London Tourism
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel located on the edge of the River Thames. It is 135 metres tall and has a diameter of 120 metres. A short walk away, the area is home to the London Aquarium, Elizabeth Tower, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Nelson’s Column. In 2013, the tallest building in London, The Shard, opened a viewing platform to the public.
Other major tourist attractions in London include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace (although this is only open to the public during a limited number of months in the summer), Tower Bridge Experience, Madame Tussauds, ZSL London Zoo, London Dungeon and St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions reported that the following were the top 10 visitor attractions in 2017:[8]
- British Museum – 5.9 million visits
- Tate Modern – 5.7 million
- National Gallery – 5.2 million
- Natural History Museum, London – 4.4 million
- Victoria and Albert Museum – 3.7 million
- Science Museum, London – 3.3 million
- Southbank Centre – 3.2 million
- Somerset House – 3.2 million
- Tower of London – 2.8 million
- Royal Museums Greenwich – 2.6 million
London has Visitor Information Centres where staff can offer useful advice and traveller information to help you make the most of your trip to the capital.
You can pick up free London travel maps and buy London guidebooks. At some locations, you can also book tickets for theatre shows, tours and attractions.
London has Visitor Information Centres at:
- Victoria Visitor Centre
- Piccadilly Circus Visitor Centre
- King’s Cross and St Pancras International Visitor Centre
- City of London Information Centre
- Greenwich Tourist Information Centre
Places to visit in London
Widely considered the finest and most beautiful residences in the UK, London’s magnificent, historical royal palaces attract admirers from around the world. Here are just five of the best that you should visit on your next trip to the English capital.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is perhaps the best-known London palace. Photo: Annapurna Mellor / Viator The Queen’s personal quarters. One of the best-known royal palaces in the world, Buckingham Palace is the primary (official) residence of the British monarch. The palace features 19 state rooms, which are open to the public for three months each summer when the queen goes to Scotland.
During the rest of the year, admire the palace and its famous balcony from behind gilded gates or stop by for the Changing of the Guard ceremony—just don’t forget to arrive well before the scheduled procession to beat the crowds.
How to visit: Experience life as a member of the British royal family on a tour of the State Rooms, or stroll through St. James’ Park to a luxury hotel for afternoon tea.
Kensington Palace
A Queen Victoria statue presides over Kensington Palace. Photo: Alexey Fedorenko / Shutterstock The historic birthplace of Queen Victoria. Set in the heart of central London, Kensington Palace is the birthplace of Queen Victoria and was once home to Princess Diana.
In recent years the palace has become the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (as well as other lesser royals), and is perhaps most popular for its whimsical gardens and swanky Orangery.
How to visit: Stop by the Kensington Orangery for high tea, before touring Kensington Gardens. Alternatively, admire the palace on a royal parks tour.
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace fizzes with historical appeal. Photo: Nussar / Shutterstock A peek inside Tudor London. Located on the banks of the River Thames to the southwest of central London, 16th-century Hampton Court Palace is a masterpiece of baroque and Tudor architecture.
Once King Henry VIII’s private residence, it was built to rival the Palace of Versailles in Paris, and is now best known for its medieval Great Hall, impressive hedge maze, and costumed performances.
How to visit: Take a private tour of Hampton Court Palace and learn all about the famed Haunted Gallery, as well as the palace’s former royal residents.
Banqueting House
A lesser-known palace with a bloody past. The 17th-century Banqueting House sits on Whitehall in Central London, and is widely considered the finest example of neoclassical architecture in the city. Once part of the Palace of Whitehall—and the site of one monarch’s bloody demise—this national monument now welcomes visitors keen to admire its grand hallways and suites, as well as the spot where King Charles I was beheaded in 1649.
How to visit: Combine a trip to the Banqueting House with an exploration of Westminster Abbey on a private, half-day tour. There, admire features such as the bronze bust of James I and ceiling paintings by Flemish master, Sir Peter Paul Rubens.
Tower of London
A lesser-known palace with a bloody past. The 17th-century Banqueting House sits on Whitehall in Central London, and is widely considered the finest example of neoclassical architecture in the city. Once part of the Palace of Whitehall—and the site of one monarch’s bloody demise—this national monument now welcomes visitors keen to admire its grand hallways and suites, as well as the spot where King Charles I was beheaded in 1649.
How to visit: Combine a trip to the Banqueting House with an exploration of Westminster Abbey on a private, half-day tour. There, admire features such as the bronze bust of James I and ceiling paintings by Flemish master, Sir Peter Paul Rubens.
What’s the best way to experience Tower of London?
Should I book Tower of London tickets in advance?
How much does it cost to visit Tower of London 2022?
Museum Tours in London
What are the best Museums in London?
The best Museums in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Museums in London are 1 hour or less?
Museums in London that are 1 hour or less are:
What Museums in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Museums in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
Day Trips in London
What are the best Day Trips in London?
The best Day Trips in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Day Trips in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Day Trips in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
- Small-Group Complete Cotswolds Tour (From London)
- Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Small-Group Day Tour from London
- Downton Abbey Village, Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds Day Trip from London
- Full-Day Small-Group White Cliffs of Sussex Tour from London
- Oxford, Stratford Upon Avon and Cotswolds Tour from London
Shopping Tours in London
What are the best Shopping Tours in London?
The best Shopping Tours in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Shopping Tours in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Shopping Tours in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
Architecture Tours in London
What are the best Architecture Tours in London?
The best Architecture Tours in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Architecture Tours in London are 1 hour or less?
Architecture Tours in London that are 1 hour or less are:
What Architecture Tours in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Architecture Tours in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
- Private Tour: Night Photography Tour in London
- Private Tour, Entry to Westminster Abbey and London Highlights
- Paris Rail Day Trip from London including Paris Visite Card
- The Tate Modern London Guided Museum Tour – Semi-Private 8ppl Max
- London in a Day Private Custom Walking Tour
Art Tours in London
What are the best Art Tours in London?
The best Art Tours in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Art Tours in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Art Tours in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
- London Rock Legends Small Group Tour
- Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour
- Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter Tour with Superior Transport from London
- Bath, Avebury and Lacock Village Small-Group Day Tour from London
Museum Tours in London
What are the best Museums in London?
The best Museums in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Museums in London are 1 hour or less?
Museums in London that are 1 hour or less are:
What Museums in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Museums in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
- The British Museum London Guided Museum Tour – Semi-Private 8ppl Max
- Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter Tour with Superior Transport from London
- The Postal Museum Admission Ticket
Movie Tours in London
What are the best Movie Tours in London?
The best Movie Tours in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Movie Tours in London are 1 hour or less?
Movie Tours in London that are 1 hour or less are:
What Movie Tours in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Movie Tours in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
- Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter Tour with Superior Transport from London
- Up at The O2 Climb in London
- Small Group Tour: Downton Abbey and Village Tour of Locations from London
- Small-Group Tour: Historical Pub Walking Tour of London
Television Tours in London
What are the best TV Tours in London?
The best TV Tours in London according to Viator travelers are:
- Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio with Transport from London
- Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter Tour with Superior Transport from London
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and Oxford Day Trip
- Fully Guided Tour of Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
- Small Group Tour: Downton Abbey and Village Tour of Locations from London
What TV Tours in London are 1 hour or less?
TV Tours in London that are 1 hour or less are:
What TV Tours in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
- Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio with Transport from London
- Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter Tour with Superior Transport from London
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and Oxford Day Trip
- Small Group Tour: Downton Abbey and Village Tour of Locations from London
- Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London
What TV Tours in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
- Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter Tour with Superior Transport from London
- Small Group Tour: Downton Abbey and Village Tour of Locations from London
- Paris Rail Day Trip from London with Optional Guided Tour or Sightseeing Bus
- Midsomer Murders Tour from London
Cultural Tours in London
What are the best Cultural Tours in London?
The best Cultural Tours in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Cultural Tours in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Cultural Tours in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
- Small-Group Complete Cotswolds Tour (From London)
- Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Small-Group Day Tour from London
- London Rock Legends Small Group Tour
- Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour
- Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter Tour with Superior Transport from London
Fashion Tours in London
What are the best Fashion Tours in London?
The best Fashion Tours in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Fashion Tours in London are 1 hour or less?
Fashion Tours in London that are 1 hour or less are:
What Fashion Tours in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Fashion Tours in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
- London Rock Legends Small Group Tour
- The Ultimate London Fashion Experience – Private Custom Tour
- Trendy Covent Garden and Soho Walk – Private Custom Tour
- Secrets of the Victoria and Albert Museum – Private Tour
- Sustainable Shopping Tour – Private and Personalised
Historical Tours in London
What are the best Historical Tours in London?
The best Historical Tours in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Historical Tours in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Historical Tours in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
- Small-Group Tour: Historical Pub Walking Tour of London
- Small-Group Complete Cotswolds Tour (From London)
- Downton Abbey Village, Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds Day Trip from London
- Westminster Abbey Tour and optional visit to Houses of Parliament in London
- Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter Tour with Superior Transport from London
London Underground Tours
What are the best Underground Tours in London?
The best Underground Tours in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Underground Tours in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Underground Tours in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
- London Underground 2-Hour Tube Tour
- Private James Bond Walking Tour
- Half Day Private London Tour by Walking and Public Transportation
- Full-Day Private Fun Cultural Guided Tour of London for Kids
Street Art Tours in London
What are the best Street Art Tour in London?
The best Street Art Tour in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Street Art Tour in London are 1 hour or less?
Street Art Tour in London that are 1 hour or less are:
What Street Art Tour in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Street Art Tour in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
- London Landmarks & Secret Gems Bike Ride + Historic Pub + Graffiti Session
- East London Street Art Tour
- London Rock Legends Small Group Tour
- Off the Beaten Track in London: Private Shoreditch Tour
- London East End & Street Art Guided Walking Tour – Semi-Private 8ppl Max
Shows & Performances
What are the best Shows & Performances in London?
The best Shows & Performances in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Shows & Performances in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Shows & Performances in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
Theater Shows in London
What are the best Theater Shows in London?
The best Theater Shows in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Theater Shows in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
Adults Only Shows
What are the best Adults-only Shows in London?
The best Adults-only Shows in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Adults-only Shows in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Adults-only Shows in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
- Windsor Castle and Eton College Private Car Tour
- Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace – Private Bespoke Tour From London
Night Tours in London
What are the best Night Tours in London?
The best Night Tours in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Night Tours in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Night Tours in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
Cabaret in London
What are the best Cabaret in London?
The best Cabaret in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Cabaret in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Cabaret in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
Circus Shows in London
What are the best Circus Shows in London?
The best Circus Shows in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Circus Shows in London are 1 hour or less?
Circus Shows in London that are 1 hour or less are:
What Circus Shows in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
- Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London
- Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip from London
- Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise
- St Paul’s Cathedral Admission Ticket
- London Eye Fast-Track Ticket
Cruises & Sailing in Londdon
What are the best Cruises & Sailing in London?
The best Cruises & Sailing in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Cruises & Sailing in London are 1 hour or less?
Cruises & Sailing in London that are 1 hour or less are:
What Cruises & Sailing in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Cruises & Sailing in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
Sightseeing Cruises in London
What are the best Sightseeing Cruises in London?
The best Sightseeing Cruises in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Sightseeing Cruises in London are 1 hour or less?
Sightseeing Cruises in London that are 1 hour or less are:
What Sightseeing Cruises in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Sightseeing Cruises in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
Bus Tours in London
What are the best Bus Tours in London?
The best Bus Tours in London according to Viator travelers are:
- Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise
- London by Night Sightseeing Tour – Open top bus
- Tootbus Must See London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise
- Vintage London Bus Tour Including Thames Cruise with Optional London Eye
- Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock
What Bus Tours in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
- Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise
- London by Night Sightseeing Tour – Open top bus
- Tootbus Must See London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise
- Vintage London Bus Tour Including Thames Cruise with Optional London Eye
- Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock
What Bus Tours in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
- Small-Group Complete Cotswolds Tour (From London)
- Private Tour: Black Taxi Tour of London
- Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Small-Group Day Tour from London
- London Rock Legends Small Group Tour
- Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter Tour with Superior Transport from London
Car Tours in Londo
What are the best Car Tours in London?
The best Car Tours in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Car Tours in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Car Tours in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
Limousine Tours in London
What are the best Limousine Tours in London?
The best Limousine Tours in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Limousine Tours in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Limousine Tours in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
- Private London Tours by experienced Guide in Electric ️ London Taxi
- Private Full Day Excursion to Oxford and the Cotswolds in a London Black Cab
- Private PotterMagic Tour in London by Electric ️ Taxi
- Private Beatles & Rock n Roll London Tour with Guide in Electric ️ Taxi
- 4 Hour Tour Kensington Palace and St Pauls Cathedral (With Private Guide)
Mountain Bike Tours in London
What are the best Mountain Bike Tours in London?
The best Mountain Bike Tours in London according to Viator travelers are:
What Mountain Bike Tours in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Mountain Bike Tours in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:
- London Landmarks & Secret Gems Bike Ride + Historic Pub + Graffiti Session
- Classic London Landmarks Bicycle Tour
- London Royal Parks Bike Tour including Hyde Park
- London E-Bike tour
- The London Landmarks, Afternoon tour
City Tours in London
What are the best City Tours in London?
The best City Tours in London according to Viator travelers are:
What City Tours in London are taking additional safety precautions?
These London experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
- Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise
- Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London
- Tour for Muggles
- Best of London Including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, with a Cream Tea or London Eye Upgrade
- London In One Day Tour with Changing of the Guard with London Eye option
What City Tours in London are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds: