Best Alternatives to the London Tourist Passes

If you like the idea of having all your attractions in one place, the Keetoo app is the perfect place to manage your trip to London.

Unlike the London Tourist Pass, your money goes further and you can take things at your own pace, whilst managing how much you want to add to your account. The flexibility of being able to cancel attractions within 24 hours gives you much more flexibility. No one wants to ride the Hop-on Hop-off in the rain, do they?

You are also not confined to a time limit, so you don’t have to rush around trying to squeeze in as many attractions as possible into your day, or hurry back to the city within 30 days to use them up. Once you’ve topped up your Keetoo Wallet, it’s there to stay until you want it.

For every £40, you add to your Keetoo wallet, you’ll get £10 in Kredits for FREE to use on 100’s of attractions. You’ll also get £10 per adult and £6 per child in Kredits for FREE just by signing up.

Once you’re set up you can manage all your London attractions from one app. Discover the best attractions along with their opening times, prices and directions.

The Keetoo app is cashless, you can simply book, show your code at the entrance and you’re in.

Discover more about Keetoo and take London at your pace today.

Are London Tourist Passes Worth it?

Whilst London is full of free things to do, like museums, galleries and iconic sights, some attractions can get a little pricey – especially if you want to pack a lot into your days. This is why London Tourist Passes make sense for a lot of visitors. But are London Tourist Passes worth it for everyone? In this post, we break down the costs and explain who the pass works best for and how to make the most out of yours.

First, what is a London Tourist Pass?
There are two types of passes available, The London Pass and the London Pass with Oyster Card.

The London Pass gives you access to a full list of attractions across London. The prices are as follows (child is aged 5-15):

• 1 day (£75 adult/ £55 child)
• 2 days (£99 adult/ £75 child)
• 3 days (£125 adult/ £89 child)
• 6 days (£169 adult/ £125 child)
• 10 days (£199 adult/ £149 child)

The London Pass with Oyster Card gives you access to these attractions as well as unlimited travel on all London underground, trams, buses, light-rail, Docklands and trains zones 1-6.

• 1 day (£90 adult/ £64.30 child)
• 2 days (£119 adult/ £93.60 child)
• 3 days (£155 adult/ £116.90 child)
• 6 days (£224 adult/ £157 child)
• 10 days (£254 adult/ £204 child)

How to get the most out of your pass
If you’ve decided to go ahead and get the London Tourist Pass, here is what you’ll need to do to make the most out of it:

Start early
Get up and raring to go at the crack of dawn, ok maybe not that early, but 9 am is the optimum time to start your London adventures with the Tourist Pass.

Plan out your day
London is a big city, so don’t fall into the trap of planning your day one attraction at a time as you go. Make an itinerary to stick to and work out your journey before you set off.

Visit the most expensive attractions
To make the most of your pass, you’ll need to factor in the biggest attractions. The attractions that will add the most value to your pass include the View from the Shard, The Tower of London, Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey and one of the football stadium tours.

The London Tourist Pass cons:

You want to see the less popular attractions
If the big attractions like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and London Bridge Experience are not on your itinerary, the pass is not likely to save you money. Whilst you will find smaller and more unique attractions on the list, it’s these big experiences that give you value for money.

You want to explore at a leisurely pace
To make the most out of your pass, you need to visit at least three attractions. So if you’re someone who likes to take their time and sit back and relax, this isn’t the right pass for you.

You want to live like a London local
If big attractions and ‘touristy’ sights are not your thing, and you prefer to wander off the beaten track and live like a local, this pass is not the one for you.

In summary

• Not all attractions are included – so you may end up spending more
• Some attractions are not centrally located so you’ll struggle to fit more in if you visit them
• Not ideal for those who prefer non-popular attractions
• If you’re staying for over a week and only plan on visiting one attraction per day

If this is the case, the Keetoo app is the ideal money and time-saving solution on your trip to London.

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The Best Combination Tickets for London Attractions

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London in Three Days

But when planning a trip to London, you really want to make the most of everything that this amazing and diverse city has to offer. We have designed a free itinerary for you to follow which includes London’s top attractions like Big Ben, The London Eye, Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London and St Paul’s cathedral.
There is so much to see in London that our first advice when spending three days in London is to make sure that you have chosen a fairly central hotel, preferably in zones 1 or 2 if possible. This means you will then spend less time and money on public transport. We would also recommend that you plan and know what routes or itineraries you are going to follow so that you don’t have to think about where to go on the day. It’s also best if you get up early, so save the lie-ins for when you get home!
If it’s your first time in London and you want to see as much as possible, you need to think about going on a hop-on hop-off bus tour; it’s an easy way to see a lot in a city as big as London and it really helps you to figure out where things are if you use it on your first day. You will also get a free river cruise which is brilliant and something that we would very highly recommend.

London in three days: Day 1 in London

• Changing of the Guard
• Westminster Abbey
• Big Ben and London Eye
• Regent Street and Carnaby Street
• Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus
• Leicester Square and Covent Garden

Big Ben and the London Eye our must-sees for your first day in London if you’re are planning on visiting London in three days, so we have designed a walking route that starts at Buckingham Palace to see the famous ceremony of the Changing of the Guard, and then we will go on to explore some of the city´s most important landmarks, such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus…

This walking route is approximately 4.5 miles long, and we would allow at least 4 – 6 hours, although it could easily take you all day, especially if you go on the London Eye or visit Westminster Abbey.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Our walking route starts at Green Park Tube Station. From here, you’ll walk across Green Park to get to Buckingham Palace, where you will get a chance to watch the famous Ceremony of the Changing of the Guard. This ceremony takes place at 11 am, but we recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes in advance as it does get quite crowded. Check confirmed dates here: Changing of the Guard in London. After watching the changing of the guard ceremony, we will then walk through the small but wonderful St James’s Park.

Westminster Abbey

We will then walk along Whitehall, passing 10 Downing Street, and make our way towards Westminster Abbey. It really is a shame to visit London and not visit Westminster Abbey so it’s something that we would recommend. If you buy your tickets in advance you’ll skip the queues and it will be cheaper than buying the entry ticket at the door. It will take you around 2 hours to visit Westminster Abbey.

Big Ben and London Eye

From here you can walk past the Houses of Parliament where you can admire the magnificent Big Ben, obviously one of London’s most famous landmarks. You will cross Westminster Bridge and get the perfect photo of Big Ben as well as the London Eye.
Once you cross Westminster Bridge, you can go towards the London Eye and continue walking along the Southbank until you get to Royal Festival Hall. This is the perfect place to stop for a coffee or a bite if you’re feeling a bit hungry as there are plenty of restaurants and cafes. Just behind the Royal Festival Hall there is also a food market during the weekends, so that’s worth a visit if you fancy a bit of street food.

Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus

You will then cross the Thames along the Golden Jubilee Bridge and head towards Trafalgar Square, the famous piazza with the four lions. This is where you will find one of London’s most famous galleries, The National Gallery, which is free to enter. From here it’s only a short walk to another one of London’s famous landmarks, Piccadilly Circus.

Regent Street and Carnaby Street

From here, we would recommend that you walk along Regent Street, spotting Hamleys on your right; London’s largest and best toy store. You will then go past Liberty, one of London’s most famous stores, discover Carnaby Street and London’s famous Soho. You will end your route through Soho exploring the infamous Chinatown of London.

Leicester Square and Covent Garden

You will next discover Leicester Square where you will come across another two famous shops – M&M’s and LEGO Stores! Leicester Square is where London’s film premieres take place so you might bump into a famous actor if you are lucky (we once saw Will Smith!). From Leicester Square it’s only a short walk to Covent Garden, one of the most beautiful places in London and the perfect way to end your very first busy day exploring London. You will find lots of restaurants in this area so it is the perfect place to have something to eat or drink before heading back to your hotel.

This is also where you will find most theatres in London. If you can, we recommend watching one of the most famous musicals in London.

Day 2 in London

You will start your second day in London by walking along what is possibly London’s busiest and most popular street: Oxford Street. From there you can discover the many secrets that Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens have to offer before heading to explore at least one of London’s most famous museums. At the end of our route, you will definitely want to go to Harrods, London’s most famous department store.

• Oxford Street and Marble Arch
• Hyde Park
• Kensington

Oxford Street and Marble Arch

Our starting point for your second day in London is Oxford Street Tube Station. From here you’ll head west, discovering all the high street shops that Oxford Street has to offer. You will walk past John Lewis, Marks and Spencer and Selfridges; one of the oldest department stores in London. As you walk along Oxford Street, keep an eye out for a little sign that indicates St Christopher’s Place, a little piazza with several restaurants and cafes that is hidden away and that definitely deserves a pit stop for a quick rest. Once you get to the end of Oxford Street you’ll find Marble Arch.

Hyde Park

As soon as you enter Hyde Park you’ll arrive at Speaker’s Corner. From here we have designed a route through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens for you to discover the most important sights of these two beautiful parks. This includes Peter Pan’s statue, the Italian Water Gardens, Kensington Palace and the Albert Memorial. If you are visiting London with kids don’t forget to take them to the Diana Princess of Wales’ Memorial Playground.

Kensington

As you exit Hyde Park, you’ll find yourselves in front of the amazing Royal Albert Hall. The Royal Albert Hall offers tours to those who would like to explore one of the world’s most famous concert halls. You will then walk towards South Kensington, where you will find some of London’s most famous museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. It can take you a few hours to visit each of these museums but they offer free entry so it is worth visiting at least one if you have time.

Our route takes you along Kensington High Street and Brompton Road until you get to Harrods but, before you head this way, you can always stop for a coffee or something to eat around South Kensington Tube Station as there are several cafes and restaurants in the area.

Day 3 in London

If you are visiting London in three days, then we would recommend that you spend some time visiting the famous Tower of London and walking along the Southbank, as well as admiring St Paul’s Cathedral.

• Monument and North Bank of the river
• Tower of London and Tower Bridge
• Southbank

Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Walking along the North Bank of Thames you will reach a point where you can no longer continue along the Bank of the river and you just need to follow the road until you see one of London’s most important landmarks: The Tower of London. We highly recommend that you visit the Tower of London as no one should visit London and miss the opportunity to see the Crown Jewels.
It will take you around 2 hours to visit the Tower of London and it is much easier and more convenient if you use your Keetoo App to do this. Inside the Tower of London there is a wonderful cafe / restaurant where we would recommend you try an authentic British Pie and Mash or stop for some much needed tea and cake.

Our next stop will be Tower Bridge. Not only do you get to see this magnificent landmark, but you will cross Tower Bridge on foot. Before you go up the steps to get to Tower Bridge though, we would recommend that you have a wander around St Katharine’s Dock as it is one of London’s best kept secrets. There are numerous restaurants in this area, so it’s the ideal place if you are looking to have lunch somewhere. In St Katharine’s Dock is where you can find The Dickens Inn, a unique pub housed in a beautiful 18th century warehouse, serving pub food as well as fine grill and pizzeria.

You will then continue to walk across Tower Bridge, admiring its beauty. The Tower Bridge Exhibition is also open to the public and has an astonishing viewing platform from where the views are amazing. Another great spot for a picture!

South Bank

Once you cross Tower Bridge, you will be able to walk along the South Bank of the river Thames, a very enjoyable walk that will allow you to get a proper feeling of what it means to visit London. You will first walk past London’s City Hall (Greater London Authority’s headquarters) and the HMS Belfast; Europe’s only surviving second world war cruiser, a historic warship and a museum where you will get the opportunity to explore what life was like at war at sea.
As you continue walking along the South Bank, you will come to Hay’s Galleria, one of our favourite places in London. Here you will find a selection of restaurants and cafes as well as a few shops and stalls. Our next stop will be Borough Market, one of the most spectacular markets in London. Make sure to visit during market opening days (Wednesday – Sunday) as this area is not the same if the market is closed.
Continue walking along the South Bank, passing Shakespeare’s Globe and Butler’s Wharf until you reach the Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge. Here there’s a perfect view of St Paul’s Cathedral on the other side of the river. You can then cross the Millennium Bridge to go and see St Paul’s Cathedral or continue walking along the South Bank, as you can walk all the way to the London Eye.

More suggestions to spend three days in London

London Markets: We highly recommend a visit to Camden Market or Portobello Road in Notting Hill. You could always go to one of these markets first thing in the morning and then head to the Tower of London and start walking along the South Bank, as we mentioned above. It will be an exceptionally long day, but you can always stop and go to your hotel when you have had enough!
London Museums: Notably the Natural History Museum, Science Museum or the Victoria & Albert Museum. You could spend a whole day in some of these museums if you are not careful so it really depends on how much you want to see. You could always combine a market and a museum, or a museum and the South Bank walk mentioned above.

Best Travel Options when visiting London in three days

If you are visiting London in three days, we think that the best way to get around the city is by using an oyster card or a visitor oyster card. You can also use a contactless debit or credit card on London’s public transport system but check bank commission charges if it’s a non-UK card. This is the cheapest way to get around London in three days, and you can use any of those cards to go on public buses, tube, dockland light rail trains or trains within London Travel Zones.

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How to plan a trip to London

If you are planning a trip to London,

you’ll probably find there’s so much to do and see in London, that planning the perfect trip seems impossible if you want to see a bit of everything.

For that reason, we’re going to easily explain how to plan the perfect trip to London, just by following a few easy steps to guarantee that you´ll make the most of your time in this beautiful city. It’s basically a cheat sheet to make sure that you leave with the feeling of having experienced London like a Londoner.
When planning a trip to London, we would suggest that you make sure each one of these things makes it to your list:

1. Itineraries to stroll through London’s most famous streets and squares

If you are planning your first trip to London, look at our London itineraries. London is a great city for walking and having a walking route already planned is the best way to see London´s iconic landmarks. Some of the key places in London that you shouldn’t miss when visiting for the first time are Oxford Street, Regent Street, Leicester Square or Carnaby Street for example. Make sure you also get slightly lost in London’s famous Soho and explore Chinatown.

Take your time to wander round Covent Garden, where you’ll also find many cafes and restaurants, so take a bite and relax watching the world go by in this beautiful part of London. From Covent Garden you can easily walk to Trafalgar Square and then it´s just a 10-minute stroll from here to the Thames, where you´ll get to see Big Ben and the London Eye.

A walk along South Bank is also a must. This is where you get to take in the beautiful views that London has to offer, and appreciate it’s wonderful skyline. Walking along the South Bank you can easily get to St Paul´s Cathedral, Borough Market, and the Tower of London.

2. Visit at least one of London’s wonderful parks

London’s green spaces are fantastic, and you should consider exploring at least Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens which are attached to one another and located in central London. We’d suggest that you’d need a good 2 or 3 hours to walk around there but it is totally worth it. Walk around Serpentine Lake and enjoy the views, look for Peter Pan’s Statue and visit the Diana Memorial Park if you’re travelling to London with kids.

St James’ Park is right next to Buckingham Palace, and we highly recommend walking through it if you have the chance. You might get a glimpse of the pelicans! It’s only small but incredibly beautiful. London has many other green spaces that we’d recommend visiting, such as Regent’s Park, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park or Hampstead Heath.

3. Visit one of London’s Street markets

Visiting one of London’s world-famous markets will probably be one of the highlights of your trip to London. London’s markets offer everything from street-food to flowers to antiques, but it’s not only the shopping opportunities that you will find, but the whole experience and feeling that you’ll get when walking round one. The hardest decision you’ll have to make is which one to go to. In our opinion, these are the top three unmissable markets in London: Portobello Road, Camden Market and Borough Market.

Portobello Road in Notting Hill is one of London’s most famous markets. Portobello Road market is open on Saturday mornings, so if you are planning a trip to London during a weekend, then this is a must. The earlier you get there, the less crowds of people there will be. Find out more: Notting Hill Guide.

Camden Market is open every day of the week, and you can expect to see the unexpected here. Camden Market is unique in every way, and literally has it all. There are large open spaces and tables to enjoy the best street food you can imagine, stalls and shops bursting with antiques, clothes, music, shoes…

Borough Market is located next to London Bridge, and there is a full market here from Monday to Sunday. We always recommend Borough Market to friends when they visit London and it never disappoints them. It truly is one of our favourite places in London.

Other markets in London worth a visit are Columbia Road Flower Market, Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market, Petticoat Lane Market, Maltby Street and Brixton Market..

4. Visit one of London’s most famous museums

Most of the museums in London are not only fascinating, but they’re also FREE!! You could easily spend days and days visiting all the different museums in London, so you will undoubtedly have to choose which ones you want to see.

If you like the idea of visiting a museum housed in one of the most beautiful buildings, and the idea of walking beside dinosaur skeletons doesn’t scare you, then the Natural History Museum is a must. If you’re planning a trip to London with kids, it’s also one of our first choices, as they can easily spend hours looking at the different exhibitions.

The Science Museum is located right next to the Natural History Museum, and it’s also one not to miss if you have kids. This museum is highly interactive with special effects that the kids will love, and the best thing is, that they will learn loads here as they discover how the world works.
Other options include delving into the hidden secrets of the British Museum, the National Gallery, or the Tate Modern, or travelling back in time visiting the London Transport Museum.

5. Decide which London Attractions you can’t miss…

and which ones you can live without seeing
This is probably one of the most difficult things to have to decide on. London’s long list of attractions will make this step difficult, but there are a few that are compulsory if you’re visiting London for the first time. The London Eye, visiting Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London and St Paul´s Cathedral are all a must!

6. Tuck into some Great British Food in one of London’s Historical Pubs

Try a traditional Sunday Roast or the famous British Fish and Chips in one of London’s best pubs. Another possibility that you may not want to miss is experiencing Afternoon Tea.

Option 4: 7 Day Child Travelcard

To buy a 7-day child travelcard in London there are 3 options: 1 – By adding a weekly travelcard into a Zip Oyster photocard. This is undoubtedly the most complicated option, as you need to request a Zip Card Oyster photocard first and then add the 7-day travelcard onto it. 2 – Buy a 7-day child travelcard online. This is probably the easiest way of getting one, as you do not need a Zip Oyster photocard and they will send it to your home address before you travel. 3 – Buy a 7-day child travelcard at a national railway ticket office (not an underground station).

People 16 to 18 years old

People aged 16 to 18 can also apply for a 16 – 18 Zip Oyster photocard, which will apply half adult rates on any form of public transport in London. Travelcards at a reduced price can also be added onto Zip Oyster photocards.
For more information about travelling in London with kids visit: Transport for London.

Travelling in London with kids: Travelling to Central London from the airport
Stansted, Luton and Gatwick airports are all located outside London’s Travel Zones, so fares when travelling with kids to and from these airports are different to fares when travelling in London with kids, so under 11-year old children will need a ticket.

An Oyster card is valid for travel into Central London from Gatwick Airport, but children under 11 will also need a train ticket to get to central London from Gatwick Airport, even if they are accompanied by an adult.

Heathrow and London City Airports are both inside London Travel Zones, so fares are as explained above. Children under 11 travel free and Children under 16 can travel with an Oyster card with young visitor discount.

Travelling in London with a buggy

If you are planning a trip with a baby or toddler, it may be that you wish to bring your buggy or stroller to London, especially if you’re planning on spending the whole day walking around London.

Travelling in London with a buggy can be quite easy if you know which route is best, or it can be a complete nightmare if you have to go up or down 300 steps when there are no lifts.

Don’t stress, we’re going to explain how to travel on London´s public transport with a buggy.

Travelling on London´s buses with a buggy

Public buses in London have a dedicated wheelchair and buggy space as well as easy street-level access. Travelling by bus with a buggy normally is the easiest option to get around London. You can enter the bus via the back door, which makes it a bit easier too. Up to two pushchairs are allowed in the dedicated buggy space on a bus but do bear in mind that during busy periods you may be asked to wait for the next bus or collapse your pushchair.

Travelling on the London Underground with a buggy

The trick to travelling in London with kids using a pushchair is to check London´s accessible underground map in advance and choose your route carefully. Being able to plan your route choosing accessible stations makes life much easier, and it may just mean that you need to get off at the next stop and walk 5 minutes, rather than having to take a buggy and a baby up 100 steps.

Unfortunately, not all underground stations in London are accessible. Most underground stations in London will have escalators, and many stations will also have some stairs at some point before reaching the platform. Many other stations have lifts to some of the platforms, and some stations are completely accessible, with lifts from the ticket office to the platform.

If you need help going up or down the stairs and you ask a member of staff for help, for health and safety reasons they will ask you to carry the baby and they will take the buggy for you.

London Underground Accessibility Maps

On the London Underground map, you will see that accessible underground stations are marked with the symbol of a wheelchair, in either a blue circle or a white circle.

• Blue circle: the underground station is fully accessible, which means that it is possible to go from street-level onto the underground carriage without any steps at all. In these cases, the platform will have an area that is slightly elevated to avoid any steps when getting onto the train.

• White circle: this means that there are no steps from street-level to platform, but there is some unevenness when getting onto the train. This is important for someone using a wheelchair, but it normally isn´t a problem when taking a buggy onto the train.

In addition to this map, there’s a Step Free Tube Map that is a lot more detailed and the one we’d recommend you check when travelling on the London Underground with a buggy. This map highlights the degree of accessibility at each station in detail and it also explains how accessible it is to change between underground lines at different stations.

7. Go on a river cruise and admire London’s skyline

If it’s your first trip to London and you are visiting with kids, we’d highly recommend going on a river cruise on the Thames.
There are sightseeing river cruises along the Thames, with live or recorded commentary.

8. Choose the right hotel in the right place

London is a big city and choosing a hotel can be a difficult task! First, we need to admit that hotels in London can be a bit expensive and sometimes people will choose a cheaper hotel far from central London if they find it to be cheaper, but the reality is that the money you will be saving on the hotel will most likely be spent on travel fares and journey time.

For this reason, it´s particularly important that you know exactly where your chosen hotel is and how long it will take you to get to central London. You may be able to walk to some of London´s attractions or you may need to get the tube or the bus…. but what you don´t want is to find out that you need to get on a train for an hour to reach central London and that each journey will cost you £10.

For this reason, there are a few things we think you would like to know:
London Travel Zones: Familiarise yourself with London’s Travel Zones and the Underground Map before you choose your hotel.

Recommended hotels: Have a look at different Hotel comparison sites as this will give you an idea of different locations and example hotels to consider.

9. Choosing transport tickets

Once you know what you’ve chosen and what travel zone it’s in, you will be able to choose a travel card suited to your needs. There are two transport cards and which one you need will depend on the number of days you’ll be in London, the travel zone in which your hotel is located, and the approximate number of times you think you will be using public transport.

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The Best Christmas Day Out in London

With so much to do in London over the festive period, it can be difficult to narrow down what to do in a day.

So in this article, we explore the best itineraries for the best Christmas days out in London. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, solo or with a group of friends, there is so much to do to get you in that holly, jolly spirit. With Christmas markets, festive west end shows, giant Christmas trees and magical twinkling lights all over the city, you’ll love spending the most wonderful time of the year, in the most wonderful city.

The best Christmas day out for families

Looking for the best London Christmas experiences for families? You’ve come to the right place. Travelling with little ones means you have to be a bit more organised, which is why we’ve put together a couple of options to make your family day out in London as stress-free as possible. Christmas is a magical time of year in the city, from the explosion of lights to the festive theme parks. Here are two options to make you and your family feel the festive cheer this year.

Option 1:

Morning: Walk along the Southbank
Get to London early and make your way to Southbank for a leisurely stroll along the River Thames. The area is dressed for Christmas with decorations and festive cheer. You’ll also be able to take in the sights of Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye. The Southbank Christmas market opens at 11 am, where the smell of festive treats fills the air, and stalls open to buy stocking fillers fill the air. For lunch treat yourselves to a hot chocolate and a sizzling bratwurst.

Afternoon: Catch a matinee show
Escape the winter cold and take the family to see a matinee show. This year there is an adaptation of the popular Christmas movie in ELF The Musical. However, if you are visiting with really little ones you may want to take them to see Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever at Theatre Royal Haymarket.

And it doesn’t have to be a Christmas exclusive, classic shows like Lion King, Matilda and Frozen the Musical will still be on throughout December too.

Evening: Explore the magical Christmas lights
As the sun goes down, London becomes a vibrant land of lights and impressive displays. Go to Regents Street and walk towards Oxford Street before making your way to Carnaby Street. This route allows you to take in beautiful shop displays and famous street lights.

Option 2:

Morning: Explore Winter Wonderland
With so much to do at Winter Wonderland, families can easily spend a whole day there. Easily one of the best Christmas days out in London, there are roller coaster rides, fun houses, an ice rink, ice sculpture the Magical Kingdom and plenty of markets to explore. The best food is in the Barvarian Village where you can enjoy cosy chalets and a medley of bars, restaurants and cafes.

Afternoon: See a show at Winter Wonderland
Zippos Christmas Circus will have the whole family cheering as acrobats and a giant polar bear entertain the crowd.

Evening: Take in the botanical lights at Kew Gardens
End the day by walking through Christmas at Kew Gardens. The magical winter trail is bursting with lights and colour. Meet Father Christmas and enjoy sweet treats and hot drinks from vendors as you explore the spectacle of lights.

The best Christmas day out for couples

The best Christmas days out in London for couples are those that are packed full of romance and festive cheer. From holding hands as you explore the Christmas markets and glittering decorations to taking in a show on the Westend. Couples will fall in love with the magic of London during the Christmas period.

Option 1:

Morning: Go to Christmas by the River
There is nothing more romantic than walking hand-in-hand as you walk along London Bridge City. You can spend the morning exploring Borough Market and sampling cheeses and meat, before walking along towards the market Christmas by the River. As you discover unique trinkets and decorations you can take in the iconic London skyline and Tower Bridge.

For lunch head to the Southbank where you can book an igloo experience with Jimmy’s Lodge. Here you can cosy up together and enjoy a fondue for two with a glass of bubbly.

Afternoon: go ice skating at Somerset House
Hold your love’s hand as you glide around a massive Christmas tree. You can enjoy a glass of bubbly at the Moet & Chandon Skate lounge before taking to the ice. It’s the most romantic backdrop for a London Christmas date.

Evening: Go for dinner at the Sky Garden
Tuck into a festive menu of roast turkey, pumpkin and pavlova with some of the most stunning views of the city at night, whilst surrounded by the most beautiful plants and flowers.

Option 2:

Morning: go shopping in the iconic stores
Get in the festive mood by taking your partner to one of the most iconic stores in London. Harrods, Liberty and Selfridges are famous for their Christmas displays and are the perfect place to get some unique gifts.

Afternoon: Go to Covent Garden Christmas Village market
Carol singers fill the air with festive cheer as you explore the stalls selling jewellery, gifts, clothes and decorations. Grab a mulled wine, and enjoy the fake snow shower that fills the air as you shop.

Evening: Dinner and a show
Book a dinner and show combo to make the most of your London experience. You can book a swanky meal with the likes of Back to the Future The Musical, Dirty Dancing, Moulin Rouge, Pretty Woman or the more festive ELF, The Musical.

The best Christmas day out for solo visitors

You don’t need anyone to come with you to enjoy London at Christmas. There is so much for solo explorers to enjoy. Whether you want to grab a mince pie and a mulled wine and explore the Christmas markets or pick up some last-minute shopping gifts at one of the iconic department stores, you’ll love your solo adventure.

Option 1:

Morning: Borough market and Christmas tree at Leadenhall
One of the best Christmas days out in London is visiting Borough Market. It’s one of the ultimate things to do as a solo explorer. Sample the festive produce as you sip hot chocolate and take in the stunning festive decorations.

Afternoon: Shopping on Oxford Street
Pick up some Christmas bargains as you explore the famous Oxford Street shops. From Primark to John Lewis, you’re sure to find the perfect gifs. The shop window displays will have you feeling festive in no time.

Evening: Catch a show
The best thing about watching a solo show is you can usually bag a bargain seat. Take yourself on a date to see a top show like Hamilton, Book of Mormon, Wicked or Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol.

Option 2:

Morning: Christmas Canopy Market at Kings Cross
Spend the morning at Coals Drop Yard where you can get breakfast and a coffee whilst viewing the Christmas tree. Then head to Christmas Canopy Market at Kings Cross, for sweet treats, and crafts. You could even join an event to make your own bespoke gift.

Afternoon: Warner Bros. Studio Tour
If you’re a big Harry Potter fan. The Warner bros. Studio Tour, Hogwarts in the Snow is a fantastic solo experience. Make your way to Euston to get the train to Watford Junction, where you can hop on the Harry Potter bus to the studios. The sets are all dressed for the festive period but the highlight is the Hogwarts Castle model that is covered in snow.

Evening: Christmas at Kew Gardens
Let the magic continue into the evening at Kew Gardens. Make your way around the botanical gardens that are bursting with colour and lights. You’ll love taking some time for yourself at the fire garden where flickering flames create a peaceful ambience.

The best Christmas day out for friends

Whether it’s a best friend duo or a big group of you, there is so much fun to be had in the capital during the festive season. From drinks and fondue in a rented igloo to nostalgic festive films to sing-along to. You’re certain to get in the cheery spirit.

Option 1:

Morning: Explore the Greenwich market
Greenwich is a great place to visit with friends. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes to explore whilst you catch up. The Christmas market is more low-key than some of the others in central London, so you’ll be able to get into the festive mood without the busy crowds.

Afternoon: Igloo dining and ice skating at Queens House
Grab your pals and hit the ice at Queen’s House in Greenwich. Located in a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can enjoy the most Insta-worthy views as you glide… or wobble around the rink. Book dinner and drinks in one of the cosy dining domes.

Evening: Go to the O2
Dance the night away at the O2 with acts like Blue, Bryan Adams and Westlife performing in December. Indigo at the O2 is great for partying pals with events like Soul Town Festival and One Night at the Disco.

Option 2:

Morning: Shopping in Soho
Meet up in Soho and marvel at the displays of Carnaby Street whilst stopping for coffee and shopping as you wander the streets.

Afternoon: Winter Wonderland
Then head to Hyde Park for an afternoon of fun and frolics. There is so much to do in Winter Wonderland. From ice-skating, drinks in a tipi with a firepit, Christmas markets and so much more. Make sure you sample some street food and the impressive Carousel Bar.

Evening: Sing along at Backyard Cinema
Go on an arctic voyage through constellations and Northern lights at Backyard Cinema. You can enjoy your festive favourites amongst snow-topped trees and decorations as you sink into your giant beanbag. If you want to get rowdy, sing-alongs like Greatest Showman and Frozen are the ones for you.

You’ve just got the one day in London to get as festive as possible, so don’t waste a second of it, and pack in as many seasonal treats as possible. Make sure to download the Keetoo app to keep all your plans in one place.

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Should I Book Tickets for London Attractions in Advance?

Estimates show that the UK will welcome over 26 million visitors in 2022.

That means millions of other travellers will be visiting London throughout the year and they’ll all be vying for the same tickets as you when you’re booking visits to London attractions.

Does this mean that you should book tickets for London attractions in advance? If you can, yes! However, not all attractions require a booking ahead of time. While it’s recommended if you want to snag the best prices and avoid queues, it’s not always necessary.

Here’s what to know about how to book tickets to London attractions ahead of time so you can enjoy the best trip to London.

Reasons to Book Tickets for London Attractions in Advance

As mentioned above, it’s a good idea to book tickets for London attractions in advance if you can. There are many benefits of doing so, including the fact that you can avoid the queues at the ticket office and also (often) be able to get a discount on the price of your ticket.

And if you’re looking to visit multiple attractions, then booking via the Keetoo Days Out app can help you earn free money to spend during your London vacation. This is especially helpful if you’re travelling with children or a large group of friends or family.

The more Keetoo Kredits you purchase, the more free Kredits we add to your wallet. You can use these free Keetoo Kredits to book more experiences and tickets at over 1,000 locations all around the UK.

However, before we get into the real benefits of booking ahead via the Keetoo Days Out app, let’s explore some of the main attractions in London that are necessary to book in advance.

Attractions to Book in Advance When You Visit London

Some museums in London are free and other attractions are open to the public. However, there are certain attractions that, when vacation planning, you’ll want to ensure you book ahead. Why?

Aside from earning more Keetoo Kredits as mentioned above, tickets for these attractions tend to sell out quickly. If you’re travelling with children and want to ensure you can not only purchase a ticket but purchase one at a specific time during the day then you’ll need to book ahead.

Buckingham Palace State Rooms

The Buckingham Palace State Rooms are a must-see for any visitor to London. Home to some of the most important events in British history, a tour of 19 State Rooms is a fascinating glimpse into the past.

From the opulent throne room to the intimate royal bed chambers, the Buckingham Palace State Rooms offer a rare insight into the lives of Britain’s royal family. And with a range of audio guides and tours available, there is something to suit everyone.

Note that this tour is only open from July to October. Tickets tend to go on sale beginning in March and because they only allow visits for a couple of months of each year, they tend to sell out quickly.

Note that to witness the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace you don’t need to purchase a ticket. The experience is free! However, you will need to check out their schedule to ensure you’re outside at the correct time to witness the changing of the guards.

Pro Tip: We suggest booking tickets in advance to visit Kensington Palace as well!

Westminster Abbey

Visit Westminster Abbey to see the beautiful architecture and art, learn about British history, and visit the final resting place of many famous people.

The abbey was founded in the year 960 (yes, you read that right, 960!), and since then it has been expanded and renovated many times. It is one of the most important Gothic buildings in England, and it has been designated as a World Heritage Site.

The abbey is also home to many valuable works of art, including paintings by John Constable and Henry Purcell’s organ. In addition, Westminster Abbey is the final resting place of many British monarchs and other notable figures, such as Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.

Should you book ahead for this London attraction? It’s not necessary, no. You typically don’t run the risk of not being able to purchase a ticket for your desired date. However, if you book your ticket ahead for Westminster Abbey you can enjoy a £2 discount per ticket.

Pro Tip: If you’re interested in Abbey Road (which is just three miles away from Westminster Abbey) because you’re a fan of The Beatles then be sure to book a ticket for The Beatles Story if you make it to Liverpool.

Harry Potter Studio Tour

You’ll want to book at least two months in advance if you plan to visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. It’s a must for any Harry Potter fan.

The Studio Tour is located in Leavesden, just outside of London. Visitors can explore the Great Hall, the Gryffindor common room, and Dumbledore’s office, among other sets and locations from the Harry Potter films.

The tour also includes a chance to see some of the Harry Potter props and costumes up close, as well as learn about how the special effects were created. Best of all, the Studio Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Harry Potter movies.

Why should you book in advance? The tour is incredibly popular as you can imagine.

Pro Tip: Because you’ll want to spend your time enjoying this tour (which can last up to four hours or more), you don’t want to be rushed. If you can, ensure you get a ticket for the morning. However, note that morning tickets tend to sell out faster.

Tower of London

The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. It was founded in 1066 by William the Conqueror and served as a royal residence, a prison, and a place of execution for over 600 years.

The tower is now managed by Historic Royal Palaces and is open to the public as a tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the tower’s many chambers and learn about its fascinating history. They can also visit the crown jewels, which are on display in the Jewel House.

The Tower of London is an iconic part of London’s skyline and a must-see for any visitor to the city. However, it’s another attraction that isn’t necessary to book ahead unless you want to snag discounts.

In some cases, you can get discounts for purchasing online. Via the Keeoo Days Out app, you can purchase a ticket for just 30 Kredits per adult or 15 Kredits per child to save even more.

Pro Tip: Combine your visit to the Tower of London with a visit to the Tower Bridge!

London Eye

The London Eye is a visit you won’t want to miss when trip planning your vacation. It is a large Ferris wheel that allows you to see all of London from above.

Once at the top, you will have stunning views of some of London’s most famous landmarks, such as Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. All in all, the London Eye is a great activity for families or couples looking to get a unique perspective on the city.

Should you book tickets ahead for the London Eye? It can be difficult to book too far in advance because the weather in London is somewhat difficult to predict. However, we recommend booking a day or two in advance if you can.

Pro Tip: You can purchase tickets for a specific time slot so that you can avoid long lines. This is the best way to visit the London Eye and avoid wasting time that you can spend exploring other areas of London.

West End Shows

West End in London is an area that is rich in culture and history. West End in London is known for its many theatres, which attract tourists from all over the world. West End in London is also home to numerous museums and galleries, as well as several famous landmarks.

However, if you’re planning on catching a West End show then we recommend booking as far in advance as possible. This is to ensure that you can purchase a ticket for the show you’re hoping to see but also so that you can get snag the seat you’re interested in.

Pro Tip: If you’re not interested in theatre but want to enjoy a show while you’re visiting London then head to the cinema for a fun, entertaining evening out.

Purchase Tickets for Your London Vacation

Regardless of whether you’re planning a visit to one of the attractions above or any of the numerous other fun things to do in London, we definitely suggest that you ​​book tickets for London attractions in advance.

With the Keetoo Days Out app, that’s easier than ever. Download the app to discover the best days out and things to do in London. Then, book your tickets ahead of time and enjoy earning Keetoo Kredits as you do so!

Click here to download the app today.

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Changing of the Guard in London: Dates, Route and Where to watch

The Changing of the Guard is a ceremony

in which the Old Guard in charge of the security of Buckingham Palace is relieved of their duties by the New Guard. This spectacular parade is a free event, that takes place in the morning and is one of the most important and famous attractions in London.

During the Changing of the Guard you’ll see regiments of guards on both horseback and on foot. They will be wearing the traditional red robes and the famous bearskin hats. The military musical band performs alongside the ceremony of the Changing of the Guard. They play both military music and more contemporary hits – which often surprises visitors when they play songs that you wouldn’t expect!

What is the Changing of the Guard in London?

The Queens Guard is responsible for the security of two palaces in central London: Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace. Located within 5 minutes of each other, the ceremony of the Changing of the Guard can be seen at both these two places: Wellington Barrack (at Buckingham Palace) and St James’s Palace.

Horse Guards is the official entrance to Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace. Horse Guards is situated between the beautiful park of St. James’s and Whitehall, the road that takes us from Trafalgar Square to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. There are mounted guards at Horse Guards, and these guards also switch over at 11am. This means that we will see mounted guards passing by Buckingham Palace twice – first at 10.45am, when the new mounted guard pass by towards Horse Guards, and then at 11.37am when the old mounted guard go back towards Buckingham Palace.

At 4 pm every day there is a dismounting ceremony at Horse Guards. This is known as the four o’ clock parade. The mounted guard that has been guarding Horse Guards from 11am is then relieved from duty at 4pm, by guards on foot. An officer will inspect the incoming Royal Guard, and after a long day of guarding the Queens’ Palace, the horses are taken to the stables to rest.

So, when we talk about the Changing of the Guard, we have to cover the following four key places:

• Buckingham Palace
• Wellington Barracks
• Palace of St James
• Horse Guards

The schedule of the Changing of the Guards – In Detail

The Changing of the Guard in London is held on specific days of the month, and the exact dates are normally confirmed a month in advance. We would advise that you check the dates of the changing of the guard a few days before you travel to London.

Top tip: Many people think that the ceremony of the Changing of the Guard is held every day at Buckingham Palace, but in fact, this is not the case. So, some days you´ll find that there are people waiting even if the Changing of the Guard is not scheduled to take place.

10.30 am: The new Guard of both detachments (Wellington Barracks and Palace of St James) get ready. At Wellington Barracks the new guard form up in the square of the barracks for inspection. They are accompanied by a military band that start playing a selection of music. The Royal Guard from the Palace of St James is not always accompanied by a musical band, but when there is a musical band, you will be able to hear it very clearly from Marlborough Road, when the procession starts heading towards Buckingham Palace.

10.43 am: St James´s Palace detachment of the Old Guard set off for Buckingham Palace.

10.45 am: The mounted guard (Household Cavalry) ride past Buckingham Palace on their way to Horse Guards.

10.57 am: The new Guard leave Wellington barracks for Buckingham Palace.

11:00 am: Official start time for the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

11:10 am: The new guards leave Buckingham Palace for the Palace of St James’s.

11:25 am: St. James’s Palace contingent, of the Old Guard, leaves St. James’s Palace and head towards Buckingham Palace.

11:37 am: The Old Guard that was on duty at Horse Guards rides past Buckingham Palace.

11:40 am: Old Guard who was on duty at Buckingham Palace leaves Buckingham Palace towards Wellington Barracks.

11:45 am: St. James’s Palace Detachment of The Queen’s Guard leaves Buckingham Palace..

Where to watch the Changing of the Guard in London

This is one of the attractions in London that tourists flock to see. To make sure that you don’t miss a thing during the Changing of the Guards, we would firstly recommend arriving early, and secondly, know where the best spot to stand is.

Most people will crowd right in front of Buckingham Palace at the gates, to see the changing of the Guard. There are more places from which the ceremony can be seen, but just bear in mind that the whole ceremony cannot be seen from just one spot.

Gates at Buckingham Palace: If you can get to the front row, just in front of Buckingham Palace at the gates, you will have a great view of the ceremony, but you won´t see the Household Cavalry very well.

Victoria Memorial: Just in front of Buckingham Palace you will see the Victoria Memorial, and standing on these steps will offer great views of the ceremony. The steps on the Victoria Memorial are probably one of our favourite spots to see the Changing of the Guard in London.

Green Park entrance: You could stand at the Green Park entrance which is on the right of the main entrance of the Palace – but we would not say that this is the best option to be honest, as you will not see the actual Changing of the Guard, but you will get to see the Household Cavalry as they go by.

Gates at Buckingham Palace: if you can get to the front row, just in front of Buckingham Palace at the gates, you will have a great view of the ceremony, but you won´t probably see the Household Cavalry very well.

The Mall: This is the main road that leads up to the main entrance of Buckingham Palace. We would recommend standing at the junction with Marlborough Road. You will be able to take brilliant photos from here.

Wellington Barracks

If you are not that interested in seeing the ceremony itself, but you want to take some cool pictures of the Guard walking or riding towards Buckingham Palace, we would recommend waiting at The Mall, which is the street that goes from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace. More specifically we would recommend that you stand at the entrance of Marlborough Road.

The Changing of the Guard Calendar in London:

The Changing of the Guard ceremony in London begins at 10.30 am with the relief of the guards happening at 11am at Buckingham Palace. The ceremony lasts approximately 30-45 minutes.

The Changing of the Guard will normally take place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday of the year. During the months of April, May and June the Changing of the Guard also takes place on Saturdays. During the summer it takes place every day of the week.

However, although this is generally the schedule, there can always be exceptions, with the exact dates usually confirmed one month in advance. Therefore, it’s so important to check the dates just before coming to London.

Cancellation due to rain

You have probably heard the rumours, it does occasionally rain in London… The bad news is that the ceremony of the Changing of the Guard in London can be cancelled last minute without any notice due to bad weather. If the ceremony is cancelled, it will not be rescheduled for a later time or date. However, in our experience it needs to rain a lot for it to be cancelled, and a few raindrops won’t stop it from happening!

Walking tours of the Changing of the Guard in London

A great option is to join one of the walking tours of the Changing of the Guard. A tour guide will tell you about the history and curiosities of this fantastic ceremony, but you will also get the opportunity to walk alongside the Queen´s soldiers. There is also access to a platform where you will get a perfect view of the whole thing.
More information: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour.

What to do after the ceremony

Once the ceremony is over, we would suggest that you go explore the nearby areas by foot. You will be close to tourist hot spots like St James’s Park and Trafalgar Square.

Visit Buckingham Palace

Not many people know this, but you can visit different parts of Buckingham Palace. The spectacular Royal Mews are one of the finest working stables in existence. Here you will be able to see the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, the Gold State Coach, and the carriage horses. The Royal Mews are open all year round to the public.

The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open during the summer. We highly recommend doing this if you are looking to do something special during your visit to London.

The Queen’s Gallery has been a gallery for the Royal Collection since 1962, and it hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. It is open to the public all year round.

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What to do on a Saturday in London

There are so many things to do on a Saturday in London

that planning a weekend in the city will be an easy task. Choose from an array of Saturday Markets, explore the different shopping districts, dine in the best restaurants or enjoy some of the best events in London.
We’d highly recommend a stroll around one of the beautiful parks of London and in summer, there are even public pools that people flock to! And not to mention the vast number of museums and shopping centres to explore.

How to spend a Saturday in London

However, there are also some things that are only available to do on a Saturday – so we’re going to tell you about those too.

• Saturday Markets in London
• Tourist attractions
• Museums
• Shops and restaurants
• Guided tours
• Something different
• Suggestions

Saturday Markets in London

If you’re planning a trip to London, it’s worth planning your trip knowing that some of the best street markets in London are only open on Saturdays, so don’t forget to include this in your itinerary.

Portobello Road, the iconic Notting Hill flea market. Even though parts of Portobello Road Market are open on other days of the week, there’s a full market on Saturdays. Open from 9.00am to 7.00pm, this is undoubtedly the best day to visit.

Borough Market is the oldest market in London, and a must-see. Located next to London Bridge Underground Station, there’s a full market from Wednesdays to Saturdays, and on Saturdays, the market is open from 8.00am to 5.00pm..

Camden Market is another incredibly famous London market, and even though it opens every day of the week, there is a full market on Saturdays, with all of the shops and stalls open. Camden Market is open daily from 10am to 6pm (except Christmas Day).

Broadway Market is a wonderfully charming street market next to Regent’s Canal in Hackney that only opens on Saturdays. It’s not a popular tourist spot, but frequently visited by locals. Broadway Market is open from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.

Spitalfields Market is open every day of the week, and on Saturdays their opening times are from 11.00am to 6.00pm. Located next to each other, Brick Lane Market, Petticoat Lane Market and Spitalfields Market are open on Sundays.

Maltby Street Market is a hidden gem located in south-east London. It’s open during weekends, and on Saturdays is open from 10.00am to 5.00pm.

Brixton Market not only includes a beautiful covered market but is also on pedestrianised roads. The outdoor markets are located on Electric Avenue, Pope’s Road and Brixton Station Road. Brixton Village and Market Row are covered market arcades but are also connected to the outdoor markets. On Saturdays, the outdoor markets and the covered markets are all open, and there’s also a themed market on Brixton Station Road. Brixton Market is open on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm.

Tourist attractions open on a Saturday in London

All tourist attractions in London open on Saturdays (except if it’s Christmas Day!). This includes London’s most famous attractions like: The London Eye, The View from the Shard, Madame Tussauds, The Sea Life Aquarium, the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey (just to name a few!).
Sightseeing bus tours and sightseeing river cruises also operate on Saturdays in London, and they can sometimes be the best way to see London when the streets are crowded!

Museums open on a Saturday in London

All the famous museums in London are open on Saturdays, including The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum and the Tate Modern, just to name a few!

Shops and restaurants open on a Saturday in London

Shops and restaurants in central London are always open on Saturdays (except if it happens to be Christmas Day!) and you can walk, shop and dine in the most popular tourist spots in London such as Regent Street, Oxford Street, Soho, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.
Famous big department stores such as Harrods, Fortnum and Mason and Liberty are open on Sundays. Westfield shopping centres (White City and Stratford) also open on Sundays.

Guided tours available on Saturdays

Walking tours are available mostly during the weekends in London, some famous walking tours include Jack the Ripper, Changing of the Guard walking tour or the famous Harry Potter locations walking tour.

Walking tours in London

Located in the heart of the city, between the Strand and the River Thames is Somerset House, an incredible neo-classical building. On Thursdays and Saturdays, you can enjoy art and culture with a free guided tour of Somerset House, yes FREE! You’ll see 55 fountains dancing in the courtyard, and during the winter months you can even ice-skate. They often host open-air concerts, film and contemporary art and design exhibitions.

Do something a little different

If you’ve done all the most popular spots in London, then maybe it is time to explore an area that you’re not as familiar with. For example, you could make your way to the beautiful Richmond neighbourhood, where you can visit the farmer’s market on a Saturday or stunning Greenwich, where you’ll also find the Royal Observatory. The district of Hampstead has plenty of trendy bars and restaurants as well as Hampstead Heath, a stunning park to explore – and you can see the spectacular London skyline from the highest point in the park!

Our suggestions to spend the perfect Saturday in London
We think the best way to spend a Saturday in London is to spend the morning at one of the amazing Saturday markets in London before heading to Covent Garden to see the street entertainers, do some shopping and go to one of the restaurants. And as the sun goes down, head to the South Bank, for a walk along the River Thames – taking in the sights of the London Eye, Westminster Bridge and Big Ben.

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London in Two Days

Whether it’s a romantic weekend or a city break with friends, you’ll find that you can see a lot of London if you plan your 48 hours well. You’re also still guaranteed to leave London wanting to come back again!
Depending on how much time you have to spend you will be able to see pretty much all the must-sees of London in two days and even visit some top attractions or one of London’s fantastic museums.
If it’s your first time in London then you MUST see some of the most famous attractions in the city, such as Big Ben, the London Eye, Oxford Street, Regent Street and Soho. We would also recommend that you visit one of London’s famous markets; Camden Town or Portobello Road are full of personality. This way, you will leave London with the feeling of having seen the real city as well as the tourist hot spots.
To help you plan your 2 day trip to London, we have designed two different options for you to consider, so that you can make the most of your two days in London.

Why not consider the hop-on hop-off bus tour for either 24 or 48 hours? It is definitely the easiest way to get to the most important places in London, whilst enjoying the ride and the views. You also get a free river cruise which in our opinion is something that you need to do if it is your first time in London. You also get a free walking tour included in the ticket, so you do actually get a lot for your money.
We suggest that you do the famous river cruise from Westminster to the Tower of London. Alighting at the Tower of London leaves you time to explore the area and even visit the magnificent Tower of London, which will take you about two hours. Remember that you can access The Tower of London easily by using your Keetoo App. Then you can hop-on the bus tour right there and continue your open bus tour to explore more of London.
If you are visiting London in two days, as well as visiting the Tower of London you should also have time to visit the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.

London in two days: Day 1 in London

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

We begin our first day in London with a route that starts at Green Park Tube Station. From here, you can walk across Green Park to get to Buckingham Palace, where you will get a chance to watch the famous Ceremony of the Changing of the Guard. This ceremony takes place at 11 am, but we recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes in advance as it does get quite crowded. Make sure you check the dates too as it does not take place every day during the year. You can then walk through St James’s Park, one of London’s prettiest parks.

Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament and London Eye

Once you have walked through St James’s Park and crossed Horse Guards Parade, you can walk along Whitehall, going past 10 Downing Street, and making our way towards Westminster Abbey. It really is a shame to visit London and not visit Westminster Abbey, so it’s something that we would recommend. If you buy your tickets in advance you’ll skip the queues and it will be cheaper than buying the entry ticket at the door. It will take you around 2 hours to visit Westminster Abbey.
From here you can walk past the Houses of Parliament and take a quick break to admire Big Ben, obviously one of London’s most famous landmarks. You can then cross Westminster Bridge and get the perfect photo of Big Ben and the London Eye, which is located on the other side of the river Thames.
Once you cross Westminster Bridge you’ll soon get to the famous London Eye and this is the perfect opportunity to go on what is arguably London’s most iconic attraction. If you know you definitely want to go on the London Eye, we highly recommend that you buy your tickets in advance using the Keetoo app and, if possible, get fast-track tickets to skip the queues as the queue for the London Eye can be quite long.

After this, you can continue walking along the South Bank until you get to the Royal Festival Hall. This is the perfect place to stop for a coffee or a bite if you’re feeling peckish as there are plenty of restaurants and cafes (Inside the Royal Festival Hall there are also free public loos!). Just behind the Royal Festival Hall there is also a food market during the weekends, so that’s worth a visit too if you fancy some street food.

Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street and Carnaby Street

After exploring the South Bank, you will cross the Thames along the Golden Jubilee Bridge and head towards Trafalgar Square, the famous piazza with the four lions and Admiral Lord Nelson’s statue. This is where you will find one of London’s most famous galleries, The National Gallery, which is free to enter. From Trafalgar Square it’s only a short walk to another one of London’s famous landmarks, Piccadilly Circus.

From here we would recommend that you walk along Regent Street, where you will find Hamleys, London’s largest and best toy store. You will then go past Liberty, one of London’s most famous stores and discover Carnaby Street and London’s famous Soho. You’ll end your route through Soho exploring the infamous Chinatown of London.

Leicester Square and Covent Garden

Then it’s onto Leicester Square, where you will come across another two incredibly famous shops – M&M’s and LEGO Stores. Leicester Square is where London’s film premieres take place so you might bump into a famous actor if you are lucky (we once saw Will Smith!). From Leicester Square it is only a short walk to Covent Garden, one of London’s most beautiful places, perfect to end the first busy day of your trip to London. You will find lots of restaurants in this area so it’s the perfect place to have something to eat or drink before heading back to your hotel.

This is also the area where most theatres in London are and what better way to end your first day in London than by going to see one of the city’s world famous West End musicals.

Day 2 in London

If you are visiting London in two days, then we would recommend that you spend your second day in London visiting the famous Tower of London and admiring Tower Bridge. You’ll also be able to take a lovely walk along the South Bank of the Thames, not forgetting to see or even visit St Paul’s Cathedral.

Monument and North Bank of the river

Our route starts at Monument’s Tube Station, from where you will start walking towards London Bridge. You will see The Monument to the Great Fire of London on your left-hand side which has a viewing platform reached by a narrow winding staircase of a whopping 311 steps! As you continue walking, you will reach London Bridge and you are then able to walk along the South Bank of the River Thames. From here you will get some awesome views of Tower Bridge and The Shard, London’s tallest building; a perfect selfie spot!

Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Walking along the North Bank of the River Thames you will reach a point where you can no longer. Continue along the Bank of the river, and you can follow the road until you see one of London’s most important landmarks: The Tower of London. We highly recommend that you visit the Tower of London, as no one should visit London and miss the opportunity to see the Crown Jewels.

It will take you about 2 hours to visit the Tower of London and it’s much better if you book the tickets in advance with your Keetoo App. Inside the Tower of London there is a wonderful cafe / restaurant where we would recommend you try an authentic British Pie and Mash or stop for some well earned tea and cake.
Our next stop will be Tower Bridge and, not only do you get to see it, but you can also cross Tower Bridge on foot. Before you go up the steps to get to Tower Bridge though, we recommend that you have a wander around St Katharine’s Dock as it is one of London’s best kept secrets. There are numerous restaurants in this area so it is the ideal place if you are looking to have lunch somewhere. In St Katharine’s Dock is where you can find The Dickens Inn, a unique pub housed in a beautiful 18th century warehouse, serving pub food as well as fine grill and pizzeria.

Then, continue to walk across Tower Bridge, admiring its beauty. The Tower Bridge Exhibition has a viewing platform that you can also visit, just remember to add your kredits to your Keetoo App for easy access!

South Bank

Once you cross Tower Bridge, you can walk along the South Bank of the River Thames, a very enjoyable walk that will allow you to get a proper feeling of what it means to visit London. You’ll first walk past London’s City Hall (Greater London Authority’s headquarters) and the HMS Belfast; Europe’s only surviving second world war cruiser, a historic warship and a museum where you will get the opportunity to explore what life was like at war at sea.
As you continue walking along the South Bank, you will get to Hay’s Galleria, one of my favourite places in London. Here you will find a selection of restaurants and cafes as well as a few shops and stalls. Our next stop will be Borough Market, one of the most spectacular markets in London.
Continue walking along the South Bank, passing Shakespeare’s Globe and Butler’s Wharf, until you reach the Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge. Here you’ll find a perfect view of St Paul’s Cathedral on the other side of the river. You can then cross the Millennium Bridge to go and see St Paul’s Cathedral or continue walking along the South Bank as you can walk all the way to the London Eye, something that we would highly recommend if you have time.

Best Travel Options when visiting London in two days.

If you are visiting London in two days, the best way to get around the city is by using an oyster card, a visitor oyster card or contactless debit or credit card. This is the cheapest way to get around London in two days and you can use any of those cards to go on public buses, tube, Docklands Light Railway trains or trains within London’s Travel Zones.

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London in One Day

and it’s impossible to see everything that the big smoke has to offer in one day alone. But! If you are planning on visiting London in one day then you will certainly want to make the most of your time and not miss any of London’s most important attractions and sights, especially if it’s your first time in London.

London has a long list of iconic places and attractions that anybody who’s anybody wants to see and visit, but if you only have one day to spend in London you really need to plan your day properly to see as much as possible. The team at Keetoo have prepared two different options for you to consider, two different itineraries for you to have two amazing day’s out and make the most of your one-day trip to London.

So, you’re spending one day in London and you want to see as much as possible! We would highly recommend that you go on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, enjoy a Thames River Cruise and then head to the London Eye.

The open top bus tour takes you to all the must see important places, such as Big Ben, London Eye, Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Oxford Street and Regent Street, plus you can stay on the bus or get off at any stop and then get back on the bus whenever you want to. It’s an easy way to explore London and not have to worry or fuss about public transport.

The free river cruise is fantastic, and in our opinion one of the best things to do in London if you have just one day. From the river you will be able to see the houses of parliament, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, St Paul’s Cathedral, famous bridges such as London Bridge, millennium bridge and the most famous of all: Tower Bridge. You will also get some amazing views as well as perfect photos of Tower Bridge and The Tower of London from the river cruise.

If you are arriving at King’s Cross St Pancras Station to spend one day in London, then the open top bus tour would be ideal, as there is a bus stop to hop on the bus as you exit the station.

We would recommend that you get fast-track tickets for the London Eye online beforehand using the Keetoo app, so you avoid the long queues and go directly to the prepaid tickets queue, this way you will make sure you make the most of your day in London.

London in One Day: Option 2 – Walking Route + London Eye

For the ramblers and strollers amongst you we have designed a walking route which will enable you to discover London in one day if you’d rather walk and avoid public transport to see the sights of London. With our walking route you will see some of London’s most important landmarks and you’ll probably have time to see the Changing of the Guard, visit Westminster Abbey and go on the London Eye.

Walking route to see London in One Day step-by-step:

Our walking route starts at Green Park Underground Station. From here you can walk towards Buckingham Palace, where the famous changing of the guard ceremony takes place at 11.00 am on certain days. Make sure you check the exact dates to avoid disappointment.

After seeing Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, you can walk across St James’s Park and along Whitehall, heading towards Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the London Eye.

After a short walk along London’s beautiful South Bank, you can cross the Thames again and walk until you get to the famous Trafalgar Square. This is where the National Gallery (free entry) is. From Trafalgar Square, you can easily walk towards Piccadilly Circus.

From Piccadilly Circus you can walk along Regent Street to get to Carnaby Street. After a small walk-through London’s Soho, you will reach Leicester Square and Covent Garden.

London in one day: Map

If you are going to spend just the one day in London it may be tempting to buy single fares if you are going to use London’s public transport, such as the underground or the bus, but we would encourage you to either buy an oyster card for the day or use contactless payment if you can. You will pay a lot less for each journey this way than buying single fares or even a day travelcard, as the oyster card’s daily capping makes it cheaper to use than using a day travelcard.

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