Explore London’s landmarks with ease using the convenient Big Bus Tours. These distinctive brown and yellow open-air double-decker buses have stops near all major attractions, operate frequently, and offer earphone commentary for an informative journey.
Last November, we had the most unforgettable time exploring London. There are numerous reasons for anglophiles like us to admire London. It is home of the royal family, boasts world-class culinary and theater scenes, offers luxurious black cabs, and provides excellent shopping opportunities. The British capital is also an architectural treasure trove, where historical landmarks such as the Tower Bridge and Big Ben coexist with modern skyscrapers like Renzo Piano’s Shard. One of the best ways to experience these architectural marvels is by taking a double-decker tour with Big Bus Tours, which allows you to explore the vibrant and historically rich city from a unique vantage point.
We hopped on one of their iconic double-deckers and were immediately swept into the city’s rich history and vibrant energy. The live commentary by the tour guide was not only informative but also incredibly engaging, as he shared fascinating stories and annecdotes about each landmark we passed. We loved the flexibility of being able to hop off at places like the Notting Hill and the St. Paul’s Cathedral, taking our time to explore before easily catching the next bus. The highlight was undoubtedly the complimentary Thames River cruise, which offered a stunning perspective of London’s skyline at sunset. It was the perfect way to see the city, blending convenience, comfort, and a touch of adventure.
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A Comprehensive Journey Through London’s Iconic Landmarks
Big Bus Tours offers an extensive network of routes that weave through the heart of London, capturing the essence of the city’s iconic landmarks. Whether you are gazing at the majestic Buckingham Palace, marveling at the architectural wonder of the Tower of London, or admiring the Gothic splendor of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the Red Route ensures you don’t miss a single highlight.
For those looking to venture beyond the central attractions, the Blue Route extends to the western delights of London, including the cultural treasure trove of museums around Kensington and the luxurious shopping at Harrods. This comprehensive coverage is unmatched, providing an all-encompassing view of London’s diverse neighborhoods and historic sites.
To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve listed the actual stops for each route including the nearby attractions:
1. Big Bus London Red Route Stops & Attractions
- Green Park Underground
- Hard Rock Cafe
- Queen Mother Gates
- Marble Arch
- Regent Street
- Piccadilly Circus
- Trafalgar Square
- Craig’s Court
- Horseguards
- Whitehall
- London Eye (Eastbound)
- Waterloo
- Covent Garden
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- London Bridge
- Tower of London
- Temple Underground Station
- Westminster Pier
- London Eye (Westbound)
- Lambeth Palace
- College Green
- Tothill Street
- Buckingham Palace
- Victoria Station
2. Big Bus London Blue Route Stops & Attractions
- Victoria, Nova Complex
- Victoria Station
- Queen Mother Gates
- Marble Arch (Westbound)
- Green Park
- Hard Rock Cafe
- Hyde Park Corner
- Harrods
- South Kensington Museums
- Gloucester Road
- Kensington Palace
- Notting Hill
- Kensington Gardens
- Thistle Hotel Kensington Gardens
- Lancaster Gate
- Paddington Station
- Praed Street
- Marble Arch (eastbound)
- Baker Street
- Oxford Street
- Regent Street
- Piccadilly Circus
- Trafalgar Square
- Craig’s Court
- Horseguards
- Whitehall
- London Eye (Eastbound)
- Waterloo (Eastbound)
- Covent Garden
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- London Bridge
- Tower of London
- Temple Underground Station
- Westminster Pier
- London Eye (Westbound)
- Lambeth Palace
- College Green
- Tothill Street
- Buckingham Palace
Flexibility and Freedom to Explore at Your Own Pace
One of the standout features of Big Bus Tours is the freedom it offers. The hop-on-hop-off model is perfect for travelers who want to explore at their own pace. Feel like spending more time admiring the art at The National Gallery or indulging in the culinary delights at Covent Garden? Simply hop off, take your time, and hop back on the next bus when you’re ready to continue your journey. This flexibility makes Big Bus Tours ideal for both first-time visitors and seasoned London explorers alike.
Insightful Commentary and Engaging Stories
What sets Big Bus Tours apart is the quality of its commentary. The live guides are not only knowledgeable but also engaging and often humorous, bringing London’s rich history and vibrant culture to life with fascinating stories and anecdotes. For those who prefer recorded commentary, Big Bus offers a multi-language option, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the insights and historical context provided during the tour. This blend of education and entertainment transforms a simple bus ride into an enriching cultural experience.
Added Extras: River Cruises and Walking Tours
Big Bus Tours goes beyond the standard sightseeing experience by including additional perks with their tickets. Many ticket options come with a complimentary Thames River cruise, offering a unique perspective of London’s landmarks from the water. Enjoy unparalleled views of London’s iconic landmarks aboard City Cruises’ River boats on the Thames. Whether you choose to relax on the open-air upper deck or in the comfortable saloon, you’ll have a perfect vantage point to see sights like the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London. On certain routes, you’ll even sail beneath the historic Tower Bridge, offering a unique perspective. Enhance your experience by listening to the engaging guided commentary, which provides fascinating insights into these and other notable attractions.
Sightseeing cruises depart from, Tower (Tower of London) and Greenwich piers. Westminster, London Eye
The guided walking tours are another fantastic addition, allowing you to explore areas like the historic streets of Westminster or the magical world of Harry Potter filming locations on foot.
Convenience and Accessibility
Big Bus Tours is designed with the traveler’s convenience in mind. Buses run frequently, reducing wait times and making it easy to fit the tour into your schedule. The open-top buses provide unobstructed views of the city, perfect for photography enthusiasts. Moreover, the service is accessible, with many buses equipped with wheelchair ramps and designated spaces for disabled passengers.
Why Big Bus is the Best Way to Explore Any City
Having experienced numerous hop-on-hop-off tours worldwide, we can confidently say that Big Bus Tours sets the gold standard. The combination of comprehensive routes, flexible hop-on-hop-off access, insightful commentary, and added extras like river cruises and walking tours make it an unparalleled choice for city exploration. In a city as multifaceted as London, this service offers a seamless blend of convenience, education, and entertainment, ensuring you get the most out of your visit.
If you’re planning a trip to London, Big Bus Tours should be at the top of your list. It’s more than just a bus ride; it’s a gateway to understanding and experiencing the city’s soul. With Big Bus Tours, you’re not just a tourist—you’re an explorer, uncovering the layers of history, culture, and charm that make London one of the greatest cities in the world. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, let Big Bus Tours guide you through an unforgettable journey across the heart of London.
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A New Yorker at heart, an unapologetic anglophile, national parks explorer and former head of National Geographic publishing in India, Ritika is the Global Editor for Travel and Food Network and leads all journalism across platforms, including news, digital, videos, and social media. She writes features focused on narrative storytelling, industry trends, destinations, culinary travel, and how-to advice and is an advocate for sustainable travel. You can follow her on Instagram @newyorkeratheart
