attractions
9 top sites
activity level
medium
total distance
4.1 km | 2.6 mi
Ok, but how do we get to the starting point? While taxis are available globally, most have us now rely on the convenience of ridesharing apps like Uber, Lyft, Bolt, etc. Since this is updated frequently, best to confirm options before your trip.
Are we geography alumni or GIS technologists? No, but we are travel aficionados and now, mapping experts. How we got here is by exploring, leaving no stone unturned, even getting it wrong from time to time, so that you don’t.
What’s up with the ratings?
No, this isn’t our opinion — afterall, we hardly know eachother.
All ratings are courtesy of Tripadvisor.
the tour
Every step of this tour is hand-crafted with care and passion, born from thousands of hours of exploring, fine-tuning, and perfecting the art of travel.
Our mission?
To create the most walkable self-guided adventures, so you can experience the world effortlessly.
And yes, we’ve made a few missteps along the way—so you don’t have to.
need a ride?
Ok, but how do we get to the starting point? Whether you're arriving from a nearby hotel, the airport, a cruise port, or anywhere else, you'll need to plan your journey to and from the walking tour.
While taxis are a global staple, most of us now embrace the ease of ridesharing apps like Uber, Lyft, or Bolt.
As these services evolve constantly, it's smart to check your options before you arrive at your destination.
the reviews
You might be asking, "What’s up with these reviews?"
When we travel, we rely on a mix of resources to guide us — Google and Tripadvisor reviews, advice from friends, and tips from trusted travel vloggers.
We’ve chosen to highlight TripAdvisor ratings because they provide a wide range of feedback, giving you a bigger pool of opinions to help you make the best choice for your journey.
How much time to budget?
St. Paul’s Cathedral
1h 30min
Millenium Bridge
15min
Shakespeare’s Globe
15min
Borough Market
1h
The Shard
15min
Monument to the Great Fire
15min
Sky Garden
15min
Tower of London
1h 30min
Tower Bridge
1h 30min
Site Ten
15min
london day one
We booked a cruise on the Celebrity Apex out of Southampton, to Amsterdam and Bruges for May 2024.
Kim had never really explored London, whereas I had grazed the surface. This time, we were determined to make “mushy peas” out of it.
For many months leading up to this trip, we were determined to design the most complete 2-day itinerary, complete with all the must-see top sites and attractions. Mission accomplished!
Enjoy London day one -— the most comprehensive self-guided tour of Central London, complete with distance/time data, directions, navigational map links, insider’s tips, etc.
Starting at St. Paul’s Cathedral, visit 9 of London’s top sights and attractions including Millennium Bridge, Shakespeare’s Theatre, Borough Market, The Shard, Monument of the Great Fire, Sky Garden, Tower of London, and Tower Bridge.
london weather
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Towering over Ludgate Hill at 365 feet, or 111 meters, St. Paul's Cathedral ruled the London skyline as the tallest building between the years of 1710 - 1963.
Designed by British architect Sir Christopher Wren, it’s been a place of Christian worship for more than 1400 years. The Great Fire of London of 1666 was the third time on which the cathedral was seriously damaged by a fire in its 600 year history.
It hosted the funerals of Lord Nelson and Winston Churchill and the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Paid admission.
Millennium Bridge
300 meters | 5 minutes
The Millennium Bridge is a modern, steel suspension bridge that spans the River Thames, connecting St. Paul's Cathedral to Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre.
Known for its sleek design and picturesque views, it offers stunning photo opportunities of the river and cityscape. Opened in 2000, the pedestrian-only bridge is affectionately nicknamed the "Wobbly Bridge" due to initial structural issues that were quickly resolved.
Walking across, you'll enjoy panoramic vistas of iconic landmarks, making it a must-visit for tourists and photographers seeking to capture the essence of contemporary London. Paid admission.
Shakespeare's Globe
160 meters | 2 minutes
Shakespeare's Globe is a faithful reconstruction of the original 1599 open-air theatre where many of William Shakespeare's plays were performed.
Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, this iconic venue brings Elizabethan drama to life, offering performances in a unique setting with a thatched roof and standing room for "groundlings," just like in Shakespeare’s time. Destroyed by fire in 1613 and later rebuilt, the modern Globe opened in 1997.
Visitors can enjoy live performances, guided tours, and exhibitions, making it a must-visit for theatre lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Paid admission.
Borough Market
600 meters | 8 minutes
Borough Market is a historic and vibrant food market located near London Bridge, is a foodie’s paradise.
Established in 1756, it offers an eclectic mix of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and international cuisine, making it a must-visit. The market's lively atmosphere, with its diverse vendors and enticing aromas, attracts locals and tourists alike.
Highlights include gourmet cheese, freshly baked bread, exotic spices, and street food from around the world.
Open Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays), Borough Market is perfect for experiencing London's rich culinary heritage and sampling unique flavors in a bustling, historic setting. FREE admission — items available for purchase.
The Shard
280 meters | 4 minutes
The Shard, towering at 1,016 feet, is London's tallest building and a symbol of modern architecture.
Designed by Renzo Piano, it was completed in 2012 and offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks. The Shard is home to luxury restaurants like Aqua Shard, serving contemporary British cuisine; Oblix, offering fine dining with panoramic views; and Hutong, known for its northern Chinese dishes.
Its glass façade and sharp, spire-like design make it an iconic part of London's skyline, blending cutting-edge style with world-class dining experiences high above the city. Paid admission.
Monument to the Great Fire
850 meters | 12 minutes
The Monument to the Great Fire of London commemorates the catastrophic fire of 1666 that ravaged the city.
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke, this 202-foot-tall Doric column was completed in 1677 on the site near Pudding Lane, where the fire began.
Visitors can climb 311 steps to the top for panoramic views of London. Built to celebrate the city's recovery, it remains a powerful symbol of resilience.
The Monument’s precise height mirrors its distance from the bakery where the fire started, a unique architectural detail honoring the city’s rebirth. Paid admission — also very odd tour hours, so check in advance.
Sky Garden
240 meters | 4 minutes
Sky Garden, located atop the "Walkie Talkie" building at 20 Fenchurch Street, offers one of London’s highest public gardens with breathtaking views.
Opening in 2015, this glass-enclosed space spans three floors, featuring lush greenery, landscaped terraces, and an open-air observation deck. Visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of London’s landmarks like Tower Bridge and The Shard while exploring its vibrant plant displays.
Entry is free, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. With bars and restaurants like Darwin Brasserie and Fenchurch Restaurant, it combines natural beauty with fine dining high above the city. Paid admission.
Tower of London
700 meters | 10 minutes
The Tower of London, a historic fortress on the Thames, has guarded the city since 1066.
Originally built by William the Conqueror, it served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. Today, it's home to the Crown Jewels, an exquisite collection of royal regalia.
The iconic Beefeaters, who guard the tower, share tales of its dark history, including the imprisonment of Anne Boleyn and the princes in the Tower.
With its rich history, medieval architecture, and legends, the Tower of London is an unmissable landmark offering a fascinating glimpse into England's past. Paid admission.
Tower Bridge
400 meters | 6 minutes
Not to be confused with London Bridge, Tower Bridge is London’s most famous bridge, and surely the one you likely associate with London.
Built between 1886 - 1894, the combination suspension and bascule bridge features two levered sections (or the bascules) weigh a whopping 1,100 tonnes each and rise to an 83° angle.
The high-level walkway features a Glass Floor that offers a unique birds-eye view of London from 42 metres above the River Thames. Paid admission.
