London boasts some of the world's most iconic attractions, drawing millions of visitors annually. However, a surprising group is missing out: Londoners themselves. New research by City Cruises reveals that the average resident has not visited at least three of the city's most famous tourist spots.
Key Findings from the Survey
More than a quarter (27%) have never visited the London Eye, followed by Sky Garden (24%), The Shard (23%), and the Tower of London (23%). The survey also found that 24% of Londoners have put off seeing a local attraction for at least three years, while 4% have had a site on their bucket list for over a decade.
The main reason for avoiding these attractions is crowds: 58% admit they steer clear because they are thronging with tourists.
Expert Advice from a London Influencer
Sara Di Filippo, known to her 1.5 million Instagram followers as @prettylittlelondon, shared her top tip for enjoying the city without the crowds. “What I’ve noticed from years of exploring London is that quite often tourists are better at experiencing the city than the people who actually live here,” she said.
“We tell ourselves that ‘we’ll get round to that attraction at some point’, but somehow it never happens, because we’re terrible tourists. The reality is that London evolves so quickly, and major attractions fall by the wayside while we explore new neighbourhoods, bars, restaurants and museums.”
Her number one recommendation is to see the city by river, where you can view many famous landmarks at close quarters but away from the crowds. “Whether you’ve lived in London for six months or sixty years, seeing the city from the Thames brings a completely fresh perspective to the city’s major landmarks,” she said. “It’s one of those experiences that remind you why you fell in love with London in the first place.”
The River Thames as a Solution
While 64% of Londoners have taken a sightseeing tour, 27% have never seen the city by water. Ian Hailes, commercial director at City Cruises, commented: “London is one of the most-visited cities in the world, but our research shows that locals need to adopt the tourist attitude in their own city. We may all be guilty of getting caught up in our own routines, but sometimes it can take seeing the city from a new perspective to reignite your love for exploring your home.”
“The Thames has always lived at the heart of London, remaining one of the best ways to see all the city has to offer, and its most famous landmarks. Where else can you find yourself up close with the London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London within the space of an hour?”
Top 10 Attractions Londoners Have Never Visited
- The London Eye (27%)
- Sky Garden (24%)
- The Shard (23%)
- Tower of London (23%)
- Cutty Sark (21%)
- Big Ben (20%)
- Tower Bridge (20%)
- Buckingham Palace (19%)
- Royal Observatory Greenwich (19%)
- Kensington Palace (18%)
To see London in a new light – with views of most major landmarks, from Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral to Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena – book a City Cruises Thames sightseeing tour.
