Downing Street Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Downing Street. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

• London Sightseeing Private Black Cab Tour With Hotel Pick Up

• London Sightseeing Walking Tour With 30+ Sights

• The Ultimate 6-Hour Private Tour of London in an Iconic Black Cab

• Black Taxi Tour of London

Visiting Downing Street is free, as it’s only visible through the private gated entrance and not open for public tours. However, you can learn about the street’s political significance on guided tours of London. Shared walking tours start at US$20, while private tours typically cost upwards of US$190.

Yes, Downing Street is definitely worth visiting—it's the White House of the United Kingdom. While you can't pass the gates that guard the street's working government buildings, you can stop by for a photo of the historic 10 Downing Street. Visit on a guided sightseeing tour of London to learn more about the prime ministers who have resided at Downing Street, and to dive deeper into the city's political and royal history. Many tours add additional stops at landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben.

Per one customer who booked The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab, "Our guide Sean took us to London's best landmarks and had an incredible amount of knowledge. We were able to get to areas not easily accessible by other cars and it was a pleasure to have him guide us around. Highly recommend taking the tour as we got a crash course in history and now have a deeper appreciation of the city and its origins, especially in the comfort and safety of a private guide!"

Downing Street started out in the 17th century, lined by humble terraced houses. Between two and three centuries later, the street was rebuilt per the designs of Sir Christopher Wren. Successive politicians and dignitaries then called Downing Street home, marking it firmly as an address of power.

Photos can be taken by the entrance gates to Downing Street, the police-guarded iron security gates that block any public entry. However, you’ll need a good zoom on your camera if you want a photo of 10 Downing Street, which is normally only open to select press, politicians, and police.

No, the public can’t access Downing Street as admission is tightly controlled because it’s the London residence and working office of the British Prime Minister. Curious visitors can take virtual 10 Downing Street tours or enter to win a snoop around the gardens during the London Open Garden Squares Weekend.

No, there’s no entrance fee to visit Downing Street as the public can’t enter freely. If you want an alternative glimpse of the street that’s not by the police-thronged gates, take a seat on the #11 bus or ride the London Eye. For virtual Downing Street tours, there’s no fee.

The British Prime Minister hosts receptions and events throughout the year at Downing Street, but they’re strictly invite-only. Past receptions have included the 20th anniversary of the Frieze London Art Fair, a Pride reception, and a Festive Showcase event, which put the spotlight on popular exported British cheese like Yorkshire Wensleydale.

Visitors can reach Downing Street in central London easily using public transport. It’s a 10-minute walk from the tube stations of Westminster or Embankment, or the train station of Charing Cross. Several public buses serve the Westminster area around Downing Street, as well as nearly all London sightseeing buses.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Downing Street. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in London:

• Buckingham Palace

• Tower of London

• Westminster Abbey

• London Eye

• Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in London.