London hop-on hop-off tours: Everything you need to know
Saying “capital” in the UK means more than talking about a city. The Brits use it to say “excellent!” So, London is a very capital city! Feel like a royal at the Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and the Tower of London. See how the rich and trendy live in Mayfair, on Regent Street, and in Notting Hill. Browse and spend at Harrods, Oxford Street, and Covent Garden. You can see fantastic sights and fun attractions everywhere you turn. With so much to see and do, you may want to try a London hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour to see as much of the city as possible.
Why should I take a hop-on hop-off tour of London?
Hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours are not like standard tours. You have the freedom to get on and off the bus when and where you like. Visit as many or as few places as you want. If you missed something, you can always wait until that stop comes again. Not in the mood to walk? Just stay on board and enjoy the ride. You can listen to audio commentaries about what you see or you can chat with the guide for some local tips. They might inspire you to try something new!
If your stay in London is short, you don’t want to waste time. These buses know where they’re going, so you won’t get lost. And the top decks are usually open, so you’ll have excellent views of London. Even if you don’t stop somewhere, you can always snap a pic! Bring an umbrella so you can stay up top, even if you get hit with that famous London drizzle. Or you can always escape to the lower deck, where you’ll still have an excellent view of the city.
What attractions can I visit on a London hop-on hop-off tour?
Any list of London sights will be too short. But you have to start somewhere! Here are some popular attractions you can check out on London’s hop-on hop-off tours.
Buckingham Palace
Visit the home of the Queen of England at one of the few palaces still in use .If you want to watch the famous Changing of the Guard, make sure you pick a hop-on hop-off that includes it.
London Eye
In 30 minutes, you can see all of London from one of the world’s tallest Ferris Wheels. Starting at the River Thames out to almost 25 miles around, you’ll want to visit on a clear day. And don’t forget the 4D Experience, for wind, rain, and bubbles added to your journey.
Houses of Parliament
Impressed with the Houses of Parliament from the outside? Catch a parliamentary debate for lively exchanges that can turn into shouting matches. No boring political speeches here.
Covent Garden Market
It all started as a farmer’s market. Now, Covent Garden hosts an incredible range of products. You can get a snack or something to drink at this tasty hop-off point Not only are there delicious foods and cute handmade trinkets for purchase, there are always entertaining street performers to watch, too!
Oxford Street
Hop off and wander along London’s famous “high street.” This is where many fashion brands call home. You can see where an American influenced shopping in the UK with the first UK department store – Selfridges.
Notting Hill
Movie buffs and fans of Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts aren’t the only people who visit Notting Hill. You can also visit its trendy cafés and artisan markets. If you’re in London in August, you should catch the famous Notting Hill Carnival. Held a bit outside of the center of London, the carnival may not be easy for a traveler to find. Luckily, some hop-on hop-off London tours stop there.
As you can see there are many attractions in London and you can discover many more as you hop-on and hop-off. And don’t forget all the shopping, as well as the famous British pubs!
Are there added extras with hop-on hop-off London tours?
Many hop-on hop-off tours are valid for only one day. However, some let you extend for up to three days so you can take your time and visit even more places. Check if tickets are included for certain attractions. You don’t need to wait in line for Madame Tussauds or the London Eye if you can go straight through. Some also offer walking tours or river cruises as part of the price or for an added fee.