London: Private Black Cab Tour with Hotel Pickup & Top Sights

Summary

London’s icons up close in a classic black cab with stories

You’ll ride through central London in an iconic black cab with hotel pickup included, stopping for photos at Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace. A local driver shares stories you won’t find in guidebooks—plus plenty of time to soak in each spot without feeling rushed or crowded.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to actually enjoy sitting in traffic — but there’s something about gliding through London in a black cab that makes even the red lights feel like part of the show. Our driver, Simon (born and raised in East London), picked us up right at our hotel door. He had that dry wit you only get here — he called the drizzle “classic British confetti” as we pulled away. I kept noticing how the city smells different from inside a cab: a mix of rain on stone, exhaust, and bakery air drifting in at Piccadilly Circus.

We stopped for photos at places I’d only seen on postcards — Tower Bridge looked almost unreal against the grey sky. Simon told us it opens over 1,000 times a year for ships (I had no idea). At St Paul’s Cathedral, he let us linger while he chatted with another cabbie about football scores. The bells echoed off the dome and I felt weirdly small but happy. When we reached Westminster Abbey, there was this hush outside — even with all the tourists around. He pointed out little things: how Westminster Bridge is painted green to match Parliament seats. Who thinks of that?

Buckingham Palace was swarming with people hoping for the Changing of the Guard. We didn’t see it (timing’s tricky), but Simon made sure we got close enough to watch one of the Grenadiers adjust his bearskin hat — kind of funny, actually. Trafalgar Square was louder than I expected; pigeons everywhere and some kid feeding them bits of sandwich. The tour felt easy — no rushing or herding along. If you want to tweak anything or stop somewhere longer, just ask. I still think about that moment crossing Westminster Bridge — Big Ben chiming above us and everything sort of clicking into place.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — London iconic landmarks sightseeing

• Hotel pick-up in Central London
• Visit Tower Bridge and learn history
• Stop at St Paul’s Cathedral
• See Big Ben and hear chimes
• Explore Westminster Abbey
• View Houses of Parliament
• Walk past Westminster Bridge
• Drive by 10 Downing Street
• Visit Buckingham Palace
• Stop at Leicester Square
• See Piccadilly Circus
• Visit Trafalgar Square
• Pass through Shaftesbury Avenue Theatreland
• Stop at London Eye for views
• Hotel drop-off in Central London

Top questions

How long does the private black cab tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but tours are flexible and customizable based on your interests.

Is hotel pickup included in central London?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for central London hotels.

Are stops like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace included?

Yes, you’ll stop at major landmarks including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

Can I customize which sights we visit?

Yes, you can request specific stops or adjust timing during your tour.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can ride on an adult’s lap or in a pram or stroller.

Will there be a local guide or just a driver?

Your driver is also your guide—a local Londoner sharing stories along the way.

What famous landmarks are included on this day trip?

You’ll see Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and more.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an iconic black cab with hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in central London; you’ll have a private local guide behind the wheel who shares stories as you go; all areas are wheelchair accessible; infants can join safely; plus plenty of time for photos at each landmark before heading back whenever you’re ready.