Waterloo isn’t the most obvious London neighborhood to explore. It gets overshadowed by the South Bank and the giant train station. But there’s more to the area than there might seem, and I’ve found a lot to love about this place over the years. If you’re interested in discovering it, today I bring you A Lady in London’s guide to things to do in Waterloo, London.
Waterloo, London
Situated just beyond the London Eye and other attractions on the South Bank, Waterloo is in a convenient location in south London.
Surrounded by Lambeth, Southwark, and Elephant and Castle, it’s in the heart of a lot of exciting and up-and-coming areas.
While most people know Waterloo for its train station, there’s a lot to explore beyond it. This part of the UK capital is rich in theaters, cafes, bars, and restaurants. There are great places to stay and new openings happening all the time.
How to Get to Waterloo, London
Waterloo is easy to get to as well. Waterloo station is the busiest rail hub in the UK, and you can travel here directly from many places in southern England.
It’s also well connected on the London Underground. Waterloo is served by the Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo & City lines of the tube.
Because it’s so close to the Thames, Waterloo is also easy to walk to. It’s close to the attractions along the South Bank, and accessible by bridge from the Embankment.
There are plenty of bus routes running through the area, too. Which means there are so many ways to get here there’s no excuse to stay away.
Where to Stay in Waterloo
If you’re planning to stay in Waterloo, there are a lot of good options. This area is centrally located and close to many of London’s top attractions and transport links. You can search for the perfect hotel or accommodation here.
Things to Do in Waterloo, London
So what is there to do in Waterloo? A lot, as it turns out. From seeing unforgettable stage performances to enjoying London’s best rooftop bars, this area is a great place to spend time.
Theater in Waterloo
One of the top things to do in Waterloo is discover the world-class theater scene. Some of London’s most renowned and respected theaters can be found here, and there’s always something exciting on.
The most famous theater in Waterloo is The Old Vic. This is an independent nonprofit theater, and is known for being a world leader in creativity and entertainment.
I’ve seen a number of plays here over the years, some with major Hollywood celebrities playing lead roles.
Not far from the Old Vic, the Young Vic is another great theater in Waterloo. As the name implies, it’s the younger sibling of the Old Vic, and it’s known for its flexible space, experimentalism, and high-quality performances at reasonable prices.
Beyond these two, Waterloo is home to The Vaults. This graffiti-covered alternative space under the train station has transformed a labyrinth of disused railway arches into a home for immersive theater and multi-disciplinary arts.
Embracing artists from all walks of life, it specializes in the unusual, the daring, and the unknown.
I’ve been to immersive theater events in The Vaults and they’re some of the most unique things to do in Waterloo. Going to a show here followed by a night out is a fun way to get to know the area.
Bars in Waterloo
And speaking of nights out, one of the great things about Waterloo is its abundance of nightlife options. From themed bars to classic pubs, this London neighborhood has something for every taste.
One of my favorite places for a night out in Waterloo is Bar Elba. This rooftop bar in Waterloo has great views over the London skyline and a fun Napoleon-themed atmosphere.
It’s the perfect place to sip cocktails at picnic tables during the warmer months.
But there’s a lot more going on at ground level, and even more going on underground.
Continuing the Waterloo theme, Tonight Josephine is a subterranean cocktail bar dedicated to Napoleon’s party-loving first wife, Josephine de Beauharnais.
It’s a feminine haven of pink and neon, and I’ve enjoyed girls’ nights against the backdrop of the “Well Behaved Women Don’t Make History” sign. They do happy hours, too.
For something completely different, one of the quirkiest things to do in Waterloo is go for a night out at Vaulty Towers. Run by the team from The Vaults, this place is part pub, part theater production, and all bonkers.
Giant stage props fill the space, and larger-than-life chairs and tree-house tables give it a dark Alice in Wonderland feel.
Cafes and Restaurants in Waterloo
Beyond nightlife, one of the best things to do in Waterloo is eat and drink. Lower Marsh is one of my favorite streets for independent cafes and restaurants, and some of the best in the area can be found here.
My top pick is Scootercaffe. I’ve spent countless afternoons and evenings here with friends, and I love the vintage decor, winding staircase, and resident cat.
This place is perfect for a hot chocolate in the cozy basement in winter or a Pimm’s on the outdoor terrace in summer.
Elsewhere on Lower Marsh, I’ve had fun meals at Cubana. This colorful Cuban restaurant serves Latin American dishes and mojitos galore.
It also has an outdoor street food counter on its terrace and live music every night to keep things entertaining.
Additionally, I love the delicious cuisine and colorful crockery at Tunisian Street Kitchen. This place brings the vibrant flavors of Tunisia to Waterloo’s diverse food scene.
Markets in Waterloo
Another of the best things to do in Waterloo is explore the market on Lower Marsh. Every time I walk by on a weekday, the Lower Marsh Market lures me in with scents of sizzling street food and sights of fresh produce.
On Saturdays, a flea market and handmade market replaces the street food market and Lower Marsh becomes a veritable bazaar.
People sell everything from cakes to records, and locals set up shop to offer the contents of their cupboards for sale.
On the third Saturday of every month, the “Waterloo Classics” Car Show adds even more vintage charm to the scene.
Other Things to Do in Waterloo, London
There are a lot more things to do in Waterloo, too. The iconic Odeon BFI IMAX cinema sits in the center of the giant roundabout next to the train station.
It’s housed in an unmissable cylindrical building and is home to the biggest cinema screen in the UK. You can see a range of movies here, from the latest IMAX blockbusters to world-class independent films and educational screenings.
Beyond the cinema, the station itself is a landmark. Famous for being a filming location for the Bourne Ultimatum, it’s worth wandering through or watching the world go by from the upper level.
I hope you’ve been inspired by all the diverse things to do in Waterloo. This area is surprising in how much it has to offer, and once you start to peel back the layers you’ll keep coming back for more. I certainly have.
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