25 London tours: how to choose a format and which tickets to book in advance

You won't see all of London in one trip. The city is too big, and you have to choose between walking routes through the center, a boat trip on the Thames, and day trips to Windsor, Oxford, or Stonehenge. Below are 25 tour formats. For each one, we describe what's included, how many hours it takes, and which ticket you need to book in advance.

Two price reference points. Entry to the National Gallery is free, and an adult ticket to Warner Bros. Studio costs £58.50 (as of 10/2026, official studio website). Other prices vary by season and depend on the organizer, so we describe their level in words.

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How to choose a London tour

💡 In short:

• On your first day, take a two- or three-hour walking tour. Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, and Buckingham Palace are close to each other.
• Buy tickets for the Tower, Warner Bros. Studio, and Windsor Castle online in advance. On the day, there may be no available slots for your date.
• A trip outside the city (Stonehenge, Oxford, Cambridge, Windsor) takes a full day.
• Prices and opening hours: 10/2026, checked on 03.10.2026 on the official National Gallery website and on the Warner Bros. Studio website.

All 25 programs fit into six formats. Find your format in the table, then read the relevant items in the list. Guide language, start time, and group size vary by organizer, so check them when booking.

A simple rule for a short trip: one walking tour, one tour with entry inside, and one day trip outside the city. Walking routes through the center largely overlap, so you don't need two in a row. Save themed programs for a second visit or a longer vacation.

1. Daily walking tour of central London

This is the shortest format on the list, taking two hours. The group walks past buildings you know from films and postcards. The guide ties them into a single story about how England became a powerful state. For your first day in the city, this is enough.

The route isn't limited to facades. The group stops at a popular tea shop and several old pubs. A separate stop is planned in the courtyard of Somerset House: the fountains run there, and the courtyard is often used for filming. Another point on the program is a little-known rooftop with a panoramic city view.

The organizer usually offers two route options. Compare the lists of sights and choose the one with more places from your plan. Both work for a first introduction.

• Who it's for: first-time visitors to London who want to understand where things are.
• The catch: the group doesn't go inside buildings.

2. Afternoon walking tour

Is your morning taken up by a museum or the trip from the airport? Then take a tour with an afternoon start. The group walks through the streets and squares of the center. The guide tells the city's history, points out photo spots, and recommends where to try local food.

The program lasts two hours. During that time you see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. Participation is inexpensive by London standards, priced in the low double digits. These groups used to depart at 3:15 PM, but now the start time depends on the organizer and season.

Options with different start times are collected in one catalog: walking tours on GetYourGuide.

• The catch: tickets to the Abbey and the Palace are not included in the price, you only see the buildings from outside.

3. Tower of London tour

London's main historic site is called the Tower. This fortress was central to key episodes of English politics, and its purpose changed with the eras. The Normans built the Tower in the 11th century, right after conquering England. At the time, it was a defensive structure.

© Ilya Grigorik · CC BY-SAPhoto: Ilya Grigorik, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Later, royal families lived in the fortress. The mint and the royal treasury also operated here. Then the Tower was turned into a prison for political opponents of the crown. This period is remembered through the execution site, Traitors' Gate, the White Tower, and prisoners' farewell inscriptions on the walls.

The Crown Jewels with their diamonds occupy a separate hall. The guide explains who lives in the fortress today, who guards it, and why this tradition continues. The ticket is tied to a date, so book it in advance: Tower entry with the Crown Jewels. Opening hours vary by season, check them on the official Tower website.

• Who it's for: those interested in the history of dynasties and court intrigue.

4. Aristocratic London: St James's

St James's is located in the center and caters to a wealthy clientele. The area is packed with expensive real estate, restaurants, and shops with long-standing reputations. London high society buys suits, cigars, wine, perfume, art, and antiques here.

© Matt Brown · CC BYPhoto: Matt Brown, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The guided tour takes about three hours and runs in the morning. You learn how old trading houses operate and how they differ from ordinary shops. The program costs more than central walking tours.

Groups used to meet on Mondays and Fridays. Now the days are set by the organizer. Check the schedule when you book.

• Not for: those expecting major landmarks. Here the details and the atmosphere of the area matter.

5. London's main views from the Thames

The boat travels through the city center for two hours. You sit in a deck chair and look at both banks. The guide talks about London's past and present, about the customs and habits of its residents. You don't need to walk at all.

© wasd42 · CC BY-SAPhoto: wasd42, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

This format works best on your second or third day. By then you already recognize the buildings you saw from the shore. In dry weather, take a seat on the open deck. Compare routes and piers before your trip: Thames river cruises on GetYourGuide.

• Who it's for: families with children and anyone tired of walking routes.

6. City of London walk: two thousand years in three hours

The route runs entirely through the City of London. The guide briefly retells the city's history from Roman rule in the 1st century to the present day. You learn how the Normans conquered London and how the English lived in the Middle Ages. A separate part of the story is devoted to the Great Fire of the 17th century.

© Matt Brown · CC BYPhoto: Matt Brown, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Then the talk moves to the city's rapid growth in the 19th century and the destruction of World War II. The main part of the walk starts at London Bridge, which offers a good view of the entire City. The group then passes the buildings of the old fish market and the customs house.

After that, you see symbols of old England: the Bank of England, the Royal Exchange, Guildhall, St Paul's Cathedral, Leadenhall Market, remnants of the Roman wall, and the large meat market. Nearby stand symbols of new London: the Gherkin and the Shard skyscrapers, the Lloyd's insurance building, and the round building of the former City Hall.

Want to climb up to the cathedral dome? Then book a St. Paul's Cathedral ticket in advance. The walking tour does not include admission.

• The catch: three hours on your feet with almost no breaks.

7. Warner Bros. studio tour for Harry Potter fans

The Harry Potter films were shot at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. It now houses a museum made up of many large halls. The sets and props there are authentic: the actors worked with these items.

© Oast House Archive · CC BY-SAPhoto: Oast House Archive, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

You walk through the Great Hall at Hogwarts, Platform 9¾ with the trolley in the wall, Dumbledore's office, classrooms, Diagon Alley, and Potter's room. The exhibition includes the flying car and giant chess pieces. An adult ticket costs £58.50, a child ticket £47 (as of 10/2026, according to the studio's official website). Opening hours vary throughout the year.

The studio is outside the city. The easiest option is to buy a package with a bus from central London: studio tours with transfer on GetYourGuide. This package costs noticeably more than an entry ticket alone.

• The catch: tickets for weekends and school holidays sell out long before the date.

8. Tour of the British Parliament

This program takes place inside the Palace of Westminster. The guide explains how life at the royal court works, what duties the British monarch still has, and how MPs operate. The tour is priced similarly to a bus tour of the city.

© Oneunit245 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Oneunit245, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

First you enter the Robing Room, where the monarch prepares for the State Opening of Parliament. It is followed by the Royal Gallery and the Prince's Chamber. The walls are decorated with frescoes depicting the Battle of Trafalgar and the Battle of Waterloo, as well as portraits of monarchs from the Tudor and Stuart dynasties.

The group then moves on to the House of Lords and the House of Commons. This is where ministers sit and pass laws, and where the monarch delivers the Queen's Speech. At the end you see St Stephen's Hall, Westminster Hall dating from the late 11th century, and Central Lobby. Check tour days on the Parliament website: when sessions are in progress, visitors are not admitted on the tour.

• Who it's for: those interested in politics and British traditions.

9. All of London in four hours by car

This is a private tour for one group, with room for up to eight people in the vehicle. A guide with a history degree is behind the wheel of a comfortable minivan. They drive you past three dozen famous sights. The price is set for the whole car and is in the three-digit range.

© wasd42 · CC BY-SAPhoto: wasd42, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

You see some of the sights from the window. These include Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Waterloo Bridge, London Bridge, the Royal Exchange, the Bank of England, Nelson's Column, The Shard skyscraper, and the house where John Lennon lived. At other sights the car makes short stops. If you ask, the guide will add an interior visit.

The format is convenient for a first visit. Over four hours you hear about each district and decide where to return separately. The larger the group, the lower the price per person. For six or eight people the tour works out cheapest of all.

• The catch: at peak times the car sits in traffic, and part of the paid time is spent on the road.

10. Bus tour: Westminster and the City

The bus starts in the western part of the city and then moves to the City, one of London's oldest districts. In the west you see Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament. Around them are squares, streets, and monuments honoring the royal family and nobility.

© TimothyBarkerJr · CC BY-SAPhoto: TimothyBarkerJr, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The City operates as the capital's business center. It is home to the London Stock Exchange, the Bank of England, and modern skyscrapers. Among them is The Gherkin, designed by Norman Foster. The same district has preserved St Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge.

The program includes a walk along the Thames embankment. You also catch the changing of the guard of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, with riders wearing golden helmets. A seat on the bus is inexpensive: the price per person is in the lower two-digit range.

Entry to individual attractions is paid on top of the tour. These include the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Madame Tussauds, St Paul's Cathedral, and The Shard viewing platform. Their prices vary by season. The observation wheel is easy to add on the same day; get your London Eye ticket in advance.

• Who it's for: those who find it difficult to walk for long periods.
• The catch: the bus does not stop for long at most sights.

11. Scotland Yard and notorious London crimes

This themed walk is dedicated to the London police. The guide tells how the city solved complex cases and caught dangerous criminals. The list of figures includes both terrorist organizers and serial killers.

© Lewis Clarke · CC BY-SAPhoto: Lewis Clarke, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The program takes three hours. You walk along Bow Street, where the first professional team of detectives appeared. The route then leads past three buildings that served as police headquarters at different times, and past London's oldest prison. The guide points out establishments where criminals hid and planned murders.

A separate part of the talk covers the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her circle. The group stops at places linked to dark events in the city's chronicles.

• Not for: children under 16 are not recommended to take this tour. The guide's narrative and the props include many frightening details.

12. Greenwich and a pub by the East End docks

Britain's maritime history is made up of pirates and astronomers, shipwrecks and the slave trade. The guide talks about them for five hours. The program is designed for a group of up to ten people. The price is set for the whole group and is in the three-digit range.

© Matt Brown · CC BYPhoto: Matt Brown, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The first part takes place at the National Maritime Museum. Its halls display marine paintings by Turner and Reynolds. It also houses the marine chronometer by the English clockmaker Harrison, the first instrument of its kind. The exhibition tells the story of sailing ships and major naval battles.

A separate theme of the tour is dedicated to Admiral Horatio Nelson. He commanded the British fleet and won the Battle of Trafalgar without losing a single ship.

After the museum, the group heads to the old pub The Grapes by the docks. Today the pub is owned by the actor Ian McKellen. You can have a beer here and take a photo with Gandalf's staff from The Lord of the Rings films.

• Who it's for: those interested in the navy who have already seen the city center.

13. A city of many faces: from the Roman wall to the skyscrapers

This relaxed walk takes two and a half hours. It passes through districts where ancient sites stand next to 21st-century buildings. Old London includes the Roman wall, Tower Hill, and St Olave's Church. New London is represented by The Gherkin and the Lloyd's building with its services on the facade.

© Jamzze · CC BY-SAPhoto: Jamzze, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The story begins in the era of the Roman Empire. You see fragments of defensive walls built at the turn of the 2nd and 3rd centuries. The group then climbs Tower Hill. On this hill, the writer and humanist Thomas More was beheaded. The next stop is connected to William Shakespeare's troupe, which performed in these quarters.

The program includes the Guildhall administrative center, the Bank of England, and Leadenhall Market, the city's oldest market. Along the way, the guide points out locations where Harry Potter and James Bond films were shot.

The tour ends with three stories. The first is about a skyscraper nicknamed "the killer." The second is dedicated to a sunken ship carrying gold. The hero of the third studied at Cambridge, and more than three hundred years ago pub owners argued over his portrait. The tour is designed for a group of up to fifteen people, and the price is set per group.

After the walk, you can view these rooftops from above: The Shard observation deck is open until evening.

14. Stonehenge and Bath in one day

London to Stonehenge takes about two hours by car. It is one of Europe's most mysterious monuments. Dressed stone blocks stand upright and form a circle. Monolithic slabs rest on top of them, each weighing several tons.

© Ken Fulton Almazan · CC BY-SAPhoto: Ken Fulton Almazan, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The structure has stood on the English plain for several thousand years. Its purpose and construction method are still debated. Legends name a wizard, a giant cyclops, the Romans, and even aliens as its builders. According to one version, sacrifices and ritual festivals were held here.

The second stop of the day is the city of Bath. It is cheaper to buy tickets to the stones online: if you buy before midnight the day before, you save up to 15% (as of 10/2026, according to the English Heritage website). Compare ready-made programs with transport in advance: day trips to Stonehenge on GetYourGuide.

• The catch: you spend most of the day on a bus.

15. Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon

Oxford greets you with narrow streets and Gothic architecture. The city is calm. Tourists come here for the old university, which consists of many colleges. Its alumni include dozens of Nobel laureates and British prime ministers.

A guide takes the group through one of the inner courtyards. You see where and how current students live. Entry to individual colleges is paid, and the rules depend on the day.

The second point on the route, Stratford-upon-Avon, is one of England's tourist centers. The playwright and poet William Shakespeare was born in this small town. Streets with old houses preserve the look of the 16th century.

The bus tour includes a walk through the university quarter and places connected with the young Shakespeare. It costs more than tours within London. One-day programs are in the catalog: Oxford tours on Tiqets.

• Who it's for: those who are in London for at least five days.

16. The history of coffee and tea in London

Tea is so popular in London that the city is often considered its birthplace. The tour explains how it actually happened. You hear the story of how tea and coffee arrived in England and see the first tea house. Goods for it were brought by special ships.

The program includes a meeting with Ratan, a local Indian tea merchant. He leads a tasting of several varieties. The guide tells how and when the British adopted Chinese tea. He adds stories about tea connected with famous English people.

The second part is devoted to coffee. The group passes through the site where the first London coffeehouse stood and hears its story. Then you enter a pub with an authentic 17th-century coffee room.

Charles Dickens sat in this room with a cup. He described its interior in several episodes of the novel Oliver Twist. Take this tour if you have already seen the major sights.

• Who it's for: those who want to learn the everyday history of the city, not just the palaces.

17. National Gallery tour

The National Gallery faces Trafalgar Square. Its halls hold paintings by old masters: Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli, Titian, Velazquez, and Rembrandt. The guide tells how the major paintings were created and leads you through the halls by the shortest route.

You do not pay for entry to the permanent collection. The gallery is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, on Fridays until 21:00 (as of 10/2026, according to the gallery's official website). Money is needed only for the guide's work and for special exhibitions. A free ticket with a time slot speeds up entry.

• The catch: on weekend afternoons it is crowded near the main paintings. Come at opening time or on Friday evening.

18. From Big Ben to Buckingham Palace

Groups with a guide go on this route every day. The walk takes three hours. You walk through the historic quarters of the center and see the kingdom's main buildings and monuments.

The program includes Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the execution site of King Charles I, Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, and the gentlemen's clubs on Pall Mall. Some organizers add a transfer to the Tower.

This route is longer than the sightseeing walks numbered 1 and 2. Choose it if you want more detail about the monarchy. Entry to the abbey along the way is paid separately: Westminster Abbey tickets on Tiqets.

19. Thames cruise to Greenwich

A river trip on the Thames is one of London's most popular tours. From the water, the city's districts look different than from the street. The boat passes under many bridges, each with its own design.

The London Eye observation wheel turns on the bank. Old buildings with colored facades stretch along the water. They house galleries, markets, offices, museums, and theaters. Along the way you see a pirate ship and a World War II warship.

The final stop of the trip is called Greenwich. A large park with lawns and centuries-old trees is laid out here. Nearby are the National Maritime Museum and the observatory. In the observatory courtyard lies a brass strip that marks the prime meridian.

• Who it's for: those who want to combine a cruise with a walk around Greenwich. Leave at least two hours for the park and the observatory.

20. Evening London with a guide

The evening tour of the capital is led by a professional guide and takes place in a private format. After sunset the city changes. Architectural ensembles and individual buildings get colored lighting. Places you saw during the day look new.

Organizers have several routes. The first passes through the City business district, where England's economic life is concentrated. Unusually shaped high-rise buildings are clearly visible in the dark. The dome of St Paul's Cathedral rises above the street in the light of the street lamps.

The second route goes along Whitehall to the Palace of Westminster. The parliamentary complex is fully lit and stands out against the dark sky. The price is set per car and is in the three-digit range.

• Who it's for: couples and small groups whose day is filled with museums.
• The catch: among the city tours on the list, this format is the most expensive.

21. Bus tour to Windsor and Windsor Castle

Windsor is located on the right bank of the Thames, surrounded by forests and meadows. This small town is home to Windsor Castle, the country residence of British monarchs. It was founded in the 11th century. The gray facade with towers and battlements looks like an impregnable fortress.

Inside you enter the state apartments of the royal court. The route leads through large halls where state banquets are held. The interiors are decorated with gilded stucco, ceiling paintings, carved wood, and statues. The halls display porcelain, weapons, painting collections, and clocks.

St George's Chapel deserves special attention. Ceremonies of the knightly Order of the Garter are held there. The bus tour is moderately priced, with prices in the mid two-digit range. Check the castle's opening days on the Royal Collection Trust website: it is closed on certain days of the week. Programs with transport are collected in the catalog: trips to Windsor from London on GetYourGuide.

• The catch: on days of state receptions, the state rooms are closed to visitors.

22. History and treasures of the Tower

The second Tower tour option adds a walk across the bridge to the fortress. The citadel is located on the bank of the Thames in the city center. It has brick walls and tall towers, square and round. Fortifications with bastions run around the fortress.

Over its history, the Tower has been a residence, a prison, a mint, an arsenal, and an observatory. Today it houses a weapons museum. The treasury holds the royal regalia: crowns, scepters, and diamonds.

The route ends at Tower Bridge. Its structure is both suspension and bascule, and two monumental towers rise above the river. This tour differs from program number 3 in emphasis. There is less prison history here and more architecture.

• Who it's for: those who want to see both the fortress and the bridge in one go.

23. A trip to Cambridge

Cambridge is known for its university, one of the oldest in Britain. Many outstanding scientists, then still students, walked along the city's cobbled streets. The tour follows in their footsteps and shows architectural landmarks.

The itinerary includes the round Church of the Holy Sepulchre, King's College with its late Gothic chapel, the Senate House, and the buildings of the old colleges. Thanks to them, the city retains its medieval character.

The guide points out the unusual Corpus Clock. A sculpted insect sits on top of it, and students gave it the female name Rosalind. Bridges cross the River Cam, each with its own design. The most famous is called the Bridge of Sighs.

From the guide's stories, you learn about the university's traditions and unwritten rules. It has produced thousands of highly skilled specialists for the world. Cambridge is easy to reach on your own: train tickets to Cambridge on Trip.com are sold for specific times.

• Who it's for: for those who have already been to Oxford or are choosing between the two university cities.

24. Camden Town: rock 'n' roll and pubs

Do you listen to English music? Then a sightseeing walk around Camden Town will suit you. Almost every block here is connected with rock performers, composers, and musicians. It's nightclubs, old pubs, and concert halls.

The group stops at the Electric Ballroom club. The guide talks about the people who set the trends in entertainment. Then participants visit three local markets. They sell antique souvenirs and handmade goods.

The route leads to Regent's Canal, where boats pass through a lock. By the water, the guide continues the story of the area's musical history. It still attracts artists from all over the world today. The walk ends in one of the old pubs.

• Not for: those looking for a quiet walk. On weekends, the markets are very crowded.

25. A tour of old London pubs

Pubs hold an important place in British life. A tour of the capital's old establishments helps you understand why. For centuries, city residents have met here. According to the guide, the history of pubs goes back to the Romans.

You step into the most famous "royal" pubs on the quiet streets of the old city. Their popularity never wanes. Londoners celebrate birthdays here, watch football, discuss problems, and meet friends.

The guide explains the nuances of pub culture that accompanied life in old England. You get to grips with the terms "lager," "ale," "stout," and "mild." A separate part of the talk covers the beer traditions of the Stuart era and Victorian times.

You pay for your own drinks. Wear comfortable shoes: the group walks between pubs.

• Not for: families with children. The tour takes place in the evening and is intended for adults.

Below is a selection of current London tours with prices. Compare it with the formats from the list and choose a date.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which London tour should I start with on the first day?

Start with a walking sightseeing tour of the center; it takes two or three hours. You see Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, and Buckingham Palace from the outside. After it, you understand how the districts are laid out and which buildings are worth returning to with a ticket. The group does not go inside; entry fees are paid separately.

Which tours require tickets in advance?

Buy tickets in advance for the Tower, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Warner Bros. Studio. For the studio, weekend and school holiday slots sell out long before the date. Entry to the National Gallery is free, but a free timed ticket speeds up entry. For a walking sightseeing tour, you just need to reserve a spot in the group.

How long does a trip to Stonehenge take?

Plan a full day for it. The journey from London takes about two hours each way, and most programs add a stop in the city of Bath. Tickets to the stones bought online the day before cost less than on site. Bring a warm jacket: the stones stand on an open plain, and the wind blows there in any season.

Oxford or Cambridge: which to choose?

You travel to both cities from London as a day trip. Oxford is usually combined with Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's hometown, and reached by bus tour. Cambridge is convenient to reach by train and take a walking tour with King's College and the bridges over the River Cam. If you have only one free day, decide based on the additional program.

Which tours are suitable for children?

A Thames cruise, Warner Bros. Studio with Harry Potter film sets, and the Tower with the Crown Jewels are suitable for children. The tour about Scotland Yard and notorious crimes is not recommended for children under 16: it contains many frightening details. The old pubs tour takes place in the evening and is intended only for adult participants.

In short: which London tour to book

The most convenient approach is to divide London into three blocks: the center on foot, the river, and trips outside the city. Start with a sightseeing walk. Then add one tour with indoor entry and one day outside London. That way you see the city from different angles, and the programs won't repeat each other.

• If you have one day: take a walk around the center and a Thames cruise.
• If you have three days: add the Tower, Parliament or the National Gallery, and one themed walk.
• If you're traveling with children: choose Warner Bros. Studio and the Tower.
• If you have five days or more: set aside a day for Windsor, Oxford, Cambridge, or Stonehenge.

Choose dates and compare programs: London tours on GetYourGuide. Look for accommodation near the center in advance: London hotels on Trip.com.