How to find your way around London

By Go City Expert

Covering a total of 607 sq miles, London can be a daunting city to try to navigate – for locals and tourists alike. It’s so big that no one could begin to see all of it, not even if they lived there their whole life. With attractions spread far and wide, you’ll need a calm head, good shoes and a reliable companion to help you find your way. And we don’t mean your partner. From mobile apps to maps, there are plenty of ways to come prepared. Here are the best ways of finding your way around.

Mobile App

Luckily there are a number of mobile apps that have been created to help you find your way around the city, from tips to the best eateries and the rich history of streets you’re walking around. LondonPass App is the perfect resource for a fact-packed and useful guide to the city. Discover London by area or by attraction, explore the underground with the tube map and plan a fun day out with the detailed itineraries. A-Z Maps If you prefer something a bit more traditional and don’t have a smartphone, you can’t go wrong with a simple A-Z London City map. A staple in most Londoner’s handbags, the A-Z is the bible to London with every nook and cranny detailed in this portable map. The perfect option if you can’t rely on your phone battery and great for indulging in a bit of old-fashioned exploring.

Tube Map

Carrying a small Tube map around in your pocket may not help you find your way above ground, but it will certainly help you navigate London’s extensive underground system. With colour coded routes, the map is a handy helper to explore the city below pavement level. If you prefer things the digital way, why not download a tube map to your smartphone to help you track real-time tubes and plan your journey duration; even allowing you to avoid certain stops. If you need more information, any ticket desk at the tube stations will provide free maps and helpful tube wardens are always keen to point you in the right direction.

Google Maps

Need to get from A to Z but not quite sure how long it will take? Use Google Maps to help you plan a dynamic route around London. Whether you want to rent a bike, walk or catch the bus, Google Maps can tell you the quickest routes and even let you know what time the public transport is running. If you want to visualise where you’re going to end up, use Street View to get an idea of where you’re heading. Great for those who struggle with a sense of direction!

Ask a local

Contrary to popular opinion, not all Londoners are unfriendly! Although Londoners may lead a fast-paced life and prefer a quiet tube journey, don't be afraid to stop to ask a local for help – they will probably be able to let you in on short cut and great places to go off the beaten track.

With so many amazing London attractions to see on your travels, why not pick up a London Pass and see it all for one low price? 

Build your unique London itinerary with our trip planner

We’ll give you the best route to check off all your must-sees, museums, landmarks and more

Create my ownGenerate my trip
Powered by our data and AI
BETA
Go City Expert
London Travel Expert

Build your unique London itinerary with our trip planner

Who's going?
Adult
1
Child (5-15)
0
How many days?
What do you want to see?

Continue reading

Blog

A Thames River Boat Cruise: What to Expect

Get a different look at the city and explore London by water on a Thames River Boat cruise. Price The Thames River Boat Cruise is priced at £18 for adults and £9 for children. London Pass holders are eligible for a free 24-hour ticket. But as you can hop on and off during the tour, why not take advantage of entry to many of the attractions on the Thames also included with the pass? There are a number of places to hop-on and hop off the river boat to explore popular tourist areas. These four hop-on and hop-off stations are Westminster Pier, Southbank's London Eye, Tower Bridge and Greenwich. Duration What You'll See Westminster As one of London’s most politically significant and picturesque neighbourhoods, Westminster is one of the river boat cruise’s biggest highlights. With the opportunity to take stunning photos of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament from the River Thames. It's also well worth hopping off to explore Westminster Abbey.  Southbank Historically, Southbank has always been a creative hub with cultural icons such as Shakespeare staging many of his plays in its riverside theatres. Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, a reconstruction of the Jacobean theatre of the same name, used to be his favourite haunt (as well as the pub alongside it). It continues to stage plays to this day. The Tate Modern, easily identifiable by its gigantic somber structure, is worth a visit if you have the time to peruse its massive permanent collection. Have your cameras and funky socks ready for the Millennium Footbridge, a relatively new modern London structure that has featured in the Harry Potter films. The London Eye also sits on Southbank, boasting a 360 degree view of the city.  Tower Hill As the most popular hop-on and hop-off point for the river boat cruise, this area is always teeming with tourists trying to find the perfect shot. Home to both the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London, the sights here have defined the international perception of London as a modern metropolis with a long cultural history. Step off for an hour and explore the exhibition in Tower Bridge’s glass skyway and see the Royal Jewels at the Tower of London, watched over carefully by the tower guards and tour guides named the Beefeaters.  Docklands The Docklands has cleaned up its act in recent years and while it's a little while away, it's well worth a visit to some of the city's most beautiful sights. Float past Cutty Sark, a gigantic tea clipper that once raced across the seven seas, and then leap into the future with the skyscrapers in Canary Wharf. Need some more inspiration on things to do around London? We've got you covered.
Go City Expert
london march
Blog

Best Things to Do in London this March

Discover exciting activities for an unforgettable March in London.
Blog

The Best Summer Music Festivals In London

And the god of summer said, let there be music. And wristbands. Lo, the humble music festival was born. To this day, millions of people have flocked to huge speaker stacks, food trucks and oxygen tents. Yes, festival season is well and truly upon us. But fear not, Londoners. You don't need to drive two hundred miles and sleep in a tent to get your fix of heavenly grooves. London has some of the best around, no matter your musical desires. Have a little scroll down to check out some that are right on your doorstep. Here are some of the best summer music festivals in London. Lovebox 12th July – 13th July, Gunnerbury Park If you’re a London resident, you’ve probably already heard of Lovebox. It’s one of the capital’s most renowned music festivals. Even though it’s now moved to Acton, you can still expect the same mix of eclectic music, alongside sponsored tents pumping out relentless beats, and more food and drink than you could reasonably be expected to consume in a lifetime. This year, Beyonce’s sister Solange and Chance the Rapper headline, alongside hip-hop behemoths Cypress Hill, Kaytranada, and London’s own Loyle Carner. Citadel 14th July, Gunnerbury Park If you prefer your music a little more chilled out, then head west to Gunnerbury Park for Citadel. It’s on a Sunday, so expect a more laid-back experience with acts like Friendly Fires and Bastille headlining the bill. And if you want to give your ears a rest, there’s lots more to see and do. Take in a comedy show, attend a workshop, or sit down for a lovely bite to eat. It's the perfect way to end the weekend, and definitely one of the best summer music festivals in London.
Dom Bewley
The London Eye
Tower of London

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Tower Bridge
St Paul’s Cathedral