London Tourist Traps Exposed: Top 10 Places to Avoid and Better Ways to Spend Time

Last Updated on May 22, 2025 by Amitylux

Would you like to avoid expensive tourist traps and visit hidden gems in London? Then you are in the right place. The city overflows with royal glamour, bright lights, and famous shows, yet some tourist spots drain wallets and test patience. Luckily, you can dodge them with a little know-how. This guide breaks down ten overrated attractions, explains why they disappoint, and provides better alternatives that are more affordable and genuine. A tiny detour, sometimes just one street over, reveals calm gardens, lively cafés, and free museums. Grab a cuppa, read through the tips, and get ready for a smarter adventure!

Top 10 London tourist traps and what to do instead

Below are the worst places to visit in London. Each listing shows why people feel let down and offers a nearby swap that costs less and feels far more rewarding.

1. Madame Tussauds

Why it’s a trap

Standard tickets are around £37, queues are stretched around the corners, and the wax figures rarely change. After one quick selfie, many guests wonder where the money went.

Try this instead

Stroll ten minutes north to the free Wallace Collection. Real portraits, glittering armour, and a peaceful courtyard café beat wax every time. Finish your visit with a peaceful walk in the nearby Regent’s Park.

2. The London Eye

Why it’s a trap

A basic ride costs about £33, and fast-track options are almost £40. Visitors often queue longer than they rotate, and cloudy weather can easily blur the view.

Try this instead

Reserve a free entrance at the Sky Garden far in advance, or walk up Primrose Hill for a picnic at sunset. Both spots provide skyline views with no ticket drama.

3. Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross

Why it’s a trap

The trolley photo op sits in a shopping hall rather than the real platforms. Staff upsell glossy pictures, and waiting in line can steal an hour or more.

Try this instead

Take the train to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour for genuine film sets, or visit House of MinaLima in Soho to see original graphic art from the movies.

4. M&M’s World, Leicester Square

Why it’s a trap

Four floors of pushing branded sweets at premium prices. It is filled with shoppers with loud music, which drains energy fast, and you can buy the same candy at any supermarket for far less.

Try this instead

Indulge in the famous hot chocolate at Dark Sugars on Brick Lane or enjoy the viral chocolate strawberries at Borough Market near London Bridge.

5. The Sherlock Holmes Museum

Why it’s a trap

Entry reaches almost £20 for three small rooms of recreated props, and visitors exit through a crowded gift shop.

Try this instead

Enjoy a pint surrounded by Sherlock memorabilia in the Sherlock Holmes Pub near Charing Cross. It will bring you right back into Sherlock’s detective scenes!

6. SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Why it’s a trap

Narrow walkways clog quickly, ticket prices rival premium zoos, and many tanks repeat familiar species. Reviews often mention slow movement and limited seating.

Try this instead

Visit London Zoo in Regent’s Park, where your entry funds conservation work. On a tighter budget, explore the giant marine fossils in the free Natural History Museum.

7. The London Dungeon

Why it’s a trap

Jump scares, long waits, and high entry fees leave many guests underwhelmed. The scripted jokes by paid actors can feel forced, and historical facts take a back seat.

Try this instead

Visit The Tower of London, where you can explore the real historical grounds of London’s infamous prison without a price tag. Or, climb the narrow stairs to the Old Operating Theatre Museum, which is the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe.

8. Piccadilly Circus & Leicester Square

Why it’s a trap

Neon screens wow for five minutes, then chain restaurants and ticket touts take over. Cafés and bars nearby charge a premium simply for the postcode.

Try this instead

Walk to the historical Trafalgar Square and step into the free National Gallery with stunning architecture and curated art collections. Afterward, slip into colourful Neal’s Yard for cosy cafés and photogenic corners.

9. Oxford Street 

Why it’s a trap

Half a million shoppers cram the pavements each day, chasing the same brand names they can find at home. The crush can leave you exhausted rather than excited.

Try this instead

Join the local fashion scene at Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross, where restored warehouses frame smart boutiques. Or hunt for vintage treasures at the boutiques recommended in our recent blog: Hidden thrifting gems in London.

10. Hop on Hop off Bus Tours

Why it’s a trap

One-day tickets can top £40, and city traffic often turns a two-hour loop into three. Audio commentary repeats general tourist information, and snapping photos from behind glass is tricky.

Try this instead

Ride iconic Bus 11 from Liverpool Street to Chelsea for less than £2 with an Oyster or contactless card. Grab a seat in the front row of the second floor or sit on the right side of the bus. The route passes St Paul’s, Trafalgar Square, and the Houses of Parliament. You’ll get so much more for only 5% of the price!

Conclusion

Think back to the last time you stood in a slow queue, counting the cost of your ticket while the thrill of discovery slipped away. Instead of falling into these London tourist traps, wouldn’t you rather visit parks, free galleries, and local markets where you can save money and bring back stories that last? If you would like to discover more of London’s hidden spots tailored to your interests, consider Amitylux’s private London tour. Our local experts guide private groups, slide past queues, and reveal side streets full of surprises. The groups stay small, questions flow easily, and every stop feels personal. Treat yourself to comfort and insight on your next visit to London and avoid the crowded tourist traps!

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