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walking tour london route

This Is (Possibly) The Most Efficient Sightseeing Tour Of London

Want to do all the attractions , very quickly? Then here's the perfect London sightseeing map for you!

Guy Parsons

Ever wanted to go for a walk and hit up almost all of London’s sights in one fell swoop? Well, Redditor magulagie has the answer for you. They’ve created the ultimate London sightseeing map for tourists in a hurry. Just over five miles long on the map, it takes in a ton of London’s most iconic features, and if you avoid going inside any of the places you pass, it’ll only take about two hours ! Who needs to be filled in on all the historic interiors, anyway?

Perfect for ticking a lot of London tourist map boxes, filling up that Instagram story, or just getting your bearings on foot at the beginning of a trip full of London sightseeing . It’s like the Match of the Day of finding your way around London for the first time, and this one will hit like an injury-time winner.

Naturally, we had to give the sightseeing route a try for ourselves. And it definitely gets our seal of approval!

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You’ll start off at Trafalgar Square…

Bright sunlight and blue skies over Trafalgar Square, one of the best free things to do in London

There’s no London walking tour map without Trafalgar Square , so we might as well kick things off with this roaring-statue-filled paradise of pigeons…and a slice of London’s history, of course. A mighty first spot, and one that Nelson would very much approve of being tucked into first place. Where else would we begin?

Take a stroll along the Mall…

the view down the mall leading to buckingham palace - the road is lined with union jack flags

When we say stroll, we mean a speedy one—we’ve got a time limit to adhere to, people! A route in honour of Queen Victoria has to be added to a London map of attractions, right? Well, not necessarily, but when it looks this grandiose, you’ll want to be making it your next stop on your sightseeing tour. On we march; our love of London building more and more with each stride…

Until you arrive at Buckingham Palace…

The magnificent Buckingham Palace, the seat of the Monarchy, in London

Can’t really miss this one, can you? The home of the Royal Family gazes out over the plush fields of Green Park and attracts millions of visitors each year. If you see King Charles , be sure to quiz him on whether he’s ticked off all these boxes on his London sightseeing tour. Will he be a mere poser on London attractions or a go-to knowledge box?

Then head along Birdcage Walk…

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After you’ve taken a selfie with the Royal Family, it’s a no-brainer to make Birdcage Walk the next pin on your walking map of London attractions . Famous diary scribe Samuel Pepys mentioned this walk in his writings way back in the 1600s, and the name of the walk dates back to the reign of King James I . Not a bad smattering of history to saunter through on the way to your next destination. Tweet tweet.

Until you get to Westminster Abbey…

westminster abbey as seen on a sunny day with a tree in the foreground

Even if you’ve been before, or don’t plan to look inside, making time for the resplendent piece of gothic architecture that is Westminster Abbey on your walking tour of London is a necessity. It’s been the location of 39 coronations since 1066 , and you just need to stand and admire one of London’s crown jewels.

The Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben, are right next door…

the clock tower of big ben majestically towering over a statue of a rearing horse

Talking of jewels in London’s crown, it’s always nice to check out the big bonging boombox that is the Elizabeth Tower , better known as Big Ben . You can also kill two birds with one stone by adding the Houses Of Parliament to your London sightseeing day which, if nothing else, is good to tick off to say you’ve seen the place where Members of Parliament shout at the Members of Parliament sitting opposite them. And the place Guy Fawkes wanted to destroy…

Then head over Westminster Bridge…

Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster bridge at sunset, London, United Kingdom

The second path over the river in central London history, after London Bridge. It’s been here since 1750, though it’s only been green since 1970, and it’s the perfect spot for a moment of reflection on your walking tour of London… if you don’t get bumped out of the way by commuters hurrying across Westminster Bridge in the morning. Hey, it happens. Unless you’re the one who does the bumping. Then you’re the one to watch out for, you treacherous little fiend. We see you.

And you’ll get to the South Bank. Along here you’ll see the London Eye.

the london eye standing tall on a gorgeous blue sky day

Though the queue might seem daunting, there’s no denying that the dome built for the millennium is something that just needs to be seen. The London Eye was even named London’s most loved landmark in a study, so at the very least you’ll need to head over there on your walking tour to see whether you agree. But if you want to crack on with the quickfire walking tour, you won’t be able to dive into a pod for the view on this occasion — they go around slooooowwwwllllllyyy.

Now for the Southbank Centre

The iconic, bright yellow stairs at the Southbank Centre

Whether it’s a place to hang out in the summer to catch some rays or your checkpoint on the map for a cold day’s activity of viewing some art , there’s always something going on at the Southbank Centre , and you’ll likely see us banging on about it all year round !

And book stalls under Waterloo Bridge.

someone browsing the books laid out at a book market

“I kept always two books in my pocket, one to read, one to write in.” Robert Louis Stevenson was a maverick with the pen, so maybe we should start adopting this practice too. If you’re looking for one to fill the first item, then you’ll find just the place on your walking tour. Maybe the man who gave us Treasure Island and Kidnapped also once carried a London sightseeing map in his pocket…

Head past that scrap of sand we call the foreshore and the OXO Tower.

a patch of sand in front of some london buildings, including the oxo tower in the background

While we can’t get away with calling it a beach , we’ll just play pretend for this London sightseeing tour , okay?! There’s no time for a cocktail on these shores though; there’s a tour to be getting on with! Dawdlers, be gone.

Before too long you’ll arrive at the Tate Modern .

Exterior and entrance of the Tate Modern in London

London’s most popular art gallery, don’tcha know? Are you going to go in? NO. THERE IS NO TIME. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE REST OF YOUR LONDON SIGHTSEEING MAP.

Carry on along the river a little bit and you’ll see Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

An exterior shot of The Globe Theatre in Southbank, London

And this is embarrassing but (for the only time on this walk) you’ll have to double back on yourself very slightly. I know, the ultimate betrayal; but still not quite as bad as the one poor Hamlet was struck with.

Then it’s over Millennium Bridge:

the millenium bridge as seen from a low angle, with many people walking across it on a sunny day

2000 gave us Kid A by Radiohead, but it also gave us the opening of the incredibly useful Millennium Bridge. You can decide which you prefer for yourself; though you can, of course, enjoy them simultaneously along your London sightseeing map walk through the power of headphones. What a world.

Until you reach St. Paul’s Cathedral !

Londoners walking on Millennium bridge in front of st pauls cathedral

I hear it’s beautiful inside, but you’re not allowed to take photos anyway so, quite frankly, who’s got the time? Anyway, it’s Christopher Wren’s masterpiece and one that you’ll need to check off your London sightseeing tour list.

Then it’s time to walk along Cannon Street…

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This bit’s a little boring, to be honest. (It’s certainly nowhere near as pretty as its namesake in Birmingham .) But there is a stunning little townhouse, now home to The Walbrook Club, hidden away down a side street along the way. Don’t spend too long searching for it, though, as there are places to go and sights to see!

…until you get to The Monument!

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Don’t ask which monument – it’s The Monument and you’ll find it near Monument station. Keep your eyes peeled, because even if it towers overhead – it’s surprisingly easy to miss! The grand monument to the Great Fire Of London in 1666 is a tall order for your London tour, but I’m sure you’ll make it worthwhile.

Now just roll down Lower Thames Street and you’ll soon get to the Tower of London!

A picture of the Tower of London bathed in the sunshine, one of the best things to do in London

You could go in, meet the ravens, ogle a Beefeater, check out the Crown Jewels. Or say ‘nahhhhhhhhhhh y’alright’ and carry on. There’s plenty more of your sightseeing tour to tick off. Anyway, it’s a classy fortress that might look easy on the eye, but was also used to lock people up in the Tudor period. Don’t get on the wrong side of them…

Tower Bridge is, like, right next door. Get a load of that.

An aerial shot of Tower Bridge and The Shard at sunset in London Bridge.

Few more to go on your London sightseeing map . Getting tired yet? Good. You’ve nearly earned your end-of-tour pint. Hey! Stop thinking about alcohol and feast your eyes on Tower Bridge .

Then just a couple of minutes away you’ll reach the pretty marina at St. Katherine’s Docks:

the marina at st katherine's docks

Need a pint now… But St. Katherine’s Docks is pretty, and pretty much wraps up our London tourist map. I can hear those beer barrels being readied to fill the glasses.

Until – hurrah! – you finally arrive at a flower-festooned pub.

the flower-laden exterior of the old-timey looking dickens inn

Well played, my tourist friend: the cheeriest of cheers to you. Now it’s definitely time for a pint !

Also published on Medium .

walking tour london route

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Self-Guided Walking Tour London

walking tour london route

Although we do offer several fully guided free walking tours in London, they run on a somewhat regular schedule, which means you might not always be able to join us.

That's why we compiled this list of free self-guided London walks, including self-guided food and theme tours, such as Harry Potter film locations.

We've broken up these tours into the following categories.

  • Neighbourhood
  • Themed Tours
  • GPS-Guided Audio Tours
  • Other Free Things to Do in London

And if you are considering a London hop-on-hop-off bus tour, then these self-guided tours will come in handy when you are off the bus. Read our reviews of the best London bus tours .

For more ways to save money, check out our London on a Budget Guide .

Self-Guided Neighbourhood Walking Tours

Though we love showing guests around London, we realize that not everyone has the time to take a guided walking tour.

If our tour schedule doesn't work for you, or if you would rather explore on your own, then take advantage of our totally free self-guided tours!

Self-Guided City of London Tour

This tour takes you through Old London. Classic sites include St Paul's Cathedral, London Bridge, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge.

You can even watch a condensed virtual version of this tour right now.

Click on the map to enlarge it or download it to a smartphone

City of London Sights Map

We also have a GPS-enabled audio tour version  (sample below) and a pay-what-you-wish live guided tour option . 

Royal London Self-Guided Walking Tour

You can't leave London without seeing many of the sites included in this list.

Some of our favorites are Buckingham Palace, St. James' Palace, Big Ben, Parliament, and Trafalgar Square. 

Click on the map to enlarge it or download it to a smartphone .

Self Guided Royal London Tour Map

We also offer a pay-what-you-like live-guided Royal London Tour option  as well as a GPS-enabled audio tour version .

Camden Town

Once known as the Rock n' Roll capital of the world, Camden Town is now a popular tourist destination offering many great things to do.

Map of Camden Town Self Guided Tour

This is a self-guided tour to show the visitor some of the many interesting things to see in Camden Town London.

Piccadilly and St. James Walking Tour

One of the most popular touristic areas located in London's West End, this self-guided tour will cover places like Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.

Piccadilly Circus Walking Map

We also offer two guided walks that correspond to this self-guided tour, our guided tour of Soho and our Rock N Roll London Tour . 

River Thames Self-Guided Walking Tour

The best tour for photography enthusiasts!

This picturesque tour takes you along the River Thames to see sites such as the Millennium Bridge, London Eye, and Shakespeare Globe Theatre.

River Thames Walk Map

This tour is a great option for an evening walk. In fact, we offer this as a guided tour , usually from April through October.

And check out our audio tour version. Here's a sample.

Be sure to check out our guide to things to do at night in London for even more ideas for nighttime activities.

Self-Guided Royal Borough of Greenwich Walking Tour

Enjoy a leisurely walk through this posh neighborhood that will take you to sites like Greenwich Park, the Queen's House, and the Trafalgar.

Map of Greenwich London

A great way to get to Greenwich is by boat cruise .

Hyde Park and Kensington Walking Tour

This will take you through beautiful Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, past a posh royal palace and picturesque art galleries and museums.

SELF-GUIDED THEMED TOURS

In this section, we list several tours based on individuals, bands, movies, or ghosts.

Harry Potter Self-Guided Walking Tour

Dive into the magical world of Harry Potter!

This particular tour will focus on film sites in the northern part of London, such as Leadenhall, Australia House, Platform 9 3/4 as well as many other famous sights.  

Click on the map to enlarge or download to a smartphone

London Harry Potter tour map

We also offer a guided Harry Potter Tour  as well as a GPS-enabled audio tour version .

Guide to Beatles in London  

Although John, Paul, George, and Ringo hailed from Liverpool, there are plenty of London landmarks for Beatles-lovers to get their fix.

From recording studios to concert venues, shops to roof-top performances, London is filled with hot-spots for fans of the Fab Four. 

Map of Beatles Sights in London

There are many guided tours of Beatles sites with live tour guides and other fans. We offer a twice-weekly Rock N Roll London guided tour.

We also have a post on how to get to the Abbey Road Crosswalk .

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jack the Ripper Sites  

Try your hand at solving one of the most famous unsolved murder cases in history.

Our Jack the Ripper tour guides you through the area of London where the felon committed his most notorious crimes.

Jack the Ripper Locations and Sites Map

We've even included a photo from that era to give you a sense of how the city looked.  

We also offer a live-guided option for Jack the Ripper  as well as a GPS-enabled audio tour version .

Downton Abbey London Sights  

Downton Abbey exploded onto our screens in 2010 and people from all over the world watched the lives and exploits of the Crowley Family and all the characters surrounding them.

Although Downton Abbey has finished airing, it’s still as popular as ever.

For visitors who have traveled to the U.K. hoping to see some Downton Abbey locations and inspirations, here is our helpful guide to London’s Downton Abbey connections! 

Downtown Abbey locations in London

Roman London Walking Tour  

Get a better sense of just how powerful the Roman Empire once was with this tour.

Sites include the Temple of Mithras and a piece of the Roman Wall, which dates back 2,000 years.

Self-guided tour of Roman London

James Bond Tour  

Use your feet and the London Underground to visit sights related to James Bond in London.

You'll see a variety of historic sites such as Somerset, Buckingham Palace, and Whitehall, and you'll learn all about their connections to the character.

james bond london map

Literary Walking Tour - Hampstead Heath  

Hampstead was the birthplace of big names in the literary industry.

Hampstead is considered one of the more beautiful London boroughs and it is full of places for true literature lovers to explore.

London Literary London Map Hampstead Heath

Jimi Hendrix Sights  

London was an important city for this American rock legend. We offer a twice-weekly Rock N Roll London guided tour.

walking tour london route

David Bowie Sights  

Born in London, David Bowie left an indelible mark on this city. We offer a twice-weekly Rock N Roll London guided tour.

walking tour london route

London Ghost Tour  

Only for those bold enough to take a ghost tour on their own! Want some company? Join us for a guided ghost tour of London.

Wizards of London Game

This self-guided walking tour london app puts you in the shoes of a wizard to solve a mystery while discovering some of the most notable sites in the city.

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Haunted London Game

Discover the more frightening side of London's history as you attempt to solve a mystery during this haunted self-guided exploration game.

Queen: The Quest Must Go On Game

Fans of the band Queen may want to consider taking part in this self-guided exploration game which will task them with solving a mystery based on their music.

Get a taste of London with our free self-guided food tour: 

East London Food Tour  

It is possible to eat from any of the world’s cuisines when you are in the East End of London, but here is a small DIY tour that will have you sampling some of the best the East End has to offer those with a hunger for delicious food.  

Be sure to check out our pay-what-you-wish  tour guide led version  (watch video above).

Soho, Chinatown, and Piccadilly Food Tour  

Explore culturally and culinarily diverse neighborhoods of Soho, Chinatown, and Piccadilly.

We've curated a list of the best restaurants in the area to give you a real taste of London!

London Soho, Piccadilly, Chinatown Food tour map

Exmouth Market Food Tour

Venture out to Exmouth Market, the “real” London that's tucked just far enough away from other touristy parts with the best street food that London has to offer.

Covent Garden Food Tour  

Try out the culinary delights in one of London's liveliest neighborhoods in the West End.

Convent Garden Food Tour map

Borough Market

Discover the best eats you can find in Borough Market and get some ideas for what types of food you might want to get here. 

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city-walks London

Self-Guided London Walks

These London walks show you the best routes for your self-guided sightseeing tour to Big Ben & Co . This huge metropolis offers many areas that are perfectly suitable to explore by foot . The city-walks routes will help you to discover these areas in a relaxed way and experience the top attractions of London by foot.

Walking Maps for Download & Printing

On the detail pages of the self-guided walks you will find a free PDF walking map for download and printing! Simply save this map on your Smartphone or make a printout for on the way. So you will be able to focus on your sightseeing tour and explore the attractions of London .

City & Thames Walk

St Paul's Cathedral on the Route

City & Thames Sightseeing Walk

This route from city-walks runs mainly on pedestrian paths without traffic. Like the section along the Thames and the two pedestrian bridges on the route. In this part you will have a beautiful view across the vastness of the river Thames and in good weather conditions even a little feeling of southern flair may arise. But the sightseeing will also not be neglected at this walk. Come along to St Paul's Cathedral , one of the largest churches in London. Stroll by the Freemasons' Hall , a building which is the headquarters of the mysterious Freemasons organization. Enjoy the vibrant bustle of Covent Garden , an entertainment district with many shops, restaurants and cafes ...

Westminster Sightseeing Walk

Big Ben on the Route

Westminster Sightseeing Walk

This route starts on the lively Piccadilly Circus and leads you across the boulevard The Mall to the Horse Guards Parade square. If you start your walk at a certain time you will be able to see the Changing of the Guard there. Among the sightseeing highlights of this walking tour through the London borough of Westminster you will find the Big Ben with its characteristic bell sound , the impressive building of the Houses of Parliament , Westminster Abbey church and the well-known Buckingham Palace . St. James's Park and Green Park on the route offer good opportunities if you want to rest and relax on your self-guided tour.

Attractions

See the overview of the most popular destinations in the city ...

Interactive Map

Orientate yourself and find quickly the top favorites for your trip ...

Walks & Sightseeing

Explore London with the assistance of these self-guided routes ...

Top 10 Sights

Get some important information, facts and tips for your visit ...

Shopping Tips

Malls, department stores and shopping streets in the center ...

Free Museums

Discover impressive art treasures and highlights of our history ...

Travel Guide

See the overview of all topics with a brief description for each ...

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About city-walks.info:

Hello, my name is Wilhelm Balint . I am the author of this web page and the face behind city-walks.info . I love to experience the unique atmosphere of a city during a walk . Whether crowded tourist attractions or hidden sights , every place can look beautiful with the right viewpoint! city-walks.info should help you with tips and useful information to discover these beautiful views of the city. Read more ...

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Self-Guided Sightseeing Walks

If you want to see the landmarks then try The City , Seven Bridges and St. Paul’s to Big Ben . If you’re into the Royals then try Royal London . Along The Southbank is good for a leisurely stroll up the river

walking tour london route

Along The Southbank - Take a stroll along the Southbank from the London Eye all the way to Tower Bridge, taking in views of St Paul’s and the Square Mile

walking tour london route

The City (Square Mile) - Walk through the old City of London, past famous landmarks like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Royal Exchange and St Paul’s

walking tour london route

Explore Roman London - Travel back in time to when London was still called Londinium, and see what remains can still be seen above and below ground 2

walking tour london route

North Pole Expedition - A huge five-mile walk from Victoria all the way to the top of Primrose Hill via Regent Street, Regent’s Park and the penguins at London Zoo

walking tour london route

Regent’s Canal to Camden - How about a leisurely walk along the Regent’s Canal, taking in Little Venice, London Zoo, and ending at arty Camden Town 2

walking tour london route

Royal London - This walk takes you to St. James’s Palace, Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace, and the 1,000-year-old Westminster Abbey

walking tour london route

St. Paul’s to Big Ben - Walk from St. Paul’s to the Houses of Parliament, past lots of famous landmarks like Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square

walking tour london route

Seven Bridges - Walk down the river and cross over seven of London's most famous bridges, from Westminster Bridge all the way to Tower Bridge

walking tour london route

West End - Explore London's theatre district with this walk around the West End, past Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden 2

walking tour london route

Window Shopping - Walk some of London's most famous shopping streets including Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street and Carnaby Street

Upcoming guided walks in London

Outdoor Adventure Game: The Case of Colombia’s Finest

Outdoor Adventure Game: The Case of Colombia’s Finest Every day Discover some of the city's most curious locations in this self-guided outdoor adventure game

Greenwich Ghoulish Ghost Tour!

Greenwich Ghoulish Ghost Tour! Every other Sat Explore some of the creepy streets around Greenwich and hear stories about ghoulish crimes and haunted pubs

The Beatles Walking Tour: In the footsteps of the Fab Four

The Beatles Walking Tour: In the footsteps of the Fab Four Every Thu Walk across the Abbey Road zebra crossing and see where the band played their final gig on the roof

Sherlock Holmes Tour -- London locations from the novels & movies

Sherlock Holmes Tour -- London locations from the novels & movies Until 25 Sep 2024 Walk in the footsteps of the world's greatest fictional detective and Arthur Conan Doyle

London Bridge Ghost Tour -- Two mile guided walk

London Bridge Ghost Tour -- Two mile guided walk Every Sat Explore the dark streets and area around London Bridge and hear some spooky ghost stories and learn about its terrifying history 2

James Bond Walking Tour

James Bond Walking Tour Until 28 Sep 2024 Walk in the footsteps of the world's most famous secret agent and see some film locations from the James Bond movies

RELATED LINKS

On this page, most popular sights, tickets & sightseeing passes, things to see and do, from our blog.

Harry Potter attractions in and around London

OPEN TOP SIGHTSEEING BUSES

London tours, popular tours from london, free self-guided walks.

London Toolkit

  • Guide to hotel areas
  • Bed & breakfast
  • Backpacker hostels
  • Airbnb London
  • Central London tours
  • Tours from London
  • Hop-on hop-off bus tours
  • Harry Potter tours
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  • Downton Abbey tours
  • Windsor tours
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  • Ticket & pass offers
  • Central London attractions
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Rome Toolkit

Free self-guided London walks

Easy to follow walks covering the main sights of central london.

Buckingham Palace people walking

Using our London self-guided walking tours

These walks are designed as an aid to exploring Central London independently. We believe the best way of seeing London is on foot, supplemented by the use of public transport where required. These notes have focus on what you will see and where, no attempt is made to be a substitute for a good guide book on London.

With a good London street map or map app on your phone you'll have no problem following this walk and be fully equipped to make interesting diversions and adaptations with confidence.

The four walks here cover much of the main areas of Central London a first time visitor will want to cover. These walks encourage visitors to explore London independently and uncover the joys of walking London. You'll be surprised how much you can cover and how much more you see by walking.

London Icons Walk   City of London Walk   Kensington Walk   London Shopping Walk   Professionally guided walking tours London  

1 - The London Icons Walk

St James's Park, Buckingham Palace

This walk as its title suggests, covers many of the major blockbuster reasons that draws first time visitors to London.

The major sights that you must bring back a picture of: Buckingham Palace , Big Ben, Westminster Abbey , Trafalgar Square, the London Eye and many more, are featured on this self-guided walk.

We show you how to link these together into a memorable first day in London and many other fascinating places as well.

St James's Park is at the centre of this circular walk, a great place for a breather and some rest and recreation.

London Icons Walk

2 - The City of London Walk

Tower of London

The original City of London was built to the east of the area most visitors today visit - Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the West End entertainment area.

All the above places were outside the original walled city, now called the City of London. Today the City of London is the main business area, a major world financial centre. But as the area is London's oldest its full of interest.

The main formal sights of this walk are Tower Bridge, Tower of London , St Paul's Cathedral and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

The joy of this walk for many people though will be savouring the non tourist atmosphere and understanding London better both past and present. Its a great place to poke around and explore.

City of London Walk

3 - The Kensington Walk

Kensington Palace London

Just to the west of the very centre of London is Kensington . Many people will have their accommodation here.

This relatively short leisurely walk starts out in Hyde Park / Kensington Gardens, London's largest Royal Park .

After a visit to Kensington Palace , it's a short walk over to the Albert Hall and the South Kensington Museums.

For most people the museums here will keep you occupied for a full day, each one of them is free.

Just before you get to the Albert Hall you come to the impressive Albert Memorial.

The walk finishes with some upmarket shopping in Knightsbridge where Harrods is situated, just 10 minutes walk from the museums.

Kensington Walk

4 - The London Shopping Walk

London China Town

Yes, the walk does cover the tourist haunts of Oxford Street , Harrods and Hamleys toy shop.

But it is also enjoyable for those who are not great fans of mainstream retail therapy.

We also cover some specialist areas. Electronics at Tottenham Court Road, the music scene at Denmark Street and books at Charing Cross Road.

There's also China Town, the gentlemen's outfitters of Savile Row and Jermyn Street, and the luxury shops of Bond Street amongst others.

And of course Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street and Harrods and Harvey Nichols at Knightsbridge

Shopping Walk

Guided walking tours in London

Self-guided walking tours are great. But as an alternative you might want to consider taking a professionally guided tour. These tours are all led by knowledgeable experts who will entertain you with stories of London from long ago, as well as discovering both the iconic and the not so well known landmarks of our famous capital.

London may never look the same again...

For a further selection of London walks plus tours, see our page Central London tours

Ultimate walking tour London

ULTIMATE LONDON SIGHTSEEING WALKING TOUR

Ultimate walking tour, London

Ultimate London Sightseeing Walking Tour

• Small group London walking tour of top London sights • Knowledgeable local London tour guide • Short journey on Underground - valid payment method needed

Hidden walking tour London

HIDDEN LONDON SIGHTSEEING WALKING TOUR

Hidden London walking tour, London

Hidden London Sightseeing Walking Tour

• Secret walking tour of hidden London sights • Discover hidden gems and London's history with your local London guide

Changing of Guard London

ROYAL LONDON WALKING TOUR

Buckingham Palace, London

Royal London Walking Tour

• See St James's Palace, Buckingham Palace & Jermyn Street and many more • 2-hr walking tour in London • Professional guide

Harry Potter Muggles Walking Tour London

HARRY POTTER WALKING TOUR FOR MUGGLES IN LONDON

Harry Potter Muggle walking tour London

Tour for Muggles - 2-hr walking tour in London visiting Harry Potter locations

Adult £18.25, child £16.25

• See the real-life inspirations for Diagon Alley, the Leaky Cauldron, and the Ministry of Magic • Learn more about Harry Potter and the filming of the movies from an expert guide • Choice of departure times available throughout the day • Small-group tour limited to 20 people ensures a personalized experience

POPULAR LONDON ATTRACTIONS - ADVANCE PURCHASE AND/OR FAST TRACK TICKETS

Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath tour from London for £89

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Tourists on Westminster Bridge, London, on a sunny day

The 15 best walking tours in London

Those boots were made for walking, so use them to explore London’s best sights

London’s one of the most walkable capital cities in the world. Indeed, in many ways, London is the anti-L.A.: here people think you’re mad if you do drive a car around town. Besides, nothing quite lets you get to know a city like a good walk around – after all, London existed long before there were any forms of public or private transport more sophisticated than a horse. Plus, after trekking across half the city, you have the perfect excuse to sit down with a pint (or two). 

Sure, bus and boat tours are good, but there’s nothing quite like a London walking tour. From basic sightseeing treks to specialised theme tours, whether you’ve got a day, an afternoon or just an hour, there’s some sort of tour out there for you. Buckle up, folks: here’s our pick of the best walking tours in London.

Need more sightseeing inspiration? Check out our list of 101 things to do in London .

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click  here .

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London walking tours

Food Walking tour: West to East

1.  Food Walking tour: West to East

If you’ve got half a day to space and a burning curiosity to find out what exactly constitutes British cuisine (and then to eat it) this epic trek should be firmly up your street. Tuck into a six-hour walking tour that will take you from Buckingham Palace (where you'll witness the Changing of the Guard) past the Houses of Parliament and onto the Tower of London, where you'll surely be ready for the delicious British delights that await. Try fish and chips, scotch eggs, pie and mash and a so-called famous doughnut (not sure about that last one tbh), before venturing over the bridge to peruse the sights and smells of delicious Borough Market.

Kensington Palace Gardens tour with Royal High Tea

2.  Kensington Palace Gardens tour with Royal High Tea

If you're after an excuse to wear something other than wellies, visit the gorgeous Kensington Gardens on a guided tour before sitting down and nibbling scones at Royal High Tea. The two-hour tour is soaked in royal history and all the best bits of being British (tea and cake, mostly). Although entry to the buildings isn't included, you'll be walked and talked through the gardens, marvelling at the water features and Sunken Garden, with a visit to Princess Diana's statue and ending with an indulgent high tea in the surroundings of the Kensington Palace Pavilion. How marvy!

Three-hour secret British food tour

3.  Three-hour secret British food tour

Three hours of food and snacks? Yes, please! This three-hour guided tour includes eight delicious stops in the London Bridge area, giving you an insight into the history of British food culture (which is very cultured, might we add). Starting in the historic Borough Market, you'll eat your way through classics and end the tour with quintessentially British desserts and tea. Plus, on your travels, your tour guide will enlighten you on the history of each area and there'll be a secret surprise dish, too. Our tip: wear stretchy bottoms.

Harry Potter walking tour

4.  Harry Potter walking tour

Anyone who’s seen or read the adventures of the Boy Who Lived (and if you haven’t, have you been living under a rock?) will know that London is a recurring character in both the films and books. Follow in Harry’s footsteps with this 150-minute jaunt, which goes from the ‘real’ Diagon Alley through to The Leaky Cauldron, Platform 9¾ and other fantastical locales. Being Muggles, there’s obviously a bit of a limit to what we can actually see – but that won’t stop you from soaking up the magical atmosphere.

Westminster and the Churchill War Rooms

5.  Westminster and the Churchill War Rooms

Few Brits have a bigger reputation than wartime PM and noted cigar smoker Sir Winston. So what better way to get a feel for the capital than via Churchill’s London? In two hours your Blue Badge guide will take you to see an array of major Westminster landmarks associated with the man, such as Big Ben and Downing Street, alongside the poignant Cenotaph war memorial. Walkers will then be led to Churchill's wartime bunker, where you can see several items that once belonged to big man, discover top-secret conversations that went on down there and soak up the drama of the room in which the fate of the world was shaped so long ago.

Changing of the Guard guided walking tour

6.  Changing of the Guard guided walking tour

No experience is more quintessentially London than the Changing of the Guard: that is to say when one group of soldiers clock off and the next clocks on – with much ceremony – at Buckingham Palace. Your knowledgeable guide will also take you to see palaces, royal parks, royal residences and you'll even have an opportunity to march alongside the guards. The walk is aimed at all ages, with interesting insights for adults and plenty of fun for kids.

Gangster walking tour of London’s East End led by actor Vas Blackwood

7.  Gangster walking tour of London’s East End led by actor Vas Blackwood

East London is definitely no Longer the gangland of yore: if the Krays twins were around today they’d probably own some sort of ironic theme cafe. But there’s a rich and thrilling not-so-distant-past there, and this tour is particularly special Led by ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ actor Vas Blackwood (aka Rory Breaker), who'll share his wealth of knowledge about the villains – both fictional and real – of London’s murky underworld. Over the two-hour tour you'll hear tales of the notorious Kray twins around Whitechapel and see iconic ‘Lock, Stock…’ locations from the much-loved Brit gangster flick.

Historic pub walking tour

8.  Historic pub walking tour

You could probably spend years working through London’s endless array of pubs and not really scratch the surface. But this three-hour afternoon tour is a decent start. Discover storied alehouses and literary drinking dens on a journey that stretches from ancient Southwark to the shiny West End, on a walk guaranteed to visit at least four of the capital’s finest historic boozers. Hear the history of the buildings, learn the differences between Elizabethan coaching inns and Victorian gin palaces, and visit the watering holes frequented by Charles Dickens – and have yourself a pint, if that's how you’re inclined.

Private Sherlock Holmes walking tour

9.  Private Sherlock Holmes walking tour

Explore the world of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Great Detective – plus his beloved sidekick Dr Watson, of course – on this private three-hour walking tour of London. Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum (entry ticket not included), located at Holmes’ home of 221b Baker Street with your personal guide. Explore central London sites made famous in the filming of the Benedict Cumberbatch-starring adaptation ‘Sherlock’, such as Russell Square or New Scotland Yard. Along the way, lap up behind-the-scenes stories from the set.

Blood and Tears walk

10.  Blood and Tears walk

If you’re in the mood for something a little gristlier, then why not set a couple of hours aside one night to exploore the capital's dark side? You’ll be taken on a journey through the darker bits of the city’s past that includes visiting execution sites, learning about grave robbers and meet London's most notorious murderers as you wander from Barbican to Holborn. Unsurprisingly, a few details in this one are a little ghastly, so it's very much open to ages 12+ only (plus the 7pm start is past the little ’uns bedtimes).

Greenwich highlights half-day walking tour

11.  Greenwich highlights half-day walking tour

Perhaps no London borough is quite so distinctive singular as maritime Greenwich, and this fun and educational half-day tour comes highly recommended. All the major venues are on the walk, including the Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum, the Cutty Sark, Old Royal Naval College, Queen’s House and Greenwich Market. Put on your comfiest boots and join your knowledgeable guide to experience the majesty of Britain’s naval zenith and meet the spot where Thor had a fight with Christopher Eccleston in ‘The Dark World’. This tour is led in small groups, so there’ll be no pushing or shoving. 

Jack the Ripper tour with fish and chips

12.  Jack the Ripper tour with fish and chips

No name gets shivers running down the spine quite like Jack the Ripper, the infamous, never caught serial killer who terrorised the foggy streets of late Victorian London. See the sinister side of the city as you follow the blood-soaked footsteps of Jack and Sweeney Todd, wandering down gas-lit alleyways on a very spooky walking tour of London. Arriving at each scary spot by coach, your guide will dish out shocking true-life details about these infamous London murderers. Get goosebumps at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the most haunted theatre in the city, and hear stories of the Ripper’s East End. Then polish the night off in style with a fish supper at a traditional East End boozer.

Bowl of Chalk walking tours

13.  Bowl of Chalk walking tours

The name? It's Cockney rhyming slang for 'walk'! So that’s 'Walk walking tours’, which admittedly doesn’t have quite the same ring. Maybe don’t quibble about that to Jonnie, the born-and-bred Londoner with a passion for taking people on walks around the city and sharing some of its secrets. His weekend tours are fun, laidback and – best of all for the budget conscious– delivered on a 'pay what you can' basis. Private weekday tours can be booked too: take a look on the website for further details.

Unseen Tours

14.  Unseen Tours

These alternative, extremely worthwhile tours are run by The Sock Mob, a social enterprise that works with homeless, ex-homeless or vulnerably housed people. And the guides who lead the four different tours of four very different bits of London – that’s Covent Garden, London Bridge, Soho and Brick Lane – have all experienced homelessness at some time in their lives. This absolutely doesn’t mean the tours are gruelling misery porn that dwells on the hardship of the guides’ lives – far from it! Actually they're fun, laidback journeys through each area's local history, with a few important details about social injustice thrown in too.

East End street art walking tour

15.  East End street art walking tour

If you’re a Londoner, there’s a decent chance that you’re not so bothered about the historical side of walking tours. After all, you’re up to speed. You know it all. So here’s the chance to get to know a very different side to the capital. This two-hour tour takes attendees through the street art of the East End, wandering through alleys and markets and telling the stories of artworks through the artists that made them. Learn whose tags are whose and discover the history and meaning behind the art adorning the walls of this historic district.

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A Lady in London

A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s City of London Walking Tour and Map

It’s time for another of my London walks. This self-guided walk in the City of London will take you to see everything from the landmarks to the narrow passageways. If you want to experience the best of the area, read on for A Lady in London’s City of London walking tour. There’s a map, too.

City of London Walking Tour

City of London Walking Tour

The heart of historic London , the City has some of the richest architectural history and most important heritage buildings in the UK capital.

This London neighborhood has treasures around every corner, and lots of lanes and alleys to get lost down.

The City is also home to some of London’s newest buildings and most exciting contemporary architecture. You’ll see a great mix while discovering the area.

Bride Lane in the City of London

City of London Walking Tour Route

My self-guided City of London walking tour will take you on a trip through past and present, big squares and little courtyards, historic halls and modern skyscrapers.

From Roman times to today, it will leave you with a lasting impression of how many layers there are to this neighborhood.

The route passes by plenty of places to eat and drink, so you can stop for a meal, snack, tipple, or tea on the journey if you want to.

Fleet Street, London

Self-Guided London Walking Tour

This most historic of London walks starts at Blackfriars station. When you arrive, exit onto Queen Victoria Street on the north bank of the Thames and turn right to head into the City.

Walk up Queen Victoria Street and continue north on New Bridge Street. Don’t miss the beautiful facade of The Blackfriar pub as you transition from one street to the other.

The Blackfriar Pub, London

When you get to Bride Lane, turn left and follow it as it curves around to Fleet Street.

On your left you’ll see St Bride’s Church, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren (of St Paul’s Cathedral fame) in 1672. Legend has it that the church’s tiered spire was the inspiration for the traditional wedding cake.

St Bride's Church, London

Once on Fleet Street, walk down and take in the historic buildings as you go. Make sure to turn around for great views of St Paul’s Cathedral behind you, too.

There are great historic pubs like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese here, so you can stop for a drink or a peek inside if you want to.

When you get to Johnson’s Court, you can either turn right to go in, or if it’s a weekday and you feel like exploring the Temple area, you can continue down Fleet Street and turn left into Inner Temple Lane or Middle Temple Lane.

Temple is relatively small and self-contained, so it’s easy to walk around and take in the highlights.

Entrance to Temple, London

Whichever you choose, you can make your way to Johnson’s Court and continue your self-guided City of London walking tour when you arrive.

Walk up Johnson’s Court, a passageway leading to Dr Johnson’s House and the pretty courtyard of Gough Square in front of it.

The house was 18th-century writer Samuel Johnson’s home, and is now a museum. You can visit if you’d like to, or continue your walk by exiting Gough Square via Hind Court and Wine Office Court.

Gough Square, London

These alleys will take you out to Shoe Lane. Turn left on Shoe Lane, then right on St Bride Street. At the end, turn right on Farringdon Street, then take your first left on Ludgate Hill.

This street will lead you down to St Paul’s Cathedral with great views of it along the way.

St Paul's Cathedral

Once at the cathedral, you can go in to explore or just admire it from the outside. Either way, continue your self-guided City of London walking tour up Paternoster Row, through Paternoster Square, and up Queens Head Passage.

When you read Newgate Street, turn around and take in the view of St Paul’s Cathedral behind you.

St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London

After you’ve enjoyed the views, turn around and turn right on Newgate Street. Follow it as it becomes Cheapside, then continue on Cheapside as it becomes Poultry and Mansion House Street.

Eventually you’ll reach the intersection where Bank station is.

As you go, you’ll pass by St Mary-le-Bow church, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and whose bells define being Cockney (which is to say that if you were born within hearing distance of them, you’re a true Cockney).

When you reach Bank, you’ll be surrounded by historic buildings. In front of you is the Royal Exchange, to your left the Bank of England. The Royal Exchange has a beautiful interior and is worth popping into.

Royal Exchange in the City of London

When you’ve taken it all in, turn right and walk down Lombard Street, continuing as it becomes King William Street.

Follow it as it curves at Monument Station, then turn left on Monument Street to see the Monument to the Great Fire of London.

Another Wren creation, this towering column was built to commemorate the Great Fire of 1666 and celebrate the rebuilding of the City. It’s is a great one to climb for views over London .

Monument to the Great Fire of London

When you’re finished, walk north up Fish Hill Street, cross over Eastcheap, and continue up Gracechurch Street. Eventually you’ll reach Leadenhall Market, which stood in for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies.

Leadenhall Market

Take some time to explore Leadenhall Market, then continue your self-guided City of London walking tour by exiting onto Leadenhall Street.

Turn right, then take a left on St Mary Axe. This street will bring you to The Gherkin, one of London’s most beloved modern skyscrapers.

The Gherkin in the City of London

Take it in, then continue east down Bury Street and turn right on Creechurch Lane. It will take you back to Leadenhall Street. Turn left and continue along it to the end, then turn left on Aldgate High Street.

Take a right on Jewry Street, following it all the way down as it becomes Crutched Friars, Cooper’s Row, and Trinity Square.

At the end you’ll find yourself in an open space in front of the London Wall and the Tower of London. The Tower Hill tube station will be on your left. Your self-guided City of London walking tour ends here.

City of London Walking Tour Details

Map of the first half of the walk: https://goo.gl/maps/kzfcJjdLrVXUtF237

Map of the second half of the walk: https://goo.gl/maps/e6q7vh6CCSvrQsk38

Further afield: Tower of London, St Katharine Docks , Spitalfields

Blackfriar Pub, City of London

More London Walking Tours

I’ve written tons more London walks and aggregated them in my London walking tours blog post.

There are other walks to explore in London’s Hidden Walks , too. You can get it here . There are additional ideas in my London walking books post as well.

I’ve also compiled all my central London walks into one convenient blog post. You can use it to find more walks near the City if you want to. Happy walking!

Find this post helpful? Buy me a coffee!

New here? Join thousands of others and subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email .

One of the links in this blog post is an affiliate link. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on it and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support the A Lady in London blog.

9 Comments on Lady’s City of London Walking Tour and Map

LA PROXIMA SEMANA ESTOY EN LONDRES POR SEGUNDA VEZ, Y HARE ESTE RECORRIDO, AUNQ YA CONZCO VARIOS DE ESOS LUGARES,. FELICITACIONES POR LA GUIA!!!!

Hi, that’s a great article. You have covered the stuff in great detail. I was looking for walking tours in London but I think my friend and I can follow your article and do it on our own. Thanks!

You’re welcome! I’m glad to hear that.

What a charming city of London. I wish I could live there. Thanks Naeem

I hope you can someday!

Best way to see London: walk and walk and walk!

Well described, bravo 👋👋

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London Walking Tour

Logo Outdooractive Editors

We continue to the right in the direction of Westminster Abbey and Big Ben as well as the House of Parliaments. Our route now turns left and takes us past Downing Street (No. 10 is home to the Prime Minister!) and many government buildings, including the Ministry of Defence, to the gigantic Trafalgar Square. Now we walk further along Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus, where our city tour slowly turns into a shopping trip. In Regent Street we have the opportunity to add a short excursion by double-decker bus to Tower Bridge and the Tower. Line 15 travels the two kilometres every few minutes - it is a matter of honour that we sit in the front seat and enjoy the three-quarters of an hour (!) ride with the best view!

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  • London Christmas Walk - Green Park to Covent Garden, via Regent Street, Oxford Circus, Leicester Square, etc.
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  • London Winter Walk 13 miles/4 hours
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The Best London Walking Tours, 10 Incredible Routes

Interactive walking tours of london, bring the city to life..

  • CityDays brings an immersive new way to have a walking tour in London
  • Discover London's historic landmarks, secret sights & hidden gems
  • Solve fun challenges & puzzling clues to unlock your way
  • Optional breaks at top-rated pubs, bars and cafes
  • Interactive private tour, you and your team, at your own pace
  • Full money back guarantee. We know you'll love it

What to expect on a CityDays Walking Tour

Don't have a great time? Simply let us know why and we'll refund you in full.

Find Your Perfect Walking Tour

Each walking tour explores a different area of London, find the route that suits you best or work your way through! All bookings are fully flexible, alter your booking freely.

Mysterious Mews

Twist through Kensington's hidden gardens and cobbled backstreets… more

All Gone South

The underbelly of medieval London… more

Secrets of the Squares

Drink with Dickens then journey to the heart of Soho… more

From London to Londinium, back to where it all began… more

Humanity's Last

How far are you willing to go to survive… more

A Rift In Time

A ghost of Victorian London, will they be saved or scorned, you decide!… more

Return of Jack the Ripper

A body has been found in Whitechapel. Has he returned… more

Search For Shoreditch

Puzzling towards painted streets… more

A Forbidden Fayre

Mayfair, more than a Monopoly square… more

Greenwich Guile

Glorious gardens, fantastic cityscapes and the origins of time itself… more

Clues don't require any prior knowledge and are made up of two parts:

1) Obscured directions that make reference to the city around you. Unravel their meaning and be guided by your surroundings.

2) A puzzle to be solved once you've followed the directions, search nearby to find your answers.

CityDays aim for an enjoyable, just-the-right-amount, level of difficulty that is inclusive for all! Help messages are available should you need a bit of support.

A mix of clues, puzzles and photo challenges

Guided by clues sent to your phone

  • Receive snippets of history, quirky facts and intriguing stories about the areas you visit.
  • Pub/cafe breaks along your hunt, all totally optional and some with discounts on food & drinks.
  • Make memories at locations along the way, get inspiration from previous teams and share a clever snap!
  • Go at your own speed, or go for top spot on the game leaderboard.

Learn snippets of history, optional breaks in pubs/cafes and a leaderboard for each game.

London Walking Tour Reviews

The great things our customers have to say about CityDays Walking Tours

Charli and Dharini

Had a really fun time doing the London trail, looking forward to doing it again :)

Very fun way to explore the city

Irina & Louis

We absolutely loved the experience! After 18 years living in London, I thought we can’t be surprised but it is not the …

Amazing day out! This was my teams 3rd adventure in London and it was are favourite so far. The scenery was amazing. We…

Cambridge newbies

We absolutely loved the tour! We’re new to Cambridge and loved exploring the city and finding new things! We’d love to …

Potten End Old Boys

Excellent way to spend a couple of hours in the City. I used to work there and saw things I never knew were there. Well…

Really enjoyable experience. We learnt new things about the city of Brum.There is scaffolding outside the hotel opposit…

Our second City Days treasure hunt and another fabulous day! My husband was born and bred in central London and once ag…

Windsor oldies

Great day out exploring parts of London you would never normally do

Seekers of Aravos

I was in a team with my partner and our 9 year son. We had a blast. There was something for us all!

Are you okay?

We really enjoyed the scavenger hunt! It was a great way to get outside and enjoy the city in a different way. We both …

Three Women and No Baby

Second one I have done. Such a brilliant format. The clues are well written and make you really look at what’s around y…

Great way to entertain teenagers, they loved it.

A great way to learn about a city and have fun doing it. The clues were good and the walk was about right

Team Hammond

My wife and I had a fantastic day of exploring and refreshments. We will definitely be back!

Daryls birthday

Really fun morning. Would definitely recommend

Bickle's Bongles

The clues were excellent - easy to follow without being too easy to solve! Took us on a very pleasant journey around Lo…

Donkeys@2pm

It was excellent. Only error we made was at the Plague for the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. This was because the bronz…

Jannie's jaunts

Great fun and a fabulous way to look around a city, our first time, but not the last

Ready to see lots of smiling faces? Read all our customer reviews →

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The best self-guided walking tours in london.

As all explorers know, the best self-guided walking tours in London (or anywhere else in the world!) show you all the famous sites as well as some of the lesser-known landmarks that often go unnoticed, otherwise known as hidden gems . 

The good news is that London is absolutely full of them. They could be historical pubs, building quirks, lampposts, statues or even anomalies in the pavement. We’re not picky about the form our secrets come in: but we are very fussy about choosing the best hidden gems in London to show you. 

Our self-guided London walking tours deliver these fascinating secrets as well as leading you around London’s most famous boroughs. The only way to uncover them is by solving our puzzles and experiencing a trail for yourselves. Here’s more info about which trail might suit you best…

10 Top London Walking Tours

Central London Walking Tour

1. Central London Walking Tour - Secrets of the Squares

A blend of iconic landmarks and tucked away treasures, Secrets of the Squares is one of our most sought-after London walking tours. Navigate Central London’s most well-trodden streets while discovering its best-kept secrets. 

Even if you think you’ve seen Piccadilly Circus, The Mall, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Soho and Chinatown before – prepare to be amazed at the many curiosities concealed within Central London.

Perfect for:

  • First-time tourists in London
  • Returning tourists who missed key sights
  • Newly-arrived residents in Central London
  • People looking for unique things to do in Central London

Mayfair Walking Tour

2. Mayfair Walking Tour - A Forbidden Fayre

Put your posh pants on and explore one of the world’s most expensive districts, Mayfair. A Forbidden Fayre is a London walking tour that takes you through the high-class haunts of Mayfair, packed with puzzles and tantalising tales about some of the district's biggest characters. 

Add your footprints to the plush pavements that have graced no less than Hendrix and Handel, an American president and even a Victorian dandy who used to wash his boots with champagne. Mayfair - more than just a Monopoly square!

  • First-time and returning tourists to London
  • Trivia fanatics
  • Exploring secret places in London
  • Venturing through London’s ritziest neighbourhoods

IMG_20211230_145552 (1)

3. Dickens Themed Walking Tour - A Rift in Time

One of the best secret London walks for armchair detectives and Victorian history enthusiasts, A Rift in Time is a London walking tour that allows you to experience time travel as well as a Dickensian adventure of your very own through Covent Garden . 

Tiptoe through a narrative walking tour packed with puzzles and clues, all the while pursuing a mysterious stranger. Who is he – a victim or a villain? You decide, all the while soaking up enigmatic passages, historic arcades and, of course, plenty of charming pubs along the way.

  • Fans of Dickens and Victorian London
  • Team-building activities
  • Amateur sleuths who love a gripping storyline
  • Families and friends looking for unique things to do in London

St Pauls, The City of London Walking Tour

4. City of London Walking Tour - The City

Ah, Londinium! This City of London Walking Tour absorbs 2000 years’ worth of London history into just a few hours (2.5 - 3.5 hrs). The City of London is the original core of the UK’s capital and received its nickname, The Square Mile, from the Romans. 

Fun fact : The Roman word for “mile” derives from “ mille passus ” or “one thousand paces”. 

One of the best outdoor activities in London, this interactive walking tour takes you on a puzzle-filled adventure from St. Paul’s Cathedral to the Tower of London, past historic inns and even includes an Ancient Roman amphitheatre.

  • First-time and returning tourists
  • Family and friend group activities in London
  • Exploring historic sites in a novel way
  • Seeing Central London’s major and hidden sites

Southwark Walking Tour

5. Southwark Walking Tour - All Gone South

For those looking to uncover London’s secrets south of the Thames, All Gone South is a walking tour that takes you through London’s Most Historic Borough (it was founded in 880 by the Anglo-Saxon King Alfred). Discover South London hidden gems tucked beside iconic landmarks such as the Tate Modern art gallery as you decipher clues to take you around Medieval London’s hedonist haven. 

All Gone South is a great way to experience alternative London attractions, taking in historical and arty points of interest. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, especially foodies who will appreciate the many eateries, food vendors and pubs dotted along the way.

  • Getting to know South London’s hidden gems
  • People interested in Medieval history
  • Modern Art enthusiasts
  • Culinary connoisseurs

Greenwich Walking Tour

6. Greenwich Walking Tour - Greenwich Guile

Although it’s tucked away in south-east London, Greenwich should be at the top of your London walking tours list. Not only does it have Royal connections (both Henry VIII and his daughter Elizabeth I were born at Greenwich Palace, now the Old Royal Naval College), but it’s also home to time itself! 

Greenwich Guile is one of the best secret London walks for exploring an alternative area of London. It allows you to take a wander through London’s lesser-known attractions, picking up tidbits of maritime, Victorian and local history as you decipher cryptic clues in one of the capital’s greenest areas. There’s art, architecture and, of course, a visit to an excellent Victorian pub along the way.

  • Tourists who want to expand their knowledge of London
  • Family and friend groups who love the outdoors
  • People who thrive in green spaces
  • Maritime history lovers
  • Getting acquainted with royal history

Kensington Mews Walking Tour

7. Kensington Walking Tour - Mysterious Mews

Popular with the rich and famous, Kensington is a ritzy suburb full of quirks and curios. Despite its fame for being home to some of London’s most iconic museums including the V&A, Sambourne House and the Natural History Museum, Kensington is crammed with hidden gardens, remarkable oddities like headless lampposts and stories of Cold War espionage.

Mysterious Mews is a must for anyone who enjoys going beyond the obvious and delving deeper into local intrigues while never being too far from London’s notorious hotspots. Ideal for small or large groups, this London walking tour will test your ability to crack puzzles and pay attention to the finer details of Kensington.

  • Small or large groups
  • Tourists looking to expand their knowledge of London
  • Families (there are lots of great museums and child-friendly eateries along the trail)
  • Pub-lovers 
  • Residents of London
  • Celebrity spotters (Who knows who you’ll spot along the way!)

Shoreditch Walking Tour

8. Shoreditch Walking Tour - Shoreditch Shuffle

If your heart beats for art, there’s no better London walking tour than the Shoreditch Shuffle . 

Formerly known as one of London’s most debauched neighbourhoods, Shoreditch has undergone an incredible transformation. It’s hard to believe that just a hundred years ago, Shoreditch was one of the poorest neighbourhoods in London where many were living without basic amenities. 

This trail is an excellent balance of high and low brow: you’ll see incredible pieces of modern art, colourful murals and walk through the burial grounds of resting literary giants, as well as the chance to dip your toes into Shoreditch’s wartime secrets and experience some of the best eateries in London’s East end.

  • Art lovers 
  • Fans of modern history
  • Sampling independently run pubs, cafés and street food

Jack-The-Ripper-Walking-Tours-London

9. Jack The Ripper London Walking Tour: Return of The Ripper

Good enough to make it onto our list of top Murder Mystery London Experiences , Return Of The Ripper is a London walking tour for crime fans and amateur sleuths alike.

This self-guided Jack The Ripper Tour takes you around the Ripper’s former haunts in Whitechapel, but unlike other similar tours - you play detective at the same time!

Faced with a series of bizarre clues, a (real!) historical murder and plenty of puzzling facts, it’s your job to work out whether this ‘new’ body is the work of the Ripper or another perpetrator. 

  • Amateur detectives and history fanatics
  • True crime podcast lovers
  • Residents and tourists interested in Jack The Ripper
  • Exploring Whitechapel’s murky history

London-walking-tours-Humanity's-Last

10. Westminster to Waterloo London Walking Tour: Humanity’s Last

Ever wondered how you’d react at the news of a zombie apocalypse? This is your chance to find out! 

One of the best London walking tours for getting your mind and heart racing, Humanity’s Last takes you on a whirlwind journey through West and Central London while “avoiding the spread” of a mysterious illness.

On this self-guided London walking tour, you and your teammates become the main characters in an interactive city game. Battle your way from Westminster to Waterloo where you can solve riddles, discern clues and make impactful decisions…

  • London residents looking to explore the city through a fun game
  • Tourists who have already seen London’s major landmarks
  • Video game lovers
  • Big and small groups looking for an activity

Find Hidden Gems in London

If you’re on the hunt for the best hidden gems in London, you’ve come to the right place. Our walking tours of London divulge some of the best-kept secrets and hidden nooks in the city - even ones that are hiding in plain sight. 

Don’t believe us? Here are just three hidden gems in London that we’re willing to share…

Paternoster Square

“That’s not a secret, I walk past it every single day!” we hear you say. 

Hold your horses - you might have seen this particular London hidden gem many a time but did you know, for instance, that the first English novel (Robinson Crusoe) was published right here in Paternoster Square? It was first published in April 1719 by The Ship and Black Swan, one of the most famous publishing houses of the 18th century.

St Pauls Cathedral-2

Pelican Stairs

If you haven’t heard of this place before, it’s probably because you’re not a true crime fan. But here’s why it should be on your radar. Pelican Stairs is a hidden alleyway in East London that extends to an obscured London “beach” with a gruesome history - making this trip one of the spookiest London walks you can do in the city.

And not just any “beach” either. Once upon a time, over a hundred corpses washed up on the Thames shoreline right here - their identities and cause of deaths mostly unknown…

Leadenhall-Market-London

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market is as almost as old as London itself - established in the 14th century, people have been buying wares on this very spot the same length of time as the Tower of London has dominated the capital’s skyline. 

Obviously, it’s been revamped a fair few times since its inception but over its long life, Leadenhall Market has collected quite a few historic London moments: to name a few, it was once home to a drunken goose called Tom, the first Harry Potter film was shot there and, last but not least, the historic market even featured as a circuit in Mario Kart 8. 

The Best Historical London Walks

CityDays-London-Walking-Tours

Exploring London history is a bit like trying to eat a buffet all on your own: there’s no way you’ll make it around the whole table without feeling defeated. 

That’s why we break down our trails into suburbs and attach themes to some of our routes. We find it’s the best way to curate historical London walks that teach you snippets of history - spanning from the Roman era to yesterday. 

Don’t just take our word for it, though. Here are some of our weirdest facts about London to give you a taste of the sort of thing to expect from us!

London-walking-tours-03

Historical Facts About London: (1) A Situation in The Streets

In 1908, there were 24, 906 cars and 9, 782 motorcycles registered in London. Transport for London (TfL) estimates there are 2.8 million cars registered in London today, and 54% of households in the capital have at least one car.

Historical Facts About London: (2) Who’s Counting?

According to one newspaper published in 1885, London in 1884 had 101 hospitals and 407 newspapers. 

It seems the newly-formed Metropolitan Police had a job on their hands keeping the population’s blood alcohol content under control, too: that same year, 1884, 15,519 men and 9,618 women were arrested for drunkenness. 

Historical Facts About London: (3) Trams, Trains and Repair Costs

Although there’s barely a trace left of them today, Londoners were once great tram users. 

In 1907, London had 2, 151 miles of laid out streets to explore. Around 127 miles of them were covered by tramways, and an estimated 372,515, 754 users.

Summary: The Best Way to Join the Top Secret London walks

There you have it - 8 Top London walking tours to suit everyone. Whichever route you end up taking, you can be sure that you’ll be experiencing some of the best outdoor activities in London. Whether it’s a London history tour you’re after or you’re on a mission to discover secret places in London, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

It takes less than two minutes to book your walking tour with us. Simply click the book tickets button at the top of our page, or any of the links in the article above. And don’t forget, you’re in charge! You pick the day, time, who you play with and how you receive your messages. If you get stuck, you can always ask for a handy hint.

London Bridge-2

Answers to any questions you have can be found on our FAQ page or contact us to talk about a walking tour for corporate team building in London.

Finally, don’t forget you’ll find us in cities all over the world . Wherever you are, we’ve got places to take you.

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PlanTripLondon – Things to do in London

London in One Day

London in one day

If you plan to visit London in one day, you want to make the most of it and see the most important attractions and sights, especially if it’s your first time in this beautiful city.

London has a long list of iconic places and attractions that every visitor wants to see and visit, but if you only have one day to spend in London, you need to plan your day to see as much as possible. We have prepared two options for you to consider, two different itineraries for you to have two possibilities and make the most of your one-day trip to London.

One Day in London: Option 1 – Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour + River Cruise + London Eye

If you are only visiting for a day and want to see as much as possible, I highly recommend that you go on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, do a Thames River Cruise and go on the London Eye.

Our Experience

walking tour london route

We went on the bus tour, which very easily takes you around the most important places in London. With the bus tour, you get a free river cruise, which I enjoyed the most as the views are amazing, and we also went on the London Eye to round it all up. And this is exactly what I recommend you do if you are planning to spend a day in London.

Sightseeing bus tour and river cruise

The open-top bus tour takes you to all the important places, such as Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Oxford Street, Regent Street… And you can stay on the bus or get off at any stop and then get back on the bus whenever you want to. It´s an easy way to explore London, and not have to worry about public transport.

The free river cruise is fantastic, in my opinion, one of the best things to do in London if you have one day. From the river, you’ll be able to see the houses of parliament, the London Eye, Shakespeare´s Globe, St Paul’s Cathedral… You will also see London Bridge, Millennium Bridge, and the famous Tower Bridge. The river cruise will also allow you to take beautiful photos of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

If you are arriving at King´s Cross St Pancras Station, then the open-top bus tour would be ideal, as there is a bus stop to hop on the bus as you exit the station.

We recommend that you get fast-track tickets for the London Eye online beforehand, so you avoid the long queues and go directly to the prepaid tickets queue; this way, you’ll make sure you make the most of your day in London.

One Day in London: Option 2 – Walking Route + London Eye

We have designed a walking route enabling you to discover London in a day if you would rather walk to see the city’s sights. With our walking route, you will see some of the most important landmarks, and you will probably have time to see the Changing of the Guard, visit Westminster Abbey and go on the London Eye.

Walking route to visit London in a day step-by-step

Changing on the guard at buckingham palace.

Our walking route starts at Green Park Underground Station . From here, we will walk towards Buckingham Palace, where the famous changing of the guard ceremony takes place at 11.00 am on certain days. Make sure you check the exact dates of the changing of the guard to avoid disappointment.

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and London Eye

After seeing Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, we will walk across St James´s Park and head towards Westminster Abbey and Big Ben along Whitehall, past 10 Downing Street. We can then cross Westminster Bridge, admiring the views from this bridge, and make our way towards the London Eye .

Tower of London and River Cruise

At this point, one option is to go to the Tower of London by boat. We can jump on an Uber boat at London Eye Pier and go to Tower Pier. This is a riverboat service (like a river bus), so just an easy and cheap way to cruise the Thames and take in the views. As it isn´t a touristic cruise, there is no live commentary. Still, it´s a perfect way to go from one part of London to another. On the way, you can spot Shakespeare´s Globe , the Millenium Bridge , Tate Modern, Hay´s Galleria … Get off at Tower Pier to see the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Afterwards, jump back on the Uber boat and return to London Eye. If you are feeling a bit hungry, you could go to St Katharine´s Dock to grab a bite, as there are several restaurants in the area.

walking tour london route

Once we return to the London Eye, we can continue our walking route. Explore London´s beautiful Southbank for a bit. This is where the Sea Life Aquarium, London Dungeons, Shrek´s Adventure and Southbank Centre are . You will find many restaurants here.

Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Covent Garden

We´ll cross the Thames over Hungerford and Golden Jubilee Bridges and make our way towards Trafalgar Square . This is where the National Gallery (free entry) is. From Trafalgar Square, we can easily walk towards Piccadilly Circus.

From Piccadilly Circus, we will walk along Regent Street and explore Carnaby Street . After walking through London´s Soho, we will reach Leicester Square and Covent Garden .

Covent Garden is a great place to grab a bite. There are many restaurants in the area. Seven Dials Market is also just around the corner from Covent Garden, another great option if you´re hungry. This is also where we can find several theatres and London´s best musicals .

Itinerary to visit London in a day

Transport suggestions

If you are going to spend just one day in London, it may be tempting to buy single fares if you’re going to use public transport, such as the underground or the bus. We encourage you to buy an oyster card for the day or use contactless payment if possible.

You will pay less for each journey this way than buying single fares or even a day travelcard, as the oyster card´s daily capping makes it cheaper to use than a day travelcard.

You can also use oyster or contactless on the riverboat service mentioned above.

Related Posts

Changing of the guard in london: dates 2024, the best black taxi tours in london, best musicals in london in 2024, thames river cruises in london: options, offers and available routes.

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Attractions

One-day walking tour of london’s top sights.

If you’re only in London for a short time, or you want to take advantage of the close proximity of the top sights, you’re in luck, because a one-day walking tour of London is very doable and one of the things we recommend for all first-time visitors to London.

If you only have one day in London , you won’t be able to spend hours browsing through museums, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or waiting in an atrociously long line to ride the London Eye, but you can see most of London’s top sights without just catching glimpses of things from the top level of the hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Big Ben and Parliment - on a one-day walking tour of London

Even if you have more than one day, we recommend following this walking guide to see all the top sights in a short time. There are so many more things to see and do in London (like these awesome foodie activities ) and you wouldn’t want to waste any time!

Planning your trip?

  • Book a  transfer from the airport  to the city center with  Welcome Pickups .
  • Rent a car  from London airport through  Discover Cars .

Where to Stay in London:

  • Marriott County Hall ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor .
  • Clermont London Charing Cross ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor .
  • The Resident Covent Garden Read reviews on  Trip Advisor .

Best Tours and Experiences in London

  • Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London – Experience a guided day trip from London to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath, where you can explore historic landmarks.
  • Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise – Experience the grandeur of London with the flexibility of a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour on an open-top, double-decker Big Bus.
  • Best of London with Tower of London and Changing of the Guard, Cream Tea or London Eye Upgrade – Experience the best of London’s landmarks on a comprehensive city tour.

Looking for more information about London to make your planning easier? Check out these resources:

  • Visit London’s top sights on a one-day walking tour
  • Find a unique dining experience , top international restaurants and the best cocktails and rooftop bars in London
  • See what to do, where to stay, and where to eat in London in this Essential travel guide to London
  • Paris is only a short train ride away. Check out these fun foodie things to do in Paris .

hyde park

Table of Contents

London’s Top Sights for First Timers

For convenience sake, our London walking tour starts at Hyde Park Corner station. If you’re coming directly from Heathrow airport, you may be coming into Paddington station and from there you can either walk to Hyde Park or transfer to Hyde Park Corner station. Of course, if you’re already in London, you can start right at the first stop, Buckingham Palace.

Note: If starting at Paddington station, be sure to walk through the center of Hyde Park, to catch a glimpse of the Peter Pan Statue and Kensington Gardens.

In order to see as many of the top sights in London in one day, you’ll need to be able to walk at least 5 miles, so be prepared with comfortable walking shoes. If you can’t/don’t wish to walk that far, you can take the tube after the London Eye at Waterloo station to the London Bridge station and shave off nearly two miles.

Keep in mind that you can also reverse this walk and start at the Tower of London instead, which is a great idea if you’re visiting London in the summer. The lines at the Tower of London can be pretty bad in the afternoon.

If you have kids along with you, this itinerary might be a bit too much walking for them. You might want to check out these top things to do in London with kids for a few alternate activities.

⇒ Check out all the top activities in London and book your activities before you go.

Map of London Attractions

Here is a Google map with the full walking path of our one-day in London sightseeing walk. As you can see, the entire path takes 1:45 mins of walking, without stopping to take in the sights. It involves a total of 5.2 miles of walking.

For convenience sake, you can download or save this map to use either online or offline on Google maps, in case you’ll have a device along. This will ensure you don’t get lost and use the most direct path.

STARTING DIRECTIONS: If starting at Hyde Park Corner, walk diagonally along Constitution Hill, through Green Park to Buckingham Palace.

Stop #1  Buckingham Palace 

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the official London home of England ‘s monarchy since 1837. You can’t go in (except during a short summer opening), so the best you’ll get is a peek from behind the wrought-iron gate. The Changing of the Guard happens at 11:30am every day.

You can tell if the queen is at home based on the flag that flies over the palace. If the red Union Jack flag is flying, she’s out. If the Royal Standard flag with yellow, red and blue squares is flying, she’s in. The queen splits her time between Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, in the town of Windsor. See how easy it is to take a day trip to Windsor from London here .

>>Get your tickets here for a changing of the guard walking tour.

Directions to Stop 2: Walk .8 miles east along Bird Cage Walk toward the Thames River. Turn right on Storey’s Gate.

Stop #2 Westminster Abbey 

Westminster Abbey

One of London’s most recognizable icons is the 700-year-old Westminster Abbey, where England ‘s kings and queens have been coronated since 1066. There have been 16 royal weddings held at the church since 1100, most recently the wedding of Prince William and Kate.

The church is no longer classified as a cathedral, but it is still open for worship, thus visitors are only allowed from 9:30am, Monday-Saturday. If you wish to go in, there’s a £20 entrance fee and reservations should be made online in advance .

Directions to Stop 3: Walk back up Storey’s Gate and turn right on Great George St. 

Stop #3 Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster) & Big Ben

Palace of Westminster and Big Ben

The Houses of Parliament and its iconic clocktower, Big Ben, stand out among the London landscape. Big Ben is the name given to the Great Clock atop Elizabeth Tower at the north end of the palace. You don’t have to be content with just taking pictures of the intricate Gothic architecture from the outside, you can get tickets for a tour of Westminster and Big Ben.

BOOK HERE. The tour of Westminster is a 90-minute tour through the House of Lords and House of Commons.

Directions: Walk .2 miles across Westminster bridge and turn left along the waterfront path.

Stop #4: London Eye

The London Eye offers spectacular views of the London waterfront

Built for the year 2000 celebration, the London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel that is very popular among visitors. The 30-minute ride soars over the waterfront and offers spectacular views from 135 meters up. It costs roughly £30. Tickets can be bought online for a discount.

If you don’t buy tickets ahead of time, you may face a very long wait. I highly recommend purchasing skip the line tickets from Viator . You’ll be glad you did when you walk past all those people waiting. BOOK HERE .

Directions to Stop 5: I prefer to take the 1-mile walk east along the Queen’s walk (the waterfront), but if it’s too far of a walk for you, you can hop on the 381 bus and get off at the Blackfriars Road stop.

Stop #5: Tate Modern

tate modern

The Tate Modern is a free modern art museum located along the south bank of the Thames in an old World War II power station. It’s definitely worth a bit of your time. All of the permanent collections are free to see, but a charge may apply to temporary exhibits, many of which you’ll probably find are extremely worth it.

Directions to Stop 6: Continue walking along the waterfront path, which wraps around onto Bank End and Park Street, which leads directly into Borough Market.

Stop #6: Borough Market

Borough Market Kitchen

Borough Market is a food mecca, packed full of top quality food products to sample and take home. There are dozens of restaurants, cafes, produce vendors, bakeries, meat shops… you get the point. Make sure you go there when you’re hungry! 

This place was made especially for people like me who love to experience local food and drink while traveling. I have two thoughts on the best time to visit Borough Market. First, you need to go there when you’re hungry, because the food options are very tasty. But you don’t want to be there when the crowds are heavy. I prefer to go on a weekday before noon.

⇒ Check out our full guide to Borough Market so you can decide what to eat in advance

If you’re got more time to spend in the city, I highly recommend a food tour of Borough Market.

Directions to Stop 7: Walk out of the market at the steps near Southwark Cathedral.  Turn left to the London Bridge .

Stop #7: London Bridge

London Bridge

There’s really not much to see here – it’s a bridge, after all. But you’ll walk by it so you might as well know some of the history. The current bridge is one of many that have spanned this part of the Thames River over the years. It opened to traffic in 1973.

What I like most about this bridge is the view of the Tower Bridge. If you want to snap a great picture of London’s more scenic bridge, this is a great spot to do it.  If you have time, you can stop off at The London Bridge Experience.

Directions to Stop 8: Walk back toward Borough Market and turn left at the street that goes down into the London Bridge Station. You’ll see signs for The Shard. You don’t enter the station; you walk through it.

Stop #8: The Shard

The Shard in London

Western Europe’s tallest building, The Shard houses offices, restaurants and a visitor viewpoint. Tickets for The View From the Shard are sold in timed increments and cost around 25£. This is the only place in town you can see an uninterrupted view of London, almost twice as high as any other building in the city.

The Shard is home to the Shangri-La Hotel and there are 6 restaurants and bars where you enjoy a meal with a view . If you go to the top, you can walk around two levels and even have a Champagne toast at the top.

Directions to Stop 9: Walk under the London Bridge Station to the other side. Take a right on Tooley Street to Hay’s Gallery. You can walk through the gallery. There are many places to stop for a bite or a refreshment, if you need it. Once out of Hay’s Gallery, turn right and walk along the waterfront.

Stop #9: Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge

The Tower Bridge was built out of the necessity to have more ways of crossing the Thames when the population of London began to swell. It took nearly 8 years to construct and opened in 1894. You can take great pictures along the walk or stop inside the Tower Bridge to see the view through the glass floors, the engine room, and to learn more about its history.

I just like to walk across it and admire it’s beauty and intricacy. A huge restoration project of the bridge took place in 2009. Over 22,000 liters of blue paint were used, but it should last for up to 25 years.

Directions to Stop 10: Walk across the bridge and take the stairs down to the waterfront.

Stop #10: Tower of London

The Tower of London

The palace and fortress called the Tower of London is a museum housing hundreds-of-years-old symbols of royalty, blood, and gore. It was once a prison! It’s pretty expensive to get in, and takes a good amount of time to walk around and get the most from the experience.

If you plan to go in, you’ll want to arrive late in the afternoon, when the crowds have started to die down, which is about when this walking tour will deposit you there, so you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the museum.

Be sure to book your Tower of London tickets in advance so you’re not disappointed when you arrive and can’t get tickets. Certain times of the year are extremely busy at the tower.

Of course there are dozens of other great things to do in London besides see the main tourist sites (like join this Secret London Tour with Fun London Tours), but if you only have one day and want to preserve your feet for the rest of your trip, you’ll probably want to stop there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best-known sights in london.

London is a city filled with iconic landmarks and attractions. Some of the best-known sights in London include Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) and the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, The London Eye, The Shard, The Tate Modern, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Borough Market, and London Bridge. These are just a few of the many famous sights that London has to offer. The city is full of history, culture, and landmarks, making it a top destination for travelers worldwide.

What are six famous places in London?

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the British monarch in London, The Tower of London, The British Museum, The London Eye, and Tower Bridge. These places are just a few famous attractions that make London a captivating and diverse city.

What not to miss when visiting London?

Some of the top things not to miss in London: Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) and the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, The London Eye, The Shard, The Tate Modern, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Borough Market, and London Bridge, the British Museum, West End Theatres, Covent Garden, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Thames River Cruise, Camden Market, The British Library, Natural History Museum, Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market, Greenwich: the Royal Observatory, and the National Gallery. These are just a few highlights of what London has to offer.

This four-mile walk, with adequate time taken at each stop will take you 5-8 hours to complete. After taking this one-day walking tour of London, I’m sure you’ll love the city as much as we do.

For a different perspective, check out this post on  24-hour in London: Five Places You Must Visit . Or if you’d like to try a different walk, try this walk from Trafalgar to Drury Lane .

Tours To Book:

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

  • Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
  • Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
  • Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
  • Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

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Laura

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

5 thoughts on “ One-Day Walking Tour of London’s Top Sights ”

I love london eye.

Link to https://xyuandbeyond.com/2016/11/08/trafalgar-square-to-drury-lane/ is broken:-(

It’s fixed. Thanks.

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    Try our 10 free self-guided walking tours around London, with route maps, and explore the best landmarks, attractions and streets that the city has to offer ... The City - This self-guided walking tour will show you the best streets and landmarks in the City, including the Royal Exchange, St. Paul's and the Tower of London.

  7. London: Ultimate Sightseeing Walking Tour with 30+ Spots

    14 Bournemouth. 15 Blackpool. 16 Canterbury. 17 Windermere. 18 Chester. 19 Skipton. 20 Newcastle. Get the most out of your time in London with a pre-planned itinerary on an action-packed walking tour that covers the city's two most historic areas. Visit over 30 of London's best sightseeing spots.

  8. London: London Sightseeing Walking Tour with 30+ sights

    See 30+ famous London landmarks, sights and tourist attractions on a guided walking tour. Discover London attractions including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Bank of England, Tower Bridge, London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral and many more. Knowledgeable local London tour guide with photos to bring ...

  9. The Queen's Walk, London: Self-Guided Route + Map

    The Queen's Walk is a 2-mile (3.5-kilometre) voyage that passes some of the most iconic landmarks and art galleries in London. Here's our self-guided walking route including map and instructions. The Queen's Walk London (sometimes called the Queen Elizabeth Walk) is one of the best walks in London. Heading along the South Bank it peers up ...

  10. 16 best walking tours in London

    Walk through the scenic hidden streets, back roads and canal paths around the city with London Walks and discover more about Jack the Ripper, The Beatles, Shakespeare, royal London, ghosts in the City and London street art among others. 16. City Visitor Trail Free. Tower Bridge. Image courtesy of City of London.

  11. Free self-guided London walks

    Tour for Muggles - 2-hr walking tour in London visiting Harry Potter locations. Adult £18.25, child £16.25 • See the real-life inspirations for Diagon Alley, the Leaky Cauldron, and the Ministry of Magic • Learn more about Harry Potter and the filming of the movies from an expert guide • Choice of departure times available throughout ...

  12. City Of London Walk: Self-Guided Route + Map

    Use our map to navigate this self-guided walking tour of the City of London. We recommend starting at Holborn tube station and finishing at Tower Bridge tube station. However, you could also do this walk in reverse. The walk is 4.5 miles (7.25 kilometres) and, if you walk without stopping, it would take just over 2 hours.

  13. London Walking Tours

    38. London Walking Tours: Harry Potter. My thirty-eighth walk is another themed one. It covers the main Harry Potter sites in London, from places that featured in the novels to ones that were used as filming locations for the movies. The route of this self-guided London walking tour goes from Westminster to Tower Bridge. Along the way it will ...

  14. The 15 Best London Walking Tours

    Book now. 12. Jack the Ripper tour with fish and chips. No name gets shivers running down the spine quite like Jack the Ripper, the infamous, never caught serial killer who terrorised the foggy ...

  15. City of London Walking Tour

    City of London Walking Tour Route. My self-guided City of London walking tour will take you on a trip through past and present, big squares and little courtyards, historic halls and modern skyscrapers. From Roman times to today, it will leave you with a lasting impression of how many layers there are to this neighborhood.

  16. London Walking Tour • City Walking » outdooractive.com

    London Christmas Walk - Green Park to Covent Garden, via Regent Street, Oxford Circus, Leicester Square, etc. Walking - Marble Arch to Brixton 5.8 miles (9.3km) London Winter Walk 13 miles/4 hours. London City Walk. These suggestions were generated by our system.

  17. Best London walks

    Go off the main tourist trails and discover walks at London's lesser-known locations, such as the city farm in Crystal Palace Park. Explore Walthamstow Wetlands, London Fields and more green spaces on the Green Link Walk, a 15-mile walking and wheeling route that stretches from Epping Forest to Peckham town centre.

  18. 10 Incredible London Walking Tours

    The Best London Walking Tours, 10 Incredible Routes 4.89 / 5 out of 5 844 reviews. Interactive walking tours of London, bring the city to life. ... 10 Top London Walking Tours. 1. Central London Walking Tour - Secrets of the Squares. A blend of iconic landmarks and tucked away treasures, ...

  19. London in One Day: Itinerary and free maps with walking routes

    1 One Day in London: Option 1 - Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour + River Cruise + London Eye. 1.1 Our Experience. 1.2 Sightseeing bus tour and river cruise. 1.3 London Eye. 2 One Day in London: Option 2 - Walking Route + London Eye. 2.1 Walking route to visit London in a day step-by-step. 2.1.1 Changing on the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

  20. One-Day Walking Tour of London's Top Sights

    If you're only in London for a short time, or you want to take advantage of the close proximity of the top sights, you're in luck, because a one-day walking tour of London is very doable and one of the things we recommend for all first-time visitors to London. If you only have one day in London, you won't be able to spend hours browsing through museums, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or waiting ...