This sightseeing route takes around 2 hours and 19 minutes to complete.
DesignMyNight's Map Of London: Sightseeing & Attractions
Nothing beats a bit of fresh air and a leisurely walk, especially in a city where every road you turn down you're bound to see a famous landmark or two. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, this sightseeing route will take you on a fun-filled journey through the city's most iconic attractions. Lace up your walking shoes and hit the road with our London sightseeing route map.
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1. Start At Trafalgar Square
- Highlights: Nelson's Column, Equestrian Statue of Charles I, The Fourth Plinth, and the National Gallery
Start your adventure in Trafalgar Square, with the nearest station being Charing Cross. Home to the grand Nelson’s Column and surrounded by iconic fountains, this lively square has long been a hub for celebrations, protests, and spontaneous moments.
Whether you're soaking in the views of the National Gallery, people-watching by the lion statues, or catching an impromptu street performance, there's plenty of culture and charisma.
Take some pictures or read a book by the fountains in Trafalgar Square.
2. Stroll Along The Mall To Buckingham Palace
- Highlights: the State Rooms, Changing of the Guard ceremony, palace tours, and the Royal Mews
Head down The Mall, where it feels like stepping onto a royal red carpet - literally. This grand, tree-lined avenue, stretching from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace, is flanked by historic landmarks and the regal St. James’s Park, it’s the ultimate route for royal watchers and history lovers alike.
No trip to London is complete without a glimpse of the royal residence. With its golden gates, iconic balcony, and all the grandeur you’d expect from the home of the King, this palace is the ultimate symbol of British royalty. Time your visit right, and you’ll witness the famous Changing of the Guard, complete with marching soldiers and ceremonial fanfare.
In the summer, Buckingham Palace (pictured) looks radiant surrounded by flowers and gardens.
3. Take The Birdcage Walk To Westminster Abbey
- Highlights: Westminster Abbey, Parliament Square Gardens, Sir Isaac Newton's Grave, Westminster Pier, Poet's Corner, and Dean's Yard
Take the Birdcage Walk; once home to King James I’s exotic bird aviary (hence the name), this elegant tree-lined path runs along the edge of St. James’s Park, offering a scenic, peaceful walk away from the city’s hustle.
At the end, you'll reach Westminster Abbey. This towering Gothic masterpiece has hosted everything from coronations to royal weddings, and its halls are lined with the tombs of some of Britain’s greatest figures. Step inside, and you’ll be awed by the intricate stained glass, soaring arches, and the eerie beauty of Poets’ Corner, where literary legends rest. Don't miss Dean's Yard, a peaceful, tree-lined quadrangle next to the Abbey, perfect for a moment of relaxation.
Fan of Gothic architecture? Then you'll love Westminster Abbey.
4. Go Over Westminster Bridge To The Southbank Centre
- Highlights: The London Eye, Jubilee Gardens, Royal Festival Hall, Haywood Gallery, National Theatre, and BFI
Walk over Westminster Bridge (you'll pass top attractions like Shrek's Adventure London, The Paddington Bear Experience and Sea Life London Aquarium) to the vibrant arts and culture hub along the River Thames: the Southbank Centre.
Sitting proudly along the Thames, this is where music, theatre, literature, and creativity collide. Whether you’re catching a world-class performance at the Royal Festival Hall, browsing the legendary book market under Waterloo Bridge, or just soaking up the riverside vibes with street performers and pop-up food stalls, there’s always something happening.
Southbank Centre is a creative destination with some great views - London Eye, anyone?
5. Take A Detour Via Blackfriars Bridge To St. Paul's Cathedral
- Highlights: The Dome, Golden Gallery, Whispering Gallery, The Crypt, and its orchestral live performance programme
Cross the river with a 29-minute walk from the Southbank Centre to St. Paul's Cathedral. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London, this stunning dome has stood tall for over 300 years, hosting royal weddings, state funerals, and some of the most breathtaking views in the city.
Step inside to admire the jaw-dropping ceilings, whisper secrets in the famous Whispering Gallery, or climb to the Golden Gallery for panoramic views of London.
Top tip: visit St Paul's Cathedral as a group to pay less per person.
6. Come Back South To Tate Modern Via The Millenium Bridge
- Highlights: Millennium Bridge, Shakespeare's Globe, and Tate Modern
Take Peter's Hill and cross the Millennium Bridge. Stretching across the Thames from St Paul’s Cathedral to Tate Modern, this sleek steel suspension bridge offers some of the best views in town - think St Paul’s on one side, The Shard and Shakespeare’s Globe on the other. If the bridge looks familiar, that’s because it was famous for wobbling when it first opened (don’t worry, they fixed it).
Sitting in a massive converted power station, Tate Modern is where art gets bold, brilliant, and sometimes bizarre. Home to world-class contemporary and modern masterpieces, it’s completely free to enter, though some special exhibitions require tickets. Don’t miss the Turbine Hall, where mind-blowing large-scale installations steal the show.
The Millennium Bridge features in several films, including Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
7. Stop For A Bite To Eat At Borough Market
- Highlights: Agora, Applebee's, Borough Cheese Company, Ginger Pig, Humble Crumble, and Monmouth Coffee Company
We had to make Borough Market a stop-off in its own right; it's impossible to resist the wafts of roast meats and baked treats as you meander past - take it from us. But this isn’t just any market - it’s one of the city’s oldest, dating back over 1,000 years.
Originally a hub for traders in the 12th century, it has evolved into the go-to spot for food lovers, chefs, and anyone who appreciates a great bite. Wander through the bustling stalls and you’ll find everything from freshly shucked oysters to indulgent raclette, gourmet doughnuts, and the finest cheeses in town.
Borough Market is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10am to 5pm, Saturdays 9am 'til 5pm, and Sundays 10am 'til 4pm.
8. Take A (Very) Short Stroll To The View From The Shard
- Highlights: Aqua Shard, Oblix, Hutong, and GŎNG.
A very short four-minute walk via St Thomas Street will take you from Borough Market to The View from The Shard, Western Europe's tallest building, for breathtaking panoramic views of London. Since 2012, this glittering giant, clad in a dazzling 11,000 panes of glass, has redefined the skyline.
Soar to floors 68-72, where The View from The Shard unfolds before you - a mesmerising 360-degree panorama of London's iconic landmarks. Want to elevate the experience? Treat yourself to the official package, complete with a celebratory Champagne reception and access to the open-air sky deck. On a clear day, you can see for up to 40 miles.
Cast your eyes across the city at The View from The Shard.
9. Walk Across London Bridge To Sky Garden
- Highlights: Breakfast at Larch, music nights, breakfast at sunrise, Darwin Brasserie, and Fenchurch Restaurant
From one sky-high viewing platform to the next - because we love a good photo opportunity. Setting off at The Shard, embark on a 15-minute stroll across the iconic London Bridge to experience the unique Sky Garden, a rooftop oasis with lush greenery and 360-degree views of the city.
This botanical paradise is perched atop the iconic Walkie-Talkie building at 20 Fenchurch Street, and the best part? It's absolutely free (on weekdays from 10am to 6pm, and weekends from 11am to 9pm, just book your slot online). Whether you're seeking a serene morning escape or a dazzling sunset spectacle, this spot delivers.
You can catch the sunrise at Sky Garden (pictured).
10. Finish Up At The Tower Of London
- Highlights: St Dunstan in the East Church Garden, Tower Millenium Pier, the Beefeaters, Traitors' Gate, and The Crown Jewels
Conclude your walking tour with a 13-minute walk to the Tower of London, a historic castle with a fascinating and often bloody past. Once a royal palace, a prison, and even a zoo, this fortress is packed with fascinating (and sometimes gruesome) stories. From the tragic fate of Anne Boleyn to the daring great escape of a prisoner disguised as a guard, every stone has a tale to tell.
The star attraction? The Crown Jewels, a dazzling collection of royal regalia, including the world-famous Imperial State Crown. You can also meet the Yeoman Warders (better known as Beefeaters), who guard the tower and lead legendary tours full of dark and thrilling history. Oh, and don’t forget to spot the ravens - legend has it that if they ever leave, the kingdom will fall.
The Tower of London is a hauntingly gothic landmark with entry starting from £35.80 per adult.
For more city ramblings, check out our guide to the best walking tours around London.
