London attracts more than 20 million visitors every year, drawn by its nearly 2,000 years of history and vibrant arts scene. While many tourists stick to famous landmarks like Big Ben and the Tower of London, a growing number are opting for walking tours that reveal hidden gems and local stories. Viator lists more than 4,000 tour options for London alone, and our travel experts have selected seven of the most popular and highly rated walks that offer a different side of the city.
Historical Pub and Music Tours
The London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs by Liquid History Tours is one of the most frequently booked tours on Viator. It takes participants to four traditional London pubs, passing landmarks such as St Paul's Cathedral, Fleet Street and Covent Garden. Priced from £29pp, it earns a five-star rating from more than 98% of reviewers. One participant said: "This was a great experience. Loved all the history Freddie provided during the tour." Another praised: "Absolutely incredible tour! Mike was knowledgeable and hilarious!" However, some noted that information was shared on noisy streets and that pubs were extremely busy on Saturdays. The operator suggests booking between Sunday and Wednesday for a quieter experience.
For music lovers, The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour by Experience Local Ltd is led by a local musician and runs through Soho and Mayfair, exploring the London roots of rock 'n' roll icons from Led Zeppelin to David Bowie. Priced from £27pp, it has earned almost exclusively five-star reviews. One reviewer said: "This was the best tour of my week in London! Calum, our tour guide was great!" Another noted: "A little Beatles heavy for my taste but really interesting."
Medieval History and Food Tours
The Medieval History Walking Tour from The Tower of London stops at cathedrals, theatres, palaces and bridges, delving into ancient secrets. Priced from £18pp, it also earns five-star ratings. One participant said: "The guide was fantastic! He had so much interesting information to share." Another advised: "If you're doing this when it's hot, load up on water."
The London Foodie Adventure Tour with Sherpa Food Tours offers tastings of more than 10 dishes and drinks at hidden gem spots in Soho and Covent Garden, from bao buns to hard cider. Priced from £83.26pp, it has a five-star rating based on more than 1,000 reviews. One reviewer said: "A wonderfully delicious way to spend an afternoon under the guidance and kindness of Sam." However, one person noted that for the price, food portions were small.
Ghost, Dark History, and Street Art Tours
Wicked Westminster: The Original London Ghost Walk by See Your City is a night time tour that includes a Thames cruise and stops at the city's so-called most haunted house. Priced from £20pp, it averages 4.6 out of five stars with more than 3,000 reviews. One participant said: "Our guide was very entertaining!" Another commented that a few more places or ghost stories would have improved the tour.
The Cloak and Dagger Tour explores "the darker side of London" with a night walk along the South Bank and a recreation of a true murder story in a 17th century pub in Southwark. Priced from £20pp, it averages 4.9 out of five stars. One review reads: "As a history buff I thoroughly enjoyed this walking tour." Another person felt it was "quite drawn out" and "a little too theatrical."
The Original London Street Art Tour by Alternative London is led by a local artist and explores the city's ever-changing murals. Priced from £20pp with an average rating of 4.9 out of five stars, one participant said: "Learning about this London neighbourhood is fascinating." Another noted: "It's a long walk over uneven walkway. Older folks may want to think twice."
For those seeking more, Viator offers additional options such as the Bermondsey Beer Mile Tour from £79pp, Jack the Ripper tours, a Beatles Walking Tour from £17pp, and a London Cheese Walking Tour from £35pp. These tours provide varied ways to experience London beyond the typical sightseeing checklist.
