Finishing work in the heart of London means you can step straight into the same city millions of tourists travel miles to experience. Blackfriars is a gift in that sense, surrounded by riverside views, rooftop bars and historic landmarks that make it easy to enjoy your evening without going far.
Convenient Thameslink connections add to the appeal, linking you directly to other parts of London and beyond, so meeting friends, catching a show or simply strolling along the river becomes effortless. For anyone working nearby, it’s a reminder that being based in one of the world’s most beautiful cities comes with opportunities to make every evening feel special.
Here are the best things to do near Blackfriars, which will help you look forward to the end of the day, allow you to feel like a tourist in your own city, and stop that feeling of living for the weekend. If that wasn’t enough, many of these are even more affordable with 2FOR1 offers.
Climb St Paul’s Cathedral Dome
When it comes to iconic things to do near Blackfriars, St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the best. Just a short walk from the station, Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece has been one of London’s defining landmarks for over 300 years.
Inside, you’ll discover the gorgeous Whispering Gallery, where voices travel across the dome. Further up, the Stone Gallery offers a closer look at the city’s rooftops. The real reward comes at the Golden Gallery, where views sweep across the Thames, the Shard, and beyond.
Grab a 2FOR1 voucher and along with your train ticket you can climb the dome with your work bestie and both save money. It’s an after-work adventure that combines history, architecture, and one of the best views in London.
Join a London Film Locations Walk
Another fun option for things to do near Blackfriars is to join a guided film locations walk. London has been the setting for countless movies, and the Blackfriars area features in films like Harry Potter, Paddington 2, and Fantastic Beasts.
A guided walk will bring the stories to life, showing you where famous scenes were shot and sharing behind-the-scenes trivia. It’s a fun way to explore the streets you walk past every day without realising their cinematic history, and it starts right at Blackfriars station. With 2FOR1, you can even bring a friend for free.
Catch the City from the London Eye
No list of things to do near Blackfriars would be complete without mentioning the London Eye. Just across the river from Blackfriars, this world-famous attraction offers one of the most breath-taking views of the capital.
Head there after work and time your visit for dusk. As the sun sets, the lights of the bridges, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the South Bank begin to glow creating a stunning atmosphere, perfect for drinks and a much-needed debrief with your favourite colleagues. You can get a third off with your train ticket, making it affordable too.
See the Sights From An Open Top Bus
For an evening that feels a little more touristy, swap the busy Tube for an evening Big Bus Tour. The panoramic evening tour showcases the city's most famous landmarks and monuments as they're illuminated in the evening. It lasts two hours and you can take in views of the London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and more.
It’s one of the most atmospheric things to do near Blackfriars, especially with a friend or a date, which the 2FOR1 offer makes easy and affordable.
Explore the South Bank
If you like to keep things simple, the South Bank is one of the best free things to do near Blackfriars. Cross Blackfriars Bridge and you’ll find bookstalls, food trucks, street performers, and unbeatable riverside views. It’s a great place to meet up with friends and family who might be travelling into London, or who also work nearby.
The atmosphere is vibrant yet relaxed, making it perfect for a casual stroll. You can grab dinner from a street food vendor or one of the many waterfront restaurants, dip into a gallery, or just sit and watch the world go by. Sometimes the best evenings don’t need a ticket at all.
Step Into the West End with Theatre Direct
The West End is just a short hop from Blackfriars, and thanks to London Theatre Direct, you can often pick up last-minute tickets for under £25. From The Devil Wears Prada and Matilda The Musical to Back To The Future and The Lion King, there’s a great choice of top shows.
This is one of the most exciting things to do near Blackfriars after work, turning a weekday evening into a literal show-stopper.
Discover Shakespeare’s Globe
For history lovers, visiting Shakespeare’s Globe is a must. Just a short walk from Blackfriars, this iconic theatre offers authentic performances in its open-air yard, as well as fascinating tours.
It’s a cultural highlight and one of the best things to do near Blackfriars. With your Thameslink train ticket and National Rail’s 2FOR1 offer, you can take a tour and be immersed in the sights, sounds, and secrets of Shakespeare’s London, travelling through over 400 years of fascinating history
Take in Tate Modern After Hours
If art is more your style, Tate Modern is another excellent option for things to do near Blackfriars. Housed in a former power station, the gallery is one of the most visited modern art museums in the world.
On Friday evenings, Tate Modern stays open late, giving you time to wander through its huge Turbine Hall, explore landmark exhibitions, and enjoy the terrace overlooking the Thames. Entry is free, and special exhibitions are often included in 2FOR1 offers.
Drinks with a View at OXO Tower Bar
Not every evening has to be about sightseeing. Sometimes, winding down with a mocktail or glass of wine is exactly what you need. The OXO Tower Bar is one of the best things to do near Blackfriars for a glamorous yet relaxed evening.
The terrace offers panoramic views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Thames, creating a backdrop that feels truly special. Whether you’re celebrating with colleagues, catching up with friends or even heading out on a date, it’s the perfect spot.
Walk the Illuminated River
To end the evening on a high, take a stroll along the Thames and enjoy the Illuminated River project. Several bridges, including Blackfriars itself, are lit up with light displays that transform the river into a work of art.
It’s one of the most calming and beautiful free things to do near Blackfriars, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
Blackfriars is more than just a transport hub, it’s a gateway to some of London’s most exciting experiences. From climbing St Paul’s Cathedral to sipping drinks at the OXO Tower, exploring the South Bank, or catching a show in the theatre district, there’s no shortage of things to do near Blackfriars after work. With its unbeatable Thameslink connectivity and so many attractions on its doorstep, Blackfriars gives you the chance to enjoy the city like a tourist, every day of the week.