Audio Guide for London
What's included in the London Audio Guide
The London Audio Guide is a self-guided tour app for the visitor's own smartphone, with a map of the city and audio commentary on more than 170 points of interest, from Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, plus Soho, Camden, Portobello Road, the South Kensington museums, Greenwich and Kew Gardens. Tapping any marker on the map opens its audio, and the "Take me here" option draws a walking route from the current location.
Once the map and audio are saved on the phone, the guide works offline, so it keeps playing where there is no signal, and the visit runs at the visitor's own pace. Entry tickets to the sites are not included. A smartphone is needed, and headphones help in busy areas.
Recommended itinerary
This suggested walk of about 9.5 km links the main stops, from Buckingham Palace and Westminster across the river to the South Bank, over the Millennium Bridge to St Paul's and through the City to the Tower and Tower Bridge. It takes about two hours on foot, before any visits.
The route: Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, Churchill War Rooms, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Eye, Royal Festival Hall, Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, Royal Exchange, Leadenhall Market, The Monument, Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
How does the London audio guide app work?
The London Audio Guide runs on the visitor's own smartphone, so there is no device to collect or return.
- Book online: the download instructions arrive by email right after booking.
- Download on Wi-Fi: install the app, choose one of the five languages and save the London map and audio before setting out.
- Tap a stop on the map: each marker opens a card with a photo of the place and a play button for its commentary.
- Listen offline: once saved, the guide plays with no signal or mobile data, in any order and at the visitor's own pace.