Which Hop on Hop Off Bus Is Best in London?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re planning a trip to London, one of the best ways to explore the city is through a hop on hop off bus tour. These tours allow you to see all of the major sights and attractions while giving you the flexibility to get off and explore at your own pace.

However, with so many different companies offering these tours, it can be tough to know which one to choose. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best hop on hop off bus tours in London.

The Big Bus Tour

One of the most popular hop on hop off bus tours in London is The Big Bus Tour. This tour offers a variety of routes that cover all of the major sights and attractions in the city, including Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye.

One of the biggest advantages of The Big Bus Tour is that it offers live commentary from knowledgeable guides who can provide insight into London’s history and culture. Additionally, this tour includes free walking tours and a Thames river cruise.

Pros

  • Live commentary from knowledgeable guides
  • Free walking tours and Thames river cruise included
  • Covers all major sights and attractions

Cons

  • Can be crowded during peak tourist season
  • May not be as budget-friendly as other options
  • Tours may be affected by traffic or road closures

The Original Tour

Another popular option for hop on hop off bus tours in London is The Original Tour. This company has been operating since 1951 and offers a variety of routes that cover all of London’s major sights.

One unique feature of The Original Tour is its “Kids’ Club,” which provides activity packs for children to keep them engaged during the tour. Additionally, The Original Tour offers a free river cruise and walking tours.

Pros

  • Offers a “Kids’ Club” with activity packs
  • Free river cruise and walking tours included
  • Covers all major sights and attractions

Cons

  • May not offer as much in-depth commentary as other tours
  • Tours may be affected by traffic or road closures
  • Some routes only run during peak tourist season

The Golden Tours Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

The Golden Tours Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour is another popular option for exploring London’s sights and attractions. This tour covers all of the major landmarks, including the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament.

One advantage of this tour is that it offers audio commentary in 11 different languages.

Pros

  • Audio commentary available in 11 different languages
  • Covers all major sights and attractions
  • Free walking tours and Thames river cruise included

Cons

  • Tours may be affected by traffic or road closures
  • Some routes only run during peak tourist season
  • May not offer as much in-depth commentary as other tours

The City Sightseeing Bus Tour

The City Sightseeing Bus Tour is another great option for those looking to explore London’s top sights. This tour covers over 50 different stops across the city, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and the Tower of London.

One unique feature of this tour is that it offers a free walking tour of the City of London. Additionally, this tour includes audio commentary in 12 different languages.

Pros

  • Covers over 50 different stops across the city
  • Free walking tour of the City of London included
  • Audio commentary available in 12 different languages

Cons

  • Tours may be affected by traffic or road closures
  • May not offer as much in-depth commentary as other tours
  • Routes may not cover all major sights and attractions

Conclusion

Overall, there are many great hop on hop off bus tours to choose from in London. Each of the tours listed above offers its own unique advantages and features.

To choose the best tour for your needs, consider factors such as budget, the number of stops and attractions covered, and any additional features such as free walking tours or river cruises. With a little bit of research, you’re sure to find the perfect hop on hop off bus tour to help you explore all that London has to offer.