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Top experiences in London

Toasting with sparkling wine on Thames River cruise at sunset.
Sightseeing Cruises
Thames River Evening Cruise with Sunset Views, Sparking Wine & Canapés
from
£28
Thames River Evening Cruise with Sunset Views, Sparking Wine & Canapés. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1343 ratings.From £28
Visitors enjoying the view at Sky Garden, London with cityscape in the background.
Combo
Combo (Save 27%): Sky Garden Tickets + Thames River Cruise
from £35
£25.47
27% off
Combo (Save 27%): Sky Garden Tickets + Thames River Cruise . Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 1053 ratings.From £25.47
Free cancellation
Emirates Stadium exterior with Arsenal banners and logo in London.
Combo
Combo (Save 11%): Arsenal FC Stadium Tour + Flexible Thames River Sightseeing Cruise
£51.50
£46.07
11% off
Combo (Save 11%): Arsenal FC Stadium Tour + Flexible Thames River Sightseeing Cruise. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 3405 ratings.From £46.07
Speed boat on the Thames River with passengers enjoying the ride, London.
Sightseeing Cruises
Thames River Speedboat Tour
from
£64.95
Thames River Speedboat Tour. Rated 5 out of 5 from 3 ratings.From £64.95
Free cancellation
Red double-decker bus near the London Eye on the Thames River cruise tour.
Hop-on Hop-off Tours London
City Sightseeing: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise
from
£27
City Sightseeing: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise. Rated 4 out of 5 from 383 ratings.From £27
Free cancellation
Crown Jewels display in London with crowns and scepters on red cushions.
Tower of London
St. Paul's Cathedral & Tower of London Guided Tour with Thames River Cruise
from
£115
St. Paul's Cathedral & Tower of London Guided Tour with Thames River Cruise. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 464 ratings.From £115
Free cancellation
IFS Cloud Cable Car over London skyline and boat on Thames River at night.
Combo
Combo (Save 5%): Uber Boat Single Trip and London Cable Car
£24.90
£23.65
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): Uber Boat Single Trip and London Cable Car. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1254 ratings.From £23.65
Free cancellation
Walking through narrow London alley on Harry Potter film locations tour.
Harry Potter Walking Tours
Harry Potter™ Film Locations Walking Tour with Thames River Cruise
£29
Harry Potter™ Film Locations Walking Tour with Thames River Cruise. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 695 ratings.From £29
Free cancellation
Uber Boat on Thames River near Millennium Bridge, London.
Dinner Cruises
London Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise
from
£24.50
London Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 227 ratings.From £24.50
Free cancellation
London double-decker bus near St. Paul's Cathedral and Madame Tussauds wax figures.
Combo
Combo (Save 10%): London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + Madame Tussauds Tickets
from £71.99
£64.79
10% off
Combo (Save 10%): London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + Madame Tussauds Tickets. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 4742 ratings.From £64.79
Free cancellation
IFS Cloud Cable Car over River Thames in London with cityscape in background.
Combo
Combo (Save 14%): London IFS Cloud Cable Car Tickets + Thames Flexible Sightseeing Cruise
£30.45
£26.07
14% off
Combo (Save 14%): London IFS Cloud Cable Car Tickets + Thames Flexible Sightseeing Cruise. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1074 ratings.From £26.07
Free cancellation
Family enjoying a magical mirror experience and a City Cruises boat near Tower Bridge, London.
Combo
Combo (Save 17%): Shrek’s Adventure! London + City Cruise Tickets
from £37.50
£31.05
17% off
Combo (Save 17%): Shrek’s Adventure! London + City Cruise Tickets. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1437 ratings.From £31.05
Free cancellation
Open-top London tour bus and Thames River cruise boat with cityscape.
London Hop-on Hop-off
Combo (Save 15%): 24/48-Hr London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Thames River Cruise
from
£49
Combo (Save 15%): 24/48-Hr London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Thames River Cruise. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 169 ratings.From £49
Free cancellation
Cruise boat on the Thames passing Tower Bridge in London.
Tower of London
Official Tower of London River Tour
from
£18.50
Official Tower of London River Tour. Rated 5 out of 5 from 1 ratings.From £18.50
Free cancellation
Guest with Captain Marvel figure at Marvel Hall of Heroes, Madame Tussauds London.
Combo
Combo (Save 11%): Madame Tussauds Tickets + Thames River Cruise
from £43.95
£38.90
11% off
Combo (Save 11%): Madame Tussauds Tickets + Thames River Cruise . Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 5596 ratings.From £38.90
Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and afternoon tea on a London cruise.
Combo
Combo (Save 5%): Changing the Guards Ceremony + Afternoon Tea Cruise
from £62
£58.90
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): Changing the Guards Ceremony + Afternoon Tea Cruise. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1804 ratings.From £58.90
Frameless London exhibit with visitors and Thames River cruise near The Shard.
Combo
Combo (Save 5%): Frameless London Tickets + Thames Sightseeing Cruise
from £49.22
£46.76
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): Frameless London Tickets + Thames Sightseeing Cruise. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 3163 ratings.From £46.76
Penguins on rocks at a zoo and a city cruise boat on the Thames in London.
Combo
Combo (Save 16%): London Zoo Tickets + Thames River Cruise
from £47
£39.60
16% off
Combo (Save 16%): London Zoo Tickets + Thames River Cruise. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 1167 ratings.From £39.60
Steam locomotive at London Transport Museum and boat on River Thames under Millennium Bridge.
Combo
Combo (Save 12%): London Transport Museum Tickets + Flexible Thames River Cruise
£41
£36.10
12% off
Combo (Save 12%): London Transport Museum Tickets + Flexible Thames River Cruise. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 2783 ratings.From £36.10
Free cancellation
London Eye lit up at night during Christmas, viewed from the Thames, part of The Original Tour London 24Hr Pass.
Christmas in London
Christmas at the London Eye
from
£29
Christmas at the London Eye. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 15716 ratings.From £29
Free cancellation
National Gallery facade and River Thames sightseeing cruise boat in London.
Combo
Combo (Save 18%): The National Gallery Guided Tour + Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames
from £35.50
£29.25
18% off
Combo (Save 18%): The National Gallery Guided Tour + Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 823 ratings.From £29.25
Free cancellation
Moco Museum London light installation and River Thames sightseeing cruise boat.
Combo
Combo (Save 19%): Moco Museum London Tickets + Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames
from £49.40
£39.84
19% off
Combo (Save 19%): Moco Museum London Tickets + Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 416 ratings.From £39.84
Free cancellation
Christmas lights illuminate The Shard in London at night.
Christmas in London
Christmas at The View from The Shard
from
£19
Christmas at The View from The Shard. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2009 ratings.From £19
Free cancellation
City cruise boat on Thames near Tower Bridge, actor in costume inside London Dungeons.
Combo
Combo (Save 12%): Flexible Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames + London Dungeon Tickets
from £43.50
£38.47
12% off
Combo (Save 12%): Flexible Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames + London Dungeon Tickets. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1645 ratings.From £38.47

The Thames River Cruise experience

Thames River Cruises offer an effortless way to immerse yourself in the heart of London. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, glide along the river to explore iconic landmarks, enjoy delicious meals, and unwind in a uniquely refreshing urban setting.

Glide past landmarks

Board a Thames sightseeing cruise and glide past iconic London landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and the London Eye. The onboard commentary and open deck view fill your journey with engaging discovery.

Savor a river lunch

Savor a river lunch by indulging in a freshly prepared two-course meal with tea and coffee. As you dine onboard, panoramic views and informative commentary transform lunch into a relaxing journey.

Enjoy flexible boarding

Choose a flexible cruise for ultimate convenience. Board at any of the four central piers and hop on or off as you wish, enjoying live English commentary and multi-language audio for tailored, stress-free sightseeing.

Experience evening sparkle

Set sail into the evening and marvel at London’s illuminated skyline. Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and canapés while live music provides a mellow backdrop, turning sunset into pure magic.

Discover river history

Discover London’s history on a sightseeing cruise that echoes centuries of stories. Navigate past landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral while live local commentary enriches your understanding of the city’s vibrant heritage.

Things to know before booking a London cruise

Understand London’s river route: The Thames flows through the heart of London, slicing the city into historic north and modern south banks. Cruises pass iconic landmarks like Westminster, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, making it an intuitive way to map out your day.

Choose your cruise type: London river cruises offer a variety of experiences, including short sightseeing loops with live commentary, flexible hop-on-hop-off tickets, upscale dinner and tea cruises, and even adrenaline-fueled speedboat tours. Your choice influences ambiance, duration, and onboard comfort.

Plan your timing and duration: Cruise durations in London vary from quick 30–60 minute loops to extended evening dining cruises lasting up to three hours. Daytime sailings highlight architectural details, while sunset cruises capture the city’s illuminated skyline for a unique perspective.

Consider boarding logistics: Cruise departures are concentrated at key central piers such as Westminster, London Eye, Tower, and Greenwich. Check your boarding point to ensure a smooth transition between land-based attractions and your cruise, helping you avoid unnecessary backtracking.

Monitor seasonal effects and booking urgency: London cruises see peak demand in summer and during holidays—especially for evening and dining experiences. Book in advance to secure preferred timings, as off-peak periods often offer more flexibility and shorter waiting times at the piers.

Which London cruise is right for you?

Experience London’s dynamic spirit on a classic sightseeing cruise that offers flexible hop-on, hop-off boarding at multiple piers. Enjoy panoramic views, live commentary, and a seamless city tour from Westminster to Greenwich.

  • Key sights: Westminster, London Eye, Tower Bridge
  • Inclusions: Live commentary, open deck access
  • Ideal for: Families and first-time visitors
  • Feature: Frequent departures every 20–40 minutes

Top rated cruise operators in London

City Cruises Cruises

The vibe: Classic, flexible, informative
Why choose them: City Cruises offers a flexible hop-on hop-off sightseeing experience with live and multilingual commentary, allowing you to explore iconic London landmarks at your pace. Their spacious boats provide both indoor and open deck comfort for families and first-time visitors alike.
Departure: Westminster Pier

Thames Rockets Cruises

The vibe: Thrilling, fast, exhilarating
Why choose them: Thames Rockets delivers an adrenaline-packed, high-speed ride along the Thames with live comedic commentary, ideal for thrill-seekers and adventurous families. Their compact RIBs offer a unique blend of sightseeing and excitement, providing panoramic views of London’s skyline at remarkable speeds.
Departure: London Eye Pier

Bateaux London Cruises

The vibe: Upscale, romantic, refined
Why choose them: Bateaux London offers a premium dining cruise experience with a glass-roof boat that frames London’s illuminated skyline. Enjoy a curated multi-course meal while live music sets a sophisticated ambiance, making it perfect for romantic evenings or special celebrations.
Departure: Embankment Pier

Central Thames Sightseeing Loop

Route: Circular loop from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge and back.
Duration: 90–120 mins
Key sights: Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral

Westminster to Greenwich Extended Cruise

Route: One-way route from Westminster Pier to Greenwich Pier along the Thames.
Duration: 60–75 mins
Key sights: Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Tower Bridge, Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory

What you will see

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

From the water, admire the historic neo-Gothic spires of the Houses of Parliament alongside Big Ben, whose chimes resonate along the Thames.

London Eye

Gaze at the giant Ferris wheel with its rotating capsules, a modern icon framing London’s skyline from the river.

Tower Bridge

Experience the sight of Tower Bridge with its twin Gothic towers and glass walkways as the boat glides beneath its iconic span.

Tower of London

Observe the storied Tower of London, a centuries-old fortress whose ancient stone walls tell tales of Britain’s royal history.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

See the majestic dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, a Baroque masterpiece rising proudly above the bustling river scene.

The Shard

Marvel at The Shard’s sleek glass façade and soaring height, a symbol of modern London amid its historic riverside landmarks.

Cutty Sark

Spot the preserved tea clipper, Cutty Sark, moored along the riverbank in Greenwich—a vivid reminder of London’s rich maritime past.

Planning your London cruise

  • Best season: Spring through early autumn offers the most comfortable temperatures for open decks; winter sailings rely more on heated indoor cabins.
  • Day vs night: Daytime cruises highlight architectural details and clearer photos; sunset and evening sailings emphasize skyline lights and a more atmospheric river.
  • Pro tip: Morning departures are typically quieter, with better top-deck space and softer, more flattering light.

Tips for your London cruise

Arrive early: Head to your pier 15–20 minutes before departure to relax and secure your preferred seating.
Dress in layers: The river breeze can feel brisk, so a light jacket or layered outfit keeps you comfortable.
Choose your spot: Opt for open-deck or window seating based on whether you prioritize panoramic views or sheltered comfort.
Time your photos: Midday or just before sunset gives you the best light to capture London’s iconic landmarks.
Book ahead: Popular cruises, especially dinner or sunset sailings, can fill up fast, so reserve your spot in advance.
Enjoy the commentary: Listen to live insights and historical tidbits that add an extra layer to your cruising experience.

Frequently asked questions about London cruises

  • Sightseeing cruises last about 40 minutes to 1 hour one-way, while dinner cruises run between 2 and 3 hours. Return trips usually take 1.5–2 hours.

  • Most cruises board at Westminster, London Eye, Tower, or Greenwich Pier, all located in central London and easily accessible by public transport.

  • Most cruises offer live English commentary along with multi-language audio options via mobile apps, providing historical context and local insights during your journey.

  • Sightseeing cruises typically include a small bar or snack service, while dining cruises offer multi-course meals with beverages. Always check ticket details for specific inclusions.

  • Cruises operate in light rain with covered seating available. In severe weather, departures may be delayed or canceled, with rebooking or refund options per ticket policies.

  • Many operators allow same-day mobile ticket purchases, but advance online booking is recommended during peak seasons or popular departure times to guarantee your spot.

  • Most large cruise boats offer wheelchair access, onboard toilets, and family-friendly seating. Confirm accessibility details with the operator when booking for personalized requirements.

  • Most cruise tickets allow cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before departure. Review the specific ticket terms, as policies may vary slightly between operators.

  • Early morning and sunset cruises are ideal, offering pleasant lighting for photography and a quieter atmosphere. Consider seasonal variations for optimal river conditions.

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What our guests say

GEORGIOS VOLOGIANNIS

Georgios

Feb 2026

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The museum is fantastic the wax figures are almost alive and it was very nice experience. I am going to visit again this museum to my next visit in London.

Combo: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + Madame Tussauds Tickets

Valentina Papa
IT

Valentina

Italy
Feb 2026

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Madame Tussauds was such a great experience and the wax figures are honestly impressive because they look so incredibly real. My absolute favorite part was the section dedicated to British serial killers, which is funny because I originally didn't even want to go inside. I was terrified that there would be some kind of jump scare or scary surprise waiting for me. However, a lovely member of the staff promised me that I had nothing to fear and he actually held my hand while he accompanied me through the whole exhibit. It was so kind of him and it turned the scariest part into the best part of the day. If you are a fan of superheroes, the Marvel area is also beautiful and definitely worth seeing. It is a fantastic place to visit and I highly recommend it.

Combo: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + Madame Tussauds Tickets

Jane Baard

Jane

Feb 2026

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We went when it was dark. London is so beautiful at night. As we were disabled we were fast tracked so no standing in long queues. Staff were great. Will definitely visit again.

Christmas at the London Eye

Chaimaa Essaidi el ouahabi
ES

Chaimaa

Spain
Feb 2026

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It's a very relaxing trip. I recommend going at night. The line seems to move very slowly, but it's actually the opposite. In less than 10 minutes, you're on the Ferris wheel, and there are lots of activities to do around it.

Christmas at the London Eye

Jakub Jäger
SK

Jakub

Slovakia
Feb 2026

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+1 more

Overall satisfaction from purchase to experience. The price is reasonable. I bought my ticket a day in advance, but there was only one seat left, just for me, so I recommend buying tickets well in advance.

Christmas at The View from The Shard

Michelle wilkinson
GB

Michelle

United Kingdom
Feb 2026

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Our visit to the shard was really good. It was my husbands birthday so it was nice to have the champagne package! I was a little concerned we would not see many landmarks due to very cloudy/ foggy weather, however we were pleasantly surprised and saw much more than expected!. It was also nice that when we went it was not overcrowded, however they could with more seating. The staff are lovely and we would love to come back for an evening experience with the city of london lit up at night!

Christmas at The View from The Shard

MARTIN Sylvie

Martin

Feb 2026

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These tickets are perfect for visiting these two iconic London landmarks. The estimated duration indicated corresponds well to the time spent on the visit.

Combo: London Eye + Thames River Cruise + Tower of London Tickets

Livia Corral Prados

Livia

Feb 2026

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It was very fun! Me and my boyfriend celebratated our second year anniversary there as we met in a shrek theatre performance it was so worth it! Genuinely such a memorable experience for both kids and adults. We got choosen for a few interactive experiences which made it so funny. We were laughing the whole time! (Especially when my boyfriend was told to look for gold in shreks toilet)😂 The staff was incredible and so talented and the sets felt like you were in the legit fairytale. We left saying we were coming back next year!!

Combo: Shrek’s Adventure! London + City Cruise Tickets

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