A decade ago, a few dedicated arts buffs crossed the river to the South Bank complex, to see a play or exhibition. Now this area, stretching along the banks of the Thames eastwards from Waterloo, is one of the coolest parts of London.

Tate Modern attracted an amazing five million visitors in its first year of opening; it has gained a reputation as one of the greatest modern art galleries in the world, boasting works by Moore, Picasso, Dali, Warhol and Hepworth. More recently, the Saatchi Gallery has opened in nearby County Hall, showing the best of controversial Brit artists such as Damien Hirst and Tracy Emin.

At the start of the ‘Millennium Mile', the British Airways London Eye, the world's highest observation wheel, was recently voted Londoners' favourite attraction. A pleasant walk along the banks of the River Thames will take you past the National Theatre and Royal Festival Hall to Shakespeare's Globe, Southwark Cathedral, Hay's Galleria and HMS Belfast.

Must see and do

• South Bank and the Millenium Mile, London
• Tate Modern, London
• London Eye
• Florence Nightingale Museum
• Design Museum
• Clink Prison
• Museum of Garden History