13 Best Things to Do in Vauxhall — from a Londoner (2026)
Looking for the best things to do in Vauxhall? Look no further! Here’s your ultimate guide to the neighbourhood — from a Londoner!
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A few minutes walk away from the Houses of Parliament to the West, and you’ll find the charming residential and commercial area of Vauxhall.
Originally a riverside village, it transformed into an industry hub and returned to a (sometimes) quiet neighbourhood that reflects the true Londoner way of living right in Central London.
Between the diverse entertainment on offer, the delicious mix of food and the incredible architecture, the list of fun things to do in Vauxhall is exceptional.
Keep reading to discover them all…from a Londoner!
13 Best Things to Do in Vauxhall — from a Londoner
P.S. – Explore London’s neighbourhoods to the fullest with our London Explorer Guides 🏡🇬🇧
TOP HOTEL IN VAUXHALL
Looking to stay in the area? The best hotel in Vauxhall is Park Plaza London Riverbank. This 4 Star ⭐️ accommodation offers:
✔️ Gorgeous views to Big Ben and Houses of Parliament
✔️ Across the river from the Tate Britain gallery
✔️ Award winning onsite Pan-Asian restaurant
FAQs on Vauxhall
How to Get to Vauxhall
To get to Vauxhall, you can take the Victoria line in the London Underground to Vauxhall Station. There’s also a small, yet very functional train station right next to it, supported by the National Rail. Or you can always rely on buses from basically anywhere.
➡️ What is Vauxhall famous for?
Vauxhall is famous for the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, popular since the 18th century when it used to host pompous parties. It’s also renowned for its nightlife scene, including one of the oldest LGBTQ+ clubs in the UK.
➡️ Where did Vauxhall get its name from?
Vauxhall got its name from a knight of King John, Falkes de Breauté, who owned a medieval manor that came to be known as “Falkes Hall”. It eventually got shortened to ‘Vauxhall.’
➡️ Which borough is Vauxhall in?
Vauxhall is in the London Borough of Lambeth.
➡️ What is it like living in Vauxhall?
I’d say living in the area is one of the best ways to experience being in a residential neighbourhood with a cool mix of things to do, while being so close to Central London that you can literally walk there.
➡️ Is Vauxhall safe at night?
Vauxhall is generally safe, though I always recommend keeping the usual safety measures if alone in any area in London (especially at night).
1. Nine Elms
Named after a row of elm trees bordering the lane, Nine Elms started as a low-density industrial district and quickly became the flagship of urban development.
You can find the new US Embassy at its heart, but there’s so much to experience that I doubt you’d spend a lot of time admiring it.
Among its immense commercial spaces, public squares, walkways and bridges, you can join a salsa dance class, garden at the ROSE Community Clubroom, attend a jazz festival, craft your own cocktails at The Alchemist and please your tummy with hundreds of international options at your doorstep.
Nine Elms is also near Battersea Power Station, where you’ll find no shortage of things to do (and eat!).
2. Newport Street Gallery
The Newport Street Gallery is a cherished gem in Vauxhall that opens a world of contemporary art to everyone in the area.
It was opened in 2015 by artist Damien Hirst to exhibit his extensive art collection of over 3,000 works, which you can still wander today. But there are also other guest artists, so the exhibitions change constantly.
You can enjoy the exhibitions free of charge, which is why it’s a wonderful platform for artists to get their work exposed. And the place itself is worth seeing, as the gallery is housed inside a trio of Victorian warehouses that were scenery painting studios for the West End plays.
3. River Thames Walk
Any neighbourhood that’s next to the River Thames will have this magical thing to do in the list, as I’d argue it’s one of the best ways to see London (especially at night!).
Vauxhall provides a very special and unique scene with its enormous industrial buildings that will guide you towards the majestic Big Ben.
You can start your walk at the historic Vauxhall Bridge, which is adorned with bronze statues that symbolise various aspects of human life. As you continue your walk, you’ll appreciate the iconic Thameside skyline, featuring the Houses of Parliament, London Eye and The Shard.
While here why not treat yourself to a refreshing pint at Tamesis Dock? A converted 1930s Dutch barge turned into a floating pub. And yes, it’s as cool as it sounds…
4. Thames Clipper from St. George Wharf
If you’ve got time to spare, then I’ve got the best alternative to commute in London with a view: the Thames Clipper.
This ‘river bus’ can take you from Putney (to the West) all the way to Barking (to the East). So it’s perfect if you want to go anywhere near the river, as it has stops at the popular London Eye, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and Greenwich, among others.
You can catch it in Vauxhall from St. George Wharf, located near Vauxhall Bridge. To use it, just pay with your Oyster card, your Apple or Google pay or get a ticket from the machine.
Check the timetable so you plan your journey ahead and get ready to be transported like a queen!
5. Market Place Vauxhall
It’s known that Londoners are massive food market lovers, so you’ll usually find at least one in the coolest areas. Vauxhall is one of those, with the amazing Market Place Vauxhall.
This food destination is not only perfect for anyone fancying something great and different to eat on a lunch break, but for solo goers, partners or friends thanks to their neon atmosphere, fun music and chilled atmosphere.
This the place where you pop in for a delicious international dish (like my favourite Argentinian Grill) , then stay for the good drinks and the comfortable long tables that invite you to socialise with cool strangers.
6. New Covent Garden Flower Market
Sitting at the heart of Vauxhall, in the big Nine Elms, the New Covent Garden Flower Market is a paradise for flower lovers and business owners since 1670.
It’s popularly known for being the supplier of 3/4 of London’s florists, from royal artists to wedding designers, retailers and market stall traders. They all rely on this powerful market!
Open Mondays to Saturdays from early morning, you can find over 200 varieties of beautiful flowers, plants, foliage and more. Just by entering, you’ll be immerse in a sensory overload that includes popping colours and deliciously strong scents.
After navigating through the scented walkways of the flower market, you can stop for a breakfast at the market’s no-fuss cafes or food stalls, like a Londoner.
7. Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens
What was once an elegant venue for public parties in the 18th and 19th centuries is now a beloved green space by both locals and visitors alike.
Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens is a historic park that became popular for its enchanting “pleasure gardens”, featuring avenues of trees and colourful flowers, and continues to be as popular among the community today.
While it’s been modernised with sports facilities, a children’s playground, a dog exercise area and contemporary events (a fancy way of referring to the fun karaoke parties or the outdoor movie screenings), you can still smell the charm from back in the day.
I’d recommend walking all the way to the end to find the quirky Tea House Theatre, where you’ll have an afternoon tea experience like no other. Here, you’ll feel like your English granny is receiving you in her living room with a delicious cream tea!
8. Kia Oval
The Kia Oval is an iconic international cricket ground that can be considered a landmark both in British sports and the local community, as it’s one of the oldest in the world.
Today it’s home to the Surrey County Cricket Club, but it once hosted the first international football match in 1872. And it’s also the place where the famous Ashes trophy was created, which makes it a must visit for any sports fan!
If you’re lucky and you can catch a ticket to a match, you’ll have the chance to breathe the excitement that lives in the local community. Talk about a fun thing to do in Vauxhall!
9. Vauxhall City Farm
The Vauxhall City Farm provides one of those weird and eccentric experiences in London that makes you feel you’re in the countryside and not in the busiest city of the UK.
It’s one of the oldest and most central city farms in the capital, where you can interact, learn and share moments with the lovely farm animals, including sheep, ducks, goats and alpacas.
It’s perfect for families and children, as they encourage getting up close and personal by selling grassnuts. That way, you can feed the animals while keeping the awareness of their special diets, their important contribution to the environment and the respect they deserve.
Plus, they have award-winning gardens and green spaces you can enjoy!
10. FIRE & The Eagle
Despite being a residential neighbourhood, Vauxhall knows how to deliver a good night out experience. FIRE and The Eagle are a perfect example of it.
The first one, FIRE, is guaranteed to light up the night with the best dance music events. This popular nightclub attracts fans of electronic music… or just any party lover, really. It has multiple rooms, the best audio technology, and amazing LED lighting to keep you going.
They also have an outdoor patio for a refreshing open-air escape from the dance floor. So you can have a drink and engage with other cool Londoners, before going back to show your best moves.
The Eagle, on the other side, is a bit more laid-back. But that doesn’t mean the DJ sets aren’t strong! This LGBTQ bar creates a unique atmosphere, as it’s not as intense as other nightclubs. They also host themed nights and parties, karaoke sessions, and even a popular “electric tea dance”.
If you fancy a chill break from the party, they have an amazing terrace where you can even enjoy pub-style comfort food for a true Vauxhall night out.
11. Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station is one of those places that will be hard to miss when in London, as it’s the hottest spot at the moment.
It’s a new mixed-use development overlooking the River Thames and very near Vauxhall that offers a bit of everything: outdoor activities, award-winning restaurants and bars, hundreds of entertainment for all ages and interests, and more!
It’s an iconic place not only for what you can do in it, but because it’s also housed in what was the power station that provided electricity to London. So even just looking at it is a whole experience.
I’d dedicate a whole day to this place, and if you pop in near a holiday (like Bonfire Night or Christmas), join their popular events!
12. Vauxhall Restaurants
Vauxhall has a great showcase of culinary experiences, here’s the best ones not to miss.
Pico Bar & Grill
This Brazilian steakhouse offers a mouth-watering selection of meats cooked to perfection, like the ultra famous churrasco and the incredible picanha. Don’t go without trying the authentic Caipirinha cocktail!
POTUS
Situated within the chic Crowne Plaza London, this is a modern restaurant that celebrates its American traditions with classic comfort food in an innovative way, including cocktails inspired by US Presidents.
French Tacos Vauxhall
As the name suggests, this restaurant offers a unique spin on tacos that I doubt you’ll find anywhere else (except maybe France or Mexico). Their relaxed atmosphere plus the delicious food make it so satisfying!
Vine Bar London
This is the Mediterranean paradise in Vauxhall, with amazing tapas-style small plates. The atmosphere is super cool, so get some friends and share several dishes to try a bit of everything!
The Rose
This Victorian public house serves great food with gorgeous views overlooking the River Thames and the Houses of Parliament.
13. Vauxhall Pubs & Bars
Vauxhall, despite being in Central London, is one of those neighbourhoods that feel really local and ‘English’. So going to a pub or bar is a must, as the experience is equally historical and social. Here are some of the best.
Royal Vauxhall Tavern
This one’s top of the list because it’s one of the most significant in LGBTQ+ history! The legendary venue features cabaret and drag shows, stand-up comedy, and quirky live theatre that guarantees a good time.
Tamesis Dock
This floating pub with a stunning view of Big Ben can easily become one of your favourites in London, as the converted 1930’s Dutch barge offers food, great drinks and quirky events that include live music.
The Canton Arms
This gastropub stands out, obviously, for its food. They combine modern and traditional pub elements, always evolving to the trends that Londoners follow passionately, like the famous and convenient toasties.
The Black Dog
Located a few steps from Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, it’s well-loved for showing sports on large screens and for supplying the hot (like, literally, because of the weather) attendants of the summer events in the park.
Map of the Best Things to Do in Vauxhall
Thanks for reading my Best Things to Do in Vauxhall Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
CHECK OUT MORE LONDON GUIDES:
- 12 Best Things to Do in Clapham: A Londoner’s Guide
- The Best Things To Do in Brixton: A Londoner’s Guide
- The Best Things to do in Wimbledon, London
- The Best Things to Do in Peckham, London
Happy Londoning,
