London is a destination that’s easy to enjoy. With its wealth of culture, historical sites, vibrant dining, entertainment, and nightlife (not to mention the shopping), it’s one of the top cities for international sightseeing. The fact that the city is simple to navigate makes it even more attractive. Whether you want to see iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, catch a production at a West End theatre, or engage in retail therapy in Camden Market, there’s something for everyone.
When you want to immerse yourself in the city experience, nothing gets you closer to the action than a ride on the River Thames—and no one delivers better access to it than City Cruises! Not only do we offer great locations to get on and off our vessels and convenient 24-hour passes, but we also provide live onboard commentary delivered by our crew about everything in your sightline.
Set Your Sights on a Sightseeing Adventure in London
When it comes to on-the-water adventure and accessibility to London, City Cruises has you covered with several packages that practically put the city in the palm of your hand, any time of day. With the following sightseeing experiences, you’ll be able to see a range of celebrated landmarks, enjoy ease of access, and experience numerous enviable amenities.
The London in a Day Tour Covers Several Internationally Known Sights
Starting with the London in a Day: Tower of London Tour, Westminster Abbey & River Cruise, which has been operating for 15 years and has brought treasured memories to countless passengers.
This comprehensive and immersive experience explores the city’s most iconic landmarks and includes guided visits to the historic Tower of London, where you can marvel at the Crown Jewels, and the magnificent Westminster Abbey, known for its royal ceremonies. Witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a quintessential British tradition. The journey culminates in a scenic Thames River cruise, offering panoramic views of London’s skyline. Designed for those eager to experience the essence of London in a single day, this tour combines rich history, royal pageantry, and breathtaking sights into an unforgettable adventure.
Sightseeing in London on the River Thames
Next up is the Sightseeing Cruise Flexible Ticket, a package designed with freedom in mind for those who want to explore London at their leisure without having to commit to a set timeframe. With cruises embarking every 20 to 40 minutes (season dependent), guests will experience premium sightseeing that launches from four amazing Thames locations: Greenwich Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier, and Westminster Pier. All were chosen strategically to supply the ideal combination of accessibility to popular sights and to maximize your cruise and viewing time. Onboard, London’s beautiful landscape will be virtually in your grasp, from the renowned Houses of Parliament and historic Greenwich to the impressive Tower of London and the vibrant South Bank. This extraordinary excursion lets you take everything in from an open-air upper deck or the comfy, heated indoor saloons; both capture picture-perfect panoramic views you won’t see anywhere else.
Meanwhile, onsite concessions and a fully stocked bar satisfy any needs for refreshments (at an additional charge). Activities keep everyone engaged—even the little ones with their own activity books and colouring sheets. Expert captains narrate the cruise through commentary in English, which covers London’s history and attractions; overseas guests can listen too in their own language with the City Experiences app (Apple or Google). After you pre-book your ticket, feel free to arrive at any one of City Cruises’ piers whenever you like and come aboard. An additional benefit? A single flexible sightseeing ticket can be used on any sightseeing route at any time, and a family pass lets up to three children travel free of charge by purchasing two adult tickets.
Another Way for International Travelers to Sightsee in London
As for the ultimate way to control all of the hours in your day, City Cruises’ 24h Hop-On Hop-Off River Pass is a dream come true. Travelers who want to hit the River Thames enjoy unlimited access for 24 hours. The hop-on-hop-off offering means you can cruise when you choose with minimal effort in planning and maximum access to London’s spectacular riverside landmarks from exhilarating open-air decks or cozy, indoor heated saloons. Launching from four prominent city piers—Greenwich, London Eye, Tower, and Westminster—you can explore London at your own pace with family and friends without any time constraints. This journey provides a unique perspective and a direct view of popular attractions, including the buzzing South Bank and historic Greenwich, the prestigious Houses of Parliament, and the striking Tower of London. Depending on the season, boats leave every 20-40 minutes and operate 365 days a year. Informative and entertaining commentary from the captain is delivered in English, while our app (Apple or Google) offers it in 14 other languages. Onboard kids’ activities include colouring sheets or activity books, and adults can indulge in their own treats (food and beverages) from the well-stocked bar. Pro tip: Up to three children can travel for free with a purchase of two adult tickets.
Sightseeing in London Starts with City Cruises!
Sightseeing in London is something everyone in the city loves to experience—locals and visitors alike. With the ease of access and options City Cruises provides, you can immerse yourself in it all. Whether with a package of preselected, enviable amenities or the option to curate an experience based on your preferred time and location. Either way, City Cruises helps you make the most of your time in London, and is the perfect partner to create unforgettable memories of the top international destination.