Walking Tours in London

London is one of the most energetic and captivating cities in the world, and invites millions of tourists to its streets each year to explore its different faces.

From the gritty and urban streets of the East End to the royal residence of Buckingham Palace, the city has something to see for every type of traveler.

Whether your interests lie in paranormal activity, movies, art or history, you'll find a walking tour in London to suit you.

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

What are the best guided walking tours in London?

Street art London walking tour

London is home to one of the best art collections in the world, not only in its galleries, but also throughout its streets. Explore the urban culture on this street art tour in London.

Walk through East London — the most creative part of the city — known for its vintage clothing, hipster crowd and of course, dazzling artworks.

As you amble from Spitalfields to Shoreditch, you’ll happen upon over 40 pieces of street art, each one vastly different from the last.

Discover new local artists to support and admire the skill of renowned geniuses, such as Banksy, as you see the masterpieces that can be created with a spray can, and a bare wall.

Ghastly ghosts walking tour in London

Take a deep dive into the spookiest parts of the city in this ghost tour of London.

Once the sun has set on the city and London is covered in darkness, you’ll set out on an electrifying tour of its most eerie spots.

Starting at the church of All Hallows by the Tower, which is the burial site of all the souls executed at the Tower of London, you’ll stroll down the back streets and alleys learning about the city’s colorful past.

Murders, ghosts and horrific crimes are all discussed with your expert guide, and you’ll see the areas where London’s most gruesome events occurred.

Feel your spine tingling as you discover the paranormal activity under London’s glittering surface.

Paddington Bear London walking tour

Children and adults alike will love following in the footsteps of their favorite traveling bear on this Paddington-themed guided walk of London..

Take to the streets of London and explore the filming locations behind the highly-successful Paddington movies that feature a star-studded cast including Nicole Kidman, and Hugh Grant.

You’ll also tour spots that are mentioned in the Paddington books, which number over 20, including Portobello Market and the antique shop belonging to the marmalade-obsessed bear’s best friend.

Jack the Ripper guided walking tour in London

Discover London’s most notorious serial killer of the 19th century on this historic Jack the Ripper walking tour in London.

Head to East London, where you’ll wander the streets with a Ripperologist guide who will fill you in on the serial killer and his victims. See if you can crack the mystery of Jack the Ripper’s identity, which remains unsolved over 100 years later.

The mass murderer killed at least five prostitutes over the course of 3 months in 1888 and your guide will let you know the theories of who was behind the most mysterious case in London’s history.

You’ll tour areas associated with the crimes, including Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market, Petticoat Lane and the Ten Bells Pub.

Let your mind travel back in time to the 1880s to imagine the streets of London and how the female population was terrified of becoming the next victim of Jack the Ripper.

Changing of the Guard walking tour in London

If you’re looking for a truly British experience, why not opt for a walking tour that revolves around the Changing of the Guard?

Starting at Piccadilly Circus, you’ll wander toward Buckingham Palace, passing by many of London’s most famed monuments. You’ll stop at St. James’ Palace where the daily royal ceremony begins with traditional band music.

Follow the troops as they make their way toward the king’s residence, decked in classic red uniforms and bearskin hats.

Once you’ve enjoyed this royal spectacle, you’ll walk to Regent Street — one of the main shopping strips in the city.

Throughout this tour, you’ll pass by many sites associated with the royal family, including Pall Mall, the Duke of York Column and the Royal Society, where you’ll learn about the British monarchy’s 1,200-year history.

Audio-guided Royal London walking tour

If you prefer taking things at your own pace, you should consider this audio-guided tour, controlled by an app on your phone.

Beginning at the magnificent Westminster Abbey, which has hosted 16 royal weddings and funerals since 1100, you’ll slowly meander your way through the city toward the most recognizable spot in London — Buckingham Palace.

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore some of the city’s most famed landmarks, such as the Churchill War Rooms, from which Winston Churchill managed the British troops in WWII.

You can hear speeches that the British icon himself made during the wartime and see interesting artifacts from the period.  

You can also discover the Cenotaph, which is a 1920 WWI memorial, as well as Horseguards Parade, where royal ceremonies are held.

When you arrive at Buckingham Palace, you may have the opportunity to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which draws in thousands of visitors each day.

Covent Garden self-guided walking tour

Another self-guided option is to explore the delights of Covent Garden, widely known for its street performers and designer shopping.

On this London city tour, you’ll not only witness the buzzing plaza and lively market stalls of Covent Garden, but you’ll also get a local’s only view of its best-kept secrets.

Sneak down an alleyway and find yourself in one of London’s most exquisite spots — Neal’s Yard — filled with charming colorful buildings and quintessentially British pubs.

You’ll also learn about St. Paul’s Church — also known as the “Actor’s Church” — which was built in the 17th century.

You can admire the glass arch that forms part of the spectacular architecture of the Royal Opera House, where sonnets from the most celebrated composers, such as Verdi and Mozart have been performed since its opening in 1946.

End your walking tour at London’s first luxury hotel — the Savoy — and learn about the famous clientele it has seen over the years, including Bob Dylan, Barbara Streisand, and Marilyn Monroe.

Which places will you see on a London walking tour?

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the official seat of the British monarchy since Queen Victoria’s reign in 1837.

Originally a grand house built for the Duke of Buckingham in the 18th century, the palace was acquired by the royal family and transformed into a magnificent landmark that today symbolizes the power of the crown.

Buckingham Palace was bombed nine times during WWII, however, despite heavy damage, the foundations of the complex stayed strong.

The palace has 775 rooms in total, which include 19 staterooms, 92 offices and 52 principal bedrooms.

A further 188 bedrooms are used to house staff and the grounds are so substantial that they contain a doctor’s surgery, a post office, and a swimming pool. Of this colossal space, the royal family occupies just a small corner in Buckingham Palace’s north wing.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is an energetic district in the center of the city, known for its historic fruit and vegetable market, which began in the 17th century.

It is now famed as one of the best spots in the city for dining, with a wide range of eateries ranging from world cuisine to fine dining.

You'll also find an abundance of street performers in its plaza, from mimes to singers and acrobats, who are sure to wow you with their engaging routines.

Historic monuments in this part of the city include St. Paul's Church and the Royal Opera House.

How much do walking tours in London cost?

Self-guided walking tours of London are the most budget-friendly way to see the city, costing £10 or less per person.

Other guided walking tours in London typically cost between £20 and £30 per person, making this method of exploring the “Big Smoke” accessible for most travelers.

If you select a combination street food tour in London, you can expect to pay around £90 per head.

What is included?

The majority of walking tours in London include the services of a professional guide to lead you through the city streets and fill you in on the history of various landmarks.

They will be on hand to answer any questions you have and provide an itinerary that is both exciting, and informative.

Some of the more budget-friendly tours are self-guided, which means they include the download of a smartphone app.

This acts as an audio guide and directs you to several attractions along your chosen route, and is the perfect solution for those who prefer to roam the streets on their own.

London street food tours include tastings of six different British dishes, as well as a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Where do walking tours start in London?

Walking tours in London begin in a variety of destinations, depending on which part of the city you’ll be exploring.

However, these are always easy-to-reach locations nearby major landmarks or well-known underground train stations. London’s transportation network is reliable and easy to use, making getting around the city to your starting point simple.

You can see the meeting destination of each tour before booking so that you can make any necessary travel arrangements in advance.

Upon arrival at the pre-determined location of your excursion, you’ll find your guide to be easily identifiable, with a distinguishing feature, such as a clipboard or a colorful umbrella.

How long does it last?

Most London walking tours last between 2 and 3 hours, which gives you plenty of time to explore a number of attractions, and make your way around part of the city on foot.

If you’d like to be more in control of your timetable, opt for a self-guided tour, which you can complete at your own pace.

When is the best time to go on a guided walking tour in London?

London is a notoriously wet destination, experiencing showers and windy days throughout the year.

However, the summertime — between June and August — is when you’ll experience the most reliable conditions with warm temperatures, ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.

This is when the largest influx of tourists hit the city, so if you’d rather avoid the crowds, consider planning your visit to London in May or September.

Walking tours start at various times throughout the day, meaning you can select one that fits in with your own personal itinerary.

If you wish to see the Changing of the Guard, you’ll need to free up a morning on your vacation as this procession takes place at 10:45 AM daily.

Are there any combos available with walking tours in London?

London Bridge walking tour plus street food tour

The London Bridge area of London is known for its myriad of attractions, as well as its thriving street food scene.

As you walk toward the famous Borough Market, you’ll have the opportunity to sample British delicacies, such as cheese, chutney and the nation’s Friday favorite — fish, and chips.

Try local sausages washed down with cider produced in the city at pubs, market stalls and bakeries as you saunter through this foodie haven.

Along the way, catch a glimpse of the Tower of London, which houses the Crown Jewels, as well as the HMS Belfast — a historic warship.

Travel tips

• Rain showers can happen suddenly in London at any time of the year. Bring a raincoat on your walking tour, just in case.
• London is a large city and you can expect to cover lots of ground on your tour, so wear comfortable footwear.
• While you are not required or expected to tip your guide on a walking tour in London, you may wish to do so if they were particularly insightful. If you would like to tip, between £5 and £10 is an appropriate amount.