Forget the street crowds—how about seeing London from the water? A Thames River cruise is the perfect way to soak up the city's charm, with iconic views and no traffic! Our guide breaks down all the top spots, from historic landmarks to culture-filled stops. Whether you're here for the bridges, the architecture, or just the vibe, we've got you covered.
The Palace of Westminster, home to the UK Parliament, dazzles with its Gothic Revival style. Dating back to the 11th century, it houses Big Ben and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Location: London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
How much time you should spend: 1 to 1.5 hours
Fun fact: A devastating fire in 1834 wiped out most of the palace, but the iconic Westminster Hall survived—it is still standing as one of its oldest treasures.
Founded in 960 AD, Westminster Abbey's Gothic grandeur has hosted every coronation since 1066. It's also the resting place of monarchs and literary icons like Chaucer and Dickens.
Location: Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 9:30am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 3pm on Saturday
How much time you should spend: 1.5 to 2 hours
Fun fact: Though called an abbey, Westminster Abbey hasn't been one since 1559! Now a "Royal Peculiar," it's under the monarch's rule, not the church's bishops.
The Old Royal Naval College, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, features the jaw-dropping Painted Hall. Formerly a naval academy, it's now a UNESCO cultural hub in Maritime Greenwich.
Location: London SE10 9NN, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 10am to 5pm, every day
How much time you should spend: 1.5 to 2 hours
Fun fact: A favorite film location, the Old Royal Naval College has been featured in Thor: The Dark World and Sherlock Holmes, flaunting its cinematic flair.
Established in 1066, the Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses the dazzling Crown Jewels and harbors stories of infamous prisoners like Anne Boleyn!
Location: London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 9am to 5:30pm, Tuesday to Saturday and 10am to 5:30pm, Sunday-Monday
How much time you should spend: 2 to 4 hours
Fun fact: The Tower of London once housed the Royal Menagerie, England's first zoo! Established in the 12th century, it featured lions, elephants, and even a polar bear!
Completed in 1894, Tower Bridge is a Victorian Gothic marvel that lifts 800 times yearly for passing ships. It was the first hydraulic-powered bascule bridge ever built!
Location: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 9:30am to 6pm, every day
How much time you should spend: 1.5 to 2 hours
Fun fact: In 1917, Thomas Hans Orde-Lees made a daring parachute jump from Tower Bridge, landing successfully in the Thames to promote parachute use for RAF pilots!
HMS Belfast, a Royal Navy light cruiser launched in 1938, played vital roles in WWII. Now a fascinating museum on the Thames, it showcases life at sea during wartime!
Location: The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2JH, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm, every day
How much time you should spend: 2-3 hours
Fun fact: Many think HMS Belfast fired first during the Normandy landings, but it actually opened fire three minutes later than another cruiser at 5:27 AM on June 6, 1944!
With a name from Robert Burns' poem, the Cutty Sark is an iconic clipper launched in 1869. Once a tea trader, it now docks in Greenwich as a beloved museum ship!
Location: King William Walk, London SE10 9HT, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 10am to 5pm, every day
How much time you should spend: 1 to 2 hours
Fun fact: Cutty Sark proudly claims the title of the fastest tea clipper, setting an astonishing record by sailing 418 miles in just one day during its heyday!
The Royal Observatory Greenwich, founded in 1675, is the home of Greenwich Mean Time. Its fascinating astronomy exhibits include the Great Equatorial Telescope and daily time ball!
Location: Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 10am to 5pm, every day
How much time you should spend: 2 to 3 hours
Fun fact: Since 1833, the red time ball at the observatory has dropped every day at 1 PM, letting ships on the Thames know it's time to check their clocks!
Standing tall at 135 meters, the London Eye offers bird's-eye views of the city from its 32 capsules. You can check out landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace from the top!
Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 11am to 6pm, every day
How much time you should spend: 1 to 1.5 hours
Fun fact: The London Eye features 32 capsules numbered 1 to 33, cleverly skipping the superstitious "unlucky" number 13—because who needs bad luck on this thrilling ride?
Situated in Southwark, Shakespeare's Globe is a vibrant 1997 reconstruction of the Bard's original 1599 theater, keeping his theatrical spirit alive with stunning performances!
Location: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 11am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday
How much time you should spend: 1 to 2 hours
Fun fact: After visiting London in 1970 and finding no fitting Shakespeare tribute, Sam Wanamaker began a passionate campaign to rebuild the historic Globe.
Celebrating British drama since 1963, the National Theatre, with its Olivier, Lyttelton, and Dorfman auditoriums, attracts millions with classic and contemporary plays every year.
Location: London SE1 9PX, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 10am to 11pm, Monday to Saturday
How much time you should spend: 2 to 3 hours
Fun fact: Since 2009, the National Theatre has taken its performances global, streaming live to cinemas and allowing audiences to enjoy London's magic from anywhere!
Tate Modern, set in a repurposed power station, is a modern art haven featuring masterpieces from Picasso to Warhol. It welcomes over 5 million art lovers every year!
Location: Bankside, London SE1 9TG, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm, every day
How much time you should spend: 2 to 3 hours
Fun fact: The 99-meter central chimney became a hot topic during construction, soaring just beneath the iconic St. Paul's Cathedral—what a sky-high rivalry!
Opened in 1862, Westminster Bridge is a seven-arch cast-iron beauty that connects Westminster and Lambeth. With views of Big Ben and the London Eye, it's a must-visit for photographers and tourists alike!
Absolutely! With its iconic pyramid shape, the Shard stands tall and proud on the London skyline, making it easily visible from the River Thames.
Definitely! Seek out the Golden Hinde, a replica of Sir Francis Drake's ship, quietly moored near Bankside.
Yes! Keep your eyes peeled for graceful swans, playful ducks, and even the occasional seal near the Thames Barrier!
Absolutely! The Anchor Bankside, one of London's oldest pubs, boasts stunning river views and rich historical charm.
Watch for catchy street art along the South Bank, especially the stunning murals on Leake Street!
Definitely! The SEA LIFE London Aquarium and the HMS Belfast, a preserved World War II warship, are pretty popular with families.
Some cruises, particularly hop-on hop-off options, may allow you to disembark at certain piers to explore the nearby attractions.
