London Black Cab Tours: The BEST Tours & What To Expect In 2024
Want To Experience One Of The Iconic London Black Cab Tours In 2024?
Imagine zipping around London’s historic streets in one of the city’s famous black cabs. As you cruise past big names like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, your friendly cabbie will tell you cool stories and fun facts about everything you see.
These classic taxis have been driving Londoners around for ages, and now they offer visitors an amazing way to see the top sights and secret spots.
In 2024, taking a black cab tour is still one of the hottest things to do in London. It’s the perfect way to explore the real city with an expert guide.
More than just drivers, black cab drivers have spent years studying to pass an insanely hard test called The Knowledge about London’s Roads and Attractions. These cabbies know the city like the back of their hand.
In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about black cab tours in London. We’ll spotlight the top companies that offer private tours by black taxi in 2024.
You can pick classic city tours or special themed tours about music, Harry Potter, Christmas lights and more. There’s something for everyone! We’ll also let you know the can’t-miss stops to put on your custom tour route.
I’ll also cover some of the best hotels for your London stay – whether you want a budget spot or some serious luxury. I’ll also go through some of the most common questions about black cab tours in our FAQ section.
London Black Cab Tours: Overview
There’s simply no better way to experience the real London than from the backseat of an iconic black cab. These classic taxis have been an essential part of the city’s culture for over 300 years, chauffeuring everyone from royalty to regular Joes through the capital’s labyrinth of historic streets.
And who better to guide you than London’s legendary cabbies themselves? Before earning that prestigious green badge, these drivers have undergone one of the world’s most challenging geography tests – the fabled Knowledge.
We’re talking years of intense study to memorize every single street, landmark, route, and point of interest within the entire 6-mile radius of central London. Talk about local experts!
With a tried-and-true black cabbie leading the way, your London adventures are in good hands. Just hop in, buckle up, and get ready to see the city through the eyes of a wise-cracking, salt-of-the-earth Londoner.
No fussing over maps or getting turned around – your driver will happily narrate every turn with funny anecdotes, little-known histories, and cheeky insider tips that only locals know.
But maybe the biggest perk of these black cab tours is their beautiful flexibility. Don’t want to follow some pre-set touristy route? No worries, mate! Just tell your cabbie what you’re keen to see, and they’ll craft the perfect customized journey packed with iconic must-sees or off-the-beaten-path treasures – or perhaps a nice mix of both.
Love poking around quirky neighbourhood markets? They’ve got you covered. Desperate to geek out over London’s coolest music history? Consider it done.
With the comforts of your own private ride and the insider knowledge of a professional driver, you get to dictate every stop on your own bespoke London adventure.
It’s the ultimate laidback, authentic, and comfy way for savvy travellers to experience the real London. No stuffing into a crowded tour bus is required!
Best London Black Cab Tours
Ready to hop on the black cab tour train? Here are some of the top tours to consider booking for your 2024 London adventures.
🚕 The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour In A Black Cab
Want to kick things off properly on your London holiday? Book this top tour from the legends at Black Cab Heritage Tours. For four solid hours, you’ll have one of their classic cabbies showing you the ropes around town – no getting lost, no squinting at maps, just pure sightseeing bliss.
Obviously, you’ll hit all the big-name icons that simply have to be seen – Big Ben’s clocktower, the royal digs at Buckingham Palace, that bloody big Tower of London, and more. But these seasoned drivers know London’s charming neighbourhoods just as well as the famous landmarks.
Expect detours through vibrant areas like quirky Notting Hill, literary Bloomsbury, and cobblestoned Smithfield too. Your cabbie will point out all the cool little hideaways, historic pubs, and random oddities that most tourists completely miss.
Black Cab Heritage Tours have been giving visitors the real London experience for over 15 years now. Their cabbies aren’t just drivers – they’re certified London experts after acing that infamous Knowledge test on every street, landmark and traffic pattern within the city centre. These blokes can seriously talk your ear off with entertaining histories and fun facts at every turn.
The reviews just rave about how friendly, insightful and funny the guides are. Everyone loves not wasting any time getting lost or faffing about either.
For newcomers wanting a truly local introduction to London’s must-sees and hidden treasures without any stuffiness, this classic private black cab tour is an absolute winner. The price is right too – you’re getting an incredible personal experience for your money.
🚕 Private Tour: Black Taxi Tour Of London
With Black Taxi Tours of London, the world is your oyster card! This private tour lets you fully customize your own three-hour adventure. Where do you want to go? What do you want to see? Just let your driver know, and they’ll whip up the perfect itinerary.
Love the royals? Plot a course by Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace. More into history? Make stops at the Tower of London and Churchill’s War Rooms. Or maybe you want the inside scoop on filming locations for your favourite flicks? Your cabbie has all the deets!
The company’s drivers are extremely knowledgeable about every nook and cranny of London. With rave reviews for their friendly service, you can’t go wrong!
🚕 Rock Cab Tours Presents Music Legends Private Taxi Tour Of London
Music fans, this one’s for you! Join Rock Cab Tours for a rollicking ride through London’s most legendary rock haunts. Over three unforgettable hours, you’ll cruise by hotspots linked to The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Queen, and more.
Your rockin’ cabbie will regale you with wild tales about your favourite bands and artists. Find out where they recorded breakthrough albums, partied too hard, and left their mark on this musically-charged city. You’ll feel like you travelled back to the swinging ’60s!
From the super knowledgeable guides to the fun music trivia, reviews rave about this tour’s awesome vibes. It’s the best way for music buffs to experience London’s iconic rock scenes!
🚕 The Ultimate London Tour: Private 6-Hour Tour In A Black Cab
Go big or go home! This action-packed offering from Black Cab Heritage Tours cram shows you an epic six-hour odyssey. Over the day, you’ll cruise past basically EVERY major London sight and landmark. We’re talking hot spots like the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Notting Hill, and way, way more.
With double the time compared to their four-hour tour, your cabbie can give you an insanely detailed look into London life. You’ll hear stories, stop for pictures, and even have time to pop into attractions if you please. By the end, you’ll be a certified London know-it-all!
Glowing reviews praise this tour for its knowledgeable guides, comprehensive route, and great value. Many say it’s the single best way to see all of iconic London in one go.
🚕 Private Tour: Traditional Black Cab Tour Of London’s Hidden Treasures
For a fresh perspective, let See More Taxi Tours lead you down the road less travelled. Their black cab tour avoids the obvious spots to focus on London’s quirky and overlooked gems instead.
Over three fascinating hours, you’ll cruise through characterful neighbourhoods like Clerkenwell and Smithfield. Along the way, your cabbie will point out intriguing hidden histories, unusual architecture, secret gardens, and other overlooked treasures.
Reviews rave about how this off-the-beaten-path tour allows you to experience a totally different side of London. Thanks to the brilliant local guides, you’re guaranteed to discover loads of unforgettable gems.
🚕 Harry Potter Black Taxi Private Tour Of London With Hotel Pickup
Calling all Potterheads! This private black taxi tour from Black Taxi Tours of London lets you walk in the footsteps of the Boy Who Lived. Over three delightful hours, your Muggle driver will take you to iconic filming locations, inspirations for the books, and more Harry Potter hotspots.
See the real-life Diagon Alley, Dumbledore’s office, and the third-hand bookshop where the series was born. You’ll feel utterly spellbound as your knowledgeable guide dishes on behind-the-scenes tales and magical trivia.
While this ISN’T a studio tour, reviews still go wild for this immersive experience. It’s a can’t-miss for die-hard Potterheads visiting London!
🚕 Beatles Tour Of London By Private Black Taxi
Let Brit Icon Tours take you on a magical mystery tour through Beatles London! This three-hour private cab excursion whisks you through the Fab Four’s old haunts and hangouts. From Abbey Road to the iconic rooftop concert site, you’ll be swimming in Beatles mania.
Your super-knowledgeable driver will regale you with amazing stories and trivia about John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Hear the real tales behind the famous album cover shots, concerts, and more. You’ll feel like you travelled back to the swinging ’60s!
Beatles diehards rave about this tour’s incredibly passionate guides and amazing value for money. It’s a true dream for fans hoping to walk a mile in the Fab Four’s footsteps.
🚕 Private Tour: Traditional Black Cab Tour Of London’s Christmas Lights
Is there anything more magical than London at Christmas? From late November through December, See More Taxi Tours offers a spectacular two-hour black cab ride to see the city’s dazzling holiday light displays.
Your jolly cabbie will take you cruising through neighbourhoods like Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Covent Garden. Gaze in awe at the brilliant illuminations, festive decorations, and larger-than-life Christmas trees. You’ll feel like you wandered onto the set of a Dickens novel!
With rave reviews praising the guides’ festive spirit and brilliant light-viewing routes, this tour is a must for getting into the Christmas spirit. Just be sure to book early, as times fill up fast!
What Is The Famous Black Taxi In London?
So, what exactly is this iconic London black taxi you keep hearing about? Known officially as the Hackney Carriage, these classy cabs have been roaming the city since the 17th century! Their distinct style and colour scheme make them easily recognizable.
Today’s models sport a classic black exterior, spacious cabin, and traditional “taxi” rooftop sign. Under the hood, they boast wheelchair accessibility, power steering, and plenty of luggage space. The latest models even offer WiFi and charging ports to keep you connected!
Best of all, every black cab driver has completed the Knowledge – an insanely difficult test of London’s twisting roads and thousands of notable spots. Talk about local experts!
Where To Stay In London
Ready to book your London black cab tour adventure for 2024? Before saying “cheers” and waving down a taxi, you’ll need to sort out lodging. Here are some top-notch accommodation picks for any travel style and budget.
📍Best Budget Spot – Holiday Inn Express Greenwich – Greenwich
You can’t beat the Holiday Inn Express Greenwich when it comes to affordable digs in a stellar location. This budget-friendly hotel sits right in the heart of Greenwich, one of London’s prettiest and most historic neighbourhoods.
Expect modern, comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and work desks. There’s also an on-site restaurant and bar for easy eats. But the real draw is the location – just steps from the iconic Greenwich Market, Cutty Sark ship, Royal Observatory, and more.
Best of all, you’re just a quick tube ride from Central London’s major sights. Reviews praise the clean rooms, friendly staff, and amazing value for the prime location. It’s a stellar budget base for your adventures!
📍Best Mid-Range Spot – The Resident Covent Garden – Covent Garden
For a stylish yet affordable home base, you can’t go wrong with The Resident Covent Garden. This sleek boutique hotel drops you right in the heart of the buzzing Covent Garden, one of the city’s most charming districts.
Plush yet modern rooms come stocked with luxe amenities like Nespresso machines and rainfall showers. But you’ll likely spend more time in the hotel’s vibrant public spaces – think a hip all-day eatery, cosy resident’s lounge, and a trendy lobby bar.
The location is also unbeatable, surrounded by iconic spots like the Royal Opera House and world-class shopping. Reviews rave about the friendly staff and cool, contemporary vibe. For a taste of London’s best neighbourhood at mid-range prices, it’s perfection.
📍Best Luxury Spot – Shangri-La The Shard – Southwark
For unbeatable views and five-star luxury, nothing tops the Shangri-La The Shard. This ultra-lavish hotel occupies the soaring upper floors of London’s iconic Shard skyscraper in the buzzing Southwark district.
Impeccably appointed rooms and suites feature heated bathroom floors, Nespresso machines, and floor-to-ceiling windows with jaw-dropping skyline vistas. When you’re not gazing out, take a dip in the stunning 52nd-floor infinity pool or sip cocktails at one of the three exquisite bars.
You’re also within easy reach of top attractions like Borough Market and the Tower of London. While expensive, reviews call the Shangri-La a “luxurious oasis” worth the splurge for its exceptional service and incredible amenities. It’s a true London bucket list experience!
FAQs: London Black Cab Tours
Still scratching your head about these iconic London tours? Here are some quick FAQs to put your mind at ease.
Can You Book A Black Cab In Advance In London?
You sure can! While it’s easy to hail an available taxi on the street in London, booking your black cab tour in advance is highly recommended. This guarantees you’ll have your own personal driver ready to go when and where you want. Most companies offer easy online booking up to a year in advance.
How Long Does The Black Taxi Tour Take?
Most private black cab tours in London run between 2-4 hours long, with some half-day options up to 6 hours. The duration lets your driver cover a nice mix of highlights at a relaxed pace with plenty of stops. Of course, you can always modify tour lengths to suit your schedule.
Do London Black Cab Drivers Still Do The Knowledge?
Absolutely! In order to obtain their Hackney Carriage licenses, London cabbies must pass the world’s most challenging geographic test – The Knowledge. This gruelling process requires memorizing every street, landmark, route, and point of interest within a 6-mile radius of central London. It typically takes 2-4 years of intense study to pass!
What Are The Best Tours In London?
While black cab tours rank among London’s best and most flexible options, there are loads of incredible tours to experience. Think double-decker bus tours, Harry Potter studio tours, day trips to Stonehenge or Windsor Castle, food tours, ghost tours, and way more. Do your research to find tours that suit your unique travel interests!
Wrapping Up: London Black Cab Tours
There you have it – the full lowdown on seeing London by iconic black cab in 2024! These tours offer hassle-free London exploration with plenty of comfort, convenience, and customization. Just hop in, sit back, and let your friendly cabbie show you all the top sights and hidden treasures.
Whether you’re keen on a classic city overview or more niche interests like rock music, these black cab companies have you covered. With super knowledgeable guides behind the wheel, you’re guaranteed amazing stories and fascinating insights around every bend.
So what are you waiting for? Prepare to be whisked away on an unforgettable London adventure from the back of an iconic black cab! It’s the ultimate way to experience this incredible city like a savvy local.
