13 Best London Walking Tours You Should Book in 2023
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Looking for the ultimate list of the best London walking tours to do on your next visit to London?
I’ve lived in the city for over 10 years, and I still love taking a Saturday to do a walking tour through the city. It never gets old and you can’t leave London without doing at least one of the walking tours London offers.
London, England, is one of the most walkable cities in the world. Not only is it extremely pedestrian-friendly, but there are also fun attractions around every corner.
This makes exploring London on foot the best way to discover the city.
So without further adieu, here are the best London walking tours. There’s a wide variety of themes, so no matter your interest, I’ve included a guided London walk that will be perfect for you!
13 Best Walking Tours in London
You can find some self-guided walking tours in London that will provide you with a London walking tour map and let you go at your own pace, but all of the famous London walks on this list is led by a local guide.
They will help you learn the layout of the city and provide you with plenty of local insight. Even better, there are loads of entertaining, themed London walking tours to choose from.
1. Hidden London Walking Tours
If you’re looking for unusual London city walks that take you off the beaten path, then this Hidden London Walking Tour is for you.
Walk along the city’s quiet streets and remote sites and remove yourself from the busy hordes of tourists.
On this tour, you’ll visit an Old Cabman’s Shelter. This structure was built to protect taxi drivers from London’s unpredictable weather.
Travel to the location of the Legendary Barber of Fleet Street, from Sweeney Todd, and peer into the windows of London’s ‘Roman Bath.’
Your friendly tour guide will entertain you with the lesser-known history of the city along the way, including plenty of peculiar facts.
Book the Best Hidden London Tour
2. London Walking Tour Jack the Ripper
Jack the Ripper was an infamous serial killer that terrorised London during the end of the 19th century.
With this night tour, you’ll explore the facts and conspiracies of the U.K.’s most notorious murderer.
Using state-of-the-art hand-held projectors, you’ll recreate the atmosphere of the city. See the streets of London brought back to Victorian times. Go back in time to Victorian London and retrace the footsteps of the Ripper.
Try to crack the case for yourself using modern methods of criminal profiling. If you’re a fan of true crime, this one of the best Jack The Ripper Tours in London takes you on an immersive journey through the death trail of Jack the Ripper.
Book the Best Jack the Ripper Tour – London Walks
3. Magical London | Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour
If you’re looking for a Harry Potter fan London has countless wizarding-themed walking tours to choose from. However, this Magical London guided tour is the best for true Harry Potter fans.
Start your magical tour of London by getting sorted into the Hogwarts House you belong to, then throughout the tour, you can answer film trivia questions and earn House points.
You’ll visit places through London associated with the series. These include Diagon Alley, Platform 9 ¾, the entrance to The Leaky Cauldron, Knockturn Alley, and much more.
See the sites that inspired J.K. Rowling to write her hugely successful series, like Shakespeare’s Globe and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
You’ll also pass other iconic London landmarks throughout the walking tour, from the London Eye to Trafalgar Square.
Walk in the footsteps of your favourite witches, wizards, and warlocks with this magical walking tour of London.
Book this Harry Potter Walking Tour of London
4. 3-Hour Secret Indian Food Walking Tour
It’s no secret that London has a thrilling Indian restaurant scene. On this food tour, you’ll explore the very best places to indulge in traditional Indian staples.
Taste a delicious range of curries, fluffy naan bread, delectable Indian sweets, and Indian beer.
Your guide will lead you to the best Indian restaurants around Brick Lane. They’ll provide you with lots of interesting facts about the presence of Indian food in London’s food culture.
Stop into an Indian supermarket and pick up some Indian spices and other exotic items. Visit an Indian sweet shop and sample traditional Indian sweets. Conclude your tour with a secret meal from an authentic Punjabi restaurant.
Book this Secret Indian Food Tour
5. British Foods and 20+ Sights Tour – Food + Pub Walking Tour
If you’re looking for full-day walking tours in London that cover all the city’s main areas and attractions, this is the tour for you.
For 6 hours, you’ll journey to over thirty of London’s most famous landmarks and locations.
Follow your friendly local guide and discover all the sites that London is known for.
Visit Buckingham Palace and watch the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony. Then head to Westminster to take in the sights of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and more.
Enjoy a break for food and sample the local flavours of the city. Indulge in British staples, like fish and chips and pie and mash.
Swing by the Borough Market, my favourite and explore one of the city’s most popular food markets.
Finally, you’ll get to stop by one of London’s historic pubs and enjoy a cold pint of English beer. This is easily one of the best London tours for foodies.
Book this British Food Guided Walking Tour
6. East London Street Art Walking Tour & Spray Painting Session
Explore London’s free-spirited, bohemian neighbourhood and create your very own piece of art. On this walking tour, you’ll discover London’s lively East End.
Take an inspiring walk past countless murals and street art created by Banksy, ROA, Shepherd Fairy, Jimmy C, and more. Keep your camera ready to snap some creative and one-of-a-kind pictures.
After your walking tour, you’ll head to a private workshop and have a go at creating your very own piece of art.
The trained artists will guide you in creating a personal masterpiece that you can bring back home with you.
For artsy travellers, this is one of the best walking tours of London.
Book this Street Art Tour + Spray Painting
7. The Best of London | Guided Walking Tour
This leisurely walking tour takes you through the beautiful streets of London. For 3-hours, you’ll discover the city’s most iconic attractions.
On this complete London Walking Tour, you’ll get to;
- See imposing landmarks, such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.
- Visit the bustling Trafalgar Square and see the famous Nelson’s Column
- Admire the picturesque fountains and imposing national galleries.
- Walk through Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly Circus.
- Stroll through London’s lush Green Park en route to Buckingham Palace, home to the Queen of England.
This tour has a blend of both modern and historic sites and does a great job of combining the city’s past with its fascinating present.
You’ll be entertained with insightful commentary throughout your whole journey.
Book this Incredible Best-Of-London Sightseeing Tour
8. London: 3.5-Hour Guided Soho Foodies Tour at Twilight
Soho is one of London’s most happening areas. It has an amazing pub and restaurant scene, with many eclectic eateries lining the streets.
This makes a food-themed walking tour one of the best ways to discover the area.
Try out Soho specialities, like Spanish ham and Chinese dumplings. Indulge in gourmet tacos alongside frozen margaritas.
Sip a classic London gin and tonic and enjoy a gin-infused beef pie and sample mouth-watering desserts, wine, and creative cocktails, as you follow a local guide to the best pubs and restaurants in Soho.
This is honestly a very exciting evening walking food tour.
Book This Soho Food and Walking Tour
9. Westminster, Changing of the Guard, & St Paul’s Cathedral (4-Hour Tour)
Dive deep into the fascinating history of Westminster as you visit London’s most iconic attractions.
On this London sightseeing tour, you’ll follow your local guide to the top 20 sights in Westminster.
Visit Buckingham Palace and watch the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. See Downing Street, the historic Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and more.
When you’ve finished your walking tour of Westminster, you’ll head to London’s world-famous St Paul’s Cathedral. This massive church is an architectural masterpiece that’s steeped in history.
You’ll be free to explore all the different areas of this impressive building. Admire the religious relics, marvel at the stained-glass windows, and stroll through the art galleries.
Walking day tours from London’s Westminster area are the best way to learn about the British monarchy. You’ll uncover hundreds of years of British history in just four hours.
Book this Walking Tour of Westminster & St. Paul’s Cathedral
10. London Canals Walking Tour
With this London Canals walking tour, you’ll explore the area around Camden Lock and Camden Market.
Before road transport was common, London relied on its canals for transport. Discover the Venice of London as you wander the peaceful canals – away from the busy city streets.
For 3 hours, you’ll see a side of the city rarely talked about in tour books. Admire boats turned into houses, bookshops, cafes, and even barbershops. If you’re into photography, you’re guaranteed to get some epic shots of London’s most scenic areas.
Escape the hustle and bustle of London and follow your tour guide on a leisurely waterside walking tour.
Book this Walking Tour of London’s Canals – One of the unusual walking tours in London
11. London Full-Day Walking Tour and Tower of London
Dive deep into the history of London with this full-day walking tour. For 9 hours, you’ll see the historic landmarks of the city as well as London’s lesser-known hidden gems.
If you love history then read my guide to London’s historical walking tours.
Start at the Tower of London. Marvel at the Crown Jewels and discover the tower’s gory past. This includes learning about how this site was once a prison that saw the execution of three English queens
Next, hop on a boat and cruise down the Thames River to your next stop, Embankment. See sites such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and Shakespeare’s Globe from the waterways.
Upon arrival, make your way to Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony.
Take a break to visit a nearby restaurant for lunch (at your own expense). Then, regroup for an afternoon walk around Trafalgar Square.
See iconic attractions, such as the site of the old Palace of Whitehall, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.
Book this Full-day Walking Tour of London
12. London’s Urban Jungle Private Tour
Discover London’s exciting East End on a 2-hour private walking tour. You’ll cover all this area’s best attractions, including its markets, vibrant streets, urban art, and architecture.
Start your tour at the Whitechapel Gallery. This art hub is famous for its offbeat, avant-garde displays.
Next up, head to the East End’s world-famous street market and shop for bargains. See the street performers and indulge in tasty local street food.
Take a walk down Brick Lane. This lively street is filled with murals and street art. It’s also famed for its many authentic curry restaurants and makes for a great place to have a meal.
This tour explores the local lifestyle of London. You’ll discover the modern vibe of the city and learn lots of local insight.
Book this Private Tour of Urban London
13. London Ghastly Ghosts 2-Hour Walking Tour
Are you a fan of dark history and mystery? If so, this spine-chilling tour of London is perfect for you.
Journey through the dark streets of London and uncover the city’s ghastly past. Hear spooky stories as you walk from the Tower of London to St. Paul’s Cathedral.
This tour takes you off the beaten path. Travel down dark alleys and past historic haunts.
London’s dark history will be brought back to life through stories told along the way. Hear about the city’s violent history and disturbing murders
This walking tour departs after the sun sets. This adds an extra element of mystery and sets the mood for a truly creepy experience.
Book this Ghastly Ghosts London Walking Tour
Final Thoughts: Best Walking Tours London Has to Offer
Explore the sights, sounds, and attractions of this buzzing capital city in person. These are the best London walking tours that will guarantee you hit all the city’s highlights.
Whether you’re into London history tours or looking for a fun foodie adventure, you’ll have lots of exciting options to choose from.
Some of my personal favorites are this Iconic Walking Tour of London’s famous landmarks, this delicious British Food Guided Walking Tour, or a tour of off-the-beaten-path sights on the Best Hidden London Tour.
There are some free walking tours in London, too, but they are usually very informal and provide less of an ‘experience’ than these guided tours. They typically give you a self-guided walking tour of London Map and set you on your way.
For a more immersive and entertaining experience, I highly recommend booking one of these guided walks of London.
This means you can see the sights that interest you most and make the most out of your London itinerary. And if you’re planning a trip to the Big Smoke then these London Travel Tips will really help you make the most of your trip!
