citizenM London Bankside
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About
citizenM redefined the mid-range hotel by focusing on 'affordable luxury' for the modern traveler. The Bankside location features a lobby that feels like a stylish living room, filled with Vitra furniture and a massive collection of art books. The sensory experience is tech-forward—everything in the compact, smartly designed rooms is controlled via an iPad 'MoodPad.' Expert recommendations: Spend time in the communal lounge; it’s one of the best designed 'work-from-hotel' spaces in London. Pro tip: There are no 'bad' rooms here, as they are all identical in size and layout with XL king-size beds. The focus is on communal areas and high-speed tech rather than room service or bellhops. It’s located just minutes from Borough Market, making it a dream for food lovers who want a stylish, budget-conscious base.
Highlights
- High-tech boutique rooms
- Vibrant contemporary art
- 24/7 canteen and bar
- Cool communal workspaces
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Tate Modern
Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, Tate Modern is the UK’s national museum of modern and contemporary art. Its industrial architecture, dominated by the massive Turbine Hall, provides a dramatic backdrop for large-scale installations. The collection spans from 1900 to the present, featuring icons like Picasso, Dalí, and Warhol. Expert recommendations: Head to the Blavatnik Building’s 10th-floor viewing terrace for one of the best free 360-degree views of London, including a perfect look at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The sensory experience of the cavernous Turbine Hall is always changing with new commissions. Pro tip: Entry to the main collection is free, but special exhibitions require paid tickets. The riverside path outside is perfect for a stroll toward the Millennium Bridge afterward.
Shakespeare's Globe
A faithful reconstruction of the 1599 open-air playhouse where William Shakespeare wrote his greatest works, the Globe is a living tribute to Elizabethan theater. Built using traditional techniques and authentic materials like English oak and thatch, the theater offers a raw and intimate sensory experience. Standing in the 'Yard' as a 'Groundling' provides a unique perspective that connects the audience directly with the actors. Expert recommendations: Even if you don't see a play, take the guided tour to hear stories of the original theater's scandalous history and the modern reconstruction. Pro tip: 'Groundling' tickets are very affordable (often just £5-£10), but you must be prepared to stand for the duration of the play. Note that the main theater is open-air and operates only from April to October; in winter, performances move to the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse next door.
Millennium Bridge
Known locally as the 'Wobbly Bridge' after its initial opening tremors, this steel suspension footbridge connects the City of London near St. Paul's Cathedral with Bankside near Tate Modern. Its sleek, minimalist design provides a 'blade of light' across the Thames at night. The sensory experience of walking across is defined by the perfect symmetrical framing of St. Paul's dome ahead of you. Expert recommendations: Look down while you walk; the bridge is home to hundreds of 'chewing gum artworks'—tiny paintings on discarded gum created by artist Ben Wilson. Pro tip: It’s one of the best spots for a 'London walk' at twilight when the bridge and St. Paul's are illuminated. It can get very windy in the middle of the river, so hold onto your hat! For Harry Potter fans, this is the bridge famously destroyed by Death Eaters in the films.
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Borough Market
London's oldest and most celebrated food market has traded near London Bridge since at least 1014 and in its current form since 1756, and today operates as a premium artisan food destination where the finest British and international producers sell directly to the public—exceptional Neal's Yard aged cheesemakers, rare breed butchers, wild mushroom foragers, sourdough bread bakers, small-batch chocolate makers, and hot food stalls serving everything from gooey raclette to jerk chicken to hand-made pasta. The Victorian cast-iron market halls filled with natural light from glass roofs create an atmospheric setting that makes food shopping feel like a cultural experience, and the surrounding Borough neighborhood of independent restaurants, wine bars, and cocktail lounges extends the pleasure well beyond the market itself. Weekend visits reveal the market at maximum abundance and energy.
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