hop on bus tours london

THE 10 BEST London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Hop-on hop-off tours in london.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise

2. City Sightseeing London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

3. Vintage London Bus Tour Including Cruise with London Eye option

4. Golden Tours London Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Sightseeing Bus Tour

5. Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing River Cruise on the Thames

6. Big Bus London Open-Top Evening Tour

7. The Big Day out - London Eye Ticket, London Hop-on Hop-Off Tour & River Cruise

8. London Tour Hop-on Hop-off Bus optional Thames River cruise

9. London: Harry Potter Walking Tour + Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

10. IFS Cloud Cable Car and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers Hop On Hop Off Pass

11. Tower of London with London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise

12. London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise

13. Ride of Routemaster and See London

14. London Tootbus Discovery Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

15. London Discovery by Day and by Night Hop-On Hop-off Tours

16. London Christmas Day 1 Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

17. London Eye Fast-Track Ticket with Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise

18. London by Night Tootbus Sightseeing Bus Tour

19. 7 Day Winter Tour of England and Scotland starting from London

20. London for 5 Days with Stay in English Families Home

21. Full Day London Pick & Mix Customized Tour

22. 7 Day Tour Exploring England and Scotland starting from London

23. full day london pick & mix customized tour, what travelers are saying.

• Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise
• City Sightseeing London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
• Vintage London Bus Tour Including Cruise with London Eye option
• Thames 24 Hour Hop-On Hop-Off River Cruise
• Golden Tours London Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Vox City International Ltd
• Big Bus Tours
• Tootbus London
• Ceylon Pass
• Happy Tourist Pvt Ltd
• Thames River Sightseeing
• City Cruises
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
• Liudmila Saburova Russian Guide In England

• Select Language
• Select Currency
• Australian Dollar
• Canadian Dollar
• Chinese Yuan (CNY)
• British Pound (GBP)
• Indian Rupees (INR)
• Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Malaysian Ringgit
• Newzealand Dollar
• Singapore Dollar

Hop On Hop Off London - Bus Tours

Looking for ways to explore the city and see all its best bits? Hop-On Hop-Off London is the most fun way to explore the capital city of England and the UK. Pick the open-top Tootbus or City Sightseeing London Bus Tour to navigate around one of the world's busiest cities. Your bus will pass through all key attractions like London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Madam Tussauds, London Bridge, The Shard and allow you to get off and get on as you like. Visit and wave to Nelson standing tall on his Trafalgar Square column or marvel at the futuristic and expanding city skyline. What's more, all your tickets come with options to add on extras.

London Sightseeing Bus Tours

( ) experiences found.

• Recommended
• High to low
• Low to high
• User rating

Top Customer Reviews

Carol holobinko.

So easy to see the sights without doing all of the driving!

Judelka Gumbs

Booked a last minute tour from the same day and it was worth it. The bus locations and stops were easy to find and there were members of staff in most locations ready to help and guide you. The bus seats were comfortable and the audio was informative, audible and comical making the experience enjoyable.

Anna Jenkins

Excellent tour! Great way to see the city.

Experience London in Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Get to ride the London Eye or visit Madame Tussauds to say 'hello' to the stars! You'll be saving some pennies if you do. Your ticket allows you to hop off the bus where you choose. You can always hop back on again later!

Nothing beats a good combo ticket. Check out all the options in the simple online booking process. All tickets offered by Golden Tours and Original Hop-On Hop-Off London Bus Tours come with options to add on the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and more. Options will be presented in the simple online booking process.

And those looking for some great deals may wish to pick up The London Pass, which provides access to the Tower of London, skip-the-line admission at St. Paul's Cathedral, and a lot more! A London Hop-On Hop-Off tour is the perfect accompaniment to your trip and also one of the best things to do in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is a hop-on hop-off london bus tour.

A Hop-on Hop-off London bus tour essentially works over a designated route that allows you to see London’s top attractions and set your own itinerary. With all the stops located strategically around all the major attractions, it is convenient to explore at your own pace. When you are ready to return, simply show your pass, hop back on the bus and onward toward your next attraction. You can do this as many times as you like within your ticket limit.

Q: What are the key attractions covered in the London Hop-On Hop-Off tour?

London Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour will take you through major attractions and landmarks including Trafalgar Square, Thames River, Westminster pier or Tower of London pier, London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, Downing Street, Piccadilly, Buckingham Palace, and more.

Q: Where can I find a list of all the stops and a map of the various Hop-On Hop-Off London tour routes?

You can visit the relevant product page and check the Useful Downloads section to find the latest information as routes, stops and timings change frequently.

Q: Are these tours guided?

Depending on the London tour operator, bus tours can either have a live guide or an audio guide. You can enjoy an informative commentary on the bus as you pass famous attractions and neighborhoods.

Q: What is the validity of the tour?

You can choose from 24/36/48/72-hour or ½/3-day London tours depending on your travel plans. The vouchers are valid anywhere between 6 months to 12 months and can be used anytime during that period.

Other Hop On Hop Off Destinations

• New York City
• San Francisco
• Washington DC
• Los Angeles
• Johannesburg
• San Antonio
• Reykjavik Iceland
• St-Petersburg
• Benalmadena
• Thessaloniki
• Kristiansand
• BUENOS AIRES
• Hop On Hop Off Bus Offers and Deals

travel inspiration from guidebook

LONDON CALLING : Top London Attractions to Experience in England’s Capital in 2023

London – the dynamic and lively capital of England welcomes you! From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this bustling metropolis has no… The post LONDON CALLING : Top London Attractions to Experience in England’s Capital in 2023 appeared first on The Guidebook - isango! .

The Best Way to Capture London – Take a Thames River Cruise

Ride the Thames Tide The post The Best Way to Capture London – Take a Thames River Cruise appeared first on The Guidebook - isango! .

Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – Top Royal Tours to Take

Hooray, it’s a celebration day! The post Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – Top Royal Tours to Take appeared first on The Guidebook - isango! .

Get the latest offers and inspiration

Sign up to our newsletter and get the best isango! has to offer

• Enter a valid email
• Enter the characters shown below Captcha not matching

Terms of Use

• Booking terms & conditions
• Picture credits

Get in touch

Haven't found what you're looking for?

Try a more specific search (e.g Add city or destination name)

You have signed up successfully.

Please stay tuned on your email for exciting offers.

Sign Up Login Login Or Sign Up

Sign up to create and view bookings Login to create and view bookings

• Enter full name
• E-Mail ID Already Exists User does not exist Enter a valid email
• Please enter password Enter valid password(at least 6 characters)
• Remember me Forgot Password
• I wish to receive top deals and travel inspiration
• By signing up you agree to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Forgot Password

• Enter your email address and we will send an email with a link to reset your password.
• Continue Login

Email sent successfully.

London Bus Tour

Let the city simply take you by surprise.

Hop-on hop-off: explore London at your own pace in 1, 2 or 3 days

Must See London

Hop-on hop-off bus tour + cruise

• 1, 2 or 3 days
• 3 bus routes
• 3 walking tours
• River cruise

London Discovery

Hop-on hop-off bus tour + walking tours

London themed bus tours: discover the city from a different angle

London Kids Tour

Non-stop live guided bus tour

• Live guided in English
• Fun and educational

London by Night

Non-stop evening bus tour

• Adult & kids commentary

Unique rooftop on wheels

• Catchy playlist
• Drinks available on board

London Packages: combine our hop-on hop-off visit with an attraction or a night tour

London Discovery + London By Night

Daytime hop-on hop-off bus tour + evening bus tour

• 3 daytime bus routes
• 1 night tour

Need inspiration to discover more of London ?

Wi-Fi on board

Audioguide in 10 languages

Family Pass

Kids special commentary

Walking tours includded

Fully accessible

Avoid These Tourist Traps In London And Visit These Destinations Instead

O ne of the world's greatest cities, London is packed with tourist attractions so impressive that you'll want to add them all to your itinerary. From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace to the Churchill War Rooms, the list of unmissable landmarks seems endless. Don't worry, though -- it's possible to visit most of them in just a two-day trip . When you're on a tight schedule, it's important to avoid time- and money-wasting tourist traps in favor of visiting sites that are worthy of your attention. 

Whether it's an overrated and overpriced wax museum, a kitschy dungeon experience, or a super crowded viewpoint, there are many places to avoid visiting in the U.K.'s heady capital. The confusing part? Some of them top multiple lists of must-see attractions. That's where we come in. 

As someone who lived in this captivating English city for six years, I have first-hand knowledge of the biggest tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London. Plus, I can offer more impressive (and often less costly) destinations to visit instead. Don't want to take my word for it? No problem. I combined my first-hand knowledge with reviews and suggestions from other locals to create this list.

Read more: 50 Underrated Tourist Destinations Around The World

Skip Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours And Ride A London Bus

While hop-on hop-off bus tours can be a convenient way to explore a big city, they often come with a hefty price tag. If the tour is based in London, you can expect to pay over $50 per adult for a one-day pass. Instead, board a London bus, which will cost less than $7 for a day of travel. Bus fare for one ride is about $2 and the daily cap is under $7. To pay for their ride, visitors must use a contactless card or an Oyster Card, the visitor's version of which can be purchased online and mailed to your home before you leave.

Double-decker London buses offer spectacular city views, with many routes passing right by London's landmark attractions. One of our faves is the historic Routemaster Bus 15, which we suggest boarding at the Tower of London. Hop on at Great Tower Street (Stop TT) and ride west to Charing Cross Station. Be sure to sit up top for the best views along this heritage route -– you can't miss St. Paul's Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. 

Bus 24 is another great option for sightseers. Hop on at Victoria Station and ride it to Camden High Street. Along the way, you'll pass Westminster Abbey, the Horse Guard's Parade, Trafalgar Square, and Downing Street. Grab a bite at Camden Market when you disembark or stay on until you reach Hampstead Heath where you can catch unbeatable views of the city.

Skip Madame Tussauds And Visit Buckingham Palace

It may tout itself as a top London attraction, but Madame Tussauds would be more honest if they said they were the top rip-off site. Booking in advance will save some money -- the standard online rate for an adult begins at just over $47 versus the walk-up price, which begins at almost $60. But that's still a lot of quid to dish out for wandering around an overcrowded and noisy space filled with okay-ish wax replicas of A- and B-list celebs. Yes, it's fun to take photos with the royal family and fool friends into thinking you met them IRL, but is it worth it? We don't think so.

Instead, we suggest visiting Buckingham Palace for a potential King Charles III sighting. Realistically, you probably won't spy a royal outside the palace, but at least you'll see a historic monument up close. Celebrities more your thing? Book a reservation at one of the city's most popular restaurants. Chiltern Firehouse has hosted acting greats Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper as well as soccer superstar David Beckham. 34 Mayfair is another good bet for great food and celeb spotting. Imelda Staunton and royal family members have all eaten here.

Skip Changing Of The Guard And Visit The Queen's Gallery

While you should add Buckingham Palace to your list of must-see London tourist attractions, you may want to avoid a visit during the Changing of the Guard. This formal ceremony marks the change between the old guard (on-duty soldiers) and new guard (soldiers taking over duty) for the royal palaces. Marching with a band from Wellington Barracks to the Palace, the new guard will arrive at the palace at about 10:45 a.m. A well-known event, this is a big tourist draw, which means you can expect hefty crowds queuing up an hour or more in advance, as well as pickpockets who arrive to take advantage of the chaotic atmosphere. This tourist trap, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, is one you'll be happy to miss. Sadly, watching this famed ceremony these days feels more like witnessing an overhyped marching band than it does an esteemed historic ritual.

Instead, ditch the crowds and glimpse art from the Royal Collection in the Queen's Gallery or visit the Royal Mews , where you can see the royal stables and the 260-year-old Gold State Coach used at King Charles III's Coronation. The Mews are open Thursday through Monday from early March to early November. Neighboring St. James Park is another interesting place to visit. One of London's famed Royal Parks, it is bordered by three palaces and boasts a fabulous view of Buckingham Palace in particular.

Skip Platform 9 ¾ At King's Cross Station And Visit Warner Brothers Studio Tour London

If you're traveling with a Harry Potter-obsessed kid, you may want to visit Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station. But if you're alone, or with other adults who couldn't care less, we advise you to skip this overrated tourist trap. If you're already planning to be in King's Cross Station and have time to scope out this attraction, that's one thing; but if you're traveling there with the sole purpose of visiting this site, think twice. 

Set between platforms 9 and 10 (obvs) this point of interest includes nothing but a brick wall denoted with a sign. Stuck into the wall is part of a trolley loaded with fake suitcases and an empty owl cage. Those hoping for a quick photo and to score some Potter swag will be pleased;  the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ is open daily, even on bank holidays, and it sells everything from wands to clothes to makeup. 

For those who'd rather have an unforgettable and truly magical Harry Potter experience, though, head to Warner Brothers Studio Tour London -- The Making of Harry Potter in nearby Leavesden. Instead of merely looking at a wall, visitors can board the Hogwarts Express, "fly" on a broomstick, walk through the Great Hall, and explore the Forbidden Forest. Step foot in Diagon Alley, try a Butterbeer, or check out some of the film's famous props and costumes. You won't be sorry you visited.

Skip London Dungeon And Visit The Tower Of London

No matter how much the kids beg you to visit the London Dungeon, stay strong and just say "no." This kitschy tourist trap is a waste of your hard-earned money (tickets start at over $37 for adults) and it's so hokey you'll roll your eyes more times than you can count on both hands. This pitiful attraction is peppered with costume-clad actors who like to scream and cackle and its two rides (the Drop Dead: Drop Ride and the Tyrant Boat Ride) will make you wish you were at Walt Disney World; even "It's a Small World" would be more enjoyable. An escape room has also been added to increase the venue's income stream –- it costs $153 for a private game for six people.

Want a historic experience with a side of chills? Head to the Tower of London instead. There, you can tour the Torture at the Tower Exhibition, where you can get up close and personal with the stretching machine (a.k.a. the rack) and other ancient torture devices in the Lower Wakefield Tower. The Bloody Tower is another point of interest you won't want to miss. The most infamous prison on the grounds, this is where you'll learn about the alleged murder of two young princes -– Edward V and his little brother Richard –- by their uncle, Richard III.

Skip The London Bridge Experience And Visit Churchill War Rooms

Looking for a good spooking? Do yourself a favor and skip The London Bridge Experience. A tourist trap designed to bring the city's macabre history to life with the help of actors with a penchant for jump scares, you can expect to meet zombie-like versions of ghastly heavyweights Jack the Ripper and William Wallace during your visit. Tickets cost about $37 for the experience, which takes anywhere between 35 and 50 minutes. That means you could be spending more than $1 a minute. Entry fees also include a trip to the London Tombs, deemed the U.K.'s "best scare attraction," according to their site . Zombified dentists, doctors, and creepy clowns await visitors in the lower vaults of this venue, ready to pounce and scream in your face.

Instead, we suggest visiting the Churchill War Rooms. Also located underground, this fascinating historic facility is part of the Imperial War Museums. Located in the basement of Whitehall, this once-secret complex was used by former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, top government ministers, and military planners to conduct meetings and develop plans during the country's war effort during World War II. Known as the Cabinet War Rooms, this clandestine spot was used daily during the war, until August 16, 1945. Or experience that stomach drop feeling by walking the glass floors at Tower Bridge. Set nearly 138 feet above the Thames, the views are both terrifying and impressive. Tickets cost under $16 per adult. 

Skip The Sherlock Holmes Museum And Visit The Sherlock Holmes Pub

We don't recommend visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum unless you have a detective-obsessed kid who doesn't realize that the famed character is fictional. Set inside a Georgian townhouse at 221B Baker Street in Marylebone, this four-story museum has been open since 1990. Inside lie antique furnishings mentioned in the books and pretty creepy-looking mannequins. Tickets cost over $21 which isn't exorbitant, especially for London, but considering you won't be there long (the museum's quite small), this seems a bit of a waste.

Instead, head to The Sherlock Holmes  in St James. Self-described as a "Victorian-themed public house," this watering hole features a recreated version of the famed fictional detective's apartment upstairs. The entire pub is dotted with references to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved books, making it easy to feel as if you're within the pages. Plus, there's a beer garden –- the museum certainly doesn't have one of those.

Skip The SEA Life London Aquarium And Visit The London Zoo

You'll find everything you'd expect to see at the SEA Life London Aquarium. From penguins to sharks to turtles, they're all there. And as far as aquariums go, this is a pretty good one. But when you're in one of the world's greatest cities that lies on the banks of a river, not an ocean, there are plenty of better things to see. Standard tickets to the Sea Life London Aquarium cost $24 online or $51 at the door. Again, that's pretty on par for London attractions, however, it's a steep price to pay for a tourist trap. 

Instead, visit London Zoo in Regent's Park. The oldest scientific zoo in the world, this family-friendly attraction was opened in 1828 for fellows of the Zoological Society of London. In 1847, the public was invited to visit. Today, the zoo is home to 14,0000 animals including a giant, 425-pound silverback gorilla, Sumatran tigers, and Linne's two-toed sloths. While tickets aren't cheap (an adult will cost about $40 to visit on a weekday), it's easy to spend a whole day here. Or, if you aren't willing to part with that much cash, visit the smaller, and lesser-known, Battersea Park Children's Zoo . Adult tickets are more reasonably priced, at $16. There are over 100 animals at this little zoo, including wallabies, meerkats, otters, and lemurs, and plenty of opportunities to interact with animals like coatis, donkeys, and goats.

Skip The Shard And Visit Level 10 At The Tate Modern

There's no denying that The Shard is impressive. In fact, it's one of the most spectacular buildings in the world . The viewing platform was opened by the queen on February 1, 2013, with the main restaurants (Aqua, Oblix, and Hutong) following suit that summer. Set across the Thames from another bucket-list-worthy London building, the Gherkin, this engineering masterpiece towers 1,016 feet above the city and boasts 11,000 glass panels. 

Dubbed a "vertical city," there's plenty to do inside, like spend serious coin on a meal with a view, or zip up one of the 44 elevators to the viewing platform. That 360-degree view will cost you, though -- about $36, or more if you add a glass of champagne. And if you visit on a day that's rainy or misty (honestly, London is often both of those things), you're basically paying for a ride in a lift.

Instead, head to Level 10 at Tate Modern, where you can enjoy a drink or snack (including sandwiches and salads) while ogling the impressive view of the Thames, St. Paul's Cathedral, the BT Tower, and Blackfriar's Bridge. You won't have to pay a thing unless you choose to grab a bite or a warm cuppa. The Skygarden at 20 Fenchurch Street is another must-visit for a free skyline vista. The highest public garden in London, this leafy space is as stunning as its views are remarkable.

Skip The London Eye And Visit Hamstead Heath

We are well aware that some of you will disagree with this addition to our list of tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London, but hear us out. Yes, the London Eye is iconic. Yes, it offers fantastic views of the city. And yes, it's deemed a top London attraction you won't want to miss . That said, visiting this popular landmark can cause more headaches than enjoyment. First created as a temporary point of interest, this 443-foot-tall, "cantilevered observation wheel" is the largest of its kind in the world, according to its website . And if you catch a ride on one of its 32 pods on a sunny day, you can see up to 25 miles in all directions. The problem is that thousands of others have the same idea, which means you could stand in line for more than two hours on a particularly busy day. Standard tickets start at over $32 online or more than $57 for a walk-up.

Instead, visit Hampstead Heath for a unique city view you probably never knew existed. Parliament Hill stands over 321 feet tall, making it one of the highest natural points in the city. If the weather is ideal, you can see to the Gherkin, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament. Speaking of the Gherkin, it's another great spot to enjoy unparalleled views. Grab a drink and snack at Iris Bar at Searcys at the Gherkin , then relax with a side order of stunning vistas.

Skip Harrods And Visit Peter Jones And Liberty

Harrods is to London as the Colosseum is to Rome -– a historic icon that's become synonymous with the city. The world's most famous luxury department store, this Knightsbridge institution is impossible to miss -– it's eight floors tall and an entire block long, not to mention over one million square feet in size. Inside, you'll find 20 restaurants, a beauty salon, a bank, and 300 separate departments selling over 5,000 brands. You'll also see price tags so high you might suffer sticker shock. Due to its notoriety, Harrods is often packed with tourists, making it difficult to enjoy the plush interior.

If you're hoping to shop during your London holiday, there are plenty of excellent places to visit instead. Sloane Square is home to the Peter Jones & Partners department store. Owned by John Lewis, this vast shop is filled with enough enticing merchandise that you'll find it tough to leave empty-handed. Grab a bite at The Top Floor Restaurant (on the 6 th floor) for captivating views of Chelsea and beyond.

Liberty is another recognizable landmark located on Regent Street. A heritage-listed building; this stunning Tudor-style store is as beautiful outside as it is indoors. Built between 1922 and 1924, it is worth a visit, if only to admire the impressive architectural features (the price tags here are also quite shocking).

Our Ranking Methodology

Having lived in London for six years with two young children, I visited pretty much every tourist attraction the city has. From renowned points of interest like the Tower of London to remarkable museums, I've seen the top sightseeing destinations multiple times, including many kitschy tourist traps I wish I'd skipped. To create this list, I used my experiences at these attractions to determine which locales are tourist traps that should be avoided and I included alternatives that are more than worthy of your time and money. I also consulted reviews from other locals and travelers, as well as their tips, to ensure the list is solid.

Read the original article on Explore .