confused on booking tours on my own in London

[Jangles]

https://www.the-shard.com/restaurant-bars/sky-lounge/Definitely cancel the taxi. You will spend most of your time stuck in traffic and have to walk from the Tower to the nearest taxi rank. I agree with PPs. Get to the Tower first thing in the morning, after the Crown Jewels get on a hop on/hop off bus and you will see all the main sites. I like the London Eye, but it is only really worth doing if you know what you are looking at. If you want an aerial view, look at the Sky Lounge/View from the Shard, either the viewing area or the bar/restaurant.

 

[patty22407]

As others have said - having the taxi wait at each place might not accomplish the other "sightseeing" you wanted with the private taxi. I HIGHLY recommend just taking regular taxi to the Eye and Jewels and take the sightseeing on Bridget's Tea bus (sightseeing on a doubledecker AND tea). It really is fun and drives you around for all the sights.

 

[pjacobi]

I found the moving carpet through the crown jewel kinda boring. For security purposes, you are not allowed to get very close to the crown or linger for a detailed look.

I much more preferred listening to the uniformed Beefeater and the history of the palace - as in who's head was chopped off on this very spot. There is a great collection of armor, including King Henry's exaggerated cod piece.

I was also privileged to return to the Tower later in the evening to witness the "Ceremony of the Keys", a very limited special ticket.

It's even better to arrive by the Tube because the station exits (Way Out) is at the remaining walls of Roman Londinium.

There is lots to see at this very historic location. Take your time and don't rush!


-Paul

 

[auntlynne]

Apologies

 

[fredandkell]

I was in London May 19-26. Please listen to the people telling you that you’ll be stuck in traffic in a taxi. We Ubered several times (due to some mobility issues) and every time, it took us double or more what Uber said it would. Traffic is HORRIBLE. Much better to use the Tube if you have no mobility issues or Uber boats on the Thames.

Also agreeing with others that the jewels are one of the least interesting parts about the Tower. The Tower is so cool. Also agreeing that the Eye is slow and boring.

If I had one day in London, I’d do Tower for 3-4 hours, eat lunch, then do Westminster Abbey in the afternoon.

 

[Jangles]

If I had one day in London, I’d do Tower for 3-4 hours, eat lunch, then do Westminster Abbey in the afternoon.

One could visit the Tower, wander across Tower Bridge, turn right, walk past Shakespeare’s Globe theatre (The Swan is a lovely little restaurant), the Golden Hinde, see the Belfast, St Paul’s across the river and the City, up to the London Eye, keep walking, then cross the bridge to the Houses of Parliament/Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. As one wanders over the bridge see the financial district, Shard etc on the horizon. A really nice walk and not too far.

 

[anricat]

I'm here to just second some of the recommendations you've gotten. The London Eye is so boring and so expensive. It would need to be a quarter of the price and move twice as fast for me to recommend it. I would skip it and do something more interesting.

The Tower on the other hand was great. We spent a morning there and still could have spent more time. The jewels are fine, I guess. Definitely rope drop. We got there early before opening to get in line and went immediately to the jewels. It takes about 5 minutes because it's on a moving sidewalk so you can't dawdle.

We only ever used one taxi when our feet gave out on us and we had all our luggage. Otherwise we used the tube and did everything on our own. No need for tours.

 

[MnkyGirl]

I know everyone is saying "get to the Tower before it opens!" But another GREAT tip is to book the last ticket slot of the day. (usually around 4 or 4:30) We had the run of the place. There wasn't ANYONE in line for the Crown Jewels when we went in. We saw everything in about an hour and a half. (also worked GREAT to keep us from giving in to jetlag lol)
I'm another one who is a STRONG supporter of ditching the taxis! The Tube is SO much easier. We were able to see so much more by just walking/taking the underground. Plus, if you're nervous about figuring it out, GoogleMaps is INCREDIBLE! Just change your mode to the public transportation option instead of driving. It tells you which line to take and everything.