London is huge — but the parts most visitors want to see are surprisingly walkable. Instead of jumping on the Tube every few minutes, you can connect many of the city’s big sights simply by following the river and wandering through a handful of central neighbourhoods.
From Westminster and the South Bank to Covent Garden and Soho, there’s always another landmark, theatre, market, or side street just around the corner. The best way to soak it all up? Lace up your shoes and start walking.
This guide will help you think about London as a walking city and highlight the areas that fit perfectly into a self-guided route.
Why London Works Surprisingly Well as a Walking City
Central London is dense. Iconic places like Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Soho, the South Bank, and the West End theatres all sit within a relatively compact area along the Thames.
When you explore on foot, you can:
- Link several famous sights in one continuous walk
- Cross different bridges for changing skyline views
- Spontaneously dive into side streets, pubs, or parks
- Avoid stairs, crowds, and the stop-start rhythm of public transport
You’ll still use the Tube for longer hops, but for a day in central London, walking can easily be your main "transport".
A Classic Walking Arc: Westminster to the South Bank
Westminster & Big Ben
Start at Westminster, where you’ll find:
- Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
- Westminster Abbey
- The Thames just a few steps away
This area is busy, but it’s also where London feels instantly recognisable.
Cross Westminster Bridge for one of the best river views in the city.
South Bank Promenade
Once you’re on the South Bank, turn left and follow the riverside walkway. Along this stretch you’ll pass:
- The London Eye
- Street performers and food stalls
- Views across to the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s and the City skyline
It’s one of London’s most popular walking routes for good reason — you get continuous river views and big-ticket attractions without needing to navigate traffic.
If you have more time, you can continue all the way towards Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Millennium Bridge.
Neighbourhoods to Explore on Foot
Covent Garden
Head back across the river via Waterloo Bridge or the Jubilee footbridges and you’re only a short walk from Covent Garden.
Here you’ll find:
- The historic market halls with shops and cafés
- Street performers on the piazza
- Plenty of restaurants and wine bars tucked into side streets
- Easy access to the West End theatres
It’s a great place to pause for lunch or an early dinner before a show.
Soho
A few blocks from Covent Garden, Soho is compact, energetic, and perfect for evening wandering. It’s known for its dense mix of restaurants, pubs, cocktail bars, and small venues, as well as its history as one of London’s nightlife hubs.
Walk here in the late afternoon or evening to feel the neighbourhood at its liveliest.
Trafalgar Square & Leicester Square
Between Covent Garden, Soho, and the river, you’ll naturally pass:
- Trafalgar Square, with the National Gallery and big open views
- Leicester Square, surrounded by cinemas and theatres
These squares aren’t places you linger for hours, but they’re key waypoints that help you navigate central London on foot.
Parks & Green Detours
One of London’s secrets is how quickly you can swap busy streets for quiet green spaces.
- From Westminster, it’s a short walk through St James’s Park towards Buckingham Palace.
- From Soho or Covent Garden, Hyde Park and Green Park are not far if you’re in the mood for a longer stroll.
A loop that combines river views with a park detour gives your walking day a nice balance.
Practical Tips for Walking London
- Layer up: Weather changes quickly. Pack a light waterproof layer, even on a "sunny" day.
- Use bridges as your guide: Hungerford, Waterloo, Blackfriars, and Millennium Bridge all offer great views and easy ways to switch banks.
- Plan "anchor points": Pick 2–3 must-see sights, then connect them on foot instead of planning dozens of rigid stops.
- Mix in the Tube: Use walking for clusters of sights, then the Tube to jump to a new area when your feet need a break.
Final Thoughts
London can feel overwhelming on a map, but once you’re actually there, you realise how many iconic places sit within walking distance of each other.
Exploring on foot lets you:
- See the big landmarks from multiple angles
- Discover side streets, pubs, and viewpoints you’d never glimpse from underground
- Move at your own pace — speeding up between sights or slowing down when something catches your eye
If you’d like a ready-made route that connects these areas without the planning stress, a self-guided walking tour is a simple way to turn "we’ll just wander" into a relaxed, well-paced day.
You can browse London walking tours on CityTourWalks at:
Discover London walking tours or create your own personalized tour.
There you’ll find:
- Distances and estimated walking times
- A clear route linking the main highlights
- Practical tips woven into each stop
London is big — but the best parts shrink down nicely when you explore them step by step.