Top attractions you can visit with the Headout Pass London

Why choose a City Card when visiting London?

London is one of the world's most iconic cities, and a city card is the smartest way to see it without overspending. City cards bundle entry to top sights in London, from centuries-old castles and royal palaces to immersive modern experiences, into a single, convenient pass. Whether you're a first-timer mapping out the best attractions in London or a returning visitor chasing popular London attractions you've missed, a city card cuts through the noise of multiple bookings, saves you real money compared to buying individual tickets, and lets you explore at your own pace across a generous validity window.

What is the Headout Pass London?

The Headout Pass London is a flexible, curated sightseeing pass giving you access to 45+ of the city's most popular London attractions, from iconic landmarks and world-class museums to river cruises, stadium tours, and unique immersive experiences. It comes in two distinct types: the Essential Pass, a combination of premium and standard attractions designed for travellers who want the best of London while letting them pick attractions under each tier, and the Explore Pass, which lets you freely pick any premium or standard attractions of your choice. Both pass types offer 2 to 7 attraction slots, a generous 30-day validity from the date selected, exclusive AI-powered audioguides for the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, and free cancellation, making the Headout Pass London attractions lineup one of the most compelling city card offerings in the UK. This guide walks you through the standout attractions across every category so you can plan your perfect London itinerary before you book.

Top Headout Pass London attractions by category

Top hits

London Eye

Soaring 135 metres above the South Bank, the London Eye is one of the most recognisable and popular London attractions. Each 30-minute rotation in a spacious glass pod offers 360° panoramic views stretching to Westminster, Buckingham Palace, St Paul's Cathedral, and beyond. On a clear day, the vistas extend up to 40 kilometres. A must for first-time visitors and a perennial favourite.

Suggested time: 1 hour

Included in: Essential Pass (Premium), Explore Pass

The View from The Shard

The Shard's observation decks on levels 68, 69, and 72 put you at 244 metres above London, delivering breathtaking open-air views of top sights in London. Spot the Tower Bridge, the Gherkin, and the winding River Thames laid out below like a living map. The experience is equally stunning by day or night, and the wraparound glass panels offer unobstructed sightlines in every direction.

Suggested time: 1–1.5 hours

Included in: Essential Pass (Standard), Explore Pass

Landmarks & palaces

Tower of London

Nearly 1,000 years of royal history are packed within the Tower of London's stone walls, and it’s home to the Crown Jewels, the legendary Beefeaters, and countless stories of intrigue and power. The Headout Pass grants entry with an exclusive AI-powered audioguide, making this one of the most immersive Headout Pass London attractions on the list. Walk the same battlements trodden by Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, and don't miss the dazzling Jewel House.

Suggested time: 2.5–3 hours

Included in: Essential Pass (Premium), Explore Pass

Westminster Abbey

One of the most historically significant buildings in Britain, Westminster Abbey has been the site of royal coronations since 1066 and is the final resting place of monarchs, poets, and statesmen. The Headout Pass London includes the exclusive AI-powered audioguide with GPS-based storytelling, turning an already remarkable visit into a deeply personal exploration. The Coronation Chair, the Poets' Corner, and the Royal Tombs are highlights not to be missed.

Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours

Included in: Essential Pass (Premium), Explore Pass

Kensington Palace

Set within the serene grounds of Kensington Gardens, this 300-year-old royal palace remains a working royal residence and one of the best attractions in London for history lovers. Explore state apartments, rotating exhibitions, and the story of Queen Victoria's childhood. The elegant Sunken Garden and the memorial fountain to Princess Diana are peaceful spots to linger nearby.

Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours

Included in: Essential Pass (Standard), Explore Pass

St Paul's Cathedral

Christopher Wren's masterpiece dominates the London skyline and remains one of the great achievements of European architecture. Visitors can climb the iconic dome for sweeping city views, whisper across the Whispering Gallery, and pay respects in the crypt where Wren himself is buried alongside Admiral Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. A powerful blend of spiritual heritage and architectural grandeur.

Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours

Included in: Essential Pass (Standard), Explore Pass

Museums & galleries

Madame Tussauds London

A London institution since 1835, Madame Tussauds remains one of the most popular London attractions for visitors of all ages. Rub shoulders with hyper-realistic wax figures of royals, Hollywood A-listers, sports legends, and music icons. The Marvel Experience, the Star Wars zone, and the interactive Scream-activated gallery add genuine entertainment value to what could otherwise be a passive tour.

Suggested time: 2–2.5 hours

Included in: Essential Pass (Premium), Explore Pass

Tate Modern

Occupying the cavernous former Bankside Power Station, Tate Modern is one of the world's leading modern and contemporary art galleries and a strong contender among the best attractions in London for culture seekers. The permanent collection spans everything from Picasso and Dalí to Rothko and Hockney, while the towering Turbine Hall regularly hosts monumental commissioned works. The riverside location makes it a natural stop on any South Bank walk.

Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours

Included in: Essential Pass (Standard), Explore Pass

Moco Museum

London's outpost of the internationally acclaimed Moco Museum delivers a vibrant, highly Instagrammable experience built around modern and contemporary art, including original works by Banksy and an immersive digital art hall. The compact format means you can explore everything in under two hours, making it a perfect complement to larger museums on the same day. A fresh, accessible take on contemporary culture.

Suggested time: 1–1.5 hours

Included in: Essential Pass (Standard), Explore Pass

Bus tours & River cruises

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off bus tour

The Hop-on Hop-off bus tour is arguably the most efficient way to orient yourself across a city as sprawling as London, and a natural starting point for anyone exploring London attractions for the first time. Open-top double-deckers loop past virtually every top sight in London, like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the South Bank, Tower Bridge, with live or recorded multilingual commentary. Hop off wherever you like, explore, and rejoin the next bus.

Suggested time: 1.5–3 hours

Included in: Essential Pass (Premium), Explore Pass

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers – 1-Day River Roamer

The Thames Clippers River Roamer turns London's river into a commuter network for sightseers, connecting Putney in the west to Woolwich in the east with stops at all the major riverside attractions. Watch the Shard, the Tate Modern, the Southwark skyline, and the Greenwich waterfront glide past from the water level, a perspective no bus or Tube can replicate. Combine it with a visit to Greenwich for Royal Observatory access and the Cutty Sark.

Suggested time: Half-day (unlimited use)

Included in: Essential (Standard), Explore Pass

Family-friendly attractions

London Zoo

Set in the northern reaches of Regent's Park, ZSL London Zoo is one of the world's oldest and most respected scientific zoos and consistently ranks among the top sights in London for families. Home to over 20,000 animals across 800 species, including giraffes, gorillas, Sumatran tigers, and penguins, the zoo combines conservation storytelling with genuinely engaging animal encounters. The Land of the Lions and the Gorilla Kingdom are perennial highlights.

Suggested time: 3–4 hours

Included in: Essential Pass (Premium), Explore Pass

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Located in the shadow of the London Eye on the South Bank, SEA LIFE London Aquarium houses over 500 species and 6,000+ creatures across 14 themed zones. Walk through the Ocean Tunnel surrounded by sharks and rays, get hands-on at the Rockpool, and watch daily feeding sessions up close. A crowd-pleasing favourite among popular London attractions, particularly for children under 12.

Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours

Included in: Essential Pass (Premium), Explore Pass

Paddington Bear Experience

A charming, story-rich interactive experience at Paddington Station inspired by Michael Bond's beloved bear, the Paddington Bear Experience brings to life the adventures of everyone's favourite Peruvian. Follow Paddington's journey through atmospheric sets, discover hidden details, and pick up a marmalade sandwich or two at the café. Ideal for younger children and nostalgic adults alike.

Suggested time: 45 minutes–1 hour

Included in: Essential Pass (Premium), Explore Pass

Sports & stadium tours

Arsenal FC Stadium Tour

The Emirates Stadium is one of the Premier League's finest modern arenas, and the self-guided tour takes you deep into the world of Arsenal FC through the dressing rooms, down the players' tunnel, and out onto the pitch. Interactive displays trace the club's 140-year history, and the matchday atmosphere is recreated so convincingly you'll half-expect the crowd noise to start. A must for football fans visiting London.

Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours

Included in: Essential Pass (Premium), Explore Pass

Chelsea FC Stadium Tour & Museum

Stamford Bridge is one of English football's most storied venues, and the behind-the-scenes tour at Chelsea FC covers the dressing rooms, the press conference room, the dugout, and the extensive club museum. The museum houses silverware, match footage, and memorabilia spanning over a century of Blues history. Another top entry among the Headout Pass London attractions for sports enthusiasts.

Suggested time: 1–1.5 hours

Included in: Essential Pass (Standard), Explore Pass

Unique experiences & activities

Frameless – Immersive Art Experience

Frameless near Marble Arch is London's largest permanent immersive art experience and one of the most talked-about attractions among younger visitors and art lovers. Four galleries transport you inside masterworks by Klimt, Cézanne, Monet, and Dalí using cutting-edge digital projection technology. The multi-sensory environment is unlike anything in a traditional gallery and is entirely designed to be walked through, sat in, and felt.

Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours

Included in: Essential Pass (Standard), Explore Pass

Up at The O2 Climb

Strapping into a harness and scaling the iconic fabric roof of The O2 Arena delivers 360° views across Canary Wharf, Greenwich, the Docklands, and central London that you simply cannot get anywhere else. The 90-minute guided climb follows a walkway to a platform at 52 metres, and the guides are excellent at pointing out landmarks along the way. One of the most original and physically engaging popular London attractions on the pass.

Suggested time: 1.5 hours

Included in: Essential Pass (Premium), Explore Pass

Harry Potter Walking Tour

Led by expert guides through central London locations that inspired and featured in J.K. Rowling's wizarding world, the Harry Potter Walking Tour is one of the best attractions in London for fans of the franchise and surprisingly engaging even for non-fans. See Platform 9¾ at King's Cross, the Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley locations, and Ministry of Magic filming spots for a two-hour deep dive into the magic behind the magic.

Suggested time: 2 hours

Included in: Essential Pass (Standard), Explore Pass

Tips to maximize your Headout Pass London

  • Book your slots early. Popular London attractions like the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and Madame Tussauds sell out quickly, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Reserve your time slots as soon as your pass is confirmed.
  • Plan by geography, not just interest. Group the best attractions in London that are near each other. For example, the London Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Tate Modern, and the Hop-on Hop-off South Bank stop are all within walking distance of each other.
  • Start with premium attractions. If you hold an Essential Pass, lead your days with high-value headliner experiences like the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey, where your savings are the greatest.
  • Use the Hop-on Hop-off as your transport backbone. The bus network covers virtually all top sights in London and is a great way to stay mobile without navigating the Tube with tired feet or heavy bags.
  • Download the Headout app before you travel. All your passes, QR codes, attraction details, and entry instructions are in one place, and the app functions offline once loaded.
  • Keep your phone charged. Bring a portable charger to avoid standing outside any attraction trying to reload your pass.
  • Visit time-sensitive attractions early in the day. The Tower of London and Kensington Palace tend to be quieter in the first two hours after opening, making for a much better experience than arriving mid-afternoon.
  • Combine the Thames Clippers River Roamer with Greenwich attractions. Take the boat east to Greenwich and pair the journey with the Royal Observatory or Cutty Sark for a full half-day riverside itinerary.
  • Check for seasonal variations. Some attractions (Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, Kew Gardens) have seasonal opening hours or temporary closures; always verify before visiting.
  • Each attraction can only be visited once. Plan your itinerary so you're not doubling back; once an attraction is redeemed on the pass, it cannot be used again.
  • For the Explore Pass, prioritise high-ticket value choices. Attractions with a higher individual door price (London Eye, Tower of London, Madame Tussauds) deliver the most savings per slot versus lower-priced options.
  • Consider pairing the AI audioguide with quieter visiting times. The exclusive Headout AI audioguide for the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey is best experienced without competing crowd noise; aim for weekday morning visits.

Frequently asked questions about the Headout Pass London attractions

The Essential Pass is a combination of premium and standard attractions, great for first-timers who want a smart pass that lets them choose from different tiers of premium and standard attractions. The Explore Pass gives you full freedom to pick any premium or standard attractions of your choice from the full catalogue of 45+ experiences.