Visit London's most famous landmarks on one of these top sightseeing tours, from royal attractions to historic museums.
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Discover the best London tours and uncover the city's famous landmarks and rich cultural history with an expert local guide. Whether you're seeking a classic London sightseeing tour, unique walking tours or panoramic views from an open-top bus, there's a perfect option for every type of traveller.
Explore the capital at your own pace with unforgettable tours in London, from royal palaces and historic museums to River Thames cruises and nighttime sightseeing tours. Choose from a range of London day tours that bring the city's landmarks to life, or enjoy a more relaxed pace with a scenic sightseeing tour in London. Read on to uncover our pick of the best tours in London, featuring hop-on hop-off routes and immersive history walks.
The best sightseeing tours in London
See London from the top deck of an open-top double-decker bus. Buy your ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus tour and explore London at your own pace, even at night. Don't miss added extras with your ticket such as free walking tours and a 24-hour Thames river pass.
Where:Stop 1, Bulleid Way, London, SW1W 9SR
Secure tickets for the Tower of London tour and explore the Unesco-protected grounds with a
Beefeater guide. Learn about the bloody history that dates back over many centuries, and see the
Crown Jewels, the famous black ravens, the Mint at the Tower and the iconic White Tower. Prepare yourself for tales of royalty, treachery and torture.
Where:Tower Hill, City of London, London, EC3N 4AB
Step inside the
Warner Bros. Studio Tour and take an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at the original film where the hit Harry Potter films were produced. The tour showcases the British artistry, technology and talent that produced the world-famous films, as well as original costumes and props.
You can also buy tickets and explore the studios during one of the seasonal takeovers throughout the year, including
Magical Mischief,
The Dark Arts and
Hogwarts in the Snow.
Where:Stop 1, Bulleid Way, London, SW1W 9SR
See iconic London landmarks lit up against the backdrop of the night sky on a
London by night bus tour.
Reserve your seat on the open-top bus and learn about the capital’s darker secrets while enjoying a glittering night-time view of the city’s famous sights, such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.
Where:Tourist bus stop, 1 Belvedere Road, London, SE1 7NA
One of the world's oldest and finest, the
British Museum is filled with thousands of historical artefacts and ancient treasures. Your expert guide will show you the very best of the collection as you uncover the secrets of the Rosetta Stone, admire the controversial Parthenon Sculptures of Athens, and much more.
Book your tickets now!
Where:Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG
Explore the authentic reconstruction of Shakespeare's original theatre on a guided tour of
Shakespeare's Globe.
Learn about the history of the original playhouse in a special exhibition packed full of interactive exhibits and artefacts, before entering the auditorium with a guide who brings the Bard's stories to life.
Where:21 New Globe Walk, London, SE1 9DT
Hear untold stories of the royal family on a
Royal London walking tour and visit some of the city’s most significant regal attractions. Journey through the heart of the capital and discover iconic sites such as St James's Palace and Buckingham Palace, as well as witnessing the Changing the Guard ceremony.
Go on a sightseeing tour on the Thames with
City Cruises.
Book tickets and sit back, relax and enjoy London's top sights and attractions from the river. You can also indulge in a special lunch, dinner or an afternoon tea with a view you'll never forget.
Where:Victoria Embankment, Westminster, London, SW1A 2JH
Take a look behind the scenes at one of the world's finest sporting arenas.
The stadium tour offers you the opportunity to get a sense of what the
Arsenal stars feel like on a match day. Enjoy the luxurious changing room and take a walk down the tunnel before taking the manager's seat in the dugout.
Where:Emirates Stadium, London, N7 7AJ
Book tickets for the Jack the Ripper walking tour only if you dare! This guided walk around the spooky streets of east London delves into the famous unsolved murders that took place in 1888. This gruesome trail is not for the faint at heart.
Where:Trinity Square, London, EC3N 4TH
A trip to London wouldn't be complete without a visit to the bustling Borough Market. Join this walking tour and feast your way around the iconic foodie hotspot as your guide shares stories and fun facts about each dish. Savour a classic full English breakfast, taste the best British cheeses, sip on a cold pint of British beer, and much more.
Where:Evans Cycle Shop, London Bridge, SE1 2SY
Uncover iconic locations across the city where the band recorded, partied, performed, and more, on a
Beatles Walking Tour of London. Hear tales of the Fab Four's humble beginnings and their journey to superstardom.
Book your tickets today!
Where:Criterion Building, 225-229 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9HR
Book the Total London Experience and soak in London’s most spectacular sights with a panoramic tour of the capital. Discover London's top attractions on this whistle-stop day tour, with visits to the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral and the London Eye. Delight at the prestigious Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace and marvel at the Crown Jewels on this memorable London tour.
Where:Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9SZ
Embark on a magical journey through London's festive streets on the
Christmas Lights London by Night open-top bus tour. Marvel at the world-famous Regent Street Christmas lights and other key sights including Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, the London Eye, Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
Where:Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9SZ
Book a half-day panoramic bus tour of London and tick off the city’s top monuments, followed by an optional ride along the Thames on an Uber Boat. Spot landmarks from a luxury air-conditioned bus before stepping inside the striking St Paul's Cathedral. Conclude the expert-led tour at Buckingham Palace and experience the prestigious Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Where:Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9SZ
Continue your London adventure with our pick of the
best attractions and
museums in the city. Be sure to check out
what's happening in London this weekend, and don't miss our
guide to things to do in London this month for seasonal events and new openings.
Download the Visit London app for exclusive offers and on-the-go ideas.
What is the best way to see the sights of London?
A great way to experience the city is to join one of the best tours of London. Whether you prefer a walking tour, a bus ride, or a cruise along the River Thames, there's plenty to discover. The best London tours include food and film location experiences, as well as opportunities to visit famous landmarks or uncover the capital's hidden gems. Some tours delve into the city's gruesome past, while others offer a glimpse into Shakespeare's London, rich with art and spectacle.
What is worth touring in London?
What to see will depend on your individual interests, but it is always worth a visit to London's most iconic landmarks such as
Buckingham Palace,
St Paul's Cathedral,
Westminster Abbey,
Houses of Parliament and Big Ben,
the London Eye,
Tower Bridge,
Borough Market and
the Tower of London.