Best of London Tour: St Paul’s Cathedral & Changing of the Guard
Active
4h - 9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
See the best that England’s capital has to offer on a full-day city tour of London! Explore St Paul’s Cathedral with a guide, then make a photo stop at Westminster Abbey. Watch the must-see Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace and have some free time for lunch around the UNESCO-listed Tower of London. Finish up with a sightseeing cruise down the River Thames. If you want to see even more, upgrade to one of two activities: a cream tea at Harrods restaurant or a London Eye flight.
Available options
Full-Day London & London Eye
Explore London highlights: St. Paul’s, Changing of the Guard, Tower of London, Thames cruise & London Eye ride
Full-Day London Tour
See London’s top sights: St. Paul’s, Changing of the Guard, Tower of London & Thames River cruise with a guide
Half-Day London Morning Tour
See London’s highlights in the morning: St. Paul’s Cathedral & Changing of the Guard (Tower of London & Cruise not included)
Full-Day London & Harrods Tea
Discover London’s landmarks: St. Paul’s, Changing of the Guard, Tower, Thames cruise & enjoy tea at Harrods
What's included
Cream tea with sparkling wine at Harrods (upgrade option)
Private River Thames cruise (for Full-day option only)
London Eye standard ticket (upgrade option)
Professional guide & air-conditioned transport
Entry to St. Paul's Cathedral
Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace (selected dates) & photo stop
Entry to Tower of London (for Full-day option only)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Take a photo stop outside Buckingham Palace and witness the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony. Note: The ceremony currently takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (subject to availability). On Wednesdays when St. Paul’s opens late (10am) the tour will not include the Guard Change but instead there will be a photo stop outside Buckingham Palace first thing in the morning.
2
Stop 2
Enjoy a photo opportunity outside a World Heritage Site with over a thousand years of history
3
Stop 3
Enjoy a photo opportunity outside The Palace of Westminster including the Great Clock Tower where Big Ben (Great Bell) sits.
4
Stop 4
Pass by
Drive up Whitehall and see Downing street where houses the official residences and offices of the Prime Minister
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Drive past an iconic public square
6
Drive past the Law Courts of England and Wales. It is a large grey stone edifice in the Victorian Gothic Revival style built in the 1870s and opened by Queen Victoria in 1882. It is one of the largest courts in Europe.
7
Stop 7
First group to enter this magnificent cathedral rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the great Fire of 1666.
8
Stop 8
Explore London’s iconic castle and World Heritage Site. Get up close to the Crown Jewels, meet the legendary Yeoman Warders and ravens. (for Full-day option only)
9
Stop 9
Pass by
Built in 1894. The bridge crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and has become an iconic symbol of London. You will enjoy the view from under the bridge! (for Full-day option only)
10
Stop 10
Enjoy the guided boat trip on the River Thames from Tower pier to London Eye. You will see Tower of London, Tower Bridge, The Shard, St. Paul's Cathedral, Shakespeare's Globe and the Houses of Parliament etc. all views from the river! (for Full-day option only)
11
Stop 11
Enjoy spectacular views of London from the London Eye (Full-day option only, when the London Eye upgrade is selected). It is Europe’s tallest observation wheel.
12
Stop 12
Harrods, one of the world’s largest and most famous department stores (owned by the state of Qatar), is the perfect place to enjoy quintessentially English cream tea. (Full-day option only, when the Cream Tea upgrade is selected.) After tea, the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the store.
What's not included
Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.3
2,341 reviews
5★
1388
4★
527
3★
188
2★
132
1★
106
Tripadvisor
4.5
330 reviews
5★
241
4★
39
3★
25
2★
11
1★
14
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Sunday tours cannot include a guided tour of St Paul's Cathedral due to the weekly service. Entry is usually possible on Sundays but cannot be guaranteed.
Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and daily from May to July. This may change last minute and doesn’t happen on days with large city centre events. If there is no ceremony, we still stop for a photo outside or near the Palace.
On Wednesdays when St. Paul’s opens late (10am) the tour will not include the Changing of the Guard. Instead, there will be a photo stop outside Buckingham Palace first thing in the morning.
Tour itinerary may change subject to St. Paul's and Tower of London opening times as well as on the day that Changing of the Guard does not take place.
London Eye generally closes during January for annual maintenance work. 2026 closure dates: To be confirmed.
Tour duration: Approximately 8 hours for the full-day tour and 4 hours for the half-day morning option, which finishes at Buckingham Palace.
Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult
Meeting point
Located on 164 Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria, London, SW1W 9TP, approximately 7 minute walk from Victoria Underground and Railway station. Tour departs inside the building at Gate 19 at 7:45am (Boarding starts at 7.30am)
Important notes
Boarding starts at 7:30am. Please go to Premium Tours desk located at Gate 19 - 20 inside Victoria Coach Station and wait for the tour to be called.
For the safety of all customers, Victoria Coach Station departure gate(s) close 5 minutes before the departure time stated. Please give yourself extra time to get to the departure point/gate.
About London
London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.
Top Attractions
Tower of London
A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.
Historical
2-3 hours
£28 (adult ticket)
Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.
Historical
1-2 hours
£27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)
The British Museum
One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)
The London Eye
A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.
Entertainment
30 minutes
£27-£33 (adult ticket)
Westminster Abbey
A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.
Religious
1-2 hours
£27 (adult ticket)
Tower Bridge
An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
Architecture
1-2 hours
£11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fish and Chips
A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).
Dinner
Contains gluten and fish
Full English Breakfast
A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.
Breakfast
Contains meat and gluten
Afternoon Tea
A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.
Snack
Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets
Sunday Roast
A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.
Dinner
Contains meat and gluten
Popular Activities
Rock climbing
Kayaking on the Thames
Cycling tours
Afternoon tea
Spas and wellness centers
Punting on the River Cam
Museum visits
Theater performances
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
- • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
- Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center
By train
London Waterloo, London King's Cross
By bus
Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon
Getting around
Public transport
The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Westminster
Camden Town
Soho
Notting Hill
Shoreditch
Greenwich
Day trips
Windsor Castle
34 km from London • Half day to full day
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.
Stonehenge
130 km from London • Full day
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.
Brighton
80 km from London • Full day
Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Festivals
Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August
London Film Festival • October
New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31
Pro tips
- Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
- Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
- Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
- Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
- Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
