Best for first-time visitors
The Westminster to Greenwich sightseeing cruise is the most efficient way to see London's landmarks. In about 70 minutes you'll pass the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, the Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge — with a guide narrating the city's two-thousand-year history. Buy a return ticket if you also want to wander Greenwich Market and climb to the Royal Observatory; one-way works if you'd rather take the DLR back.
Best for date night and special occasions
The Thames dinner cruise is the romantic upgrade. Three hours, a multi-course modern British menu and a glass-walled boat that drifts past Tower Bridge and the Shard once they're fully lit. Bring a jacket — the open rear deck is the best photography spot on the river.
Best for seeing everything in one day
The Majestic London full-day tour packs Westminster Abbey, the Changing of the Guard, St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London into a single itinerary — with a Thames River Cruise connecting the sites by water. Ideal if you only have one day in the capital and want an expert guide to handle all the logistics.
Best for families and thrill-seekers
The River Thames speedboat tour swaps gentle cruising for high-speed adrenaline. A comedian guide keeps everyone laughing as the boat powers past the London Eye and under Tower Bridge. At 50 minutes it's short enough for restless kids, and 96% of English-speaking travellers award it a perfect score.
When to sail
May to September gives you the warmest weather and longest light, but Thames cruises run year-round. December cruises pair well with Southbank Christmas markets, and February is the quietest (and cheapest) month on the water.
