After welcoming thousands of American visitors to my Kensington hotel over the past 15 years, I’ve noticed a pattern: some of London’s most famous attractions consistently leave travelers feeling underwhelmed and overcharged. While these spots might be plastered across every London tourism website and guidebook, they often drain both your precious vacation time and your travel budget without delivering the authentic London experience you’re seeking. As someone who sees the city through both a local’s eyes and a hotelier’s perspective, I’m going to share some honest advice about three of London’s most overhyped attractions – and more importantly, what to do instead. Don’t worry, the alternatives I’m suggesting will give you better photos, richer experiences, and leave you with more pounds in your pocket for afternoon tea or a pint at a proper British pub.
The London Eye: Save Your Time (and Money)
I can see the London Eye from my hotel’s rooftop terrace, and I’ll admit – it looks impressive lighting up the South Bank skyline. But after 15 years of chatting with guests at breakfast about their experiences, I’ve learned that this giant Ferris wheel often leaves visitors feeling short-changed. At £30 ($38) per person for a standard ticket, plus premium rates during peak seasons, you’re paying a hefty sum for what amounts to a 30-minute rotation in a crowded glass pod. And here’s what the glossy brochures don’t tell you: during busy periods (which is most of the year), you might spend up to 90 minutes queuing, even with pre-booked tickets.
Let me share a local’s secret: head to the Sky Garden instead. Nicknamed “London’s Walkie Talkie” by locals due to its distinctive shape, this venue offers spectacular 360-degree views from the 43rd floor, complete with lush indoor gardens and surprisingly comfortable seating areas. Unlike the Eye, where you’re constantly moving, you can linger here as long as you like, enjoying a coffee or glass of wine from their excellent bar. Best of all? It’s completely FREE. I always tell my American guests to book their Sky Garden visit online about 2-3 weeks before their trip – slots are released every Monday for the following week. Pro tip: book a sunrise slot (they open at 7am) to avoid the crowds and catch a stunning view of London waking up. You won’t miss those Eye queues one bit!
Madame Tussauds: A Waxy Waste of Time
When my American guests mention their plans to visit Madame Tussauds, I usually pause before asking, “Are you sure?” Here’s why: at £42 ($53) per adult – and that’s just the basic ticket – you’re paying premium London prices to shuffle through crowded, maze-like rooms taking photos with wax figures. I’ve had countless families return to the hotel looking exhausted, having spent their entire morning in queues that can stretch for blocks down Marylebone Road. Even with “skip-the-line” tickets (which cost even more), you’re still facing considerable wait times during peak tourist seasons. And let’s be honest – many of the celebrities featured are the same ones you’ll find in the Madame Tussauds back home.
Instead, let me point you toward some authentic London culture that won’t break the bank. The British Museum, just a 15-minute walk from my hotel, houses actual treasures like the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures – and it’s completely free. Or visit the newly renovated National Portrait Gallery, where you can see real portraits of historical figures who shaped British history, from Tudor monarchs to modern celebrities. Both museums offer free guided tours, air conditioning (a rare luxury in London!), and excellent cafes where you can rest your feet. Pro tip: if you’re really keen on celebrity spotting, grab a coffee at Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone – you’re more likely to see an actual celebrity there than a wax one at Tussauds!
Buckingham Palace State Rooms: Royal Disappointment
As a Londoner, I completely understand the allure of Buckingham Palace – it’s the Queen’s official London residence and an iconic symbol of the British monarchy. However, after years of collecting feedback from my hotel guests, I’ve found that the State Rooms tour (available only from July to October) rarely lives up to expectations. At £30 ($38) per adult, visitors often tell me they felt rushed through roped-off rooms by crowds, with no photography allowed and surprisingly little historical context. Plus, many of the most interesting rooms aren’t even included on the tour. I’ve lost count of how many times guests have returned saying, “Is that it?”
Let me share a better royal experience: Hampton Court Palace. Located just 35 minutes from central London by train (and yes, I’ll happily show you how to use our rail system!), this Tudor masterpiece offers everything Buckingham Palace doesn’t. For £27 ($34), you get a full day’s worth of exploration – we’re talking Henry VIII’s actual apartments, a medieval kitchen where costumed interpreters cook authentic recipes, and the largest surviving baroque gardens in Britain. You can take all the photos you want, and the interactive exhibits are fantastic for both adults and children. My guests particularly love the Tudor cookery demonstrations and the famous Hampton Court maze. Pro tip: Visit on a Sunday when the palace’s Tudor kitchens are in full swing, with real historic recipes being prepared. The smell of freshly baked bread from 500-year-old ovens is something you won’t find at Buckingham Palace!
Skip the Tourist Traps, Embrace the Real London
Look, I understand the temptation to tick off all those “must-see” attractions during your London visit – believe me, I’ve helped countless guests plan their itineraries. But after sharing these alternative suggestions with my hotel guests over the years, I’ve received nothing but grateful thanks at breakfast the next morning. By skipping the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and Buckingham Palace State Rooms, you’ll save approximately £102 ($129) per person and avoid spending nearly 6 hours in queues. Instead, you’ll get authentic experiences, better photos, and genuine stories to share back home – not just the same selfies everyone else has on their Instagram.
Remember, London’s magic isn’t found in its tourist traps, but in its layers of history, hidden gems, and local experiences. The money you save can go toward experiences that truly make London special – perhaps a theatrical performance in the West End, a food tour through Borough Market, or even a day trip to charming Bath or Cambridge. And if you need more insider tips, you know where to find me – I’m always happy to share more secrets over a proper cup of English tea in our hotel lobby!