Walk London Like a Local: City, Thames & Southbank
Description
If you only take one walk in London, make it this one: history, views, and vibes all in one! This walking tour is your perfect intro to the city: iconic views, charming corners, and a riverside path packed with personality. We’ll start at the Monument and make our way to St. Paul’s, hitting landmark spots like Tower Bridge and Borough Market along the way. Think of it as London’s greatest hits—with a few hidden gems thrown in. Perfect for curious wanderers who want to soak up the sights, feel the vibe, and experience London the way locals do—on foot, with plenty of stops to look around, snack, snap photos, and enjoy the view.
Tour Options
Itinerary
One of the most beautiful bridges in the world—and often mistaken for “London Bridge.” We’ll walk across and enjoy the view.
We’ll stop outside and take a good look at this famous castle. You’ll learn how it went from royal palace to prison to tourist favorite—plus how the ravens help protect the kingdom.
A peaceful hidden spot. This old church was destroyed during World War II and is now a beautiful garden. It’s quiet, green, and perfect for photos.
Where London’s rebirth begins. We’ll kick off the walk at this towering column built to commemorate the Great Fire of 1666. You’ll hear why it’s here, what it meant for the city, and if you're feeling adventurous, you can climb the 311 steps to one of the best skyline views in London.
This part of the walk opens up with amazing river views and a blend of old docks, converted warehouses, and sleek modern glass. It’s where old London meets the new—and it’s always alive with energy.
A feast for the senses. We’ll pass through the buzzing heart of one of London’s oldest and most beloved food markets. Smell the spices, see the sizzling street food, and maybe grab a quick bite if something tempts you.
The first bridge ever built across the Thames. It once had houses, shops, and even a chapel on top! We’ll talk about how it shaped London’s growth and why people often mix it up with Tower Bridge.
An exact replica of the original theatre where Shakespeare’s plays were performed. We’ll walk by and talk about its history and how it was rebuilt. You can come back later for a tour or even catch a show just like in the old days.
A full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s 16th-century ship—the one that sailed around the world. We’ll pass by this striking galleon docked by the river and talk about its epic journey and how it ended up here in Southwark.
We’ll walk past one of London’s oldest prisons and hear about its dark history, some of the famous prisoners who were locked up here, the tough conditions they lived in, and how the prison was actually run as a money-making business.
A big art museum in an old power station.
Great for panoramic photos and skyline views. It was once nicknamed the “Wobbly Bridge” (you’ll soon find out why). And if you’re a Harry Potter fan—you might recognize it from a dramatic scene with the Dementors.
A majestic finale that’s stood through fire, war, and time. We’ll end outside one of London’s most breathtaking buildings, where you can admire the dome, the details, and it’s architecture.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(11)
My friends and I booked this tour last minute and it was really worth it. The tour was interesting and took us to all the areas we wanted to visit. Our guide Maggie was great and seemed to know the city so well. I’ve already recommended to my other friends visiting London!
This tour was terrible (March 22nd), it did not include entry to the Tower Bridge, any other attractions, and only lasted 4 hours. All this for a crazy $753. I’m sorry I’ve done over 8 different Viator guided tours and have never had a single complaint, but this tour made me feel like I got ripped off!
Hi Edgar, Thank you for your feedback, and I’m sorry to hear the tour didn’t meet your expectations. We always encourage guests to review the tour details carefully before booking to ensure the experience matches what they’re looking for. The tour description states that this is a private walking tour for your group (in your case, 4 people), with a duration of approximately 3–4 hours, and that it does not include entry tickets to attractions such as Tower Bridge. We appreciate your comments and will continue working to provide the best possible experience for our guests.
We had an amazing walking tour around London with Maggie. She was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging,and had fascinating stories and historical insights that you wouldn’t find in a guidebook. She showed us hidden gems, and she tailored the tour to our interests, which made it feel really personal. I’d highly recommend this tour!!
Incredible guide! She knew lots of interesting facts and made the tour fun for my friends and I. Highly recommend
One of the best tours I’ve ever attended! I was able to get all the information I needed while also having an amazing time and truly enjoying the day. Maggie (our tour guide) was an absolute pleasure—knowledgeable, engaging, and so much fun. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting London!
Getting to know London with Maggie, our guide, was unforgettable. Her enthusiasm and warm personality made the entire experience truly amazing. She just has this way of making you feel like you’re exploring the city with a friend. I’m already looking forward to going back to London for another tour. Highly recommend!
We had such a nice time with Maggie as a guide! She showed us everywhere around London and gave us useful tips which helped us to move around and organise our trip for the next days. We would definitely book another tour with Bank Holiday as it was a great experience!
I went solo travelling to London and booked my first tour with Maggie, it was a great imprest from the city and she helped me with ideas and places to go in the next few days. I highly recommend the experience
The tour was much better than we expected. It met our expectations. We were 10 adults and we were all very satisfied. We met not only the iconic points of the city but also gave us more exclusive and “secret” places of the city that was a pearl!
It’s truly different when you explore London with a local! Maggie was incredibly kind and taught me so much. I’m leaving wanting more!
