David Bowie at Madame Tussauds London. Image credit: Merlin.

Ultimate Guide to Madame Tussauds London

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak

Madame Tussauds wax museum has been wowing (and startling) London tourists for nearly two centuries now, its collection of lifelike wax models of historic figures, stars of stage and screen, rock legends and other celebrity icons proving an irresistible draw for millions of visitors every year. Here’s where you can get up close to the Royal Family, come face-to-face with Jack the Ripper, and experience impossible festival line-ups that team Bob Marley with Beyoncé and David Bowie with Dua Lipa. Read on for our ultimate guide to Madame Tussauds London, including when to visit, how to get tickets, and the waxwork highlights you simply mustn’t miss!

Madame Tussauds London: The Lowdown

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson at Madame Tussauds London
Image credit: Merlin

It’s nearly 250 years since the teenage Madame Marie Tussaud, then a trainee wax sculptor in Paris, created her first waxwork, an effigy of writer and philosopher Voltaire. Tussaud’s journey to fame and fortune was long and arduous, taking in imprisonment during the French Revolution, a spell in swinging London in the early 1800s, and a 33-year-long tour of Britain with which she finally made her name. In 1835, she finally settled in a permanent exhibition space on Baker Street, a stone’s throw from the larger Marylebone premises opened by her grandson in 1883, where the iconic wax figures have been displayed ever since.

Marie Tussaud died in 1850 at the grand old age of 88, leaving behind a wax legacy that included a sculpture of herself. The immortal figure of Madame Tussaud can still be seen today, welcoming guests through the museum’s entrance on Marylebone Road. She’s joined by some 150 fellow models, a rotating circus of the great and good (and not so great and good) that moves with the times, capturing the zeitgeist and national mood. Zones like the Chamber of Horrors, with its roster of ghosts, ghouls and bad guys of yore, pay tribute to Tussaud’s original vision, while the Marvel Universe, Awards Party, Impossible Festival and Star Wars zones keep pace with the latest trends and fashions. There are several epic immersive areas, and you can even cast your own hand in wax and take it home as a fun (if slightly macabre) souvenir of your visit!

Madame Tussauds London Highlights

The Royal Family at Madame Tussauds London
Image credit: Merlin
  • The Royal Palace. Practice your best curtsy as you come face-to-face with King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and snap a selfie with Wills and Kate. You’ll also encounter royal guests such as Dame Judi Dench, Mo Farah CBE, and former US president Barack Obama.
  • Awards Party. Hit the red carpet and pap Angelina Jolie, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Harry Styles and others.
  • Impossible Festival. Impossible by name, impossible by nature, the line-up at this dream festival boasts Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Amy Winehouse and Taylor Swift.
  • Marvel Universe 4D. Join your favorite Marvel superheroes – Captain Marvel, Spider-Man, the Black Panther and more – on a cinematic adventure that includes real-world water, wind and seat-quaking effects!
  • Chamber of Horrors. Not for the faint of heart, this immersive zone reveals London’s dark underbelly, and features relics rescued from genuine crime scenes. Meet notorious gangsters the Krays and other London monsters like John Christie, Dennis Nilsen and, of course, Jack the Ripper himself.
  • Spirit of London. Take a black cab ride through the city’s turbulent past, from the plague to the Great Fire of London,and Carnaby Street in the swinging 1960s.
  • Star Wars. Space cadets, rejoice! Here’s where to spot Chewbacca helming the controls of the legendary Millennium Falcon, encounter C-3PO and R2-D2 on the shifting sands of Tatooine, and watch Luke and Darth battle it out on the Death Star. Meanwhile, in the swamps and forests of his native Dagobah, Yoda you must meet.

Madame Tussauds London: When to Visit

Taylor Swift at Madame Tussauds London
Image credit: Merlin

Madame Tussauds London's opening hours vary throughout the year. It’s generally open from 9AM or 10AM until 3PM or 4PM, with longer hours (usually 9AM–5PM) during school holidays. Check the official Madame Tussauds London website for opening hours on the days you want to visit. 

Generally speaking, the first and last tours of the day (after around 2PM) are less prone to overcrowding, but avoid weekends and school holidays if you can, when the crowds of tourists inside can occasionally make getting close to your favorite wax icons… challenging.

Book in advance to lock in your 15-minute time slot; turning up on the day and buying a ticket then and there is possible, but unadvisable. This, after all, is one of London’s most popular attractions, so doing it this way will likely require you to while away several hours in nearby Regent’s Park as you await your slot.

Madame Tussauds London: Tickets

The Incredible Hulk at Madame Tussauds London
Image credit: Merlin

One of the best ways to visit Madame Tussauds London is with an All-Inclusive attraction pass from Go City. Just select the number of consecutive days you plan to sightsee (up to 10), and fill your boots with as many bucket-list London experiences – including tours, activities, attractions and more – as you can in that time. The pass offers savings of up to 50% against regular entry prices, with the value increasing the more things you see and do. The All-Inclusive pass comes packed with dozens of essential London attractions, including Madame Tussauds, plus the London Eye, Tower of London, the View from The Shard, London Zoo, the London Bridge Experience and many more.

You can also book direct via the Madame Tussauds London website, where options include multi-attraction tickets, fast track passes and a champagne bar experience.

Fun Facts About Madame Tussauds London

Beyoncé at Madame Tussauds London
Image credit: Merlin
  • Waxworks at Madame Tussauds take around six months to create, from concept to completion. They are groomed and touched up throughout their lifetime and, when retired, have their heads and extremities removed and placed in storage. Those archives must be a sight to behold!
  • Figures are made 2% larger than the human (or movie character) they represent, to account for melting during the modeling process.
  • The museum’s oldest waxwork is of Louis XV’s last mistress Madame du Barry, sculpted by Marie Tussaud’s teacher Philippe Curtius in 1765.

Closest Transport Links to Madame Tussauds London

Madame Tussauds is a two-minute walk from Baker Street station on the London Underground; access to multiple Tube lines including the Bakerloo, Circle, Jubilee and Metropolitan make this by far the easiest way to get here. Marylebone train station is a 10-minute walk and several bus routes also service the area.

All images shown depict wax figures created and owned by Madame Tussauds.

Save on London Tours, Activities and Attractions

Save on admission to 100+ London attractions with an Explorer or All-Inclusive pass from Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Woman standing on Westminster Bridge in London
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10+ Things to Do in London for Adults During Your Vacation (Ideas for Couples & Groups of Friends)

London is one of the most fantastic, global cities in the world. It’s filled with top attractions and significant historical structures, plus some of the best dining and shopping opportunities you’ll find anywhere. Whether you’re interested in exploring the expansive history of London’s churches and buildings, or if you prefer the appeal of modern attractions, you’ll be able to enjoy a full itinerary of London activities on your next trip. If you’re looking for things to do in London for adults, check out our list of the top activities that couples and groups of friends will enjoy, including... Lastminute.com London Eye Madame Tussauds London Hop-On Hop-Off London Bus Tour St. Paul’s Cathedral The London Dungeon Changing of the Guard Walking Tour River Thames Cruises Explore the Royal Parks and more... Save on Admission to Popular Adult Attractions Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available on Go City's London Explorer and All-Inclusive passes. Choose as you go from top London activities and save up to 50% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and London-based attractions. Lastminute.com London Eye Take a ride to the top of the world’s most famous observation wheel. The London Eye is not just a signature element of the London skyline – it’s also a fun activity for any new visitor to London. See the River Thames and all the iconic buildings clustered along its banks. It’s the perfect opportunity to get those amazing aerial photos that look just like postcards! Getting In: admission to the Lastminute.com London Eye is available with London Explorer and All-Inclusive passes. Madame Tussauds London Fans of celebrity culture – including the Royal Family – will love a visit to the original Madame Tussauds. It’s where the global phenomenon first began, so a visit here will teach you all about the history of the original Madame T, including her techniques and inspiration. Plus, there’s no other way to actually meet the King (unless you’re super famous yourself, that is!). Getting In: Madame Tussauds London admission is included with an All-Inclusive Pass. Hop-on Hop-off London Bus Tour New to the city? Try out a London Bus Tour to explore the many diverse neighborhoods and regions of this bustling metropolis. It can be really difficult to navigate your way around the city on your own, especially without a local’s knowledge of where to find what. Fortunately, a guided bus tour is a great way to see the city without worrying about the hassle of directions. It’s also an iconic London attraction – those double-decker buses just scream Britain! A hop-on hop-off option is perfect for those travelers who like to pick and choose on the go, too. Getting In: Big Bus London admission is available with all London passes. St. Paul’s Cathedral Pay a visit to one of the most beautiful and historic churches in all of England. Its instantly recognizable dome is just the beginning: the interior is gorgeously decorated, from the Cathedral floor to the crypts to the three major galleries housed within the dome. Join up with a guided walking tour to see the areas not typically open to the public. Or, if you have less time, take a shortened, self-guided tour. Getting In: admission to St. Paul’s Cathedral is included on all London passes. The London Dungeon This is one moderately scary and delightfully campy attraction. See a millennia of history brought to life in terrifying and enjoyable ways, as you glide past 19 live shows. See the plague-ridden streets of the early modern period, shudder at what might have been with Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot, and look behind you at every turn through Jack the Ripper’s Whitechapel. End it all with a visit to the Tavern, a delightful Victorian pub experience which serves up tasty (modern) beer. Getting In: The London Dungeon admission is included with the Explorer Pass. Changing of the Guard Walking Tour We’ve all seen those iconic London palace guards on television as they perform their perfectly synchronized movements. Now’s your chance to tour the city and see the several different companies performing their “changing of the guard,” a rare sight. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy photo opportunities of other major landmarks along the way, including Westminster Abbey, St. James’ Place, and Buckingham Palace. Getting In: the Changing of the Guard Walking Tour is included on all London passes. Animal Attractions There is much to enjoy in London for animal lovers, whether you prefer critters from land or from the sea. SEA LIFE Aquarium escorts you on a magical journey throughout the waters of the world, with multiple massive tanks that will make you feel just like you’re strolling at the bottom of the ocean. Getting In: SEA LIFE London Aquarium is availavle with the Explorer Pass and London Zoo admission is on all passes. River Thames Cruise Hop aboard this enjoyable cruise for a unique chance at sightseeing along the River Thames. You’ll learn all about London’s most significant landmarks, like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, the Greenwich Observatory and more. It’s also the perfect time to snap some of memorable photos of your trip. There are four disembarkation points on the route from Westminster to Greenwich and you can hop on and off as many times as you like withing a 24-hour period. Getting In: the City Cruises Thames River Pass is available with the Explorer Pass. Explore the Royal Parks If you’re a nature lover, you’ve come to the right place. London is one of the most diverse major cities in the world when it comes to green spaces and botanical gardens. Looking to stroll around, toss a Frisbee, or have a picnic? Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, or St. James’s Park are great options. Prefer to see a collection of exotic plants and domestic ones side by side? The Royal Gardens at Kew are an absolutely fabulous must-see attraction. Getting In: admission to Kew Gardens is available on all passes; many other London parks and gardens are free to explore. London Shopping Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or just love to shop, London is the right destination for you. With a wide variety of shops from the high end to fast fashion, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for at practically any price point. For some of the best shopping in London, head to Oxford Street, where you’ll find the famous Selfridges, as well as favorites Top Shop and Primark. Got a massive budget? Bond Street and Mayfair are the areas where you’ll find high-end luxury goods. Bargain hunting or looking for something unique? Try out Covent Garden.
Katie Sagal
Clown fish at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Image credit: Merlin.
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Ultimate Guide to SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Set on the ground floor of County Hall on London’s bustling South Bank, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium has been wowing wide-eyed visitors with its kaleidoscope of aquatic critters since it opened back in 1997. Penguin-waddle into our underwater world for the ultimate guide to this top-tier London attraction, including information on what to expect, when to visit, and the best ticket options in town… SEA LIFE London Aquarium: The Lowdown Attracting over a million visitors every year, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is one of the South Bank’s most popular attractions. That’s largely thanks to its state-of-the-art aquaria, spine-tingling underwater Shark Walk tunnel, cool gentoo penguin colony, and 5,000-or-so marine creatures that range from tiny clownfish to majestic sharks, turtles, crocs, rays, and octopuses. Immersive exhibits at the aquarium mean you can get really up close and personal with these spectacular beasts of the deep. And we mean really really close – over, under, and with your inquisitive face pressed right up against the glass. Heck, there’s even a touch pool where kids young and old get the rare chance to handle sea stars, crabs and other rock pool regulars. It takes most people between one and two hours to explore the various zones of the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, but there’s no time limit on your visit, meaning kids mesmerized by staring through bubble windows at the magical underwater worlds within can do so for literally hours on end.  There are also several ranger talks on the many species here, from rays to rainforest dwellers, as well as scheduled feeding times, when you can see the penguins diving for their supper or catch an unmissable piranha feeding frenzy. You can even feed the turtles and go snorkeling with the sharks! SEA LIFE London Aquarium Zones Open Oceans. The replica ribcage of a great gray whale makes for a fine habitat in the Open Oceans exhibit, where colorful purple tangs, snappers, triggerfish and other tropical critters flash brilliantly across the bleached bones. The essential highlight of this zone is the glass tunnel that passes beneath the huge tank, promising tantalizing glimpses of green sea turtles and huge southern stingrays soaring overhead. This is also where you can spot sharks – or head up a level to get an aerial view of these majestic creatures of the deep. Coral Kingdom. Experience a kaleidoscope of color at the UK’s largest living coral reef, an awesome underwater oasis that extends some 40 feet and teems with clownfish, seahorses, angelfish, butterflyfish, pufferfish, regal blue and yellow tangs, and other reef dwellers. Take the clownfish challenge as you yourself get the opportunity to bob, weave and shuffle your way through a simulated reef environment. Polar Adventure. Slip and slide your way to one of SEA LIFE London Aquarium’s most popular zones to meet the resident colony of playful gentoo penguins. These cute little blighters, with their distinctive white ‘headbands’ and bright orange bills are a joy to observe as they swim, splash, socialize and snooze their way around their icy environment. State-of-the-art 3D and augmented reality technology also brings giant polar bears and orca whales to life in this thrilling Antarctic adventure. Rainforest Adventure. Adventure of an altogether different kind awaits in the aquarium’s Amazonian rainforest, where tropical temperatures support life for a fantastical array of exotic animals. This one’s for the creepy crawly connoisseur, the reptile rhapsodizer, the frog fanatic. For here’s where you can meet some of the planet’s most fearsome beasts, among them the poison dart frog, the West African dwarf crocodile, the Chilean rose tarantula, he UK’s largest collection of piranhas, and a snapping turtle named Bowza! Ocean Invaders. Mesmerizing and dreamlike in their slow, languid movements, jellyfish are among the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. Brainless and composed of more than 95% water, these amazing animals have been present in our seas for some 500 million years – even longer than our most ancient reptiles! Step into the Ocean Invaders zone to observe several species in all their graceful glory, including the translucent, bell-shaped moon jellyfish, the fearsome looking (and sounding!) Japanese sea nettle, and the more self-explanatory upside-down jellyfish. SEA LIFE London Aquarium: When to Visit Opening hours vary throughout the year but are generally around 10AM–5PM in the cooler months, increasing to 9.30AM–7PM in summer and during school holidays., and last entry is an hour before closing time. Check the official SEA LIFE London Aquarium website for opening hours on the specific dates you want to visit. You’ll need to book a time slot for entry during peak times (weekends, school holidays and public holidays). If you fancy a less crowded experience, pop by on weekdays towards the beginning or end of the day, when advance booking is rarely required and the tourist crowds are relatively minimal.  SEA LIFE London Aquarium: Tickets One of the best money-saving ways to experience the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is with an Explorer attraction pass from Go City. You can save up to 50% with the pass, which gives you 60 days to experience up to seven London tours, activities and attractions. Entry to the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is included with the pass, as are bucket-list big-hitters including the London Eye, Up at the O2, the London Bridge Experience, Westminster Abbey, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London Zoo, The View from The Shard, and many more. You can also book direct via the SEA LIFE London Aquarium website, where options include multi-attraction tickets and VIP experiences with the penguins, sharks and turtles. Closest Transport Links to SEA LIFE London Aquarium SEA LIFE London Aquarium is a short stroll from Waterloo station, as well as Charing Cross and Westminster Underground station just across the river. After emerging from any of these, simply head towards the London Eye and you won’t go too far wrong! Save on London Tours, Activities and Attractions Save on admission to 100+ London attractions with an Explorer or All-Inclusive pass from Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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London Neighborhoods Guide - Where to Go & What to Visit for Tourists

London is an amazing city, but it can often be quite overwhelming to first-time visitors. It’s a sprawling city, with diverse neighborhoods scattered all over the place that can be difficult to navigate if you don’t know what you’re looking for. To help out new visitors to London, we’ve put together a brief guide to some of the most popular or significant neighborhoods in London to visit, with a few suggestions on things to see and do in those areas. South of the Thames (South Bank/Southwark) One of the most happening spots in the city, the neighborhood South of the Thames is bustling with people day and night. Come here for top attractions, museums, shops, restaurants, and much more. Check out our post that features some of the more popular South Bank London attractions. Things to Do South of the Thames Take in a show at the Southbank Centre. Shop the amazing Borough Market for your perfect souvenir. Take the kids to Shrek’s Adventure to see their favorite characters brought to life. Take a themed walking tour of the city that focuses on pop culture icons like the Doctor or 007. Scare yourself silly at the London Dungeon. Marvel at the wide variety of marine life at the SEA LIFE Aquarium. Ride to the top of the one and only Coca-Cola London Eye. City of London The financial heart of the city, the area technically known as the City of London is anchored by the Bank of England, the Mansion House, and the Royal Exchange. Come here to see where all the movers and shakers work. Things to Do in the City of London See a show at the popular Barbican Centre. Visit the elegant house of Dr. Samuel Johnson, one of England’s best-beloved writers. Roam the rich expanses of the Museum of London, with over 7,000 inspiring and astonishing objects to look at. Visit the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral for a tour of some of the most significant church architecture in the country. Crane your neck to look up the simply named Monument, which commemorates the Great Fire of 1666. Marylebone Pronounced “Marr-le-bone,” this happening upscale neighborhood filled with homes, shops, attractions, and more. Things to Do in Marylebone “Meet” your favorite celebs from David Beckham to the Queen herself at the original Madame Tussauds. Explore the weird and wacky world of Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Fans of the new BBC drama Sherlock will want to visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum to learn more about the inspiration and sources for this pop culture icon. Visit one of the best art galleries in the country at the Wallace Collection, with one of the most impressive collections of Old Master paintings in the entire world. Cheese lovers should stop by La Fromagerie for a delightful section of their favorite fare. Regent’s Park Spanning 410 acres, this former royal hunting ground is today home to many top outdoors attractions, including gorgeous gardens, playful parks, and intriguing museums. Things to Do in Regent’s Park Meet the animals at the London Zoo, home to some of your favorite critters from around the globe. Explore the exhibits and artifacts at the Jewish Museum, which explores the unique history of Judaism and Jewish culture in England. Take the kids to the Primrose Hill Playground for a rollicking good time. Enjoy a Shakespeare play at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Wander through Queen Mary’s Gardens, an unmatched collection of 400 different varieties of rose among 30,000 individual specimens. Notting Hill/Bayswater These two adjacent neighborhoods are lively and filled with tons of cultural events and activities, not least of which is the annual Notting Hill Carnival, a famed celebration of Caribbean culture in Britain. Things to Do in Notting Hill / Bayswater Hop aboard a rental bike and tour this neighborhood (and the whole city!) at your own pace and direction. For another wonderful park option, the immensely popular Hyde Park is located in this area. Those interested in contemporary art should head to Graffik, an amazing collection of exhibits honoring modern street art. Kensington Gardens represent another wonderful botanical option for the nature lovers. Snap a photo of the Peter Pan statue. Shop the historic Portobello Road for unique souvenir options. Covent Garden Located east from Charing Cross, this shopping district boasts a ton of history and culture with several modern shopping and entertainment options alongside traditional architecture. Things to Do in Covent Garden Take a city bus tour (that you can actually pick up in many of these neighborhoods) for a chance to explore it all. Spring for a show at the Royal Opera House to see Britain’s most talented performers. For the art lovers, Courtauld Gallery offers more master works of art to enjoy. Americans will value the chance to visit Benjamin Franklin’s House, to see where this inventor and statesman lived before the Revolutionary War. See an avant garde performance or classic show at the Donmar Warehouse. Bloomsbury This artsy area is the legacy of the famous Bloomsbury Group – including greats like Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster – and is today still a thriving artistic and literary community. Things to Do in Bloomsbury Head a few blocks north to the world famous British Library, an unparalleled research resource and a fun place to tour. Visit the British Museum for a chance to explore one of the country’s top collections of art and artifacts (including Ancient Egyptian artifacts). Lit lovers won’t want to miss the Charles Dickens House, where this popular nineteenth-century author wrote Oliver Twist. Explore the bizarre and singular world of Sir John Soane, whose house has been preserved exactly has he left it for generations to marvel at his ingenuity. Greenwich Greenwich is probably most famous as the site of the Royal Observatory, which calculates the official time observed by the entire planet. But it’s also filled with other attractions from museums to historic ships. A visit here is worth the short trip out east from Central London. Things to Do in Greenwich Antique lover? You must stop by the Clock Tower Antiques Market for your next great find. Visit the Cutty Sark, a speedy nineteenth-century clipper ship which is today preserved as a museum. If you liked the idea of the historic ship, then the National Maritime Museum is another great destination for you. The Royal Observatory is definitely a must – where else can you stand on the Prime Meridian AND see the calculations at work? Knightsbridge London’s wealthiest neighborhood, Knightsbridge is home to major shopping venues and tiny boutiques, all selling the top names in fashion and design. Come here with a hefty budget if you want to purchase anything. Otherwise, there’s nothing wrong with some active window-shopping! Things to Do in Knightsbridge The big highlights of Knightsbridge are the two iconic stores, Harrods and Harvey Nichols. You can also enjoy a tasty meal at one of the many amazing (and predictably pricey) restaurants in the area.
Katie Sagal

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