15 Best London Tours

Written by Alex Bird
Updated on
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Jam-packed with attractions, it’s no wonder that London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Every year, millions of people descend upon the city to enjoy its world-class attractions and historical sights. With the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Wembley Stadium just a few of the attractions on offer, visitors could spend a lifetime exploring London and still not see everything.

Whether it’s art and culture that you are interested in or architecture, historical sites and sporting arenas, London really does have something for everyone. With so much on offer, it can be hard to know where to start.

To help you out, here are some of the best London tours that will take you to many of the city’s most incredible attractions.

1. Harry Potter: Warner Brothers Studio Tour and Transfers

Harry Potter - Warner Brothers Studio TourSource: getyourguide.com
Harry Potter – Warner Brothers Studio Tour

For Harry Potter fans, this full-day tour is an absolute must when in London. Visitors are sure to come away enchanted at all of the amazing sights that greet them in the Warner Brothers Studio.

The tour comes highly rated by those who have been on it. Highlights include exploring Diagon Alley, Platform 9 and ¾, and tasting some delicious Butterbeer.

This up close and personal experience will delight all the family. Guests will love going behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films.

2. Tower of London Ticket with Crown Jewels Exhibition

Tower of LondonSource: Alexander Chaikin / shutterstock
Tower Of London

One of London’s most popular tourist destinations, the Tower of London is impressive to visit. At various times, it has served as a fortress, prison, and even as a palace.

While exploring the 11th-century building is a captivating experience, the undoubted highlight is gazing upon the stupendous Crown Jewels which are so renowned around the world.

Also included in this fantastic tour are entertaining live re-enactments and an informative Yeoman Warder Tour, where you’ll learn all about the Tower’s amazing history and the myths and legends that swirl about this historic place.


3. London Westminster Abbey Entrance Ticket & Audio Guide

Westminster AbbeySource: Tono Balaguer / shutterstock
Westminster Abbey

An absolutely stunning building to behold, Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous historic sites in the city and is definitely worth checking out when in London.

Its delightful Gothic architecture and stained glass windows are beautiful to gaze upon. The abbey is where 17 monarchs are buried.

Dripping in history, the audio guide will teach you all there is to know about this marvelous place; the Coronation Chair and Poet’s Corner are just two of the must-see sights.

4. The View from the Shard Entrance Ticket & Optional Champagne

The View from The ShardSource: getyourguide.com
The View from The Shard

Rising imperiously above the London skyline, the Shard is the best place in the city for panoramic views; visitors invariably come away astounded at the vistas that stretch endlessly towards the horizon.

On the 72nd floor, you can drink in the stupendous views from inside or head out to the blustery viewing platform – all while sipping on a glass of champagne.

With interesting multimedia exhibitions explaining the history of London and the sights you can spot from the Shard, this combo deal is well worth looking into.


5. Madame Tussauds London

Madame Tussauds LondonSource: getyourguide.com
Madame Tussauds London

Madame Tussauds is famous around the world for its lifelike wax models. The one in London has over 300 of them for you to check out, ranging from celebrities and sports players to royalty and politicians.

Opened over 200 years ago, Madame Tussauds London is a fun and entertaining place to wander around and there are loads of great photo opportunities.

Included in the ticket are the Marvel 4D experience and the Star Wars experience; both are jam-packed with action. Perfect for all of the family, Madame Tussauds is loads of fun and one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations.

6. St Paul’s Cathedral: Fast-Track Entrance

St Paul's Cathedral, LondonSource: Victor Moussa / shutterstock
St Paul’s Cathedral

This fast-track entrance ticket will help you skip the queues; in no time at all, you’ll be wandering around the fabulous St Paul’s Cathedral, amazed at the beautiful architecture before you.

Dripping in history, the impressive cathedral needs to be seen to be believed. The crypts, chapels, and galleries are just some of the main attractions on offer.

With a multimedia guide included in the ticket, you’ll come away with a greater appreciation and understanding of the history behind St Paul’s. Before leaving, make sure to head up to the dome for some lovely views of London.


7. The Original London Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

Hop-On Hop-Off LondonSource: getyourguide.com
Hop-On Hop-Off London

With seven different bus routes to choose from, this hop-on-hop-off bus tour is definitely worth checking out and will take you past all the main sights.

The audio commentary will inform and entertain you in equal measure. The tour is one of the easiest and most effective ways to see as much of London as possible in a short time.

With such iconic sights as Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye included on the route, visitors are certainly in for a great time. The tour also includes an unforgettable cruise on the River Thames.

8. Coca-Cola London Eye

London EyeSource: Kiev.Victor / shutterstock
London Eye

A very popular attraction, the London Eye offers up breathtaking views of London. The observation wheel is amongst the tallest in the world.

With this fast-track ticket, you’ll skip the queues and a great 4D experience is included alongside the ride on the wheel itself.

From the top, the 360-degree panoramic views are simply divine; seeing the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben just across the river is an unforgettable experience.


9. Sparkling 2-Hour River Thames Sunset Cruise in London

Thames Sunset CruiseSource: getyourguide.com
Thames Sunset Cruise

Cruising along the River Thames while the sun sets is a delightful way to end a busy day sightseeing; you can simply sit back, relax and take in all of the sights as you slowly drift by.

As night falls, the city lights up; seeing London from the river at nighttime is a magical affair, while the music on offer only adds to the special occasion.

Sipping on a glass of champagne while peacefully floating along will live long in the memory, and passing below Tower Bridge is the undoubted highlight of what this cruise has to offer.

10. Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

Harry Potter Guided Walking TourSource: getyourguide.com
Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

This themed walking tour is a must for Harry Potter fans. Your expert guide takes you to the Leaky Cauldron, the real Diagon Alley, and Platform 9 and 3/4.

An unforgettable experience that will delight all the family, the walking tour will teach you loads of fun facts and trivia about the Harry Potter films and filming locations.

With 21 stops included, you’ll follow in the footsteps of wizards and muggles and see London from a whole new, magical perspective.


11. From London: Full-Day Windsor, Stonehenge & Oxford Tour

StonehengeSource: Roger Nichol / shutterstock
Stonehenge

While London is home to so many world-class attractions and historic landmarks, the surrounding countryside also has its fair share of amazing, must-see sights.

This fantastic full-day tour will take you to three of the United Kingdom’s most popular destinations; your professional guide will tell you all there is to know about the incredible sights.

Exploring the Royal Family’s main residence at Windsor Castle is a captivating experience that is matched by your tour around ancient Stonehenge. The tour culminates in a lovely trip to Oxford, home to one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

12. Guided Wembley Stadium Tour

Wembley StadiumSource: PixHound / shutterstock
Wembley Stadium

Often known as the home of football, Wembley is a must for football fans, who will love touring around the stadium and learning more about its rich history.

With an expert guide on hand, you’ll learn about England’s 1966 World Cup win, the 1948 Olympic Games, and other iconic moments from sporting history.

Visiting the player’s tunnel, the dressing rooms, and the royal box is a fascinating experience while gazing across the perfectly manicured pitch while staring up at the huge stadium all around you will send shivers down your spine.


13. Comedy Horror Show: London Ghost Bus Tour

London Ghost Bus TourSource: getyourguide.com
London Ghost Bus Tour

This Ghost Bus tour is loads of fun. It will show you another side to London’s past and you’ll never be able to look at some of the historic sites in the same way again.

The onboard actors are entertaining and informative; you’ll learn many gruesome facts about the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and other famous locations.

This spooky bus ride is great for all the family. On the way, you’ll pass haunted palaces, ancient burial grounds and more. What’s more, the bus itself used to be a private funeral bus…

14. London: Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise

Westminster To Greenwich River Thames CruiseSource: getyourguide.com
Westminster To Greenwich River Thames Cruise

Starting out from Westminster, this cruise along the River Thames takes you all the way to Greenwich – the views of London from the boat are sumptuous.

The informative audio commentary will teach you loads about the dazzling sights you pass by. This memorable cruise is a great way to see London from another perspective.

Passing by sights like the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament and the Shard, this wonderful tour comes highly recommended by all those that have been on it.


15. London: Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

Jack The Ripper Walking TourSource: getyourguide.com
Jack The Ripper Walking Tour

One of London’s most famous former residents, this tour will teach you all about Jack the Ripper’s gruesome past and the horrific crimes that he committed.

Your professional guide will take you back in time to a London shrouded in fog; the innovative, hand-held projectors they use really add another dimension to the tour.

As interesting as it is entertaining, this fun walking tour will tell you about the myths and legends behind Jack the Ripper and the largest manhunt in British history.



15 Best London Tours:

  • Harry Potter: Warner Brothers Studio Tour and Transfers
  • Tower of London Ticket with Crown Jewels Exhibition
  • London Westminster Abbey Entrance Ticket & Audio Guide
  • The View from the Shard Entrance Ticket & Optional Champagne
  • Madame Tussauds London
  • St Paul's Cathedral: Fast-Track Entrance
  • The Original London Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour
  • Coca-Cola London Eye
  • Sparkling 2-Hour River Thames Sunset Cruise in London
  • Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour
  • From London: Full-Day Windsor, Stonehenge & Oxford Tour
  • Guided Wembley Stadium Tour
  • Comedy Horror Show: London Ghost Bus Tour
  • London: Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise
  • London: Jack the Ripper Walking Tour