Let’s face it, nobody wants to be that tourist in London. You know, the one with the map upside down and a panicked look in their eyes.
Wandering around aimlessly, trying to decipher cryptic Tube maps, and accidentally ending up in a dodgy pub in the middle of nowhere isn’t exactly the dream vacation.
So, why not ditch the stress and embrace the fun? We’re here to guide you to the best tour guides in London because a good guide is worth their weight in Big Ben-sized gold bars (and probably a whole lot cheaper, too).
How much do tour guides charge in London?
On average, tour guides in London charge £205 for half-day tours and £336 for full-day tours. However, the final price may change depending on the duration of the tour, group size, and specific locations visited.
How We Chose
- Experience & Expertise – We looked for guides with extensive experience and knowledge of London’s history, culture, and landmarks to ensure accurate and engaging tours.
- Customer Reviews – Consistent great feedback from past customers helped us gauge the overall satisfaction, friendliness, and enthusiasm of the guides.
- Tour Variety – We prioritised guides offering diverse tours. This includes classic city highlights and themed walks to cater to different interests.
- Engagement & Communication Skills – We chose guides who know how to make tours interactive and enjoyable. We even tried a few tours ourselves to experience firsthand how well they kept groups engaged and entertained.
1. See Your City
Location: 3rd Floor, 207 Regent Street
Contact: +44 20 8123 4081
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Monday – 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
See Your City really knows how to make exploring London feel fresh and exciting. They offer tours in seven languages to cater to a global audience, ensuring everyone feels welcome.
One of their biggest hits is the ‘Original Harry Potter Locations Tour.’ Our Potterhead team members joined the tour incognito, and they were floored when the guide took them to iconic film spots around London.
For a twist, a few of us joined the ‘Ghosts, Ghouls, and Gallows tour’.
It was spine-chilling from start to finish, especially the eerie Thames boat ride. It’s a real treat for anyone interested in London’s haunted history.
Cheese lovers on our team couldn’t resist the ‘Ultimate Cheese Crawl,’ where we sampled some of the city’s finest cheeses at top stops around town.
But what we really liked about See Your City was how interactive their tours were. There were quizzes and multimedia elements that made it easy to stay engaged.
What’s more, booking is a breeze on their website. They often have great deals, like 30% off with code ONLINE30.
However, we did notice a few reports from customers mentioning difficulty getting responses to calls.
Guides guests through fascinating parts of London
“We did the ‘Ultimate Cheese Crawl’ with See Your City last Friday. It was Amazing!!! Our Tour Guide, Jack aka Monterey Jack, was brilliant!! He shared an incredible amount of knowledge with us, both about the Cheeses we tasted, and their history, but also about the parts of London we walked through. He also shared his huge collection of cheese puns and jokes!! My friend and I had an absolute blast on the tour! We loved it so much!! Thank you See Your City, and most especially Jack, for a brilliant afternoon!!”
L Salter, Google Review
Carefully adjusts content for younger viewers
I hope i have his name right.. Ivan i thought it is. What an amazing and knowledgeable storyteller and investigator. He knows how to tell a story, knows his stuff, and keeps the rest of us all on our toes as it comes to the stories, facts, conspiracies, photos and articles he shared with us. Our kids ( 13, 11, 9 and 8 ) were very impressed as well. He was also very careful when it comes to the horrifying pictures for the kids. We made them look at us ofcourse instead of the pics. It was an surprising amazing experience.
Kevin Tunui Tuhipua, Google Review
2. Wonders of London
Contact: +44 7444 778207
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Wonders of London has something special going on with their diverse lineup of free walking tours.
Rather than the typical ticket price, they offer a ‘pay what you can’ system. It keeps London’s history and culture accessible to everyone, no matter their budget.
Our team gave the ‘Royal Tour Westminster’ a try. It felt like stepping into the pages of a history book, but this time we strolled past Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey instead of just reading about them.
For those intrigued by the city’s mediaeval roots, the ‘City of London Tour’ was a hit. It revealed remnants of an older London hidden in plain sight.
When it came to the artsy side of things, the ‘Street Art & Graffiti Tour’ in the East End delivered a colourful dive into the city’s street art scene.
Every tour was unique, thanks to the constantly changing murals and graffiti that made each experience fresh and dynamic.
As an added bonus, the booking process is simple because of their handy online calendar.
While a few folks mentioned some guides could be a bit arrogant, we were thrilled with the overall experience.
Balances knowledge with engaging storytelling
“We went on the Jack the Ripper walking tour, and it was a fantastic experience. Our guide, Matt, was amazing – knowledgeable, engaging, and respectful. The tour was well-paced with short walks between stops, each paired with relevant explanations. Photos were shared throughout, and Matt thoughtfully provided trigger warnings for participants who might feel uncomfortable. His respectful approach to the victims, their names, and stories was deeply appreciated. I left the tour feeling both educated and reflective. Highly recommended!”
Cristiane Uflacker da Silva, Google Review
Exceeds expectations with added insights and festive spirit
“That was AWESOME …. and then some! Thank you, Vincent for an excellent guided walking tour of Mayfair Christmas lights. Your knowledge of the area, its history and its quirks made the tour so much more than was advertised. Your personal brand of humour kept me attentive and interested. THANK YOU, sincerely. Five stars without a doubt ***** Happy Holidays and enjoy the festivities.”
Alice De Sao Joao Bryanton, Google Review
3. Tours by Foot – London Walking Tours
Contact: +44 20 3287 0675
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
We love how Tours by Foot – London Walking Tours also makes exploring the city accessible to everyone with their ‘pay what you can’ model. Thanks to the broad lineup, their tours are sure to appeal to a variety of interests.
The ‘Royal Westminster Tour’ offers a look at some key landmarks that draw those fascinated by London’s royal past. Tourists we spoke to appreciated seeing iconic sites, though some wished for a bit more time to take it all in.
Meanwhile, the ‘Soho and Chinatown Tour’ brings visitors through lively streets filled with stories and cultural mix. It’s ideal for those wanting to explore these dynamic neighbourhoods.
The ‘Jack the Ripper Tour’ is also popular, especially for visitors intrigued by London’s darker history. Tourists even mentioned that it’s an engaging way to see a different side of the city.
Food enthusiasts on our team couldn’t resist the ‘East End Food Tour’. It’s a unique blend of cultural discovery and local flavours, with each stop introducing a new dish and story.
Plus, the GPS-led audio tours are an excellent touch for those who want a guide in their pocket.
On top of this, the YouTube previews are a bonus since it gives you a taste before you book. However, we’ve heard a few bookings can be unexpectedly cancelled.
Allows ample time for photos and exploration
““Wow! I have been to London several times in the past and thought I saw most of the interesting sites but Matt, our outstanding(!) guide , took us to so many hidden spots and told us so many incredible historical facts, stories and details which significantly widened my knowledge of London. Matt also knows how to walk in the right pace, talk in the right pace, allow enough time to take pictures and just makes those few hours special and so enjoyable. Thank you Matt!”
Shallysan, Google Review
Brings Roman history to life with detailed storytelling and visuals
“The Roman London walking tour was an absolute delight. Canice packed in the information, punctuated copiously with illustrations and photos on his ever present tablet, and kept us engaged for nearly 3 hours. The tour was also more than 15,000 steps, so a great way to spend the afternoon walking. We covered a tremendous amount of ground, and had some lovely photo opportunities. History came alive on this tour. And I actually got to touch an old Roman wall. Highly recommend!”
Jeffrey Carter, Google Review
4. Fun London Tours
Contact: +44 7377 995693
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Fun London Tours offers a mix of classic and hidden London that’s hard to beat.
One of our favourites has to be the ‘Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour,’ where you can actually follow along with the King’s Guard.
We felt fully immersed in the ceremony. Plus, our guide made sure we were always in the perfect spot to catch all the action.
It’s a fantastic way to see the iconic ritual from a fresh perspective.
For something a bit more off-the-beaten-path, we tried the ‘Secret Walking Tour of Central London.’ It was fascinating to learn about hidden spots and stories that most people would walk by without a second glance.
Their guides bring a blend of humour, history, and just the right amount of theatricality. This makes each tour a memorable adventure.
Booking is simple on their user-friendly website, where you’ll find all the details clearly laid out. Prices start at £18, and they even offer gift cards if you’re thinking of surprising someone with a unique London experience.
If you’re after a custom day, their private tours start at £250 and can be tailored exactly to your taste.
We did hear from a few people that when crowds are big, some guides can become less visible or harder to hear.
Offers an immersive and engaging Changing the Guard experience
“Absolutely fantastic day thanks to Paul with Fun London Tours. We booked the Changing the Guard 9:25 am tour and it was everything they promised. Starting in front of the Criterion Theatre, I wondered the connection to Changing of the Guards. Paul entertained and informed every step of the way. We had an upfront view of the Changing the Guard ceremony, not just the finale which takes place at Buckingham Palace. Everyone needs to take this tour!”
Allen Kent, Google Review
Answers questions and engages warmly with participants
“We thoroughly enjoyed our Changing of the Guard tour. We learned so much and got to see so much compared to standing in front of Buckingham Palace for hours. Dave was a fun and helpful guide – we knew what was going on and had great viewpoints. He answered all our questions and was happy to snap photos for people in front of Buckingham Palace.”
Kristina Wayland, Google Reviews
5. British Tours
Location: 236, Linen Hall, 162-168 Regent St
Contact: +44 20 7038 0688
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
British Tours is a top choice for anyone wanting a deeper, more exclusive look at London’s history and culture. With decades of experience, they’re known for crafting unique and personalised tours that are both insightful and engaging.
Their team of 47 guides is impressive, as each one is passionate and well-versed. Even better, a lot of them have academic or professional backgrounds that bring extra depth to the experience.
Whether it’s your first time in London or you’re a seasoned visitor, there’s something here to discover. From private car tours through the city’s most famous landmarks to tailored walking tours revealing hidden gems, British Tours covers it all.
We especially enjoyed their ‘Royal London Walk’ for its deep dive into the city’s regal past. It’s a fascinating glimpse into London’s influence on history.
People we interviewed echoed our enjoyment and shared how much they appreciated the exclusive experiences offered by British Tours. This includes access to the Crown Jewels and the Ceremony of the Keys.
Though a few customers have mentioned occasional unresponsiveness, British Tours’ range of offerings and quality make them well worth considering.
Leads participants to ideal spots for views and photos
“Dani was amazing! She led us around the city for three straight days. We saw everything we wanted to, and more. We can’t talk highly enough about British tours and especially Dani. Her energy was invigorating. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and her knowledge was enlightening. She knew exactly where to stand to get the best view or photo. She knew exactly where to be to see the sights up close. We felt like we had a deep dive master’s degree of London history at a college level in just three days. So very impressed and highly recommend!”
Ken Kelly, Google Review
Brings England’s music history to life with immersive storytelling
“Throughout the tour, we saw places involving the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Partridge Family, Jimi Hendrix and Handel (yes the classical composer). We were also able to make it to Freddie Mercury’s house. Throughout the tour Adam, told us all the history and played music by the various bands while we were at a location that involved them – this made the tour really come alive. It was one of the most enjoyable tours I have been on, and would do this again – the exact same one – just because I enjoyed it so much and love the history of the music. Highly recommend.”
Michael Sanders, Google Review
