Best London-tour for tourists with attractions and secrets

The best route to start with in London if you want to see as many attractions and gems in a short time and distance. This route will show you the most famous places you have seen in movies, TV-series and on photos. Big ben, kings castle, river and quiet pedestrian streets with cafees and small shops. Start here.

Nine attractions
Start: Big Ben
Stopp: Tower of London (Reverse)
Route: Map below
Route
Walk: 1 hour 00 min
Cycling: 19 min
Distance: 4.0 km

1 Big Ben

We start the tour with Big Ben. Officially known as Elizabeth Tower, Big Ben is actually the bell inside. This famous clock tower has been marking time since 1859 and stands 96 meters (315 feet) tall. A symbol of London everyone visiting London should see, it has withstood wars, renovations, and countless visitors taking photos. There are plenty of good photo-stops here, so take your time here before you go. 

Big ben with a typical red phone both in London

Cracked bell

Shortly after being installed in 1859, the Great Bell cracked because it was struck too hard. Instead of replacing it, they rotated it slightly and used a lighter hammer.

A penny for your time

Old British pennies  are used to adjust the time. Adding or removing a single penny from the pendulum can change the speed by 0.4 seconds per day.

No visit for tourists

Unlike many landmarks, Big Ben is not open to the public, unless you’re a UK resident and arrange a visit through a Member of Parliament.

2 Westminster Bridge

Westminster Bridge is connecting Westminster on the north side with Lambeth on the south. Built in 1862, this green-painted bridge, matching the seats of the House of Commons,  is 252 meters (826 feet) long.

As you walk across, you’ll have Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament on one side and the London Eye on the other, making it a fantastic spot for photos. The bridge is also a popular location for street performers and artists, adding to its lively atmosphere.

Historically, the first version of Westminster Bridge was built in the mid-18th century, replacing a ferry service that had been the only way to cross at this point. The current structure has enough room for both cars, bikes and walkers, so you will be safe.

Westminster Bridge in London

3 London eye

Most of this London-tour is flat on the ground, so to get a good view of London I would recomend a tour in the London eye. Spend some extra time here, the extra money is well worth it. 

The observation-wheel offering a panoramic view of London. At 135 meters (443 feet) tall, it provides breathtaking sights of the city’s skyline. Each of its 32 capsules represents a London borough, giving visitors a unique perspective of the capital. You will see the whole tour from above and then far away into the different areas of London.

London eye in London

4 London Millennium Footbridge

The walk along the South Bank towards the Millennium Footbridg is lively area. Home to street performers, markets, and cultural landmarks, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

The Millennium Footbridge, known briefly as the “Wobbly Bridge” due to initial structural issues, connects St. Paul’s Cathedral with the Tate Modern. It has since been reinforced and provides a scenic crossing over the Thames, offering good views of London’s architecture.

You may stop here, but our walking tour does not go over it.

London Millennium Footbridge in London

Tate Modern

Near by is Tate Modern, a contemporary art gallery, located right at the foot of the bridge. Free entry to most exhibitions!

Shakespeare’s Globe

Also close. This is a reconstruction of the original Elizabethan theater where Shakespeare’s plays were originally performed.

Eat and drink nearby

Hungry? You might check out Swan at the Globe, a cozy riverside restaurant and bar, Paul Café, a French bakery just near the bridge, or The Anchor Bankside – A historic riverside pub just a few minutes’ walk away.

5 Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral is one of London’s oldest and most historic churches. It has been a place of Christian worship for over 1,000 years, with its origins dating back to at least 606 AD. The current Gothic-style building was constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries, though it was officially granted cathedral status in 1905.

Entry is free, but donations are welcome. 

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The Shakespeare’s Connection

William Shakespeare had close ties to the area, and his brother Edmund Shakespeare is buried here. A memorial inside honors the famous playwright.

The Harvard Connection

John Harvard, the founder of Harvard University, was baptized at the cathedral in 1607. There is a chapel and memorial dedicated to him.

And the garden...

The churchyard offers a quiet retreat from the city, with a lovely garden perfect for a short break.

6 Borough Market

Borough Market is London’s oldest market, dating back to 1014. It’s a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from fresh produce to gourmet street food. Whether you’re after artisan cheese or international delicacies, this is the place to be.

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7 HMS Belfast

A short walk brings us to HMS Belfast, passing The Shard, the tallest building in the UK, which provides one of the best panoramic views of the city.

HMS Belfast is a Royal Navy warship from World War II, now preserved as a museum. Visitors can explore its nine decks, including the captain’s bridge and the engine room, to get a glimpse of what life was like aboard a wartime vessel.

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8 Tower Bridge

Next, we make our way to Tower Bridge, walking along the Thames and taking in the stunning view of London’s skyline.

Tower Bridge, completed in 1894, is one of London’s most famous landmarks. This iconic bridge still lifts to allow ships to pass through. Visitors can explore its high walkways for incredible views of the city.

The bridge is a masterpiece, and looks good from all angles. We have all seen photos of it from a distance, but it is as good looking up close or when you walk it to the other side

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9 Tower of London

This ends our tour, but this side of the river is interesting enough for a tour of its own, so my advice is to find some time to discover this part of London as well.

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Map and route

Get the route at Google maps

Allow about 60 minutes to walk this route, but add extra time for attractions and other stops. Cycling this London-route takes about 19 minutes.

Author: Sem Hadland (More about me)

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