Tower of London & Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket

The only bookable part of Buckingham Palace is the State Rooms, open in summer only, from £33 per adult. The Changing of the Guard outside the gates is completely free, so you can experience the Palace for nothing if you are happy to watch from the railings.

If you want the single highest open-air view in London and the Shard itself is not in your photos, pay the £24 for The Shard. If you want a genuinely good free view with the Shard included in the skyline, book the Sky Garden instead. Doing both is the honest ideal, because they show you two different Londons.

A sightseeing pass like the London Pass is only worth it if you visit roughly three or more paid attractions per day and pick expensive ones. If you plan a slower trip, lean on free museums, or only want two or three big sights, buying individual tickets almost always costs less. The pass rewards fast, attraction-heavy sightseeing, and punishes a relaxed pace.

Everything first-time visitors need to know about planning a trip to London, from transport to top attractions.

Three days is enough to see London's highlights if you plan well. Here is the perfect day-by-day itinerary.

A comprehensive guide to every type of walking tour in London, from free tip-based walks to premium private experiences.