How to Take a Walking Tour of London

London is one of the world's most important financial, business and cultural centers. Besides that, it is also one of Europe's oldest and most historically significant cities. Whether you are interested in modern-day London or her colorful past, there is plenty to see and do in this distinguished city. If you love to walk, this expansive city will keep you on your feet for days.

Things You'll Need

• Guide Book
• City Maps
• Camera
• Travel Journal
• Good Walking Shoes

Instructions

Self-Guided Walking Tour

1. Buy a good comprehensive travel guide of London A good guide will have detailed maps of the city and public transportation. London has an extensive subway system known as the Tubes. You will need to use this to get to your various starting points. The guide should also have a bit of history about each landmark as well as descriptions of London's culture and people.

2. Peruse the guide looking for points of interest that appeal most to you.

3. Make a list of the places you would like to see then find them on the map.

4. Decide how much time you have to spend and plan accordingly. Most walking tours, even when you're setting your own pace, will take at least 2-3 hours so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

5. Highlight each point on your map and plan out the best route to get from A to B to C and so on. Then, find a suitable place to begin your tour. Remember you're on foot so plan tours of sights that are reasonably close together. London is so large that you will need to choose a specific section to focus on for any given tour. Many of the historical sights are within walking distance of the Tower of London.

6. Read about each location's history in your guide as you walk from point to point.

7. Take pictures of each landmark. Try taking pictures of things from unusual angles and distances to add interest to the photos.

8. Keep a journal of your tour, making notes about each place. Write down your first impressions, what feelings a particular place evoked or what you liked most about something as a way to remember the experience.

9. Repeat the process as many times as you'd like, changing the route and destinations each time. You will definitely want to do this in London because it is so large.

Professional Guided Tour

1. Research London before you go so you know what parts of the city you most want to visit.

2. Find a tour agency that provides walking tours. This is easily done by searching the Web for walking tours. Most agencies offer various tours that cover different parts of the city. Some of the tours have themes as well.

3. Book the tour of your choice. Generally these tours can be booked online, in advance or you can often meet at the starting point and pay on the spot. Most tours are reasonably priced and offer discounts for students and children.

4. Get directions to the starting point of the walking tour and be sure to arrive on time so you don't miss the guide.

5. Take your camera and your travel journal to record your walking tour experience.

Tips & Warnings

• The advantage of a self-guided walking tour is that you get to set the pace and choose the specific destinations. You don't have to wait for a group so if you find a particular location interesting you can spend as much time as you'd like and can move on quickly from the spots that are less appealing to you. If you like exploring on your own, a self-guided tour is the best choice.

• The advantage of a professionally guided walking tour is the expertise of the guide. Not only does the guide know the city well, so you won't get lost, they also know the history. If you're a history buff and love listening to stories from by gone eras, a professionally guided tour is the best choice.

• Some travel guides are available online and provide suggestions for walking tours that are already mapped out for you. They also give background information on each landmark you visit. This is a good way to do your own walking tour without the cost of hiring a tour guide but with the same expertise.

• If you love to shop consider a walking tour of Harrods.

• If you are a history buff the Tower of London is a must see. Yeoman, the castle gaurds, give free guided tours of this 1000 year old royal fortress.

• You can't go to London without seeing a show. London is renowned for its excellent dramaturgical tradition and dozens of shows play nightly all over the city.