The London Pass gives you access to more than 90 top London attractions, including the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and London Zoo. Here's our suggested itinerary for first-time visitors to London with a three-day London attractions pass plus Travelcard (the travelcard is an optional extra) to make the most of your time here. With the London Pass you can enjoy access to a wide range of attractions, tours, experiences and if you're feeling like having a bite why not joining a London food walking tour* and discover London's foodie eclectic scene?
You may, of course, swap any of the activities for others, or decide to linger longer at some of your favourite attractions. By visiting at least two attractions per day, you will save money using this London sightseeing pass. A one-day hop-on, hop-off London bus tour ticket is included within the list of the London attractions available with the pass – make the most of it by enjoying spectacular views from the top deck, as you travel from one London icon to another while seeing more sights along the way.
After choosing the duration and number of credits allocated to your pass, don't forget to download the Go City app to fully enjoy the experience, making it easy to see all attractions and tours included within the package booked and even build your own itinerary, a game changer to maximise your experience. Some attractions might require a booking, such as The View From The Shard, Madame Tussauds and various walking tours. You can easily book those experiences via the Go City app and check other attractions nearby using the map, a tool that comes in handy when planning your day out in London.
Day 1: London attractions on and around the Thames
All day: Thames river cruise
Choose to travel up and down the river Thames equipped with The London Pass, giving you one day's access to a hop-on, hop-off city cruise* with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (worth £24.60 without The London Pass). As well as getting a unique perspective of London from the water, travelling by boat is a great way to access some of the most popular attractions the London city pass gives you entry to. Make your way to one of the piers in central London (Westminster Pier, Tower Pier, London Bridge City Pier and Embankment Pier) and enjoy unbeatable views on some of the top attractions from the river.
Did you know? Uber Boats stop at over 23 piers in London, making it the perfect way to experience the city's iconic landmarks from the water like never before!
Morning: Tower Hill Pier
Start your London sightseeing adventure with the city's oldest royal palace and once a royal zoo and notorious prison – the Tower of London* (£34.80 without The London Pass). Situated on the banks of the Thames, this historic fortress is home to the spectacular Crown Jewels, as well as the White Tower built by William the Conquerer nearly 1,000 years ago. With The London Pass, you also get a 10% discount in the gift shop and on all on-site catering outlets (discount excludes alcohol).
Top tip: Join a Yeoman Warder tour at the Tower (included within the London Pass) and learn about the people imprisoned at the Tower and many more stories spanning 1,000 years back. Discover how Beefeaters have guarded the fortress for centuries and their special place within the Royal Bodyguard. Tours begin every 30 minutes and last for about an hour.
While you're here, you can also visit Tower Bridge* for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of London's most recognisable landmarks and stand over on the glass floor to look at passers-by below (£13.40 without The London Pass). The spooktacular London Bridge Experience* (normally £33 without the London Pass) is just a seven-minute walk up Tooley Street, and offers an interactive journey through some of the darker and more gruesome history of the area. Will you be brave enough to venture through London’s scariest attraction? Learn about the city's notorious past and hear the haunting tales of London Bridge as you uncover the underground tombs. With the London Pass, enjoy a 20% discount when visiting the on-site ice cream parlour Creams Cafe, as well as 20% off at the Bermondsey Bierkeller, located next to the London Bridge Experience.
Lunch: London Eye Pier
For lunch, jump on the City Cruises boat from Tower Hill heading west underneath Millennium Bridge and past St Paul's Cathedral* (£25 without The London Pass) to London Eye pier. Here, you can enjoy a meal at one of the many eateries on London's South Bank. Afterwards, step along to the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre tour* (£27 without The London Pass) and get a taste of what it would have been like for Elizabethan audiences enjoying the bard's plays. Step inside the faithful recontruction of the open-air playhouse where many of Shakespeare's masterpieces are still re-enacted today, and explore 400 years of history with your knowledgeable guide. You'll also find the free to enter Tate Modern art gallery on South Bank, which houses one of the world's best collections of modern and contemporary art.
Alternatively, take a trip to The View from The Shard* (£37 without The London Pass) where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city spanning up to 40 miles. Make sure to book your tickets in advance through The London Pass app to not miss out on this outstanding view point. As you scale the iconic landmark, reaching the viewing gallery on the 72nd floor open-air Skydeck, do a spot of sightseeing and experience new heights. Feeling peckish? Plan ahead and book into one of The Shard's famous restaurants.
Perk: The London Pass includes access to the viewing platforms on the 68th and 69th floors and the open-air Skydeck on the 72nd floor, plus a digital photo pack – the perfect souvenir of your visit to The Shard.
Afternoon: Westminster Pier
Take the City Cruises boat west again past the stunning Houses of Parliament and alight at Westminster Pier to visit Westminster Abbey*, a Unesco World Heritage Site and the official coronation church (£29 without The London Pass). Throughout its long history, this impressive gothic abbey has hosted many coronations and royal weddings (including that of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge). Westminster Abbey is also the final resting place of notable British royals, aristocrats, artists, poets and scientists, including Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, Charles Dickens, Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Darwin and many more. Enjoy access to a free multimedia guide included with The London Pass and explore the Abbey at your own pace uncovering over 450 tombs and monuments celebrating Britain's greatest.
If you have time after Westminster Abbey, pop into the nearby King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace* (£19 without The London Pass), and enjoy some of the best art exhibitions from the Royal Collection. Explore a wide range of masterpieces, from paintings to sculptures and photographs, to one of the world's greatest art collections. This season, travel back in time and explore how photography has portrayed the Royal Family through the decades with the current exhibition: Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography (17 May-6 Oct) and see a wide range of pieces that offer an insight into the lives of the Royal Family.
Evening: dinner and a West End show
Make some plans for the evening and book one of the outstanding theatre shows currently playing in London's West End. Book your tickets with Visit London and choose from a wide range of world-class plays and musicals, including The Mousetrap, a classic Agatha Christie mystery, and Disney favourite The Lion King, among other acclaimed London shows (must be booked separately from the London Pass).
Day 2: London's royal palaces and hidden gems museums
Morning: Discover London's lesser-known museums
Make your way to central London and uncover the hidden treasures of London's lesser-known museums, where fascinating exhibits and unique collections offer a fresh perspective on the city's rich history and culture. The London Pass gives you access to:
- Benjamin Franklin House* – (£12 without The London Pass) Follow your knowledgeable guide as you take a tour of the historic residence of one of America's Founding Fathers. Booking is required: don't forget to book your tour in advance through The London Pass app.
- Apsley House* – (£15 without The London Pass) Explore the magnificent former residence of the Duke of Wellington, where you can admire an impressive collection of art, historical artifacts, and the opulent interiors of this iconic London landmark located on Hyde Park Corner.
- Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising* – (£10 without The London Pass) Enter the world of brand packaging with more than 12,000 items showing household and global brands, toys, sweets, fashions, posters and magazines.
- London Transport Museum* – (£24.50 without The London Pass) Explore London's identity through its transport system, from the world's first underground railway to the iconic doubledecker buses and other transport innovations that have shaped the city into what it is today.
- Charles Dickens Museum* – (£12.50 without The London Pass) Visit the beloved novelist's former London home, where Charles Dickens penned some of his greatest works, including Nicholas Nickleby and Oliver Twist. Explore Dickens' only surviving London residence, filled with original manuscripts, personal belongings, and artwork, offering a glimpse into the life of this literary legend.
- Bow Street Police Museum* – (£6 without The London Pass) Delve into the history of the Metropolitan Police as you uncover details about key cases, from the infamous Kray Twins to the police actions during the suffragette protests. Explore how police services have evolved over the years through fascinating exhibits and investigations.
See more included museums and attractions with The London Pass*.
Afternoon: Windsor Castle or Hampton Court Palace
Windsor Castle* (visit worth £33 without The London Pass, entry to Windsor Castle with The London Pass is only available after 1pm) is the oldest and largest working castle in the world, and one of the official residences of His Majesty the King of England. Arrive early so you can witness Changing the Guard at 11am (check Changing the Guard dates and times before you go), as well as giving yourself time to see the rest of the castle. Explore the magnificent State Apartments and marvel at the collection of fine artwork, sculptures, furniture and more. Don't forget to visit St George's ChapeI, the final resting place of many kings and queens including the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Perk: Explore Windsor Castle at your own pace with a free multimedia guide you can pick up upon arrival giving you access to a two-hour self-guided tour with The London Pass.
Explore the royal town of Windsor further by hopping aboard the Windsor Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour* (£19 without The London Pass). This tour provides the perfect opportunity to see all the major sights while stopping along the way to explore iconic locations such as Eton College, renowned for its royal and prime ministerial alumni. Enjoy the on-board audio guide, which offers plenty of interesting facts about the royal town. With your 24-hour ticket, you'll have ample time to stop and wander through The Long Walk leading to Windsor Castle and the charming cobbled streets lined with quaint cafes.
Alternatively, visit Hampton Court Palace* (£27.20 without The London Pass), the grand and opulent former home of Tudor King Henry VIII. Explore this flamboyant palace, a testament to the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by the King and his court. Wander through Henry's magnificent State Rooms, the historic Tudor kitchens where you can sample medieval fare, and more than 60 acres of beautiful gardens, including the famous maze, which is especially lovely in the warmer months. The drama surrounding King Henry VIII is legendary, with his six marriages often ending tragically. Did you know that Hampton Court Palace is said to be haunted by a screaming lady, thought to be one of the King's wives, Catherine Howard?
Evening: dinner and the cinema
It's been a big day, so relax and unwind by seeing a film. The London Pass holders are entitled to a free movie ticket for most sessions at one of the Curzon Cinemas – in Soho*, Mayfair* and Bloomsbury*. Before or after the cinema, enjoy a delicious meal in one of London's restaurants. Find one by searching our restaurant listings by cuisine and/or area.
Day 3: Choose your own adventure!
Morning: London Zoo or Emirates Stadium
Start the day navigating the picturesque Regent's Canal on a narrowboat between Little Venice and Camden Lock aboard Jason's Canal Boat Trip* (£18 without The London Pass). Enjoy live commentary on the way to Camden Lock, a 45 minute journey along the picturesque Regent's Canal to London Zoo* (£41.80 without The London Pass). London Zoo is an ideal destination for families, being one of the oldest zoos in the world and home to over 10,000 animals. See Humboldt penguins dive into the pool at Penguin Beach after feeding time. Explore the Reptile House, where scenes from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone were filmed, and encounter rare reptiles and amphibians.
Alternatively, you might prefer to go on a tour of Arsenal's Emirates Stadium* (£30 without the London Pass), offering an immersive experience with one of the UK's premier football clubs. For sports enthusiasts, The London Pass also grants access to tours of Wembley Stadium*, Twickenham Stadium Tour and World Rugby Museum* (to be booked through the The London Pass app), and Chelsea FC*, promising an unforgettable exploration of iconic sporting venues.
Afternoon: Kensington Palace or maritime history
This afternoon, delve into the rich history of Kensington Palace* (£24 without The London Pass), a residence shaped by generations of royal women. This historic palace, where Queen Victoria was born, has housed many members of the royal family over the centuries. Walk in the footsteps of iconic figures as you explore Queen Mary's State Apartments and the Sunken Garden, a haven of seasonal flowers for nature enthusiasts.
Kensington Palace is a stunning historic house featuring exhibitions on royal women dating back to the 17th century. Discover what life was like for royals from Queen Victoria to Princess Diana in this beautiful palace set within picturesque gardens adjoining Hyde Park. On your way out, make sure to visit Kensington Gardens, where you can marvel at the enchanting beauty of Swan Lake and visit the iconic Peter Pan statue, a tribute to JM Barrie's beloved character.
Top tip: For lunch, stop by the Kensington Palace Cafe to enjoy a selection of sandwiches and cakes. London Pass holders can take advantage of a 10% discount at the cafe.
If you'd rather get stuck into Britain's naval history, head to the Royal Borough of Greenwich and explore its outstanding cultural gems. With your London Pass, hop aboard the Uber Boat Thames Clipper for a leisurely cruise down the Thames to Greenwich Pier. As you leave the pier, you'll encounter the iconic Cutty Sark* (£20 without The London Pass). This historic tea clipper, once one of the fastest ships on the seas, traveled the globe, bringing luxurious Chinese porcelain and precious tea leaves to Britain. Walk in the footsteps of sailors who navigated the world aboard the Cutty Sark and experience life on board through interactive displays.
Head to the Old Royal Naval College* (£16.50 without The London Pass) and uncover 600 years of maritime history at this Unesco World Heritage Site. An architectural masterpiece by Sir Christopher Wren, this site was once home to Henry VIII and Elizabeth I before becoming a haven for injured and retired soldiers. Recognisable by its two domes, the Old Royal Naval College offers prime views of the River Thames. Wander the grounds, a popular filming location for TV and movies, including Bridgerton, Les Misérables, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Crown, and many others. The highlight of your visit is the Painted Hall, often referred to as the British version of the Sistine Chapel. This visual feast boasts a luxurious Baroque interior and a Renaissance-style painted ceiling, recently restored to its original splendor. With the London Pass, enjoy access to an audio guide available in seven languages.
End your Greenwich adventure at Britain's astronomical center: The Royal Observatory* (£20 without The London Pass). This historic site, home to the Prime Meridian of the world (Greenwich Mean Time), is a must-see for any visitor. Explore the fascinating exhibits that highlight the history of astronomy and navigation. See the original rooms where famous astronomers worked, including the Octagon Room designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
One of the highlights is the Great Equatorial Telescope, one of the largest of its kind in the world. Learn about the groundbreaking discoveries made here that influenced sea navigation for centuries.
Evening: Let the good times roll
For your final night, head to East London's iconic Brick Lane and enjoy a luxury bowling experience at Ten Pin Bowling @ All Star Lanes* (£11.50 without The London Pass). This isn't your average bowling alley – think retro glamour meets modern luxury. Enjoy a game of bowling in the American style bowling alley, indulging in a strike or two before heading for some tasty burgers and some expertly crafted cocktails. With your London Pass enjoy 20% off food and drinks.
The London Pass prices and options
You can purchase The London Pass for one, two, three, six, seven or 10 days. You can also download a mobile version of the London Pass and use the app to view all attractions and activities included within your package and create your own bespoke itinerary, so there's no more need for paper tickets. The above itinerary is based on a three-day London Pass.
