London: Private Black Cab Tour for Landmarks & Photo Stops

Summary

London’s famous sights by black cab with stories and laughter

You’ll ride through London in a classic black cab with a local driver-guide who knows every shortcut and story. See icons like Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Tower of London up close—with plenty of time for photos or quick walks. Expect laughs, small surprises (like coffee tips), and an easygoing pace that lets you soak it all in.

What’s the experience like?

There’s something about stepping into a real London black cab that just feels right. Our guide—Paul, who’s been driving these streets for decades—greeted us with that dry humor I’d always heard about but never really believed was real. We set off from our hotel near Covent Garden, windows slightly cracked because the city air smelled like rain and roasted coffee drifting from some corner café. Paul asked what we most wanted to see (I blurted out Big Ben before I could think), then just grinned and said, “We’ll make it work.”

We zipped past Westminster Abbey first—the stone looked almost gold in the morning light—and Paul told us how Newton and Darwin are buried inside. He pointed out little things I’d never have noticed, like the way the guards at St. James’s Palace barely blink when tourists wave at them. At Buckingham Palace, we lucked into catching part of the Changing of the Guard; honestly, it was more pageantry than I expected, all brass buttons and horses’ hooves on wet pavement. The main keyword here is private black cab tour London, but honestly it just felt like being shown around by someone who loves their city.

I didn’t expect to get goosebumps seeing the Tower of London up close—it’s colder and grimmer than postcards let on. Paul had stories about prisoners and ravens that made me shiver (in a good way). We stopped for quick photos at places like Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus; I tried to take a selfie with Nelson’s Column in the background but mostly got my own confused face. Borough Market was our last stop, packed with noise and smells—spices, frying onions, something sweet I couldn’t place. Paul gave us tips on where to grab lunch after he dropped us off.

I still think about that moment outside St. Paul’s Cathedral—just standing there while traffic buzzed past, feeling tiny under that huge dome. Four hours went fast. If you want to see most of London in half a day without feeling rushed or herded along with a crowd, this private black cab tour from central London is honestly worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — London landmarks private cab tour

• Meet Accredited London Driver Guide
• Visit Westminster Abbey exterior
• Stop outside Buckingham Palace
• See Changing of the Guard ceremony
• View Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
• Drive past 10 Downing Street
• Watch Horse Guards Parade
• Explore St. James’s Palace exterior
• Discover Tower of London exterior
• Admire St. Paul’s Cathedral dome
• Drive past Marble Arch
• Pass Piccadilly Circus
• Pass Trafalgar Square
• Drive by Royal Albert Hall
• See Monument to the Great Fire of London
• Drive past Hyde Park
• View London Eye from outside
• Stop at Borough Market
• Visit Shakespeare’s Globe exterior
• Pass Parliament Square
• Pass Covent Garden

Top questions

How long does the private black cab tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

Does the tour include entry into attractions?

No, you won’t enter attractions; you’ll stop outside for photos and short walks.

Is pickup included in central London?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from central London locations.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, vehicles and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or strollers on this tour.

Which landmarks will we see during the tour?

You’ll pass or stop at sites like Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Borough Market, Hyde Park and more.

Will there be time for photos during the tour?

Yes, there are plenty of opportunities to stop for photos at major sights.

Are tickets required for any part of this tour?

No tickets are needed as you won’t be entering attractions.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in a classic black cab (or similar vehicle), photo stops at iconic landmarks across London like Big Ben and Borough Market, short walks guided by your professional driver-guide who shares stories along the way, plus convenient pickup and drop-off anywhere in central London before you’re left with tips on where to eat next.