Planning a trip to London and hoping to see the top sights without breaking the bank? A London city card is designed to do just that. This guide covers the top attractions included with the most popular passes, such as the Go City London Pass (All-Inclusive), the Go City London Explorer Pass, and the Headout London Pass. They are organized by category, from historic royal palaces to relaxing Thames River cruises, so you can easily see what is included and start building your dream itinerary.
Step back in time at this iconic fortress and former prison that sits on the north bank of the River Thames. You can marvel at the Crown Jewels, meet the famous Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), and uncover centuries of dramatic British history. It is a must-visit for anyone looking to understand London's royal past.
Suggested time: 2–3 hours
Walk the aisles of Britain's coronation church, a stunning Gothic masterpiece that has hosted royal weddings and coronations since 1066. You will find the resting places of legendary monarchs, poets, and scientists, making it a profound journey through the nation's cultural and royal heritage.
Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours
Explore the elegant childhood home of Queen Victoria and the former residence of Diana, Princess of Wales. Wander through the lavish King's and Queen's State Apartments, and enjoy the beautifully manicured Sunken Garden, offering a tranquil royal retreat right in the heart of the city.
Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours
Admire the breathtaking dome that dominates London's skyline. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this architectural marvel invites you to explore its magnificent interior, whisper in the Whispering Gallery, and climb up for panoramic views of the city from the Golden Gallery.
Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours
Rub shoulders with lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities, royals, and historical icons at this world-famous attraction. It is an interactive, fun-filled experience where you can snap selfies with the stars and enjoy immersive zones like the Marvel Universe 4D.
Suggested time: 2–2.5 hour
Discover the story of London's world-famous transport network in the heart of Covent Garden. Interactive exhibits and vintage vehicles, including the iconic red double-decker buses and early Tube trains, bring the history of urban travel to life for visitors of all ages.
Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours
Art lovers will be captivated by this stunning collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Housed in the spectacular Somerset House, the gallery features renowned works by Van Gogh, Manet, and Cézanne, offering a quieter, more intimate art-viewing experience.
Suggested time: 1–1.5 hours
Take a spin on Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel for unparalleled views of the Thames and the city skyline. Your gentle rotation in a glass capsule offers prime photo opportunities of Big Ben, Parliament, and far beyond.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes (plus queuing time)
Ascend to the top of Western Europe's tallest building for a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of London. You can spot landmarks up to 40 miles away from the spectacular indoor and outdoor viewing platforms.
Suggested time: 1–1.5 hours
Step inside one of the world's most famous bridges. Walk across the thrilling high-level glass floor walkways suspended above the Thames, and head down to the Victorian Engine Rooms to see the original steam engines that once powered the bridge's massive lifts.
Suggested time: 1–1.5 hours
Get oriented with the city using a classic open-top double-decker bus. With audio commentary and the flexibility to hop on and off at major sights, it is the perfect way to travel between attractions while soaking in the London atmosphere.
Suggested time: 2–3 hours (or a full day of transit)
See London from a completely different perspective by gliding along the River Thames while passing iconic landmarks by water is a relaxing and scenic experience.
Suggested time: 1–2 hours
| Attraction | Headout Pass | Go City All-Inclusive Pass | Go City Explorer Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
Tower of London | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Westminster Abbey | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
The London Eye | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
The View from The Shard | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Kensington Palace | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Madame Tussauds London | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Tower Bridge | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
City Cruises Thames River Pass | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Public Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
No, the Go City passes and Headout pass do not include Tube, bus, or train transport. You will need to use your contactless credit card or Apple/Google Pay to tap in and out of the stations. The daily cap in central London is quite affordable, making it easy to get around without a dedicated travelcard.
It generally is if you plan an active itinerary. If you visit 3–4 paid attractions per day, such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and The Shard, you will comfortably save money compared to buying individual tickets. If you prefer to focus strictly on London's free museums, a pass might not be necessary.
Yes, many top London sights now require timed-entry reservations to manage crowds, even for pass holders. It is highly recommended to book your time slots through the pass provider's portal immediately after purchasing, especially during summer and school holidays.
Most modern London city passes, including Go City and Headout Pass, are fully digital. You will receive a QR code via email or through their dedicated mobile apps, which you can simply show and scan right from your phone screen at each attraction.
The London Pass is an all-inclusive pass that lets you visit as many attractions as you want over a set number of consecutive days, making it great for fast-paced sightseeing. The Explorer Pass lets you choose a set number of attractions (e.g., 3, 5, or 7) and gives you 60 days to visit them, perfect for a more relaxed trip.
Yes, most city card providers offer reduced pricing for children. However, student and senior discounts are rare on the passes themselves. Always check if the specific attractions you want to visit offer substantial independent discounts for your age group before committing to a pass.
Headout London Pass: Save up to 40% at All Top Attractions
The London Pass® by Go City: Access to 100+ Attractions
London Explorer Pass by Go City: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions
