• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

See the best of London in one unforgettable day with a local guide by your side. Visit iconic sights like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square, then dive deeper with hidden gems, local stories, and handpicked spots only a Londoner would know. With personal insights and flexible pacing, this full-day walking tour offers a truly authentic way to experience the city.

Destination

London, England

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

8 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

العربية, English, Türkçe

Included

• Private guide
• City orientation
• All Withlocals tours are carbon neutral

Excluded

• Public transport (tube)
• Entrance to attractions
• Meals

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 2 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at Underneath King Charles Street Arch - London to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. City Highlights

   See from Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and other landmarks and must-sees of the city. Your local host will take you to the main spots in town so you can get the perfect overview of what makes London so unique

4. Hidden Gems

   Along the way, your local host will show you treasures hidden in plain sight that only the locals know about. Get to know the city through a different perspective, the local way, and discover places and stories that not many tourists experience

5. Magical Storytelling

   Behind every landmark and every stop, there’s a story, and your local host is ready to tell it all. Get ready to listen to incredible stories, one-of-a-kind insights, and fun facts only a knowledgeable local would know!

6. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Steven

(About local Kemal)

26 July 2025

Full of knowledge of the history and the aria. Took us to all the hole in the wall bars that we enjoyed very much.Fantastic guide

Bonnie

(About local Sophie)

22 July 2025

I truly appreciate how patient she was with all four of us. She guided us with breeze and knowledge of London! And tolerated all my kids! We had a great afternoon with Sophie!Sophie was fantastic!

Colin🇳🇿 New Zealand

(About local Kemal)

16 July 2025

We booked Kemal when we were home in New Zealand, having reviewed other reviews about Kemal and having checked out his photography online and in instagram. This man is so modest about his accomplishments- everything online is understated. He has a great ability to engage with locals in Turkey in such a warm and genuine manner- people seem to do anything for him, allow him places and are happy for him/us to photograph them, showing their story and humanity. He has travelled to and knows so many countries- it’s not for nothing he was a staff photographer ( and executive editor) for National Geographic for many years. I don’t think we could ask him anything about Istanbul and the surrounding area ( we did two of his tours) which he didn’t know. He organised a car, and made recommendations for meals/ drinks (which were spot on- and we had as part of the tours). Not only that, he is very flexible to fit in with exactly what you want- just guiding, or going to places specifically for photographic opportunities. He met us at our hotel- really takes away any hassle- and you really do get to see a lot more than if left to your own devices. He also has a “voice map” guided out of the Galata area of Istanbul- we didn’t know about that- suggest checking it out. We weren’t sure if Kemal was the same person as “Kemal Nuraydin” in instagram- he is. He is the same Kemal in “Terra Photos tours” ( website and instagram) as well. Also, to remove any potential confusion, he actually lives in London, doing the same work there, but has friends and family in Istanbul, so is always happy to fly over to do your guiding or tour. Sounds like we are advertising him, which we are- only because we think he is so good at what he does. Thanks Kemal! Colin Brown and Ruth Bijl , Auckland, New ZealandTHE BEST GUIDE and PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE

Cindy🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sophie)

6 July 2025

Our walking tour with Sophie was great! She is very kind and patient with my kids, and also was very knowledgeable and animated about London. I would highly recommend Sophie !Wonderful tour

Adrienne🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Sophie)

26 June 2025

Sophie was energetic and enthusiastic! She kept our group entertained with great stories, insight, and knowledgeGreat walking tour

Marc🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Kemal)

16 June 2025

Kemal was a great teacher for us. He helped us take our photography to the next level or even to the level above that. We loved every second of it and truly appreciate him coming to Istanbul for us. Yes it is pricy but for us it was worth it, as we now have a new approach to taking fotos of the people on the streets, so thank you very much Kemal!Awesome Streetphoto Tour/Lesson in Galata

Thomas🇧🇪 Belgium

(About local Sophie)

10 June 2025

Sophie is a great guide Very enthousiastic about the city. Many historical references and anecdote makes the tour with Sophie always fascinating. We spend 3 hours with her and enjoyed every seconds. Sophie is also very kind All in all, I recommend her with no hesitation Enthousiatic

Hector 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Kemal)

21 May 2025

Had a fantastic time in the Galata area of Istanbul with Kemal. Local knowledge is a great thing. For someone trying to remember how to find their way around a camera again, it was a fantastic learning experience. I would thoroughly recommend Kemal's tour if you are lucky enough to find him available. He is patient, seeks out great photo opportunities, and willing acomplicies, to help 'get that shot'. We also learned a few tips and tricks to make our phone mobile photography better. An all round great time with an all round great guy! şerefe Kemal. Galata with Kemal

Anna🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sophie)

25 April 2025

We loved our tour with Sophie -- it's the second time we've had her give us a tour in London, and she did an amazing job. She made the history very interesting and accessible and guided the tour towards our interests. Highly recommend! Incredible tour guide!

Unknown

(About local Sophie)

19 April 2025

Sophie was infectious with her love and knowledge of London. Loved the tour !Great personable tour!

Erin

(About local Sophie)

18 April 2025

Sophie is LOVELY. So kind and full of facts and seems to genuinely love what she does. Our family loved our tour with her. We hit all of the spots we most wanted to see and she was INFINITELY patient with my son who had endless questions for her. We learned a lot and had so much fun. Wonderful tour

Cassie

(About local Kemal)

16 April 2025

Kemal took my family of 4 to various points around the Galata Tower area. Within the first hour, we already learned a great deal of technique and info. We had no idea what our iPhones were capable of doing. He engaged my kids (12- and 14- y/o) in a natural way and encouraged them to keep taking photos throughout the experience. He sprinkled in historical information to give context of where we were. Highly recommend for beginners like us and I’m sure would be an amazing reliever for experienced photographers.Learned much more than I could imagine.

Matt🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sophie)

21 March 2025

Sophie was pleasant and knowledgeable. Before meeting her she asked what we were interested in seeing and tailored the stroll to our liking. We went at a casual pace and saw many things that were made more interesting because of Sophie’s commentary. Worth the walk

k8yrfnrn24

(About local Kemal)

31 August 2024

Danke für die professionelle Führung mit extrem viel Wissen und Geheimtiips😍🤗Familienstadtführung

Sunshine🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sophie)

17 July 2024

Sophie was great for our family of 5 with 3 teenagers! She was super easy to communicate with even helping me with some London specific questions I had before we traveled. She met up with us at our hotel which kicked the tour off to a great start! She showed us ALL the highlights we wanted to see, filled in so much fun and interesting history as we walked and showed us some treasures in London we would have never seen without her - hello Leake Street!!!! Highly recommend Sophie for families or anyone looking for a friendly, warm, super knowledgeable guide for their London tour!Family Tour 3 teens! Sophie was great!

Fatimah🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

(About local Sophie)

6 July 2024

Sophie was a delightful and informative guide during my tour of London. Her extensive knowledge about the city made the experience truly enriching. Her cheerful nature added a wonderful touch to the overall tour, making it even more enjoyable.A wonderful tour

Bella🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sophie)

29 June 2024

Very sweet and knowledgable guide. We had a great time, and she even recommended some cool pubs we tried! Perfect Kickstart

Craig🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sophie)

31 December 2023

A great way to experience London. Not a boring minute! Don’t miss the opportunity to tour with Sophie.

Susan

(About local Sophie)

18 September 2023

Sophie was amazing Fantastic

Vic🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Kemal)

3 July 2023

If you want your photos and technique critiqued and improved, then this is the tour to go on. I thought I had a good eye for photos, but as a professional, Kemal is on another level. He pointed out people and scenes that I'd totally missed. He also provided tips on how to take street photos of people, what backgrounds looked good, how to set up your photo and a raft of other suggestions - he's very generous with his knowledge and experience (I'm not telling, you'll have to find out for yourself!). He provides a running commentary on the local history of the areas you visit, which adds a bit of background to what you're looking at. He also takes advantage of situations that arise, like the lady that wanted her photo taken that he turned into a model photo shoot for the two of us and photographing some waiters at an outdoor restaurant that turned into a free afternoon tea with the waiters and two local cops. He has a good sense of humor and we had a great and very productive afternoon. Informative, productive and entertaining

shira 🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sophie)

26 June 2023

Everything about our time spent with Sophie was enjoyable! She knew the ins and outs of every area And had stories to go along with what she was showing and describing Her knowledge of the Buckingham palace and changing of the guards where to be was really impressive We toured many great neighborhoods markets and parks so seamlessly Was an unforgettable day ! Thank you to Sophie for giving us such a special and memorable day in London Wonderful day spent with Sophie!!

Anne🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Kemal)

15 May 2023

We had a great tour with Kemal. He made it very interesting for both - adults & kids (15, 13 and 8). He also showed us spots for great photos and told us a lot about the history. He very nicely engaged with the kids. We all loved the tour. Had a great tour with Kemal

nidia🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sophie)

20 April 2023

We loved the tour!! Sophie was very knowledgeable, friendly, and awesome! She took the time to answer all our questions and even had great advice, tips, and suggestions for the rest of our trip. 11 out of 10!! Amazing Tour!!

Donna🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sophie)

1 April 2023

We thoroughly enjoyed Sophie during our tour. She was so accomodating and cheery, you can't help but enjoy as she radiates positive energy all around. She is full of fun facts of history and it was very entertaining finding out hidden gems of London. It was like meeting up with a friend and have her show you around town. That was how comforting and at ease we were with Sophie. We hope to see her again next time she visit London for more tours. SOPHIE is an AMAZING tour guide

Aicha🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sophie)

7 March 2023

A fabulous tour for first timers to London! Sophie was out of this world! She showed our group all the great spots in London and even got a some tasty treats along the tour! 10/10 experience!Amazing tour!

Sharon

(About local Sophie)

19 November 2022

Sophie was wonderful as a guide for the Hidden Gem Tours, full of local history, knowledge and travel tips which are essential on a short stay. She is very friendly and enthusiastic and very easy to talk to. Great Hidden Gems tour and local knowledge

Martina 🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Kemal)

6 November 2022

Es war ein tolles Erlebnis. Wir haben viel über Street Art und das East End gelernt.

Judith🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sophie)

7 October 2022

We know when we choose With Locals it will be an informative and fun tour. This one didn’t disappoint. Always a good experience

Dayna🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sophie)

22 August 2022

One word to describe Sophie- Amazing! She went above and beyond any expectations we had. Sophie’s knowledge of the history of London is superior to none! She brought so much joy and energy to our trip. She heard our needs and wants and delivered by going above and beyond. We can’t wait to go back to London and have Sophie right by our side! If you want to enrich your trip - then have Sophie as your guide!Super Sophie

Laurie🇺🇸 United States

(About local Kemal)

30 May 2022

Kemal was a knowledgable, friendly, passionate, and intriguing guide during our tour of Westminster. Our family imcluded one wheelchair user and two children (9, 13). Kemal taught us a great deal and adapted to meet the needs of 4 eager, but jet lagged students. He sent me educational material to supplement what he taught us and made himself available after the tour for any questions I may have after reading the material he provided. We spoke with Kemal and chose to customize our tour to include photos of our family. We are thrilled with their quality and they are my favorite souviners of the trip. We learned and saw so much in our few short hours with Kemal. The next time we are in London we will definitely take another tour with him. Fantastic Experience!

Wasim 🇹🇷 Turkey

(About local Kemal)

17 February 2021

I had a very nice day with Kemal yesterday. Kemal is a really amazing teacher and was also very attentive and helpful. He made me step out of my comfort zone and pushed me and I felt I needed that. I highly recommend going on a photography tour it’s more like a master class. I hope to go on another tour later in the future. A great experience

Karin🇳🇦 Namibia

(About local Kemal)

19 February 2020

We went on this magnificent tour with Kemel. My friend and I are both amateur photographers. We learned a huge amount from Kemel. His knowledge of photography is superb. He knows the different cameras extremely well and could assist us with all our questions. The fishing villages and castle ruins were excellent locations. I will highly recommend this tour with Kemel. He is very kind and has a good sense of humor.Magnificent photography tour

Ron🇺🇸 United States

(About local Kemal)

5 October 2019

This was combined with a night shoot. Long day and action filled. Kemal is very professional and a fun person to travel with. Saw a lot of sights that were unique because of his local friends. The best I have been with... tour guide and top level photographer. Full day of activity and sights

Ron🇺🇸 United States

(About local Kemal)

5 October 2019

Kemal is wonderful, he is a solid professional photographer. I am a good photographer, but he taught me a lot. I write travel articles for a local magazine in Naples, FL and Kemal is a walking encyclopedia of history. Fun person too!See behind the scenes

Ervinna🇸🇬 Singapore

(About local Kemal)

1 October 2019

Prior to the photography session with Kemal, I joined hunting photography trips with my Indonesian group of friends, but Kemal opened a totally new perspective for me. I learned a lot from him. The experience and the lesson i got, was totally worth it. Kemal was a great teacher and also a sweet kind-hearted new friend i found in Instanbul. Thank you a lot, Kemal. Keep in touch ! Superb experience in Instanbul !!!

Teresa🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Kemal)

5 June 2019

I spend very interesting hours with Kemal and enjoyed the tour a lot. Although i usually shoot photograph in auto mode and I`m really technically untalented Kemal was able to teach me the basics of photography. So on the end we have visit some interesting places and I have taken very nice pictures. I would recomend this tour to anyone, even those who like me is not a "professional photographer"

Pam🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Kemal)

19 March 2019

We had a wonderful experience with Kemal. Right from the first point of contact Kemal was friendly, imformative ,knowledgeable and very communicative and responsive to queries . We felt comfortable on first meeting him and we were so glad we booked this tour . His insider knowledge took us off the beaten track for a different, more personalised tour . Kemal was keen to help us improve our photography and spent time, pointing out unusual angles, things going on around us and spotting opportunities we may have otherwise missed . I feel much more comfotable with my camera and he got me out of my comfort zone and onto Manual mode. Skill for life ! Loved every moment of this experience. I can recommend him for sure . Thanks a million Kemal .. you make me want to return to Istanbul. First Class

Shelly🇺🇸 United States

(About local Kemal)

30 September 2018

Kemal met me at 5:30am to make sure we would make it to a great spot to catch the sunrise over the Bosphorus. Then he took me to some great spots along the shore that I had not seen before. Before I arrived Kemal gave me advice on what gear to bring, asked what I was looking for and was flexible on timing and places. We finished up the tour at a small local market near the airport. Kemal has a great way with people and really helps you figure out how to interact and what spots are great for photos. I highly recommend his tour!Sunrise tour in Istanbul

Aimee

(About local Kemal)

12 July 2018

Spent two wonderful days with Kemal exploring parts of Istanbul which were definitely off the beaten track.I contacted him via what’s app and e mail and from day one he was very prompt and professional about the whole thing.He immediately understood what I wanted out of this tour.Even though when I arrived the weather was not what I was expecting but Kemal made sure that I still had an amazing time and he took me to places where I think I achieved some great shots. He was very easy going and very helpful when he spotted that I could get a better shot in a certain manner he pointed it out.He was generous with his knowledge.One thing which I really liked was that even though he knew that from certain spots due to weather conditions I would not get the shots I would like he still accommodated them in our route and showed me in case I wanted to visit them later. Kemal really knows his city the people and he has a very easy manner about him.I would recommend this tour irrespective of you being a photographer or not !! Thanks Kemal it was amazing spending time with you!National Geographic Photographer Workshop

john

(About local Kemal)

12 July 2018

Let me start by saying it was worth every penny! We communicated via email prior and he was very clear in regard to what he offered - just what I was hoping for. He met me where I was staying and we began by reviewing basic camera functions to ensure I was up to speed. He also covered exposure compensation! He spent time talking about photographic theory throughout the day. He took me to craftsmen in the Grand Bazar that were way off the beaten path. There I met some wonderful people and took some amazing images!! The goldsmiths were incredible. We worked on reflections, panning and settings. He shot with me and wanted to see what I was capturing - offering constructive criticism as needed in a encouraging way. He was very patient and answered all of my questions in a direct manner often covering complex ideas in a easy to understand fashion. The people that he introduced me to, were pleasant and kind. The children in the park were great and the neighborhoods were even better. He timed the ferries to ensure were we on the correct one to capture the sunset over the harbor and Mosques. To cap it off, we captured the Maidens Tower at night and worked on the basics of flash. Would I do this again? In a heart beat!National Geographic Photographer Workshop

Amelia

(About local Kemal)

9 July 2018

Perfect mix of discovering Istanbul and improving your photography! I've done a few photography tours in the past where I left feeling like I didn't learn much. This was different. Kemal was very accommodating and easy to work with, fitting me in at the last minute for a private tour and meeting me in a location convenient to where I was staying. He was able to hone in on specific aspects that I needed to work on in my photography and I felt like I left the tour knowing what I need to work on and with new tools in my "belt" to do so. Kemal gives you just the right amount of direction and space to let you try out new things and be creative, while keeping a watchful eye and giving needed advice. I was also able to see parts of Istanbul, even in the center of the touristy areas, that were still off the beaten path and that I wouldn't have been able to find on my own. In short, well worth the money and has definitely made a substantial difference in how I go about my photography. Recommended for anyone who wants to improve their photography and see some new sides of Istanbul! National Geographic Photographer Workshop

Alex

(About local Kemal)

2 July 2018

A great experience! I was on a business trip and had booked tour with Kemal on several days for a few hours. He made time despite his busy schedule, even picking me up at 5 am one morning. I was amazed to see his knowledge of cameras and lenses belonging to different brands. He cleared several of my doubts in photography on my Nikon equipment. We had discussions about techniques, composition and post processing. Other than being an excellent photographer and guide, I would always trust Kemal for his restaurant recommendations. He knows Istanbul in and out, an added advantage. Thanks Kemal!National Geographic Photographer Workshop