• Insider Guide
    to London

Welcome to our London Insider Guide.

Hello and welcome to our exclusive guide to some of Fat Tire's favorite sights, eats, and spots in our incredible city! We're a company built by travelers - just like you. Regardless if you're brand new to London or frequent the Big Smoke, after all of the planning, time, and effort spent on getting here, having a great time in London should be the easy part. That's where we come in.

  • Top Tours
  • Attractions
  • Bucket List
  • Restaurants
  • Transportation Guide
  • Markets

Top Tours

Attractions

Bucket List

Restaurants

Transportation Guide

Markets

 

Top London Tours

The people have spoken! Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just love London like we do, our tours offer something for just about everyone.

Each season we hand-select the best tour guides to make your experience educational, entertaining, and most of all: fun. Our goal while you are in London is to provide you with memories that last a lifetime, and we hope to see you on a tour with us soon.  

 

"After enjoying our Fat Tire Tour in Paris, we knew just the way we wanted to tour London. And yet again, Fat Tyre did not disappoint! Lots of wonderful factual information along with some behind the scenes bonus info. The tour is informative and enjoyable. We will be back!" – Ginger, UK

 

 

Attractions

Royal palaces, brilliant museums, leafy green parks, and thousands of years of history around every corner - London has no shortage of things to do and see. We know your time in London is precious, and we pride ourselves on bringing you the best of the city. Our bike tours are designed to help you see as much of London as possible in a fun way, alongside your expert and entertaining guide. Our guides provide interesting and entertaining, not dull and monotonous, anecdotes about the major sites that you won't find in guide books.. 

MUSEUMS

The National Gallery

Entrance fee: Free
Closest underground station: Charing Cross (Bakerloo, Northern lines)
Home to over 2,300 paintings, this art museum features works by Vincent van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Seurat, Degas, and many more. 
We visit Trafalgar Square on our Royal London Bike Tour, where the beautiful National Gallery serves as the backdrop. 

The British Museum

Entrance fee: Free
Closest underground station: Holborn (Central, Piccadilly lines), Goodge Street (Northern line), or Russell Square (Piccadilly line) 
Museum dedicated to human history and cultures around the world. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, fragment of the Great Sphinx of Giza, marble from the Acropolis of Athens, and ancient mummies. 

Natural History Museum

Entrance fee: Free
Closest underground station: South Kensington (Circle, District, Piccadilly lines)
Magnificent museum dedicated to animals and natural events including dinosaur fossils, space, wildlife exhibits, exhibitions on the ocean, and human evolution.  

Tate Modern Museum

Entrance fee: Free
Closest underground station: Blackfriars (Circle, District lines) or Southwark (Jubilee line)
Modern art museum along the River Thames featuring rotating gallery exhibits as well as a permanent collection including works from Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, among others. The balcony offers panoramic views of St. Pauls' Cathedral and the City of London from across the river.
We glide by the Tate Modern on our River Thames and River Thames Evening Bike Tours. Its unique shape is hard to miss!

Victoria & Albert Museum

Entrance fee: Free
Closest underground station: South Kensington (Circle, District, Piccadilly lines)
The world's leading museum of art and design - you can find over 4.5 million objects here, ranging from post-classical sculptures, East Asian ceramics, one of a kind manuscripts, and vintage Dior gowns. 

Churchill War Rooms

Entrance fee: Tickets start at £19 for Adults, £15.20 for Students & over 60, £9.50 for Under 16, and free for children under 5.
Closest underground station: Westminster (Circle, District, Jubilee lines)
Often overlooked by visitors, this is one of the most fascinating experiences in London. This secret underground bunker housed the British command center during World War II. Explore Winston Churchill's life and legacy and how Britain strategized their victory over Nazi Germany. 

SIGHTS

Elizabeth Tower "Big Ben" 

Entrance fee: N/A
Closest underground station: Westminster (Circle, District, Jubilee lines)
Completed in 1859, this clock tower remains one of the most iconic symbols in the United Kingdom. Although you know it by its most common nickname, Big Ben, it was officially renamed in 2012 to Elizabeth Tower, to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.
Enjoy stunning views of Big Ben on any of our London Bike Tours. Please note that the tower is currently under rennovations set to be completed in 2021. During this time, scaffolding may impede the appearance of the tower, but the project has assured that at least one dial will be left intact and visible at any given time. 

Buckingham Palace 

Entrance fee: Tickets start at £24 for Adults, £22 for Students & over 60, £13.50 for Under 17, and free for children under 5. Interior tours only run during the summer months with limited availability, so be sure to check opening times and purchase tickets in advance.
Closest underground station: Green Park (Piccadilly, Victoria, Jubilee lines)
Serving as the home to the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom since 1837, the palace boasts over 700 rooms, including 78 bathrooms! Throughout the years, it has played host to honored guests and royal events. 
See Buckingham Palace and learn more of its fascinating history on our Royal London Bike Tour.

Westminster Abbey

Entrance fee: Tickets start at £20 for Adults, £17 for Students & over 60, £9 for Under 17, and free for children under 5. You can purchase advance tickets online for faster entry. 
Closest underground station: Westminster (Circle, District, Jubilee lines)
Steeped over a thousand years of history, Westminster Abbey has been the location for every Coronation since 1066, sixteen royal weddings, and royal funerals. The abbey is the final resting place of over 3,000 people, including Charles Dickens, Isaac Newton, Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and many more.
See Westminster Abbey up close and hear more about its role in British history on our Royal London Bike Tour.

Tower of London

Entrance fee: Tickets start at £21.50 for Adults, £16.40 for Students & over 60, £9.70 for Under 17, and free for children under 5. You can purchase advance tickets online for faster entry. 
Closest underground station: Tower Hill (Circle, District lines)
Home to the Crown Jewels, the guardian 'Beefeaters', and the famous ravens, this mighty stone fortress boasts unparalleled history. Built in the 1070s under William the Conqueror, the Tower of London has been a prison, a luxurious palace, a mint, and a fortress of royal protection. 
We stop outside the Tower of London to hear more of its fascinating history on our River Thames and River Thames Evening Bike Tours. 

St. Paul's Cathedral

Entrance fee: Tickets start at £18 for Adults, £16 for Students & over 60, £8 for Under 17, and free for children under 5. You can purchase advance tickets online for faster entry. Note that the ticket fees are for sightseeing tours only, there is no cost to enter St. Paul's for religious services or to worship. 
Closest underground station: St. Paul's (Central line)
Consecreated over 700 years ago, St. Paul's Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral with a magnificent dome that sits alongside the River Thames. The original structure was severly damaged in the Great Fire of London in 1666, thus the building we see today was completed in 1697.
Enjoy views of St. Paul's Cathedral on our River Thames and River Thames Evening Bike Tours. 

Kensington Palace

Entrance fee: Tickets start at £15.50 for Adults, £12.30 for Students & over 60, and free for children under 15. You can purchase advance tickets online.
Closest underground station: Queensway (Central line), Bayswater (Circle, District lines), or High Street Kensington (Circle, District lines)
Situated in the beautiful Kensington Gardens, this palace is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children, as well as the residence of Prince Harry. The mansion was built in 1605 and today features popular modern exhibits, including selections of Princess Diana's fashion throughout the years.  
After a relaxing pedal through the gardens, we'll take a stop here our Royal London Bike Tour.

 

 

Classic London Bucket List

See a show in the West End

  • London is home to the most historical and outstanding theatre district in the world (sorry, Broadway!). With over 40 venues in the heart of central London dating back to Victorian times, our theatre district is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside! 
  • Activity Option: West End Theatre Packages

Watch the Changing of the Guard

  • Witness one of the most impressive orchestrated ceremonies in the world. Formally known as Guard Mounting, this ceremony signifies the handover of military security of Buckingham Palace and surrounding Royal Palaces between regiments. 
  • Activity Option: We offer a two-hour Changing of the Guard Walking Tour, timed perfectly so you have fantastic views of the ceremony. 

Go antique shopping on Portobello Road

  • Pay a visit to the world's largest antiques market! Stretching for over two miles on the main road, this market has been in action since the 1870s. Situated in one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in London, Notting Hill, the market is worth a visit for the colorful views alone!   
  • Tip: The stalls offerings rotate on a daily basis. Fridays and Saturdays are the best days for antiques, and the entire market is closed on Sunday.

Eat fish and chips in a pub

  • A trip to London is not complete until you've enjoyed the staple of British cuisine: fish and chips. There are countless places to get your fix in the captial, so pay a visit to any local pub or chippy and try it for yourself!

Ride a red double decker bus

  • The iconic red London buses are a fabulous way to cover a longer distance all while enjoying the sights from the windows. See Transport for London's guide to popular bus routes here. 
  • Tip: You cannot pay a bus fare with cash, so be sure you have an Oyster card or contactless payment card available! 

Enjoy the views from Primrose Hill

  • Often missed by tourists, Primrose Hill boasts one of the best views of the London skyline in a lovely open park where you can relax with a picnic or take a stroll through the picturesque surrounding neighborhood. 
  • Tip: The closest underground station is Chalk Farm (Northern line), about a 15 minute walk from the viewpoint at the top of the hill. 

Take a stroll along the Southbank

  • Situated along the River Thames, you can admire landmarks including Big Ben, the London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe and so much more along the Southbank pedestrian walkway. 
  • Tip: This area boasts bustling markets and events year-round, so allow plenty of time to wander around to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes! 

See the Crown Jewels

  • Get up close and personal with these powerful, sparkling symbols of the British Monarchy.
  • Tip: There is a separate queue to enter the Jewel House once you are inside the Tower of London, so be sure to arrive early and aim for off-peak times to avoid crowds. 

Sip champagne in the London Eye

  • Opened in 2000, this 443-foot high ferris wheel was originally meant to be temporary, but after becoming the United Kingdom's most popular paid attraction, the wheel is here to stay. On a clear day, you can see as far as Windsor Castle, but on any given day you can enjoy the sights of Big Ben, the Shard, and more. 
  • Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in the longest queue.

Enjoy an Afternoon Tea

  • Consisting of hot tea, scones with clotted cream and jam, mini desserts and treats, and dainty finger sandwiches, be sure you don't miss out on a timeless Afternoon Tea while you're in London! Not to be confused with High Tea, which includes a cooked dish alongside tea, Afternoon Tea is a treat for the sweet tooth.
  • Tip: Be sure to book in advance to reserve a spot, and don't expect to be in and out quickly. Afternoon Tea is a leisurely affair designed to be savoured, not rushed. If you're pressed for time, look for a Cream Tea, which serves scones with cream and jam alongside tea instead of the multi-tiered full event. 

 

Restaurants

Whether you're looking for a cozy traditional pub meal, a michelin starred restaurant, or the cheapest delicious street market food, London's got you covered. 

RESTAURANTS
Under £25 per meal

Dishoom

Locations in Kensington, Shoreditch, King's Cross, Carnaby, and Covent Garden. 
Popular and buzzing Bombay cafe inspired restaurant.  

Homeslice Pizza

13 Neal's Yard, WC2H 9DP
Closest underground station: Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) or Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern lines)
Wood fired 20" or by the slice pizza, tucked away in Neal's Yard. 

Granger & Co

Locations in Notting Hill, King's Cross, Chelsea, and Clerkenwell. 
Simple and delicious meals served all day with Australian flair. 

£25 and up per meal

Duck & Waffle

110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4A
Closest underground station: Liverpool Street (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines)
British and European cuisine served 24/7 in the 40th floor of the Heron Tower. 

The Ivy Chelsea Garden

195 - 197 King's Road, SW3 5EQ
Closest underground station: South Kensinton (Circle, District, Piccadilly lines)
British menus with a garden terrace and elaborate art filled dining rooms. 

Chiltern Firehouse

1 Chiltern St, W1U 7PA
Closest underground station: Baker Street (Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan lines)
Elegant restaurant inside a former 1880s fire station. 

PUBS
Under £25 per meal

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

145 Fleet St, EC4A 2BU
Closest underground station: Blackfriars (Circle, District lines) or Chancery Lane (Central line)
One of the oldest pubs in London and the former haunt of literary greats including Mark Twain, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Alfred Tennyson.

Dog and Duck Soho

18 Bateman St, Soho, W1D 3AJ
Closest underground station: Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern lines) or Leicester Square (Northern, Piccadilly lines)
Classic pub dating back to 1897, frequented by George Orwell. 

Seven Stars Holborn

53 Carey St, WC2A 2JB
Closest underground station: Holborn Station (Central, Piccadilly lines)
Small pub dating back to the 17th century, listed as one of the buildings that survived the Great Fire of London.

Lamb & Flag

33 Rose St, WC2E 9EB
Closest underground station: Leicester Square (Northern, Piccadilly lines) or Covent Garden (Piccadilly line)
Traditional pub tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden.

The George Inn Southwark

145 Fleet St, EC4A 2BU
Closest underground station: Blackfriars (Circle, District lines) or Chancery Lane (Central line)
A 17th century pub with courtyard seating, and the only remaining galleried inn in London. 

The Grenadier

18 Wilton Row, SW1X 7NR
Closest underground station: Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line)
Traditional and off-the-beaten-path pub with a unique pewter bar dating back to 1720, originally built for military officers.

AFTERNOON TEA
Typically £50+ per person, £60+ with champagne instead of tea

Sketch

9 Conduit St, W1S 2XG
Closest underground station: Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central, Victoria lines)

Fortnum & Mason

181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER
Closest underground station: Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo, Piccadilly lines)

Claridge's

Brook Street, W1K 4HR
Closest underground station: Bond Street (Central, Jubilee lines)

The Ritz

150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR
Closest underground station: Green Park Square (Jubileee, Victoria, Piccadilly lines)

Mad Hatter Tea at The Sanderson

50 Berners St, W1T 3NG
Closest underground station: Goodge Street (Northern line) Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central, Victoria lines) or Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern lines)

Dean Street Townhouse

69 - 71 Dean St, W1D 3SE
Closest underground station: Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern lines), 

 

London Transport Guide

Getting around London is a breeze - between the famous red buses, bikes, the underground, taxis, and ridesharing apps, you have a multitude of options! 

THE UNDERGROUND "THE TUBE"

First and last trains

  • The Underground opening times vary from line to line, but the first morning train is typically around 5:00am Monday through Saturday, and the last train is generally around midnight. Check the tube station announcements to confirm the timing of your station.
  • The Night Tube runs after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays on the Victoria, Jubilee, and portions of the Central, Northern, and Piccadilly lines. See the Night Tube Map here. 

Zones

  • London is divided into nine zones starting from Central London, Zone 1, to the outskirts and suburbs, Zone 6 through 9. 

Payment and fares

  • Your fare is dependent on how far you are traveling (which zones you are starting/ending in), the time of day (rush hour times are more expensive) and your method of payment. Oyster payment fares start at £2.40 for Zone 1. 
  • If you are visiting London for several days, purchasing a pay as you go Oyster Card or using a UK contactless payment card is the most cost effective option. Oyster Cards cost £5 to activate and you can add payment at any ticket kiosk, or online. 
  • Oyster Cards and contactless payment cards have daily price caps, so if you use the tube multiple times per day, you will pay no more than £6.60-£12 total per day. 
  • If you are in London for only a day, you can purchase a 1-Day paper Travelcard starting at £12 which allows unlimited use for a single day, within the number of Zones you purchase.

Tube Map

Tips

  • At the train platform, always allow passengers to get off the train before you board.
  • Always stand on the right side of the escalator. The left side is for people who want to walk up or down if they are in a hurry. 
  • Have your travelcard or payment card in an easily accessible spot, ready to tap out upon exit so you don't hold up anyone behind you. 

TAXIS & RIDESHARING APPS

Black Cabs/Taxis

  • Black cabs are the only taxis that can be hailed from the street, telephone, or you can hop in one at a designated taxi rank. 
  • If they yellow 'TAXI' sign is on, the cab is available for hire.
  • Black cab fares are metered, starting with a minimum charge of £2.60. Additional charges may apply from Heathrow, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve. 
  • Black cabs accept cash or credit cards, but it is a good idea to have cash on hand in case the credit card machine isn't working. 
  • You can tip your cab driver for excellent service, but most people just round up to the nearest pound. 

Uber

  • Uber lost its license to operate in London in October 2017, but the app and drivers can still operate in the city while the company pursues an appeal. Therefore, you can still use Uber in London until further notice.

LONDON BUS SYSTEM

Payment and fares

  • Buses do not accept cash payment, you must have an Oyster Card or contactless payment card in order to take a bus journey. 
  • Touch your payment method to the yellow card reader when you board the bus, but not when you get off. 
  • A single bus fares is £1.50, with a daily cap of £4.50
  • Click here for a map of popular bus routes in Central London 

 

Local Markets

Whether you're hunting down one-of-a-kind antiques, delicious street food, vintage clothing, art, there's a local market for everyone! London markets have a vibrant history, dating back to Roman times, and no visit is complete without paying a visit to one! 

East London

Columbia Road Flower Market – seasonal flowers
Closest underground station: Old Street (Northern line)
Open Sundays only, from 8:00am to 3:00pm.

Notting Hill

Portobello Road Market – antiques, bric-a-brac, clothing, food (note that stalls rotate daily)
Closest underground station: Ladbroke Grove (Circle, Hammersmith & City lines) or Notting Hill Gate (Circle, District, Central lines)
Open Fridays and Saturdays 9:00am to 7:00pm, Closed Sundays. Monday - Wednesday 9:00am to 6:00pm. Thursday 9:00am to 1:00pm.

Southwark

Borough Market – prepared food, fresh produce
Closest underground station: London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern lines)
Open 10:00am to 5:00pm daily. Closed Sundays and public holidays.

East London

Old Spitalfields Market – fashion, restaurants, pop-up events, vintage
Closest underground station: Old Street (Northern line)
Open daily, times vary by shop but most are open 10:00am to 7:00pm.

Camden Town

Camden Market – food, music, art
Closest underground station: Camden Town (Northern line)
Open daily, 10:00am to late.

East London

Brick Lane Market – food, secondhand wares, music, art
Closest underground station: Aldgate East (District, Hammersmith & City lines) or Liverpool Street Station (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan)
Open Sundays only, from 8:00am to 3:00pm