Things to Do in London
• Enjoy citywide views from a climate-controlled glass pod featuring LED lighting and a rotation system that ensures a smooth ride in any weather.
• From Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament, this ride delivers all the postcard-worthy London views you could ask for—no zoom lens required.
• Take your visit up a notch and pick from a range of upgrades in the next step, like fast-track entry, curated beverages, and more.
City of London Tour: From Sugar and Slaves to Tea and Opium.
Welcome, I'm Justin. But some friendly advice! If you just want to take pretty pictures to put on social media (and don't really like walking much), I am the wrong tour guide for you! My tours attract people who love ideas, history and books. If that is not what interests you, book another tour 🙂
I have 5 walking tours on GuruWalk: 1) The City), 2) Soho, 3) Covent Garden, 4) the South Bank, and 5) Mayfair & St James, which together have over 3,300 reviews averaging 5 stars (the highest on GuruWalk in London).
City of London is my flagship tour.
This tour takes you through the "City of London", which is not the same thing as London!
The "City", as it's known to locals, is many things. Nowadays, we know the "City" as the central business district, with its many iconic skyscrapers, towering over ancient churches (providing the chance to take some stunning photos). It's also, however, the "old town", built within the footprint of the Roman city of Londinium.
The "City" also has its own police force, ancient laws and unique government and once financed the largest Empire the world has ever seen, spanning a quarter of the globe.
From being a European backwater in the 1500s, London became the largest city in the world in the 1800s, the centre of immense power and wealth.
I'll tell the story of London's rise by walking with you along the English capital's oldest streets, many of which date back 2000 years.
The triumph of London is also often a tale of "dirty money", from the Bishop of Winchester's brothels; sugar and the slave trade; and the East India Company's rape of a subcontinent and hooking of China on opium. Come with me to learn all about London's secrets
Highlights of the tour include:
- The Monument: Centre of the Great Fire of London.
- The Gilt of Cain: The City of London's first open recognition of the contribution of slavery to their wealth.
- The Modern City: the Gherkin, Cheese Grater, Scalpel and Walkie Talkie. Where the City stands in the world today.
- The Golden Triangle:The tiny alleys that housed the coffee shops of the 17th & 18th centuries frequented by stock market speculators and fraudsters but which also gave birth to modern capitalism.
- The Bank of England and the Royal Exchange: Financiers of sugar and the slave trade.
- Leadenhall Market: Stunning Victorian marketplace used as a set in a Harry Potter movie.
The tour will end a short walk from the Monument Tube Station where the tour started. I do have a card reader so can can take credit/debit cards for tips.
• Behold the world-famous collection of Crown Jewels, a display of 23,578 exquisite gemstones still used in royal ceremonies today that are guarded round-the-clock.
• Venture into the White Tower, the oldest part of the fortress, built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and see its displays of arms and armour.
• Stand on Tower Green, where the tragic fates of royal figures like Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey unfolded, as you listen to stories of executions and betrayals.
• Enhance your visit: dive deep with an AI-powered audioguide, join an expert-led English tour, enjoy a meet-and-greet with Beefeaters, or add a Thames River cruise.
Would you like to see the city with a native English-speaking tour guide who has had the honor of being a full-time tour guide in multiple European cities since 2014? Then read on. 👇
Through years of experience, I have learned that these tours are most enjoyable for you if I hone it down to just the most exciting stops and the most interesting stories.
Alfred Hitchcock once said "the length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder," and I think that applies doubly so to a tour. You're on holiday, I appreciate that. You want to see the main sites, take the best photos, maybe laugh a little, and then head off on to the next adventure.
With that in mind, I keep the tour to an entertaining one hour and fifty minutes. During that time we will see the main sites, allowing you to take photos of:
- Buckingham Palace
- Houses of Parliament
- "Big Ben"
- Westminster Abbey
- Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column
- Horse Guards Parade
- Wellington Arch
- St Martin's In The Field
- National Gallery
- Apsley House
- RAF Bomber Command Memorial
- The Commonwealth Gates
- St James' Palace
- The Mall and Pall Mall
- Crimean War/Nightingale Memorial
- Waterloo Place
- 10 Downing Street
- Churchill War Rooms
- On Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday the 11am tour will see and hear the army band march by us for the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Unless it is cancelled due to rain.
More important than the sites themselves are the stories. Little insightful or interesting anecdotes; what the little horse steps are at Waterloo Place, why Constitution Hill is called that when we don't... um.. have one, tales from the Battle of Britain, the Gunpowder Plot, what the Queen did when she woke up to find a drunken man had climbed the walls of Buckingham Palace and broken into her bedroom at 7am, etc, etc.
Having done these tours for the better part of a decade, I can usually field any history question you may have about the nation or the city, and can also offer suggestions of the best places in the city for gin, pretentious coffee (my vice), or the most memorable dining experiences with something unique to them.
I hope to see you soon,
Theo
• With departures every 15 minutes, operating throughout the day, plan your travel flexibly and easily, even if your flight gets delayed.
• Take advantage of free WiFi, handy USB plug-ins, and room for bulky luggage and even bikes, so you can ride comfortably while staying connected.
• Enjoy flexibility with round-trip tickets valid for an entire month from your chosen date, giving you ample time to complete your trip at your own pace.
• At Liverpool Street, Tottenham Hale, or Stratford Station, major rail lines are easily accessible, with multiple restaurants and shopping areas nearby.
Welcome to London! My name is Rich, and as a qualified guide and lifelong Londoner, it will be my pleasure to welcome you and show you the city I love and live in.
East London is renowned for its electric mix of traditional and contemporary influences, making it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in experiencing the true essence of London and the London Market Scene.
As we wander through the lively streets of 4 of the most authentic London Sunday Markets, you will see and experience how we Londoners spend our Sundays. Experience sensory delights, vibrant sights & tantalizing smells. Sample delicious street food, browse unique handmade crafts, and shop for vintage treasures and stunning cutting-edge fashion. Discover the history and heritage that make these markets and areas so special. As a passionate East Londoner and son of a market trader, I will also share tips, history, stories, and secrets that will enhance and deepen your appreciation for this dynamic part of London's life.
The tour includes
- Broadway Market
- Columbia Road Flower Market
- Brick Lane Market
- Spitalfields Market
- The Regent Canal .. and much more!
*TIP* Skip Breakfast .....so much to taste on route !
London by a Londoner.
Welcome! My ‘London Essentials’ tour will cover the key sites within the historic royal quarter. Beginning at Wellington Arch marking the triumph of the Duke of Wellington against Napoleon, it ends at Westminster Abbey, the Royal Church of Coronation. On route, we will explore such highlights as Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Admiralty Arch, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, The Horse Guards Parade, Downing Street and The Houses of Parliament.
I combine personal experience with informed historical perspectives so I can share the distinctive character of each site with peculiar details, fun facts, and local tales. My particular focus is the incredible history of the monarchy. As we walk, I will be sure to convey its far-reaching impact on the city, both politically and architecturally.
• Get up close with 150+ lifelike wax figures, including Harry Styles and other A-list stars, and marvel at the precision of their craftsmanship.
• Step into immersive sets, from the Marvel Universe 4D movie experience to selfie moments with the Royal Family on the palace balcony.
• Travel through London’s past on the nostalgic Spirit of London ride and test your bravery in the chilling Chamber of Horrors.
• Upgrade your ticket with anytime or flexible fast-track entry or add the Champagne Bar Experience with a complimentary drink for a wholesome experience.
Discovering Notting Hill: A Walk Through London’s Most Iconic Neighbourhoods.
Come along on a fun and intimate walking tour through one of London’s most colourful and storied neighbourhoods—Notting Hill. With smaller group sizes, this is no cookie-cutter sightseeing experience. Small numbers mean more time for questions, spontaneous detours, and the freedom to explore at a relaxed pace. It also allows us to duck into charming local shops, meet market traders, take photos and discover corners that bigger groups simply can’t reach.
I’ve been exploring Notting Hill since the early 1990s. This neighbourhood has a magnetic mix of energy, diversity, and charm. From iconic movie locations to tucked-away mews and listed Victorian villas, every street has a story—and I’d love to share some of my favourites with you.
We’ll weave in and out of Portobello Road Market, soaking up its colourful atmosphere, Georgian architecture, and the vibrant rhythm of everyday life. You'll hear about Notting Hill’s fascinating history, its famously desirable homes, and the changes that continue to shape its identity today.
Along the route we will see the prep school of a future King, uncover a former racecourse and check out London's oldest independent cinema.
Film fans, take note: we’ll visit five real-life locations from the 1999 film Notting Hill. Cameras are very welcome throughout—there’ll be plenty of opportunities to capture the beauty (and quirky bits) along the way. I know all the best locations and I'm always on hand to help with photos.
Portobello Market is open every day, but Fridays and Saturdays are when it really comes alive, with everything from antiques & vintage fashion to street food and fresh produce. Prefer a calmer stroll? A Sunday to Thursday visit offers a more laid-back vibe with fewer crowds—perfect if you want space to wander.
Whether you join in the morning or afternoon, this tour is a chance to see Notting Hill as locals know and love it. Afterward, you’ll be perfectly placed to shop, grab a bite, sip a coffee, or dive into a pub—whatever suits your mood.
Spots are limited and fill up quickly, so grab yours now and get ready to discover Notting Hill in a way that’s personal, memorable, and full of surprises.
• The multilingual audio guide helps international visitors understand Churchill War Rooms through fascinating stories, preserved spaces, and detailed wartime historical context underground.
• Opt for host assistance, political London audio tours, digital navigation tools, multilingual commentary, and printed guidebooks covering all about the War Rooms.
Old Money, New Money, Dirty Money in Mayfair & St James Tour: London's Super Wealthy (Not Suitable for Children)
Welcome! I’m Justin. This one of the newest of the 5 tours I lead in London, which together have gathered over 3,300 reviews averaging 5 stars (the highest on GuruWalk).
The Mayfair & St James district of London boasts the highest concentration of billionaires in Europe. Some got their money honestly, some not!
Traditionally, this part of London was home to royals and aristocrats along with the nouveau riche of Empire (the sugar-and-slave plantation owners of the West Indies and senior East India Company employees, rich from looting India and China).
Today, the old British elites are being sidelined by a tsunami of new money arriving from all over the world as London becomes the second-home capital of the world's mega wealthy.
While Britain has lost an empire, it has instead found a new role as butler and fixer to anyone who will pay. In the process, dictators, tyrants, oligarchs, plutocrats and kleptocrats have been welcomed with open arms into the UK's capital city.
But some friendly advice! If you just want to just take pretty pictures to put on social media and have no interest in history (and don't really like walking much), I am the wrong tour guide for you! My tours attract people who like ideas, history and books. If that is not what interests you, book another tour 🙂
You do get a chance to take some great photos, but also I hope you get to "think" a little about what this area of London represents as well!
Also, this walking tour is not suitable for children unless they are older teens interested in history, politics, economics or international affairs.
Still reading? OK, this is the tour's heart.
I'll navigate you through the natural habitat of many of the richest people on the planet, centring on St James's and Mayfair.
You will get to see the traditional "old money" haunts, but I'll also point out the $200 million homes and $30k-a-month apartment complexes and private members clubs beloved by the "new money" (often dirty money). And you'll see the places this new global mega elite go to shop, eat and play.
You'll also learn how the web of hedge funds, private equity companies and family offices based in this area put both clean and dirty money to work around the world: tax free of course!
Highlights of the tour include:
- Saville Row: Famed for its tailors, who make high-end suits for the world's wealthy.
- St James Street: Street hosting old money, new money and dirty money clubs along with a Russian oligarch's trophy building frozen by the UK government after Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
- Burlington Arcade: Central London's longest and most beautiful shopping arcade dating back to 1819.
- Pall Mall: The heart of London's "old money" club land, where royalty, aristocrats, politicians and civil servants mix.
- St James Square: One of the capital's most exclusive squares. Home to the East India Club, the private members only London Library and famous think tank Chatham House.
- St James Palace: The oldest royal palace in London: the venue where the King greets new ambassadors when they arrive in London.
- Marlborough House: Commonwealth Headquarters. HQ of ex and current British colonies club, the latter group of which have turned themselves into the world's largest dirty money laundering network.
- Berry Brothers: London's most exclusive and oldest wine merchant, which also hosts a hidden alley and pocket square.
- Piccadilly Arcade: A beautiful arcade of shops fronted by fashion icon Beau Brummell.
The tour will end a short walk from Piccadilly Circus underground stations. Note I do have a card reader so can take tips by credit or debit card.
On this Rock ’n’ Roll Walking Tour of Soho, we explore the salacious, scandalous, and sensational history of an area that has always lived life louder, faster, and freer than the rest of London. Charles Dickens called Soho a place of “smoke and song", very little has changed.
From secret political meetings led by Karl Marx, to an eight-year-old Mozart astonishing London audiences, Soho has long attracted radicals, creatives, revolutionaries, and rule-breakers. It was home to Casanova, playground of princes and prostitutes, and the epicentre of a cholera outbreak that nearly brought Victorian London to its knees.
But Soho’s true legend was forged in music.
Walk the streets where The Beatles played their first and last London gigs, where Beatlemania exploded, and where the British music industry was turned upside down in the 1960s. Visit legendary venues that launched the careers of The Rolling Stones, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, and countless others who defined rock history.
We’ll explore the remnants of Soho’s infamous red-light district, once filled with strip clubs, sex cinemas, and late-night haunts where musicians, gangsters, and celebrities collided. Stroll down Carnaby Street, the epicentre of Swinging London, where fashion exploded, the miniskirt was born, and youth culture finally took control.
Along the way, you’ll hear stories of outrageous scandals, drug-fuelled nights, police raids, banned records, and performances that changed music forever. Discover how Soho transformed from a dangerous, seedy neighbourhood just a few decades ago into one of the most fashionable, creative, and culturally influential areas of the capital.
Tour highlights include:
- The London Palladium Theatre
- Trident Studios
- Carnaby Street
- Liberty London
- Golden Square
- The Bag o'Nails
- The John Snow Pub
- Soho’s old red-light district
This tour is perfect for music lovers, pop culture fans, history buffs, visitors looking for unusual things to do in London, and locals who want to experience the city’s wild side.
Book now and discover why Soho became the beating heart of rock ’n’ roll, rebellion, and nightlife in London.
Please note: Groups larger than six people and educational groups must arrange a private tour in advance.
