Experience the best London tours

London has so much to offer that one lifetime probably wouldn’t be enough. However, there are some essentials that should go on every first-timer’s bucket list. See London in a day for an introduction, or venture out on your own.

• The Tower Bridge and the Tower of London (where the Crown Jewels are on display) are among London’s most photographed landmarks.
• Newer but equally popular is the London Eye. Book your ticket in advance.
• Right opposite the giant ferris wheel is Big Ben, probably the world’s most famous clock.
• Royal fan? Westminster Abbey is where the kings and queens are crowned and the late Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William and Kate married.
• Buckingham Palace is the royals’ official London residence (the State Rooms are open to visitors during the summer).

Museums
London is home to over 200 museums but some are especially suited for kids.

• The Natural History Museum has more than 80 million objects on display spanning 4.5 years. Kids will love the dinosaur section and special family events such as T-Rex shows or sleep-overs.
• The Science Museum teaches science in a fun way. Highlights include the interactive and multisensory sections for young kids and an IMAX theater.
• Aimed at visitors under 14, the Young V&A features interactive displays, workshops and a stage where the little ones can show off their creative skills.
• Did you know that mail used to be transported by underground trains throughout London? At the Postal Museum you can explore the city’s subterranean world and take a ride with said train.

Parks

London became the world’s first National Park City in 2019. There are 3,000 parks making up for 40% of its public spaces. Here are three highlights.

• London’s most famous park, Hyde Park, features walking and cycling paths, a lake (with boat rental) and a playground.
• The nearby Kensington Gardens scores with beautiful flower walks and the Diana Memorial Playground, easily recognizable by a wooden pirate ship as its centerpiece.
• Richmond Park in south-west London is London’s largest park. While it might be slightly out of the way, its over 630 free-living deers make up for the journey.

Markets

London’s markets are great for shopping, eating, and people watching. Here are three must-visits.

• Camden Market is a labyrinth of quirky stalls, street food and colorful facades. Take a photo with the statue of late singer Amy Winehouse before you leave.
• East London’s Brick Lane Market is home to the largest vintage market in the country. Come here if you travel with fashion-conscious teenagers.
• Covent Garden is a city landmark in itself and rather on the posh side. It’s also London’s most famous busking spot.

Guided tours are a great option to cover a lot of ground in a relatively short time and hear stories along the way. Try one (or more) of our top-rated London tours.

• The London in a Day Tour takes you to the top sights like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London and includes a Thames river cruise.
• Our Royal London Walking Tour includes the Changing of the Guard and all the best royal sights around the city.
• Hungry? Book the London Borough Market Food Tour and eat your way through London’s most famous food market.

London’s peak season is from April to September as well as in December according to Visit Britain. If you are after pleasant weather but prefer less crowds, avoid July and August and plan your trip for springtime or fall.

To make the most of your London city trip, you’ll want to stay as close as possible to everything you plan to see and do. Charing Cross, Soho, and Covent Garden are all excellent spots for first-timers, while Kensington and Notting Hill have sights such as the Natural History Museum, the V&A or Portobello Road right at their doorstep. Camden and Shoreditch are famous for nightlife, music, markets and hipster hotspots.

One of the best things about London is that there’s always something fun going on.

Winter

• Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) is celebrated on 5 November with fireworks on and around the day.
• Christmas is a huge deal in London with the festive lights, markets and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (a mix of Christmas market and fair) attracting crowds.
• The fireworks at the Thames River on New Year’s Eve are iconic. However, be aware that you need a ticket to enter the viewing areas! (ticket sale in November). Get up early the next day for London’s New Year’s Day Parade.

Spring

• St Patrick’s Day on March 17 is celebrated with a parade and a festival on Trafalgar Square.
• The Chelsea Flower Show in May is a must if you love all things plants. There are also (free) flower displays all around the neighborhood.

Summer

• Trooping the Colour in June is the monarch’s official birthday bash, with a spectacular military parade and flypast, and all the senior royals in attendance.
• BST Hyde Park in June/July is London’s biggest music festival featuring international headliners.
• Notting Hill Carnival on the last weekend of August has parades, parties and spectacular costumes.

Fall

• The annual BFI London Film Festival in October attracts movie stars and fans alike.

London is a foodie hotspot with dishes from all corners of the world widely available. However, make sure to also try some British classics.

• The Full English Breakfast includes bacon, fried, poached or scrambled eggs, baked beans, fried tomatoes and mushrooms, sausages, black pudding and toast.
• Fish and Chips are best enjoyed at a fish and chips shop or a pub (head to Unity Diner for the best vegan version).
• Pie and Mash was Originally an East London working-class favorite, but they now come with all sorts of fillings and are served with parsley sauce.
• Chicken tikka masala is a national dish owed to London’s huge Asian population.

London’s iconic skyline is best seen from above. The newest (and highest!) free viewing platform is Horizon 22 (book your slot in advance or check for walk-in tickets).

If you love street art, head to Leake Street Tunnel, Brick Lane and Shoreditch. You can also combine the latter with our Jack the Ripper Walking Tour, following the path of the infamous serial killer.

Interested in unusual museums? Check out Dennis Severs’ House (a “still-life-drama” of an imaginary 18th-century family home) and the Museum of Brands.

Get a taste of London with our top tips for first-timers:

• See the highlights on our London in a Day Guided Tour, or check out sights such as Westminster, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye on your own.
• Visit the Tate Modern, the world’s largest gallery of modern art (free except for the special exhibitions!).
• Treat yourself to afternoon tea (small sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries and cakes) or Sunday roast.
• Browse the stalls at some of London’s famous markets.
• Choose a neighborhood, put your phone in your pocket and get lost. Your new favorite pretty street or cute cafe or store might be just around the corner.
• Watch a play or musical at the Westend or listen to some live music at a pub.

It’s possible to pack London’s most famous attractions into three days. However, if you want to add some pub experiences, check out a museum or two in depth or just venture out of the tourist zone for a bit, London can easily keep you busy for a week (or longer).

London has the oldest subway in the world (known as “the tube”) as well as trains and buses. Most run between around 5 AM and Midnight, while some tube lines operate 24/7 on Fridays and Saturdays. There are also night buses. While you can buy Oyster (top-up cards) and multi-day travel cards at all tube stations, the easiest way is to just tap in and out with your debit or credit card.

Shopoholics will have plenty of opportunities to go both bargain and luxury hunting in London.

• Oxford Street is London’s most famous shopping street. If you are looking for all the popular retail stores, you’re at the right place (there are roughly 300!). If you are more into smaller boutiques (or the Rolling Stones flagship store), head to nearby Carnaby Street.
• For vintage shopping and vinyls, make your way to Camden and Brick Lane Market.
• Notting Hill is your go-to place for stylish stores, little boutiques, antiques and the Portobello Road Market.
• Love designer clothes, luxury accessories and exquisite foods and drinks? Put legendary Harrods on your list.