Introduction: The aim of this post is to walk you through the top 10 paid attractions in London. I'll uncover the must-see sights, look closely at some of the passes available and the best ways to obtain individual tickets.
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Top 10 must-visit paid attractions in London & how to get tickets:
Tower of London (£34.80) The Tower of London is a top attraction for several reasons. One highlight is the chance to see the Crown Jewels, including one of the world's largest diamonds. Guided tours by the Yeoman Warders provide fascinating insights, and exploring the thousand-year-old castle completes the experience perfectly.
The London Eye (£33.00) The London Eye is by far the most visited attraction in London, with thousands of visitors taking a ride on the wheel every single day. It's truly a symbol of London, although other cities have similar wheels. Just watch out for the long queues!
Madame Tussauds (£35.00) While there are many Madame Tussauds locations around the world, it's worth noting that this was the first one. The sheer size of it is impressive, and it's highly unlikely that you won't find your favorite movie star, historical figure, or other famous celebrities inside.
St. Paul's Cathedral (£25.00) St. Paul's Cathedral is a true masterpiece.You'll know what I mean when you lay eyes on it for the first time. If you're feeling adventurous and fit, make sure to climb your way to the top. The views are quite impressive.
Westminster Abbey (£29.00) Every corner in the Abbey has a story to tell. Marvel at the final resting places of renowned figures like Newton and Darwin and journey through the tombs of kings and queens, key figures whose actions have sculpted the pages of history.
The Dungeon (£29.50) Brace yourself for a journey through London's darker past at The Dungeon. Interactive shows, special effects, and live actors bring historical tales to life in a spine-chilling experience.
Sea Life Aquarium (£28.00) Encounter fascinating marine life, including sharks, rays, and vibrant coral reefs.
Kensington Palace (£24.00) Stroll through the lavish State Apartments, bask in the beauty of palace gardens, and don't miss the chance to admire the iconic dresses worn by Princess Diana.
The View from the Shard (£33.00) If you're looking to skip the long queues at the London Eye, I'd recommend The Shard. In my opinion, you get better views, shorter queues, and it's more affordable too.
Churchill war rooms (£54.00) This is the secret underground bunker that served as Prime Minister Winston Churchill's wartime headquarters during World War II. Explore the rooms where crucial decisions were made, and experience the era through fascinating exhibits and authentic artifacts.
Best Attraction to visit in London if you only have one day
Tower of London
If you're short on time and need to pick just one attraction, I'd say the Tower of London is a clear winner. It's like stepping back a thousand years into London's past. Plus, you can't miss the chance to see the Crown Jewels, including the Kohinoor diamond.
Top Tip: Once you're inside, be sure to join the next available Yeoman walking tour. The Tower of London is vast, and gaining context for everything can be challenging on your own.
London Attraction Passes: Which one saves you the most money?
Let's dive straight in. Whether you're in London for a day, two, or more, getting a pass could be the perfect choice to maximize your experience.
The major 3 passes available in London
The London Pass has been around for years, and I've seen countless visitors swear by it. Honestly, it’s not for everyone, but if you plan your trip right and pack in as many attractions as possible, it’s a no-brainer. I’ve met plenty of travelers who saved a fortune with it, while others barely used it and felt like they wasted their money. The key? Knowing exactly what you want to see and making sure the pass covers it.
London pass pricing :
Passes | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
1 Day Pass | £90 | £55 |
2 Day Pass | £125 | £70 |
3 Day Pass | £138 | £80 |
4 Day Pass | £151 | £96 |
5 Day Pass | £166 | £101 |
6 Day Pass | £171 | £106 |
7 Day Pass | £181 | £111 |
10 Day Pass | £201 | £116 |
Advantages:
Hop-on Hop-off and river cruise inclusions, allowing you to effortlessly navigate the city using these comfortable modes of transportation.
Significant savings when the attractions covered by the pass align with your planned visits.
Skip the ticket queues at most attractions; a quick scan of your pass is often all you need.
Benefit from a user-friendly app accompanied by a guidebook
Considerations:
❌The pass does not cover Merlin attractions, including the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, The Dungeon or the Aquarium.
❌With the 1-day pass, meticulous planning is essential to maximize its benefits.
❌If your plans involve visiting the London Eye or Madame Tussauds, exploring the Merlin multi attraction tickets might be more suitable.
❌Be mindful of daily caps on pass usage; they are relatively generous but vary based on the pass duration. Maximum credits per London Pass credits package type are as follows: 1-day London Pass credits: Adult £180 max credit / Child £145 max credit. 2-day London Pass credits : Adult £290 max credit / Child £230 max credit. 3-day London Pass credits : Adult £385 max credit / Child £290 max credit.
Your visit to London won't be truly fulfilled without visiting the London Eye or stepping into the celebrity-filled world of Madame Tussauds. For families, the Shrek Adventures and the fascinating Sea Life Aquarium are must-visit attractions that promise a lot of fun and wonder.
Attractions included :
London Eye
Madame Tussauds
Sea Life Aquarium
The Dungeon
Shrek Adventures
Big Bus
Passes | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
2 Attractions | £50 | £45 |
3 Attractions | £70 | £63 |
4 Attractions | £85 | £76.50 |
5 Attractions | £100 | £90 |
*prices tend to increase during weekends and school holidays
Advantages :
Big Savings: Opting for a pass can lead to significant savings compared to purchasing individual tickets for each attraction.
Flexibility: The pass gives you a cool 90-day window to use your tickets. No need to stress about picking a specific day.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: The pass hooks you up with a full-day ride on the Hop-On Hop-Off bus. This proves to be one of the best methods to discover the city, especially when you can enjoy the ride with the well-regarded Big Bus.
Great Value for 5 Attractions: If you're looking to get the most out of your money, I highly recommend going for the five-attraction package.
Considerations:
❌Historical Focus: If you're passionate about exploring London's historical sites, the pass doesn't include these. London Pass is a better choice
❌Busy Attractions: Keep in mind that these are some of London's busiest attractions, so they can get extremely crowded.
The Go City Explorer Pass is a solid option if you like flexibility. It gives you access to over 90 attractions, but unlike the London Pass, you’re not locked into a time limit, you just choose how many attractions you want to visit. I’ve seen this work great for people who don’t want to rush through a packed itinerary but still want to save some cash.
Pricing:
Passes | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
2 Choices Pass | £52 | £40 |
3 Choices Pass | £67 | £50 |
4 Choices Pass | £83 | £56 |
5 Choices Pass | £103 | £71 |
6 Choices Pass | £118 | £81 |
7 Choices Pass | £128 | £91 |
Advantages :
Customized Choices: Choose the attractions that suit your interests, unlike the all-inclusive London Pass.
Extended Validity: Your tickets remain valid for 60 days from the moment you validate the pass, providing flexibility.
Substantial Savings: Enjoy considerable cost savings with the pass.
Hop-On Hop-Off Option: You can include the Hop-On Hop-Off feature in your pass.
Considerations :
❌The pass does not cover Merlin attractions, including the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, The Dungeon or the Aquarium.
❌If you think you can pack a lot of attractions in a short time, London Pass might be a better choice for you.
❌No entry to the Windsor Castle
Individual tickets
If you're only planning to visit one or two attractions, individual tickets might be your best bet. I’ve found that sometimes, a pass doesn’t make sense if you’re only interested in one specific place. Why pay for extras you won’t use? Here are a few key things to keep in mind when booking:
Book Online for Savings – Attractions like the London Eye and The Shard often have online prices that are 10-20% cheaper than what you’d pay on the day.
Get Your Tickets in Advance – I always recommend booking at least a few days ahead. Popular attractions, especially Madame Tussauds and The Tower of London, tend to sell out or have long queues.
Look for Bundle Deals – If you're planning to take a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour, check for combination tickets that include an attraction.
Where to buy London attraction tickets for the best price
Can I get London attraction tickets on the day of my visit? Yes, but expect long queues and higher prices. Most London attractions offer same-day tickets, but I strongly recommend booking online to get the best rates and guaranteed entry.
Buying tickets from agents or at the ticket office:
Limited Discounts: If you buy tickets directly, you might miss out on discounts that you can get online.
Long Waiting Times: Buying tickets on the spot often means waiting in long lines.
Limited Availability: Sometimes, attractions have a limited number of tickets. If you wait to buy them directly, you might find they're sold out, especially during busy times.
Final thoughts
If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions, choosing the right ticket option is key. If you want to visit historical sites, go for the London Pass. If you're visiting with kids, the Merlin Multi-Attraction Pass is ideal. And if you prefer maximum flexibility, the Go City Explorer Pass lets you pick what suits you best.