As a first-timer in the city, London can be overwhelming. With 11 royal palaces, almost 50 churches and countless historic sites, there is simply too much to see on one trip to England's capital.

However, you can take a free walking tour in London and discover the highlights of this magnificent city, from its intricate architecture to its vibrant street art scene.

View the "Big Smoke" through the eyes of a local and gain a deeper insight into British culture than you'd experience alone.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most budget-friendly options for sightseeing tours in London.

How do free walking tours in London work?

Free walking tours in London have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

These tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip your guide?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between US$10 and US$15 per person, but some people tip as much as US$50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in London?

London essentials free walking tour

If you want to see the main highlights of the city in a few hours, select this tour of London’s must-see spots.

Meeting by Wellington Arch, you will march down The Mall alongside your guide to the royal residence of Buckingham Palace. Here, you can see whether the monarch is in residence by the flag that flies above the palace.

Once you’ve admired the royal guard’s uniforms and learned all about the monarchy, you’ll move on to a series of other destinations, including Horse Guards Parade and St. James’s Palace, which was built by King Henry VIII in the 16th century.

Other must-see attractions on this free walking tour in London include the largest clock in the city — Big Ben — as well as the Houses of Parliament.

This site was almost blown up in the 17th century by Guy Fawkes whose aim was to kill the monarchy and parliament to reestablish a Catholic rule of the country.

Be awed by the lofty turrets of Westminster Abbey, where 16 royal weddings have taken place since its construction in the 10th century.

Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery and Apsley House are all sights you’ll discover as you roam the streets of London.

You’ll also see the official home of the British prime minister at 10 Downing Street, as well as the Churchill War Rooms, where Winston Churchill commanded the British troops from during WWII.

Free Jack the Ripper walking tour in London

Learn about the gruesome murders that took place in the 19th century and remain a mystery today in this Jack the Ripper free walking tour in London.

Step back in time to 1888 when Jack the Ripper killed five innocent prostitutes on the streets of London as you see the locations where these murders took place.

Strolling through Whitechapel, you’ll visit the church of St. Botolph — also known as Prostitute’s Church as sex workers would walk around its perimeters attracting clients. It was this area that one of Jack the Ripper’s victims was last seen on the night of her death.

She was found mutilated in the middle of the night at Mitre Square, which you’ll also visit.

Head to Frying Pan Alley — named so because of the ironmongers who used to advertise their businesses by hanging their pans outside. Here, you can see the historic building that once served as a pub to residents in the neighborhood.

It was here that Jack the Ripper’s first victim peacefully enjoyed her final brew before she was murdered.

You’ll also see the iconic Spitalfield's Market, which began in the 13th century, along with the Ten Bells Pub where the final victim of the notorious serial killer spent her last night alive.

As you learn about the case, you’ll discover why it remains such a mystery today and you’ll be itching to solve the unknown identity of Jack the Ripper. This serial killer was thought at the time to have been a doctor because of his knowledge of human anatomy.

Changing of the Guard free walking tour

Watch a truly British affair as you see the royal guards perform their daily handover in the Changing of the Guard procession.

Instead of peeking through crowds of tourists to catch a flash of red passing by, your tour guide will take you to a secret spot where you’ll be within close range of the ceremony and can watch the royal march without interruptions.

As this unique display is happening, your guide will inform you on the details of the tradition.

Once your Changing of the Guard tour in London is over, you’ll move on to a variety of the most celebrated landmarks in London, including St. James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace.

You’ll also see Clarence House, which has been used as a royal residence since the 19th century.

Trafalgar Square is another destination on the itinerary, where you’ll find several water features alongside Nelson’s Column — dedicated to Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson and his victory in the Battle of Trafalgar.

Wander the steps outside the National Gallery, which is home to a myriad of historic masterpieces by world-renowned artists, such as Vincent van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli.

Try and catch a glimpse of the prime minister as you stand outside 10 Downing Street, and discover the grand Banqueting House where King Charles I was executed for treason.

You’ll finish your tour at Horse Guard Parade, where you can see the Household Cavalry and snap a picture with a solemn guard upon their horse.

Free Harry Potter walking tour in London

Step into the Wizarding World as you enjoy putting a magical spin on London’s most iconic landmarks on this .

Begin your free tour at the Palace Theatre, where J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” is performed to crowds of “Harry Potter” enthusiasts.

Discover several filming locations from the series of films, including Charing Cross Road where Harry first follows Hagrid to get his school supplies.

See whether the entrance to the Ministry of Magic opens for you at the phone box that famously transported Harry and Mr. Weasley underground, and into the world of magic.

Your guide will keep you entertained on your tour with a trivia quiz to see who is the biggest “Potterhead” among you. You’ll also learn the best places to buy “Harry Potter” memorabilia from in the city.

Free street art walking tour in London

With talented artists, whose works don’t just hang in galleries but also on the streets. Discover new talents on this street art tour in London.

You’ll head to the East End to join this tour through one of London’s most alternative neighborhoods — Shoreditch. This hipster hangout is known for its vintage goods, quirky bars and multicultural crowd.

However, it is also the best spot in the city to see a plethora of artistic masterpieces. These works cover walls across the area, bringing Shoreditch to life with vibrant pinks, greens and blues.

As you walk along, you’ll see works by some of the most celebrated street artists, including the mysterious Banksy, as well as local talents, such as Dale Grimshaw and Shepherd Fairey.

You’ll see the Truman Brewery, which was once the largest of its kind in London, and learn the history behind Brick Lane, now famous for its bagels, and vintage goods.

Alongside street art, you’ll also discover how Shoreditch has been gentrified over time

What languages are spoken on free walking tours in London?

The majority of free walking tours in London take place in English, although there are also many excursions available for Spanish speakers. As the popularity of free walking tours grows, the variety of languages on offer may also increase.

Where does the tours start?

Free walking tours in London all explore different parts of the city, and as such, all meet at different locations.

These include Shoreditch, Tower Hill and Apsley Way, and are always pre-determined spots that you can find on the booking page of each excursion. This enables you to plan your transportation in advance if necessary.

London has a reliable network of underground trains, which makes getting around the city a breeze. With almost 300 stations, your meeting destination will always be within easy reach.

How long do free walking tours in London last?

The majority of free tours in London last between 2 and 3 hours. This gives you time to cover plenty of ground and see a range of London’s most exciting attractions, and monuments in the corner of the city you’ve chosen to explore.

The length of these tours also makes them easy to fit around other activities on your London itinerary, meaning most travelers can participate in one.

When is the best time for a free walking tour in London?

Most free walking tours in London have two time slots to choose from throughout the day — one in the morning and one in the afternoon. This makes an excursion easy to slot in around your other commitments.

However, you'll find that Jack the Ripper tours take place after dark to add to the mystery of the walk.

Changing of the Guard tours only begin in the morning as the procession takes place at 10:45 AM daily during the summer and four times a week throughout the rest of the year.

Should you book tour tickets online?

While it is not necessary to book your free tour in London before arriving in the city, it is advisable to do so.

By securing your place on one of these walking tours, you'll be able to select your desired time slot and save valuable vacation time roaming the streets looking for a guide.

It is free to book your excursion and doing so takes just a couple of minutes. There's no need to input your credit card information and you'll be able to see the reviews of each tour to determine which one suits you best.

Free Walking Tours in London