17 best tours in London for every type of visitor

Nearest Tube: Multiple stops across central London
When: Daily: First full tour from 8am, with buses every 30 minutes to 1 hour
Duration: 1 day, 24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours

See London’s most famous sights on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, one of the best London sightseeing tours for first-time visitors and anyone looking for a flexible way to explore the capital. Travel between iconic landmarks including Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, hopping off whenever you want to explore. Enjoy panoramic views from the open-top deck, access to more than 60 stops across central London, and live commentary on selected routes.

Best for: First-time visitors, families and anyone wanting an easy way to see London's top attractions without planning routes or transport.
Good to know: Some ticket options include a river Thames cruise or free walking tour. Audio guides are available in 12 languages, while the Classic Tour features live commentary.

Nearest Tube: Victoria (Circle, District and Victoria)
When: Daily: 8am
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes

Soak in London’s most spectacular sights on the Total London Experience, an exciting whistle-stop tour of the capital’s top attractions. Accompanied by a professional guide, you'll travel between landmarks on a comfortable, air-conditioned coach with frequent stops throughout the day. The tour includes entry to must-see sights including the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and, if selected, the London Eye. See the Changing of the Guard, marvel at the Crown Jewels and enjoy a river boat ride along the Thames.

Best for: First-time visitors and those looking to see London's top sights in one day.
Good to know: The Changing of the Guard is weather and schedule dependent. If unavailable, the tour visits Horse Guards Parade instead. A Blue Badge guide provides engaging commentary throughout.

Nearest Tube: Multiple departure points across central London
When: Daily: Departs every 20-40 minutes from 10am
Duration: 10-30 minutes from pier to pier

See London from a different perspective with a City Cruises sightseeing tour on the Thames. Sit back and enjoy unrivalled views of riverside landmarks including the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, while listening to entertaining live commentary. Choose from one-way, return or 24-hour sightseeing cruises, or make the experience extra special with a lunch cruise, afternoon tea cruise or dinner cruise on the river.

Best for: First-time visitors, relaxed sightseeing and visitors wanting to explore London from the river Thames.
Good to know: Cruises depart from Westminster, London Eye, Tower and Greenwich piers. You can enjoy views from the open-air deck or comfortable indoor saloon.

Nearest Tube: St James’s Park (Circle and District)
When: Daily: 10am
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
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Hear untold stories of the royal family on a Royal Walking Tour, Changing of the Guard. Journey through the heart of royal London with an expert guide, visiting landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and St James’s Palace, while also discovering lesser-known spots, shops and hangouts. Along the way, uncover the secrets of the monarchy, explore historic royal traditions and gain a fascinating insight into the lives of British royals past and present.

Best for: Royal enthusiasts, history lovers and anyone wanting to see famous royal landmarks.
Good to know: The Changing of the Guard can be seen on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday tours, subject to weather conditions.

Nearest Tube: London Bridge (Northern)
When: Daily: 9.30am-4.30pm
Duration: Approximately 50 minutes

Discover the world of Shakespeare on a guided tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, a faithful reconstruction of the 1599 playhouse. Explore the world-famous venue with an expert storyteller, who brings Shakespeare's London and colourful theatre history to life. Learn about the Globe's reconstruction, enjoy interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and script-printing sessions, and gain a fascinating insight into how this iconic open-air theatre continues to stage performances today.

Best for: Shakespeare fans, history and culture enthusiasts.
Good to know: After your tour, take time to explore Bankside, home to Tate Modern, riverside walks and great places to eat and drink.

Nearest Tube: Victoria (Circle, District and Victoria)
When: Daily: 7.30am-4pm
Duration: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes

Step into the wizarding world at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and discover the magic behind the films. Explore famous sets including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and Platform 9¾, see original costumes and props, and uncover the special effects that brought the stories to life. Located at the studios where all eight films were made, the experience also features seasonal events throughout the year, including Magical Mischief, Dark Arts and Hogwarts in the Snow.

Best for: Harry Potter fans, film lovers and those looking for a behind-the-scenes film experience. 
Good to know: The Studio Tour is self-guided, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Don't miss the chance to try Butterbeer and browse exclusive Harry Potter merchandise during your visit.

Nearest Tube: Multiple departure points across central London
When: Daily: 4.30pm-10pm
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
 

Embark on a magical journey through London’s festive streets on the Christmas lights bus tour. Marvel at the world-famous Regent Street Christmas lights, dazzling shop displays and sparkling landmarks, including Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, the London Eye and The Strand. Led by an expert guide, discover the stories behind the capital’s illuminations, from Regent Street’s angels to Oxford Street’s sustainable stars, while enjoying fantastic photo opportunities along the way. We recommend booking a seat on the open-top upper deck for panoramic views.

Best for: Families, Christmas lights enthusiasts and visitors wanting to get into the festive spirit.
Good to know: Tours depart from the London Eye, Victoria and Green Park and run throughout the festive season from November to January.

Nearest Tube: Victoria (Circle, District and Victoria)
When: Daily: 11.30am-6pm
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes

Enjoy a quintessentially British experience aboard the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. Tuck into a selection of sweet and savoury treats, freshly baked scones and a glass of prosecco as you journey through the capital on a beautifully decorated double-decker bus. From the comfort of your seat, take in major landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, while soaking up panoramic views of the city.

Best for: First time visitors, food lovers, afternoon tea enthusiasts.
Good to know: Dietary options are available with 72 hours’ notice. We recommend selecting the upper deck for panoramic London views.

Nearest Tube: Tower Hill (Circle and District)
When: Daily: 3.30pm and 6pm
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes

Follow in the footsteps of one of history’s most infamous criminals on a Jack the Ripper Walking Tour through London’s East End. Journey through Whitechapel and Spitalfields with an expert guide, uncovering the story behind the notorious unsolved murders of 1888. Visit key locations linked to the case, including Mitre Square and the Ten Bells pub, hear chilling tales of the investigation and manhunt, and delve into one of the world’s greatest enduring mysteries.

Best for: True crime enthusiasts, mystery lovers and fans of unsolved mysteries.
Good to know: The tour includes themes of crime and murder, making it more suitable for ages 12 and over. Under 16s may attend at their parents' discretion.

Nearest Tube: Varies by tour
When: Wed-Sun: Times vary
Duration: 75-90 minutes

Go behind the scenes of London’s transport network on a Hidden London tour and uncover secret spaces beneath the city streets. Led by expert guides, these exclusive experiences take you through abandoned Tube stations, disused tunnels, wartime shelters and hidden corridors usually closed to the public. From Euston’s lost tunnels to Clapham South’s deep-level shelters, discover fascinating stories of engineering, history and life underground, while exploring a hidden side of London that few people get to see.

Best for: Transport enthusiasts, curious explorers and fans of off-the-beaten-track experiences.
Good to know: Parts of the tours take place in low-lit, enclosed spaces and may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia. Due to uneven surfaces, sturdy flat shoes are required throughout.

Nearest Tube: London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern)
When: Daily: 10.30am, 11am and 3pm
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
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A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without the Borough Market Food Tour, one of the tastiest London food tours. Feast your way through one of the capital’s most famous food destinations, sampling classic British favourites while uncovering the stories behind each dish. Enjoy a full English breakfast, traditional sausage roll, award-winning fish and chips and more local delicacies, while your expert guide shares fascinating foodie insights and the history of Borough Market.

Best for: First-time visitors, food lovers and those looking to explore London's food scene.
Good to know: The tour is family-friendly, though Borough Market can get busy. Dietary requirements can be catered for if requested in advance or on arrival.

Nearest Tube: Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City)
When: Daily: 6pm, 7pm, 8pm and 9pm 
Duration: 90 minutes

See the capital sparkle after dark on the London by Night Open Top Bus Tour. Enjoy panoramic views of London’s illuminated skyline as you pass iconic landmarks including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. Led by a live guide, this guided tour reveals fascinating stories from the city’s history, alongside some of its darker secrets, while taking in vibrant locations such as Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus.

Best for: Evening explorers, photography enthusiasts and visitors wanting to see the city in a new light.
Good to know: The tour features a live English-speaking guide, plus an audio guide available in 12 languages. If you're visiting during the colder months, be sure to wrap up warm on the open-top deck.

Nearest Tube: Tower Hill (Circle and District lines)
When: Daily: 6.30pm
Duration: 2 hours

Take in London’s illuminated skyline on an Evening Cruise on the Thames. Glide past riverside landmarks including Tower Bridge, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament while enjoying a glass of fizz and a selection of canapes. With live music on board and panoramic views of the capital after dark, this two-hour river cruise offers a memorable way to experience London from the water and soak up the city’s vibrant evening atmosphere.

Best for: Special occasions, city-view seekers and evening explorers.
Good to know: We recommend heading up to the open-air deck for some of the best views of London's illuminated landmarks. Smart-casual attire is recommended, making this a great option for a special evening out in London.

Nearest Tube: Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee and Northern)
When: Daily: 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm
Duration: Approximately 1 hour

Jump aboard the world’s first Electric Routemaster Tour Bus for a family-friendly sightseeing adventure through central London. Travel past famous landmarks including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus aboard a vintage red open-top double-decker bus. Along the way, enjoy engaging commentary from a live guide, sharing fascinating stories and historical insights about the capital. It’s a fun, eco-friendly way to discover some of London’s most famous sights from the comfort of your seat.

Best for: First-time visitors, families and visitors wanting to see London's highlights in comfort.
Good to know: Make sure to bring your camera, as the route passes many of London's major landmarks. As the bus is open-top, we recommend bringing an extra layer in cooler weather.

Nearest Tube: Arsenal (Piccadilly)
When: Mon-Sat: 9.30am-5pm, Sun: 10am-4pm 
Duration: 1-2 hours

 

Discover the home of Arsenal Football Club on the Arsenal Emirates Stadium Tour and go behind-the-scenes at one of Europe’s most renowned sporting venues. Explore exclusive areas normally reserved for players and officials, including the changing rooms, players’ tunnel, dugout and press conference room. With audio commentary throughout and entry to the Arsenal Museum included, this self-guided experience offers a fascinating insight into the club’s history and what it feels like to be part of matchday at Emirates Stadium.

 

Best for: Arsenal fans, football enthusiasts and anyone looking to discover the history of Arsenal FC.
Good to know: Tours do not run on home matchdays or during certain stadium events, so we recommend checking availability before your visit.

Nearest Tube: Paddington (Bakerloo, Circle, District, Elizabeth and Hammersmith & City)
When: Sat: 10.30am, also takes place on Tue during UK school holidays
Duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes

Enjoy a family-friendly adventure through London on the Paddington Bear Walking Tour and follow in the footsteps of the capital’s most famous bear. Led by an expert guide, explore picturesque locations from the beloved books and films, including Paddington Station, the Paddington Bear statue, Mr Gruber’s antiques shop and Portobello Road. Hear fascinating stories about Paddington’s adventures, discover filming locations and enjoy plenty of fun facts, insider knowledge and photo opportunities along the way.

 

Best for: Fans of the Paddington books and films, families and young explorers.
Good to know: A short bus journey is included as part of the tour, so you'll need a contactless card, Oyster card or valid Zones 1-2 Travelcard. For more highlights and tips, check out our review on the Visit London Blog.

Nearest Tube: Victoria (Circle, District and Victoria)
When: Daily: 10.30am, 1pm and 3.30pm
Duration: Approximately 65-70 minutes

Hop aboard a double-decker bus for The Smurfs London Tea Party Adventure for a fun-filled afternoon tea experience. As you travel past London’s famous landmarks, tuck into a Smurfs-inspired afternoon tea featuring finger sandwiches, sultana scones with Smurfsberry preserve and a colourful selection of sweet treats. Children can sing along to a specially curated playlist, while adults and little ones alike can enjoy a vibrant blue refreshment. Along the way, enjoy plenty of surprises, fun facts and family-friendly entertainment.

Best for: Smurfs fans, families and anyone seeking a playful twist on London's classic afternoon tea.
Good to know: Vegan, gluten-free and halal options are available if requested 24 hours in advance. For the best views, we recommend choosing a seat on the upper deck. Every guest receives a Smurfs souvenir cup to take home.