of this city which has been able to recompose itself over time.
This allows you to grasp the city in all its complexity, between tradition and modernity.
You can admire most of the city's tourist sites on the way, in particular the result of the major urban projects of the year 2000.
The footpath along the Thames ("Queen's walk" or "Thames' path") is very busy.
This walk is indeed one of the favorites of Londoners, who have adopted the new buildings built at the turn of the millennium (London eye, Millenium bridge, Tate modern, 30 st Mary Axe).
We therefore meet many people on the way jogging, walking their dogs or picnicking in the green spaces.
Right next to Waterloo, the London Eye is one of the capital's new attractions and is a real success.
Opposite, the view is magnificent of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Crossing the Hungerfold footbridge (golden jubilee bridge), you arrive directly at Trafalgar Square and the tourist areas of Covent garden and Picadilly circus.
To the left of the bridge from the south bank can be seen the building of the 'Greater London Council', disbanded at the time of Margaret Thatcher.
Walk along the Thames to the Waterloo bridge: just below is a small second-hand book market where you can pick up bargains.
Continuing your walk towards the Millenium bridge, you arrive at the Tate Modern.
Built in a redeveloped power station, it is the second most visited site in London.
Admission is free and the view from the fourth-floor cafe of St. Paul's Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge is breathtaking.
At the entrance to the contemporary art museum, the "Turbine Hall" exhibits temporary works.
Upstairs, you can admire paintings and artistic creations by Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Matisse and Dali, among others.
The works are grouped by theme: "Material gestures", "Poetry and dream", "Idea and object" and "States of flux".
Some of the works on display really give you goosebumps.
After all, the Surrealists, Cubists and Futurists never promised us charming paintings of bucolic landscapes…
Continuing towards London Bridge, you will pass Shakespeare's Globe, a theater built identically to that of Shakespeare's time and where only plays are performed.
I will let you guess !
Our activity to enjoy: Private walking tour of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge
Moving away from the Thames, you will enter the Borough district, which is home to Londoners' favorite market (fruits and vegetables, organic products, caterers, etc.).
The Queen's walk then continues to Tower Bridge, one of London's emblems.
Opposite is the Tower of London. From here, it looks like a new glass tower has been added to the building.
It's the Gherkin, that modern pickle-shaped building (or 30 st Mary Axe), yet another year 2000 success story!
