Tower of London vs Westminster Abbey: Which Should Top Your List?

History buffs, rejoice—let’s settle the Tower of London vs Westminster Abbey debate!

Published: May 29, 2026
Westminster Palace

Every trip to London tempts you with tough choices. The city balances quirky neighbourhoods and world-famous sights, but two landmarks almost always compete for top billing: the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. Both are star attractions, packed with dazzling stories, delicious intrigue, and centuries-layered history. So, how do you pick? Whether you crave tales of kings and prisoners or long to wander through royal tombs packed with secrets, we’re here to help you decide. Let’s unravel the details, experiences, photo moments and best nearby lunch spots—so you can enjoy the best of old London, whatever your style. 

The Lowdown 

Tower of London:

  • Nearly 1,000 years old—think Norman Conquest old! 
  • Former royal palace, prison, zoo and (still!) home to the Crown Jewels 
  • Dramatic tales of intrigue, beheadings and rebellion at every turn 
  • See the legendary Yeoman Warders (“Beefeaters”) in their flamboyant uniforms 
  • Explore the ancient White Tower, medieval walls, and the Traitors’ Gate 
  • Home to a colony of famous ravens, who, according to legend, guard the kingdom 

Westminster Abbey:

  • A true working church, dating to 960AD—with the current Gothic structure over 750 years old 
  • Every English monarch crowned here since William the Conqueror 
  • Final resting place for 17 monarchs and hundreds of brilliant Britons (think Elizabeth I, Darwin, Newton) 
  • Hosting royal weddings, coronations and national events all year long 
  • Admire breathtaking stained glass, medieval cloisters, and Poets’ Corner 
  • Gorgeous fan-vaulted ceilings and centuries of elaborate tombs 

Sounds Good, Tell Me More... 

Tower of London

Tower of London

Step through the battlements, and you step right into the Middle Ages. The Tower of London isn't just an imposing fortress—it’s also one of Britain’s longest-operating palaces, a notorious prison, and (conveniently) the home of some of England’s most glittering jewels. Start your adventure with a tour led by a Yeoman Warder. These guides have the perfect pitch: they sprinkle the weight of history with belly laughs and delicious royal scandals. Don’t miss the White Tower—William the Conqueror’s sturdy statement piece—which still dominates the skyline and houses armour, exhibits, and a dragon made of weaponry. 

Make time for the Crown Jewels. These dazzling treasures draw long lines, but they’re worth every tick of the clock. Feel the suspense as the crowd hushes and admire the largest clear-cut diamond in the world. The Raven enclosure always draws a crowd, too—legend claims if the Tower’s ravens ever leave, the kingdom will fall. Every wall hides a story, from Anne Boleyn’s tragic fate to daring escape attempts. If you’re lucky, snap a family picture with a Beefeater—bonus points if you catch their legendary dry wit. 

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey feels like the beating heart of British history. This working church elegantly blends the sacred with the storied, and wandering its hushed aisle is like stepping into a drama centuries in the making. You’ll stand where every English monarch since 1066 was crowned, and where recent royals like William and Kate said "I do." It’s a place of pilgrimage for those who love literature, science and statesmanship—the Abbey holds the final resting places of titans such as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Geoffrey Chaucer in its famous Poets’ Corner. 

Book a verger-led tour to explore the hidden chapels, cloisters, and corridors opened just for special visitors. Gaze upwards at the fan-vaulted ceiling and the glowing stained glass that bathes the Abbey in rainbow hues. Don’t skip the Coronation Chair—a battered, ancient seat on which kings and queens have balanced their destiny for centuries. Every corner hides something to discover, from the exquisite Henry VII Lady Chapel, ornate with carved fan vaulting, to the touching Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. The Abbey always hums with grandeur—solemn yet strangely welcoming, especially during daily services when you might catch the sublime sound of the choir. 

Okay, So Which One Is Most Impressive? 

Now, here’s a royal dilemma. The Tower of London dazzles with drama, with stories of ghosts, betrayal, and unrivaled treasures locked in vaults beneath the ancient stones. If you want to soak up centuries, see the actual regalia used on coronation day, and meet history with a cheeky grin thanks to the Beefeaters, there’s nothing quite like it. 

But Westminster Abbey counters with soaring Gothic arches, golden light and an untouchable sense of ceremony. To stroll among the tombs of kings and poets, beneath a ceiling crafted for coronations and state occasions, is to feel the heartbeat of British tradition echoing through your bones. 

In truth, each is impressive in its own way: the Tower thrills and surprises; the Abbey inspires and soothes. 

Which One Is More Fun? 

Both deliver entertainment with a historical twist, but the energy is different in each. At the Tower, you’ll find living history—actors, costumed guides, and family-oriented activities. There’s a sense that something wild could break out at any moment. Kids love hearing about the ravens and infamous royal prisoners; adults enjoy the tales of secret plots and legendary escapes. Even the exhibitions—like the Room of Torture—balance the darkness with clever storytelling and just the right touch of gore. 

Westminster Abbey, meanwhile, is a place for quiet awe. You won’t find actors or comedic guides, but you might stumble onto choir rehearsal, the echoing notes drawing unexpected emotion. The fun here is gentler and more reflective: kids love hunting for secret tombs, examining ancient carvings, or seeking out famous names in Poets’ Corner. The beauty and atmosphere do much of the entertaining, immersing you in history by sheer presence. 

Which Is More Beautiful? 

Let’s be honest, London likes to show off, and both these sites deliver on looks. The Tower’s beauty is rugged and storybook-like, with its thick walls, turrets, and the shimmer of the Thames just beyond. The view from atop the battlements over Tower Bridge and the City skyline adds a touch of magic, especially on cool, misty mornings. Gardens bloom inside protected courtyards, offering quiet corners for daydreaming and pigeon-watching. 

Westminster Abbey leans Gothic: twisting spires, delicate arches, intricate stonework, and windows blazing with colour. The nave soars upwards as sunlight streams through jewel-toned glass, bathing ancient tombs in gold and blue and green. Whether outside admiring the flying buttresses or inside searching for minute details carved into the seats of the choir, the Abbey invites you to soak up beauty from every angle. Visit during golden hour and catch the Abbey set aglow—pure magic. 

Which Has the Better View? 

The Tower of London gets front-row seats for river views as well as star turns from Tower Bridge—especially photogenic at dawn or sunset. Climb the battlements and you’ll spot a patchwork of old and new London, from the Shard’s gleaming peak to the storybook silhouette of the bridge rising over the Thames. 

Westminster Abbey sits just off Parliament Square, with Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Bridge all within sight. You won’t get a rooftop vantage point from inside the Abbey, but you will experience the thrill of standing at the very crossroads of London history. Step outside for shots of Parliament framed by the Abbey’s turrets, or just watch red buses trundle past in a scene straight from a postcard. 

How Do I Get There? 

Tower of London: 

  • The Tower sits on the north bank of the Thames, nestled snugly between Tower Bridge and the City of London. 
  • Hop on the District or Circle Line to Tower Hill station—when you emerge, the Tower’s massive White Tower greets you immediately. 
  • Prefer the river? Thames Clippers boats stop just yards away. 
  • St. Katharine Docks are a short stroll east, too—fab for boat-spotting. 

Westminster Abbey: 

  • Find the Abbey directly opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, smack in the middle of Westminster. 
  • Westminster tube station (Jubilee, Circle and District lines) pops you up right onto Parliament Square. 
  • Look for double-decker buses—nearly every London route seems to fan out from here. Walking from Trafalgar Square takes under 15 minutes. 

Which is the Best Choice for Families, Couples or Friends?

Families: The Tower of London is the ultimate playground for budding explorers. Kids can hunt for mysterious ravens, giggle at tales of mischievous prisoners, and follow costumed Yeoman Warders for fun-filled storytelling. Look out for interactive exhibits and themed family trails—perfect for curious minds and restless feet. Westminster Abbey, on the other hand, offers junior history buffs a quieter, awe-filled experience. If your clan enjoys seeking out the gravestones of trailblazing scientists, poets and monarchs—or just gets a kick out of tremendous stained glass—this one’s for you. 

Couples: Few places feel quite as romantic as Westminster Abbey, especially when the sunlight slants through the windows, and the nave fills with whispers from centuries of weddings and state ceremonies. Stroll the cloisters hand-in-hand for a genuinely atmospheric date. The Tower delivers a slightly wilder energy. Adventurous couples can share tales of queens and intrigue while exploring dungeons and battlements, then grab a riverside selfie at sunset. 

Friends: Both attractions spark plenty of conversation and shared snap-worthy moments. The Tower of London offers that extra dash of drama—where else can you pose by a suit of Henry VIII’s armour, then joke about losing your head in Tudor England? At Westminster Abbey, your group can set off on a race to spot the most legendary tombstones or just revel in the grandeur of a palace-turned-church. 

I’ve Got Fidgety Kids to Entertain – Which Has More ‘Hands On’ Activities? 

The Tower of London reigns supreme for hands-on history. Scavenger hunts, interactive displays in the White Tower and seasonal events (think sword-fighting demos and falconry displays) are always a hit. The Yeoman Warder tours keep restless kids giggling, and some special areas even let them try on helmets or see ancient graffiti carved by prisoners. 

Westminster Abbey’s tone is a touch more “look, don’t touch,” but little adventurers can still enjoy family trails and activity booklets. Well-trained Abbey Stewards often hand out quizzes and scavenger hunts that keep children engaged as they explore hidden chapels and quirky memorials. 

What’s the Accessibility Like? 

Tower of London: 

The Tower’s ancient design means cobbled courtyards, spiral staircases and some uneven ground. Lifts reach much of the Crown Jewels area, New Armouries Café and main gift shop, but some towers (like the White Tower) have limited step-free access. Complimentary wheelchairs are available, and the staff are fantastic at helping visitors get the most out of their day. Visual and hearing guides are also available. 

Westminster Abbey: 

The Abbey offers smooth access to most areas via ramps and lifts. Level access is possible at the North Door with staff assistance. Accessible toilets, wheelchairs and hearing loops cater to different needs, and assistance dogs are welcome. Verger tours can be adapted for mobility requirements if you call ahead. 

Best Lunch Spots Nearby? 

Tower of London Area: 

  • Coppa Club (Three Quays Walk E1Q 1AA): Cosy riverside igloos and a buzzing vibe. Try the smoked salmon flatbreads or their crispy wood-fired pizzas. The view of Tower Bridge is unbeatable—pure atmosphere. 
  • The Dickens Inn (St Katharine Docks, E1W 1UH): This multi-storey, flower-draped pub dishes up hearty British classics (give the steak & ale pie or fish & chips a whirl). The big wooden balcony overlooks the marina, perfect for a relaxed lunch. 
  • Kilikya’s Café Bar Restaurant (St Katharine Docks, E1W 1AT): Laid-back Mediterranean spot, friendly service and a crowd-pleasing meze platter—you can fill up without emptying your wallet. 

Westminster Abbey Area: 

  • The Cellarium Café & Terrace (Within Westminster Abbey Grounds): Chic spot nestled inside the Abbey. Try their “Abbey Pie” or freshly made scones. There’s outdoor seating for tranquil moments surrounded by history. 
  • Roux at Parliament Square (Great George St, SW1P 3AD): Michelin star-worthy dining in an elegant townhouse. Impeccably plated British-European classics. The degustation menu is a treat for special occasions. 
  • Regency Café (17-19 Regency Street, SW1P 4BY): This art-deco institution serves classic fry-ups and proper cups of tea at affordable prices. It’s a short walk from the Abbey—pure London charm! 

Where Are the Best Photo Opportunities? 

Tower of London: 

Snap a shot with Tower Bridge looming in the background from the riverside walk—early mornings mean softer light and fewer crowds. Catch the Yeoman Warders at the main entrance for a truly British group photo, or pose beside the ancient Traitors’ Gate for extra drama. Inside, don’t forget the Big Raven Selfie! 

Westminster Abbey: 

The classic Westminster shot is from Parliament Square, with those ornate spires reaching toward Big Ben. Inside, frame your photo to capture the choir stalls or the glorious fan-vaulted ceiling of the Henry VII Chapel. Visit at dusk and watch the Abbey glow as the city lights up—it’s pure photo magic. 

We’re Finished and Thirsty – Is There a Decent Bar in the Area? 

Near Tower of London: 

  • Skylight Rooftop (Tobacco Dock, E1W 2SF): Sip creative cocktails with sweeping views of London’s skyline—perfect for that “cheers, we’re on holiday” moment. Try the rooftop Pimm’s Cup in summer or mulled wine when the chill hits. 
  • The Draft House (Seething Lane, EC3N 4AX): Cosy and affordable, this friendly pub dishes craft brews and sourdough pizzas. The staff are always up for recommendations—ask for their current seasonal ale. 

Near Westminster Abbey: 

  • The Red Lion (Whitehall, SW1A 2BX): A favourite with parliamentarians, this historic pub offers traditional British ales in wood-panelled comfort. Order a pint of London Pride and feel like a local. 
  • Bassoon Bar at Corinthia (Whitehall Pl, SW1A 2BD): Swanky, sophisticated, with a live pianist most evenings. The signature Bassoon Martini is a showstopper—chilled, fragrant, and perfectly shaken. 

Any Other Good Stuff Nearby? 

Tower of London Area: 

  • Tower Bridge: Step inside and walk the glass walkways above traffic and river boats. Those with a head for heights love the views—and the photos! 
  • St. Katharine Docks: Wander the marina, watch the boats or grab some gelato by the water. On Fridays, the street food market is a gem for lunch on the go. 
  • Sky Garden: Pop over to this free indoor conservatory atop the Walkie Talkie building for palm trees and panoramic city views (book ahead!). 

Westminster Abbey Area: 

  • Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster): Book a guided tour of the home of British democracy or grab a classic photo from the Westminster Bridge. 
  • St James’s Park: Gorgeous flowerbeds, pelicans sunbathing on the lake and space to relax or picnic with a palace view. 
  • National Gallery: Take a short wander up Whitehall to Trafalgar Square for centuries of world-class art—entry is free. 

 

It’s a Draw! Why Not Visit Both? 

Whichever spot you choose, you’re sure to walk away with a head full of stories and a camera roll packed with memories. With Go City®, you can unlock both the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey (plus heaps more) with one pass—saving both money and time. So, grab your pass, bring your sense of adventure, and enjoy exploring the best of this sensational city! 

Enjoyed this? Check out 10 Reasons Kids Will Love the Tower of London or A Complete Guide to Visiting Westminster Abbey   

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®   

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!   

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Continue reading

adventurous things to do in london
Blog

Adventurous Things to do in London

Calling all daredevils among you! Are you tired of boring, normal activities? Are you sitting at home right now, staring at walls? Are you on your slog of a commute hoping a ninja will jump out and start doing ninja stuff? You sound like the sort that yearns for that sweet adrenaline. Well, never fear, because London has plenty of white knuckle adventures to sate your hunger. But where are they? Well, here. In this handy list, we made just for you. The stars have aligned, and adventure is nigh! These are the best adventurous things to do in London! Featuring: ArcelorMittal Orbit Sherlock Holmes: The Game The Crystal Maze Live Experience Helicopter Tours Thames Rockets and more! ArcelorMittal Orbit Instead of sliding into some unsuspecting person's DMs, put down the phone and try a real slide. Built during the 2012 Olympic Games, ArcelorMittal Orbit is a towering structure. Looming over the Olympic Park, it stands at a whopping 114.5m tall, it's quite the sight. If you have the stomach to climb the hundreds of stairs it takes to reach one of the viewing platforms, you'll be able to see the whole city. But why not take it one step further - step inside the world's tallest slide, and ride it all the way down to the bottom? Its twists and turns are sure to delight all the daredevils out there. Just, maybe leave lunch until after you're done. No one wants to clean up that. Sherlock: The Official Live Game Dare you tangle with the maniacal mastermind Moriarty himself? Well, you can now, at Sherlock: The Official Live Game! Part escape room, part immersive Sherlock experience, and part bar, this thrill ride will pit your team's wits against Sherlock's nemesis. Featuring real props and recreated environments from the BBC TV show, as well as exclusive clips from the cast, use key detective work and problem-solving to crack the case. Sherlock's busy, doing Sherlock things like being unnecessarily arrogant, so you're on your own this time! But don't dally; you only have 100 minutes to complete the tasks. If you don't, you die! Okay, probably not. But you will bring great shame to your house. Crystal Maze Experience Take a trip back to the bizarre but unique Nineties, replete with leopard print jackets, at the Crystal Maze Experience! Bring some friends and take on challenges in four unique zones. Use every ounce of mental and physical strength to complete challenges and get the crystals! Take too long, and you'll be locked inside forever! Or until your team gets you out. Whichever happens first. Then, you'll enter the crystal dome and flail about pathetically as you attempt to grab as many notes as possible. The winner, well, you'll have to find out what the victors win when you try it for yourself! Go Ape Do you ever wonder what life was like before, when our ancestors lived in the trees? Yes, evolution is real. Probably. And yes, you can relive your ancestral heritage at Go Ape! Suspended in safety, thanks to a key harness, you'll be free to tight-rope walk across a daring assault course in the sky. Then, when you've assaulted the course completely, ride down to terra firma in style on an exhilarating zip line! Feel the primal roar inside you grow. Know what it was like to live in trees. Maybe move into a treehouse with central heating. All this and more is waiting for you at the three Go Ape centres across London. Definitely one of the best things to do in London for the adventurous of you! Helicopter Tour Yes, there are even more adventurous things to do in London! If trees aren't high enough, how about you try a few hundred metres higher? Hop on a helicopter and take a tour of the city! See all the city's sights from a new angle. Get a bird's eye view of legendary London landmarks like Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye, and many more! Just like a bird! It might just be the best way to see the city you love. Or, at least, the city you tolerate. Bungee Jump at the O2 Have you ever jumped off a building and lived? Probably not. But what if I told you you could jump off an entire arena and survive. Well, that's exactly what you can do at the O2 Arena! Climb to the top, suit up, and plunge nearly 50m down! Feel the wind rush past your face. See the city rush towards you. But don't worry, you'll be safe. And you will love it. London Bridge Experience Feeling spooky? Do you thrive on horror movies? Are you the sort to look for the monster under your bed instead of cowering beneath the quilt? Well, have we got an experience for you. A London Bridge Experience! Dwelling beneath the eponymous bridge, you'll find spooky spectacle and daring delights alike. Revisit the city's ghoulish past, all 2000 years of it. The experience itself is an interactive theatre of pain and misery. Hear tales from London's residents throughout time. No, they're not paid actors; they're real historical people! Listen as they transport you back to some of London's most haunted historical moments. Revisit the horrors of the Great Fire, relive Jack the Ripper's reign of terror, and also the Romans were bad! Or, if you dare, delve into the tombs beneath the bridge. Supposedly, real ghosts and demons prowl the lower levels. Not paid actors. Will you live to tell the tale? Or will you be scared to death! Alternatively, if you have little ones with you, there's the kid-friendly Guardian Angel Tour. Expect the same stories with less spook and makeup. Thames Rockets And finally, if you prefer your adrenaline sun and sea-soaked, where better to get your fix than on a speedboat? Head to the Thames, put on your best life jacket, and prepare for a wave-crashing thrill ride of thrillingness! All thrills, no spills. Take a day trip around the city's shoreline, or try an evening ride with a complimentary drink at the end. Kick your weekend of thrills off with a boat ride you won't soon forget. And that's our list of the most adventurous things to do in London!
Dom Bewley
Southbank London
Blog

Best walks in London

“To walk alone in London is the greatest rest,” proclaimed Virginia Woolf in her 1927 essay Street Haunting. It’s hard to disagree: a stroll through London’s streets nourishes the soul. Here you’ll find all the familiar landmarks, and there unexpected marvels: parks that materialize as if from nowhere, quirky museums, hidden alleyways that lead... where? Ask a local to recommend the best walk in London and you’ll get a different answer every time, such are the endless possibilities of this great city. Here, though, are four of our favorites. Soho stroll It doesn’t get much more London than a saunter through the streets of Soho. Once the epicenter of London’s – shall we say – seamier entertainments, the district has shaken off much of its reputation to re-emerge as a bohemian mini metropolis, awash with cute cafés, independent stores and sizzling street food. Arriving at Leicester Square station, take the Charing Cross Road East exit to emerge opposite this thoroughfare’s venerable second-hand bookstores, their Harry Potter-esque shopfronts stacked high with dusty leather-bound tomes, colorful pulp novels and weighty reference books. Pause for a selfie, then follow your nose to Chinatown. Here, red-and-gold lanterns sway above the street and tantalizing aromas of hoi-sin duck, plump dim sum and crispy chili beef provide a feast for the senses. One block north of Chinatown brings you to Shaftesbury Avenue, a broad and bustling boulevard at the very heart of London’s west end, where acting legends tread the boards at theaters including (deep breath) the Lyric, the Gielgud, the Sondheim, the Apollo and the Palace. Wander up Dean Street to enter Soho proper and pause for un petit verre at The French House. This diminutive gallic stalwart has been here since the late 19th-century, lubricating art-and-literature aristocracy including Dylan Thomas, Salvador Dali and Francis Bacon down the years. Swing right onto Old Compton Street then left at the Prince Edward Theatre to join Greek Street. Keep your eyes peeled for blue plaques that commemorate some of the street’s most celebrated former residents, from Thomas de Quincy to Peter Cook. Greek Street is also home to Maison Bertaux – at over 150 years old, quite probably the longest-established French patisserie in London – as well as whisky store Milroy’s. Intrepid visitors to this Scotch specialist should seek out the cocktail bar in the cellar, its entrance cunningly concealed behind a bookcase at the back of the shop. Take the weight off for a moment in Soho Square, a small public garden with a statue of Charles II and an eye-catching mini mock-tudor building at its center, before heading a couple of blocks west to Berwick Street. Packed with vinyl record stores, clothes boutiques, haberdashers and traditional London boozers, it’s perhaps most famous for its centuries-old street market (now a foodie mecca) and for featuring on an Oasis record sleeve in the 90s. Linger awhile to soak up the boho atmosphere then disappear into the surrounding streets... Regent’s Park With pristine white stucco terraces, manicured gardens galore, an ornamental lake and much more spread across its 400 acres, Regent’s Park has plenty to keep even the most seasoned stroller happy for hours. Enter by Regent’s Park station, and bear left towards the superb boating lake, where you can hire small row boats and pedalos from spring through fall. The banks make an ideal spot for picnicking, but expect some attention from the resident ducks, swans and geese. Look out for the vast copper dome of the Central London Mosque on the opposite bank. Follow the path to the bandstand and into the Inner Circle to seek out Queen Mary’s Gardens, the park’s finest. Pause to smell the roses (take your time: there are thousands!) and linger in the tranquility of the Japanese-style garden with its babbling brooks, miniature waterfalls and weeping willows. At the top of the circle, you’ll find an open-air theater with performances of Shakespeare plays, kids’ shows and more during the summer months. The distant sound of shrieking gibbons and roaring lions draws you northwards to ZSL London Zoo. Established nearly two centuries ago, it’s the world’s oldest and now houses over 750 species and nearly 20,000 critters, from tigers to tarantulas, okapis to otters. From here, cross the canal footbridge to climb Primrose Hill for far-reaching views of London’s skyline, or follow the meandering towpath west to Little Venice, where cute barges (including the UK’s only floating puppet theater!) bob gently in the lagoon. The East End Perhaps best known for its darker associations with Jack The Ripper, London’s East End has ushered in the modern while retaining the best of its Victorian character. Exit Liverpool Street station, head along Bishopsgate and right onto Folgate Street, where Dennis Severs’ House, a mesmerizing throwback to a bygone era, is worth an hour of anyone's time. Continue to Commercial Street, past sprawling Spitalfields Market, and pause for refreshment at the Ten Bells. This cozy pub stands in the shadow of Christ Church – an imposing 18th-century Hawksmoor masterpiece – and was once frequented by victims of Jack The Ripper. A couple of blocks east is Brick Lane, where Bangladeshi and Jewish influences still happily prevail in spite of the area’s ongoing gentrification. It’s here you’ll find the finest bagels and curries in all of London. Try both: you won’t regret it. Brick Lane is also home to the landmark Truman Brewery building. Once a beer-making powerhouse, now an office block, it retains a convivial cobbled courtyard with a bar and live music in summer. This is also the place to cram shopping bags full of vintage fashions, vinyl records and, of course, fresh spices and exotic fruits – no trip to Brick Lane would be complete without a visit to the legendary Taj Stores. Finish your tour at the bottom of the street where modern art exhibitions and installations are free to enter at the wonderful Whitechapel Gallery. South Bank to the Tower Stretch your legs a little on this three-mile route that takes in bustling markets, Shakespearean theaters, royal palaces, and some of the finest river views you’re likely to encounter in London. Emerging at Embankment station, climb the stairs onto the Hungerford footbridge. Buskers perform for your entertainment as you cross, but they’re fighting a losing battle against the captivating views: St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Big Ben, the London Eye... to name just a few. Stroll through the South Bank’s cultural heart, home to the Royal Festival Hall and National Film Theatre. Beneath these fantastic examples of brutalist architecture, kids show off their moves in the graffiti’d skatepark and a cavalcade of street entertainers vie for your attention (and cash). Follow the river past the landmark Oxo Tower to the Tate Modern and onwards to the Globe Theater, a stunning replica of the Elizabethan playhouse for which Shakespeare wrote his plays. Completed in the mid-1990s, this authentic timber-framed reconstruction boasts the only thatched roof permitted in London since the Great Fire of 1666. Your walk continues east to the atmospheric cobbled lanes around Southwark and London Bridge, where you’ll encounter the infamous Clink Prison and a faithful reproduction of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind galleon. Railway bridges rumble overhead as you follow your nose into Borough Market, where restaurant-quality fast food will fortify you for the final leg of your adventure. Here, every palate is catered for. Grab a halloumi burger or smoked salmon bagel, try melt-in-the-mouth confit duck or make a mess with delicious, oozing cheese raclette. The leafy grounds of medieval Southwark Cathedral, right next to the market, provide a tranquil setting to savor your meal and watch the world go by. We challenge you not to hum the famous nursery rhyme as you cross London Bridge and join the Thames Path east to the Tower of London: awe-inspiring fortress, royal palace, notorious prison, and home of the Crown Jewels. It’s here, among the resident ravens and the Yeoman Guards in their smart red-and navy livery, that your journey concludes. Save on things to do in London Save on admission to London attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
A woman walks alone through a busy London street
Blog

Where to stay in London

London is increasingly becoming a 24-7 city. With the advent of the Night Tube and museums that don’t close on Mondays like in much of Europe, there’s always somewhere new to explore. At the same time, it’s a big place – with over 30 boroughs (neighborhoods). Each can then be subdivided into smaller districts, many packed with hotels and Airbnbs, making it even harder to decide where to stay in London. If you’re wondering which neighborhoods in London are popular to stay in, stay tuned for the only guide you’ll ever need! Best areas to stay in London If money’s no object, staying centrally can save a lot of travelling time, meaning greater opportunities to see and do all the things London is famous for – from its museums and historic palaces to its restaurants and nightlife. You probably haven’t come to London to listen to ‘mind the gap’ announcements on rotation on the Tube. The area around Covent Garden and the West End is the obvious pick, although there are a growing number of choices in Westminster, the South Bank and London Bridge too. That said, London’s mix of underground, trains, buses, black cabs, rental cycles, Ubers, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and trams means you’re never going to be short of ways to get from attraction to attraction. A stay in east London’s Shoreditch and Hoxton neighborhoods will have you mixing with the capital’s trendsetters in no time. Look further afield if value is your main concern. Outer areas, particularly south of the River Thames such as Crystal Palace, are still only 20 minutes or so from the center of the city by train but are much kinder on the wallet. Top areas to stay for tourists in London For visitors keen to place themselves right at the heart of quintessential London scenes – red double decker buses, policemen with unnecessarily tall helmets and Union flags gently fluttering in the breeze – you can do a lot worse than Westminster. Stays here tend to be set back from the river by a block or two, and you’ll find more homestay-style apartments than hotels. But the trade off is your proximity to one of London’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Houses of Parliament – as well as Westminster Abbey, the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square and the riverside, with views across to the London Eye. Another smattering of attractions and even better transport links makes London Bridge and Bankside other options. Hotels span the spectrum, from the Premier Inn London Southwark to the Shangri-La a few stories below The View from The Shard. Nearby attractions range from the gourmet stalls of Borough Market to HMS Belfast and the Tower of London. Places to stay in London for a long weekend For a two or three day stay in London, Covent Garden and the West End have all you’re going to want and need. As well as being home to the big theaters of Drury Lane and Shaftesbury Avenue, there are also enough restaurants and bars to keep you entertained for every weekend of the year. On top of that, staying in Covent Garden puts you within a radius of a couple of kilometers of the British Museum, shopping on Oxford Street and the nightlife of Soho. There can also be some great deals in the hotels of Canary Wharf on the weekend, since most who stay here are on business, leaving hotels scrambling for guests on Friday and Saturday nights. The area is connected to central London by the swish Jubilee Line extension to the Underground network as well as the DLR. Cool places to stay in London If you’re not quite ready for the opera, east London has an edgier feel and some of the coolest spots in the city. The painfully trendy-not-trendy residents of the apartments around Old Street do their best to look unimpressed and nonchalant about the street art and themed bars which define Shoreditch and Hoxton. But they secretly know how great a place it is to live – and that’s much of the pleasure of staying in Shoreditch. You get to rub shoulders with real Londoners with real lives. Despite its local vibe, it’s a very welcoming neighborhood. Indeed, it’s one of the best neighborhoods for those who feel they don’t conform. Plus, there’s been plenty of money spent making the area’s hotels as attractive to stay in as those in Covent Garden and Westminster. The best place to stay in London for nightlife is probably Soho however. This is where you’ll find many of the big name clubs, including G-A-Y and Borderline, whilst Chinatown is just down the road for an authentic taste of the east. Places to stay in London with kids If Kensington is good enough for the latest generation of royals, you can bet your bottom dollar it’s good enough for your family too. Comprising quiet, traffic-free streets, Kensington has a suburban feel whilst being within a few Tube stops of Buckingham Palace and Covent Garden. And let’s face it, children are going to love the expanse of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens together with three of the best museums in the country – the Natural History, Science and Victoria and Albert museums. Named after the Great Exhibition of 1851, which moved from Hyde Park to a permanent home on Sydenham Hill, Crystal Palace has become orientated towards families with children. There’s a slew of cafés where you won’t be afraid of your kids becoming too noisy, a large park home to the earliest modern representations of dinosaurs in the world. It has some of London’s cheapest accommodation too. Discover London with Go City You now know where to stay in London. The next thing to consider is what to see and do in a city with more attractions than some countries. Travel with Go City and there’s incredible savings to be had on admission to many of London’s biggest attractions, leaving you cash to spend on, well, whatever you like!
Ian Packham

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.