Guide to Visit Thames River | Getting There & Top Tips

Plan your visit to the River Thames

The Thames River is the lifeblood of London, defining the city’s geography, history, and modern life. Your experience can be a fast-paced sightseeing tour or a leisurely exploration of riverside paths and towns. The river itself serves as an efficient transport route, making it easy to cover many highlights in one day.

Travel logistics

The primary way to visit the Thames River sights is via the water. The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (River Bus) offers frequent services from Putney to Barking Riverside. These ferries accept Oyster/contactless payments and are faster than road transport during peak hours. Sightseeing cruises offer guided commentary and hop-on, hop-off tickets. For the best sequencing, take the River Bus from Westminster Pier to Greenwich Pier, then work your way back, seeing sights at your own pace.

Plan your day

Quick visit (2–3 hrs):

Thames River Cruise (40-60 mins) for photos of the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London.
Walk the South Bank from Westminster Bridge to London Bridge.

Half day (4–5 hrs):

Hop-on, Hop-off Thames River cruise from Westminster to Greenwich.
Explore Greenwich attractions (Cutty Sark, Maritime Museum).
Take the Emirates Air Line cable car for a view over the River Thames and the Thames Barrier.

Full day (6+ hrs):

Start the day with a trip to the historic Windsor Castle near the upper Thames River.
Return to London for an afternoon sightseeing cruise through the city centre.
Finish with a dinner cruise on the Thames River to see the city skyline and bridges illuminated at night.

Handy tips

Tickets: Purchase a London Pass to cover both the River Bus and sightseeing cruises. Book dinner cruise and themed event tickets well in advance.
Best times: Arrive at major piers (like Westminster) before 10:30am to beat mid-day queues. The late evening is the best time to see the Illuminated River project light up the bridges over the River Thames.
Pro tip: Use the River Bus as a primary form of transport. It is often faster and always more scenic than the London Underground for east-west journeys, allowing you to visit Thames River landmarks seamlessly.
Respect: The Thames River is an active waterway with strong tides, especially in the city. Never attempt to swim in the tidal river, and always follow the directions of the pier and boat staff for your safety.

Top sights and attractions to visit on the Thames River

Tidal Thames River

Experience the vibrant heart of the city, flowing past the Tower of London, Big Ben, and the London Eye.

Thames River Path National Trail

Walk or cycle along Europe's longest riverside trail, offering miles of tranquil countryside upstream from London.

Windsor and the Upper Thames

Explore the towns and picturesque landscapes of the non-tidal Thames River, highlighted by Windsor Castle.

Thames River Flood Barrier

Admire this immense modern engineering feat designed to protect London from dangerous tidal surges from the North Sea.

Know before you book your Thames River experience

Guided cruise vs. DIY river bus: Are you prioritising detailed history or fast transport? Guided sightseeing cruises provide live or audio commentary at landmarks, ensuring you don't miss a thing. DIY River Buses (like Uber Boat by Thames Clippers) are faster transport with minimal commentary, ideal for getting between attractions efficiently.
Time commitment: Non-stop sightseeing cruises typically last 40 mins to 2 hours, offering great photo opportunities without stopping. A Hop-on, Hop-off (HOHO) ticket allows you to spend as much time as you like at major piers, turning your visit to the Thames River into a full day of exploration.
Accessibility & comfort: Most modern cruise boats on the Thames River are wheelchair and pram accessible. However, check pier accessibility, as a few (like Cadogan Pier) can be challenging at low tide. For a comfortable and sheltered experience, dining cruises or slower sightseeing boats are better suited for elderly travellers or those with young children than high-speed River Boat tours.
Experience type: Choose a Thames River cruise based on the desired atmosphere: a scenic afternoon tea cruise, a high-speed adventure, or a luxurious 3-hour dinner cruise with live entertainment.

Getting to the Thames River

The best way to visit the Thames River landmarks is with a curated cruise.

River cruises offer expert commentary, panoramic views, and convenient hop-on, hop-off options, making it ideal for first-time visitors who want to see the main attractions hassle-free. Dinner and themed cruises offer a unique evening experience.

Time: 40–120 mins
Cost: $$-$$$ (depends on dining/duration)
Pros: Best views, expert insights, no planning needed
Cons: Less flexible than hop-on tours

The quickest way to travel along the central Thames River is by high-speed River Bus.

Operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, these services are a commuter and tourist favourite, providing fast, frequent, and traffic-free travel. It’s an efficient way to visit the Thames River areas like Greenwich and North Greenwich.

Time: 20–60 mins
Cost: $ (Oyster/Contactless accepted)
Pros: Fast, frequent, avoids road traffic, scenic
Cons: No live commentary on regular service

The London Underground (Tube) and National Rail easily connect you to piers along the River Thames.

Most major tourist attractions on the Thames River are steps from a Tube or train station. Use Transport for London's network to reach Westminster, Tower Hill, or Embankment piers quickly and reliably.

Time: Varies (Tube/Rail from all London zones)
Cost: $ (Standard TfL fares apply)
Pros: Reliable, high frequency, connects everywhere
Cons: Can be crowded during rush hour

Experience the tranquil side of the Thames River by walking the dedicated Thames Path.

The Thames Path is a National Trail following the entire river, offering a peaceful, flat, and free way to enjoy the river's scenery. It's perfect for a relaxing day trip or an extended walking holiday away from city crowds.

Time: Unlimited; easy to pick up/drop off
Cost: Free
Pros: Free, flexible, peaceful, excellent exercise
Cons: Slower than transport, requires good weather

Where to eat near the Thames River

Good food is part of the London experience. Here are a few spots near the Thames River where you can enjoy great views, authentic British cuisine, and excellent value.

The Anchor & Hope

High-quality gastropub famous for its creative, seasonal British menu.

Where it is: Near Waterloo and the South Bank [View on map →]
Cuisine: Modern British/Gastropub
Rating: ⭐ 4.4/5 (Google)
Price point: £££ (mid-range/upscale)
Must-try: Anything from the daily specials chalkboard

Borough Market stalls

The Thames River’s best food market, offering global cuisine and fresh produce.

Where it is: Adjacent to London Bridge and Southwark Cathedral [View on map →]
Cuisine: Global street food, produce, cheese, baked goods
Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5 (Google)
Price point: £ (budget/mid-range)
Must-try: Gourmet cheese toastie or a fresh oyster shuck

Mayflower Pub

A historic riverside pub with a cosy atmosphere and a deck overlooking the water.

Where it is: Rotherhithe, close to Canada Water Tube station [View on map →]
Cuisine: Classic Pub Grub (Fish & Chips, Pies)
Rating: ⭐ 4.7/5 (Google)
Price point: ££ (mid-range)
Must-try: Sunday Roast

Where to shop near the Thames River

Southbank Centre Book Market

A quirky book market nestled beneath Waterloo Bridge, offering second-hand gems, rare books, and prints near the River Thames.

Gabriel's Wharf

A small, colourful collection of independent shops and designer studios near the South Bank, perfect for unique crafts and art souvenirs.

Greenwich Market

The most historic covered market near the Thames River, known for its arts, crafts, antique vendors, and diverse street food options.

Tips from locals for your Thames River visit

Mind the tide: The Thames River is tidal! The water level can drop significantly at low tide, making some smaller piers temporarily inaccessible. Check the tides if you plan to explore the foreshore (mudlarking).
Best views are at sunset: Book a late afternoon River Bus or cruise. As you visit the Thames River, you’ll see the city’s major buildings transition from golden hour light to the dramatic floodlights of the evening.
Avoid the Tube, take the boat: During rush hour (7:30am–9:30am and 5pm–7pm), the River Bus is often faster and always less stressful than the packed London Underground for cross-city trips.
Don't try to swim: Despite significant cleanup efforts, swimming in the Thames River is highly discouraged due to strong currents, commercial traffic, and potential health risks.
Thames Path extends: If you want a peaceful escape from the city, use the Thames River Path to walk west towards Richmond or Kew Gardens; it becomes quieter and greener quickly.