London Sightseeing Made Easy: Attractions, Insider Tips & More

Having just returned from a weekend away to London, all the best London sightseeing tips are fresh in my mind! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, London’s mixture of historic and modern attractions are sure to cater to every interest.

With so many iconic spots to see and hidden gems to discover, a well-thought-out “London sightseeing” guide will help you navigate the city’s vast array of attractions efficiently.
Without a doubt, it will guarantee you get through the must-see sights, alongside offering insider tips for the ultimate London sightseeing experience.



Historic Landmarks for London Sightseeing

Exploring historic landmarks is an absolute must on any London sightseeing adventure. The city’s history is preserved so well, drawing millions of tourists each year. We did a trip ourselves purely to see these tourist hot spots, and do not regret a thing! Here are three must-visit historic landmarks that should be on your London sightseeing itinerary.

Entrance to Westminster Abbey - a must when London sightseeing

Tower of London

Dive into 900 years of history at the iconic Tower of London, a historic fortress located on the north bank of the River Thames.
You can explore the medieval architecture, the White Tower, and the Crown Jewels, and learn about the tales that took place within its walls, while also witnessing the Yeoman Warders, commonly known as Beefeaters, who guard the tower.

🇬🇧 Book Tickets For Tower Of London Here 🇬🇧

Westminster Abbey

No London sightseeing tour is complete without a visit to Westminster Abbey.
This Gothic abbey church serves as both a place of worship and a symbol of British heritage. As you walk through the abbey, you’ll be met with stunning architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and the Poets’ Corner, dedicated to famous literary figures.

🇬🇧 Secure Tickets For Westminster Abbey Today 🇬🇧

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is a true highlight of London sightseeing, standing at the highest point in the City of London.
You can admire the beautiful mosaics, the Whispering Gallery, and the crypt where figures like Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington are buried, all while the iconic dome offers breath-taking views of the city from its Golden Gallery.

🇬🇧 Check Availability For St Paul’s Cathedral Here 🇬🇧


Modern Attractions for London Sightseeing

London is not just a city of ancient history; it also has some of the most impressive modern attractions in the world.
For those interested in contemporary landmarks and experiences, here are three must-visit spots that should be included in your London sightseeing itinerary.

Platform 9 3/4 in London

The Shard

Standing at an impressive 310 metres (1017 ft) the Shard is the tallest building in the UK.
Make your way up to the observation deck on the 68th, 69th, and 72nd floors to enjoy 360-degree views, seeing up to 40 miles in every direction on a clear day, and taking in iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the River Thames.

🇬🇧 Grab Tickets For The Shard Now! 🇬🇧

London Eye

No visit to London is complete without experiencing the London Eye, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
This giant Ferris wheel, located on the South Bank of the River Thames, offers panoramic views of the city from its 32 high-tech glass capsules. It takes about 30 minutes to complete a full rotation, with plenty of time to spot famous sites such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament.
The London Eye is perfect at sunset or after dark when the city is illuminated, making it a favourite for tourists.

🇬🇧 Book A Pod On The London Eye Here 🇬🇧

Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter

For fans of the Harry Potter series, the Warner Bros Studio Tour is an absolute must. Located just outside of London (don’t worry, the above link includes transport to and front he Studios!), this immersive experience takes you behind the scenes of the iconic films, allowing you to explore authentic sets such as the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest, and see original costumes and props.
The tour also reveals the magic behind the special effects and animatronics that brought J.K. Rowling’s world of Harry Potter to life.

🇬🇧 Experience The Magic Of Harry Potter Today 🇬🇧


Museums and Galleries for London Sightseeing

London is home to so many amazing museums and galleries, making it the perfect trip for history buffs like us! Here are three must-visit museums that should be on every London sightseeing itinerary:

King's Guard Marching Near Buckingham Palace

The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is another essential stop on your London sightseeing tour.
Located in South Kensington, the museum has a vast array of exhibits that explore the natural world. Highlights include the dinosaur skeletons, the life-sized model of a blue whale, and the spectacular Central Hall, with a towering Diplodocus skeleton.

The museum also features interactive exhibits and educational programs. Admission is free, making it an accessible experience for everyone, but be sure to book your slot in advance as waiting times can exceed four hours!

The British Museum

The British Museum hosts a collection of artefacts that span over two million years of human history. You can explore treasures from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, including the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and an impressive collection of mummies.
Entry to the British Museum is free, but the link above will allow you to purchase a guided tour so you can learn, in depth, the history of each item in this museum.

🇬🇧 Get A Guided Tour Of The British Museum Here 🇬🇧

Whale Skeleton Hanging In Hall Of Natural History Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum

For those interested in art and design, the Victoria and Albert Museum is a must-see. Known as the world’s leading museum of art, design, and performance, the V&A has a collection that spans over 5,000 years.

You can explore everything from fashion and textiles to sculptures and ceramics. Exhibits include the British Galleries, and the extensive collection of Asian art. And the best thing? It’s free!


Unique London Sightseeing Experiences

For those seeking to add a touch of uniqueness to your London sightseeing, the city offers a variety of experiences that go beyond the usual landmarks.
Here are four unique attractions that will make your visit to London truly memorable.

English Afternoon Tea Bus

The English Tea Bus is a delightful blend of sightseeing and sweet treats. This unique tour allows you to enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea whilst riding a vintage double-decker bus through the streets of London.
Savour delicious scones, pastries, and sandwiches, all while passing some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and the Tower of London.

For a special treat for little ones, consider the Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus for an even more unique adventure.

🇬🇧 Book A Table On The English Tea Bus Now 🇬🇧

English Tea Bus Driving Through London

The London Dungeon

The London Dungeon embraces the macabre, with a thrilling journey through the darker chapters of London’s history.
Combining live actors, special effects, and rides, you’ll experience chillingly realistic scenes that bring to life tales of the city’s gruesome past, including the infamous exploits of Jack the Ripper and the horrors of the Great Plague, making it a must-add to your London sightseeing itinerary. Take it from me- it gets the heart pumping!

🇬🇧 Brave The London Dungeons And Book Now 🇬🇧

Thames River Cruise

A Thames River Cruise offers a relaxing and scenic way to see the city’s iconic landmarks from a different perspective.
Whilst gliding along the river, you’ll enjoy views of the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye, often accompanied by informative commentary providing interesting facts and stories about the sights you pass.
Whether you choose a daytime cruise to soak up the sun, or an evening cruise to see the city illuminated, this is a delightful addition to any London sightseeing plan.

🇬🇧 Book Your Thames River Cruise Here 🇬🇧

Landscape Picture Of Big Ben and the London Eye

Jack the Ripper Tour

For a deeper dive into one of London’s most intriguing mysteries, the Jack the Ripper Tour is a great choice. This guided walking tour takes you through the historic streets of Whitechapel, where the notorious serial killer carried out his gruesome crimes.
Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll visit the actual locations where the murders took place and hear detailed accounts of the events that shocked Victorian London.

🇬🇧 Take A Jack The Ripper Tour And Book Tickets Now 🇬🇧


Where to Stay for London Sightseeing

Finding the perfect place to stay for your London sightseeing experience can be difficult. We have handpicked a wide range of accommodations to suit every preference and budget, and set them out below:

Luxury Hotels In London

🇬🇧 The Ritz 🇬🇧

The Ritz is an iconic name in London, located in the area of St James’s. This hotel provides easy access to major attractions, making it ideal if you want to relax in style while enjoying London sightseeing.


🇬🇧 The Savoy 🇬🇧

The Savoy is another excellent choice for luxury seekers. With top-notch rooms and the beautiful Covent Garden sat just nearby, it is an easy choice to stay here during any London sightseeing trip.

Photo Credit: UK Everday

Mid Range Hotels In London

🇬🇧 DoubleTree By Hilton – Westminster Abbey 🇬🇧

DoubleTree By Hilton offers a luxurious, convenient stay in the heart of the city with easy access to the most popular sights, and public transport. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and evening cocktails at the SkyLounge rooftop bar, which has panoramic views of London.

🇬🇧 The Z Hotel 🇬🇧

The Z Hotel is another great option for those seeking comfort and value. It provides modern  and stylish accommodations at affordable rates. Located close to popular attractions and well-connected by public transportation, you’ll be able to enjoy more for less.

Landscape Image Of Buckingham Palace

Budget Hotels In London

🇬🇧 YHA London Central 🇬🇧

YHA London Central provides budget-friendly, clean, and well-located accommodation. With its popularity, it is perfect for meeting fellow travellers. Its central location ensures that you are never far from the city’s top sights, so your budget can stretch that little bit further elsewhere.


🇬🇧 The Columbia Hotel 🇬🇧

The Columbia Hotel is a Victorian-era building overlooking Hyde Park. With complimentary continental breakfast, and cosy lounge areas, it is the best place to stay if you w. The hotel’s location provides easy access to popular attractions such as Kensington Gardens and the Royal Albert Hall, making it an ideal base for London sightseeing.


Unique Stays In London


🇬🇧 Narrow Boat 🇬🇧

For a truly unique stay, consider the Narrow Boat. Moored right in Camden Town, it is within walking distance of Westminster, and close to many tube stations. With all the modern amenities you need, there is also a comfortable bedroom, a fully functional kitchen, and a snug living area.

Harrods in all its glory

🇬🇧 Komo Pod Hotel 🇬🇧

The Kōmo Pod offers a futuristic experience in the heart of London. This accommodation features compact, pod-style rooms equipped with all the essentials, including a comfortable bed, high-speed WiFi, and mood lighting.


Top Tips for London Sightseeing

So, I promised you insider tips- and I will deliver! Here are just a few to help you get planning:

1. Best Times to Visit Major Attractions In London

Early mornings or late afternoons are often less crowded for photos of the sights- to actually access them we recommend getting their for when attractions open, or 2 hours before closing (see website of attraction to check last entrance time). Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.

2. Hop-on Hop-off London Bus Tours

The London Hop-On Hop-Off Buses allow you to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, with the flexibility to hop off and explore particular attractions at your own pace.
It’s a convenient option for those looking to maximise their London sightseeing without the stress of navigating public transportation.

🇬🇧 Book Your Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tickets HERE! 🇬🇧

3. Book Tickets in Advance

Popular attractions like the London Eye and Warner Bros Studio Tour can sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. By purchasing tickets ahead of time, you not only secure your spot but also often benefit from discounted rates and skip-the-line privileges.

4. Use Contactless Payment for Public Transport In London

Skip the hassle of buying Oyster cards by using contactless payment with your credit or debit card. Daily and weekly caps ensure you won’t spend more than necessary.
Be sure to scan your card when exiting any Tube stations, even if the barriers are open. Not doing so will lead to continued charges to your card as it won’t register that your journey ended.

5. Avoid London Rush Hour

The Tube can get extremely crowded during rush hours (7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM). Plan your travel outside these times for a more comfortable journey.

6. Discount Theatre Tickets

For last-minute theatre tickets at discounted rates, visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square, allowing great deals on West End shows.
We saw Wicked at the Victoria Apollo Theatre, and it was the best theatre experience ever!

Wicked at the Apollo Threatre- Get cheap tickets during your London Sightseeing visit

7. Use Citymapper App

Citymapper is a fantastic app for navigating London. It offers real-time updates, multiple transport options, and can even tell you which Tube carriage to board for the quickest exit.

8. Save with Meal Deals

Supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s offer meal deals that include a sandwich, drink, and snack for a low price. This is perfect for a quick and affordable lunch– a dream for money-savvy travellers!

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Conclusion: Enjoy London Sightseeing

London’s blend of old and new never ceases to amaze me. Just walking through its streets, you can feel the history and vibrancy pulsing around every corner.  I’ve only just returned from this incredible city, yet I’m already planning my next trip.

There’s something about London that keeps calling me back, with its endless sights and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. If you’re like me and have fallen in love with this vibrant city, you’ll find that London sightseeing is an adventure you’ll want to embark on time and time again.

Page Street SW1 Sign with Blue Skies -

At time of writing, there are currently no Coronavirus measures limiting tourists to enter England. This is in accordance with the information provided on gov.uk.



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