Paris: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour and Seine River Cruise

Traveling through Paris is like flipping through a living postcard. This combined tour offering a hop-on hop-off bus and a Seine River cruise promises a comprehensive way to see the city’s most famous sights without the hassle of navigating on your own. Priced at just $59 per person and rated 4.4 out of 5 from over 1,000 reviews, it’s a popular choice for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.

What we particularly like about this experience is how flexible it is—you can tailor your day around your interests and pace, hopping on and off at over 50 points of interest. The Seine cruise adds a relaxing water perspective, giving a different way to appreciate the city’s stunning architecture. A small caveat is that the timing of the cruise requires some planning—knowing the departure times is essential if you want to combine both. This tour suits those who want a convenient, cost-effective way to cover a wide area of Paris and enjoy its sights with minimal stress.

Key Points

• Flexible 24- or 48-hour passes allow you to explore at your own pace
• Over 50 points of interest on the bus route, including major landmarks like Eiffel Tower and Louvre
• Guided Seine River cruise offers unique water-level views of Paris
• Audio commentary available in multiple languages enhances understanding
• WiFi onboard and an app for real-time tracking improve convenience
• Suitable for all, including wheelchair users and those traveling with children

Discovering Paris from the Open Top

Our review of the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off and Seine cruise focuses on how it functions as a practical, enjoyable way to see Paris without feeling overwhelmed. The open-top bus is perfect for those who want to see the city from a comfortable vantage point, with panoramic views of wide avenues, historic buildings, and bustling neighborhoods. The audio guides (available in several languages) add context, making each landmark more meaningful.

The route includes key stops such as the Louvre, Notre Dame, Champs-Elysées, Eiffel Tower, and Opéra Garnier, among others. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and helpful assistants at each stop, which makes navigation easier—something we always appreciate when in a new city. According to feedback, the frequency of buses is generally good, although occasional delays do happen, especially during peak hours. The bus’s comfort level is decent, though during busy times you might find it crowded.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect at Each Stop

Starting at the Louvre and Palais Royal

Most travelers begin their day here, as the Louvre is one of Paris’s crown jewels. The Big Bus Information Centre at 11 avenue de l’Opéra makes it easy to pick up your ticket. From here, you can hop on the open-top bus and enjoy the audio commentary, which offers insightful tidbits about the museum’s history even if you’re not visiting inside.

Notre Dame and the Latin Quarter

A highlight for many is the stop at Notre Dame. Though the cathedral was damaged by fire in 2019, the exterior and surrounding islands still offer a charming atmosphere. The guides note that the Notre Dame stop is ideal for exploring the nearby Latin Quarter, which is packed with cafes and narrow streets full of character.

Musée d’Orsay and the Seine

The route takes you past the Musée d’Orsay, another cherished art spot, which you can visit if you want a quick cultural fix. The Seine River cruise departs from near the Eiffel Tower, giving you a chance to unwind and view Paris’s architecture from the water. The one-hour cruise allows you to see Notre Dame, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Pont Alexandre III on a relaxing journey that many reviews describe as a “highlight” of the day.

The Champs-Elysées and Arc de Triomphe

Next, you’ll ride along the Champs-Elysées, stopping near the Arc de Triomphe. The bus allows you to hop off here to stroll or take photos—many travelers find this the perfect spot for a little sightseeing or shopping.

The Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars

The Quai Branly stop offers a close view of the Eiffel Tower. Visitors often mention how magical it is to see the tower from the open-top bus, especially in the late afternoon or when the lights start flickering on at dusk. You can choose to hop off here to take photos or enjoy a picnic in the Champ de Mars.

Optional stops include the Grand Palais and Invalides, which are less crowded but equally stunning. The entire route offers a comprehensive layout of the city, making it easy to plan your next move.

The Seine River Cruise: A Water Perspective of Paris

The Seine cruise perfectly complements the bus tour, offering a calm, scenic alternative to city streets. Departing every 45 minutes from near the Eiffel Tower, it’s a simple addition to your day—you just select your preferred time slot via the app or website. Many reviews praise the clear, engaging commentary provided by the guides aboard Les Bateaux Parisiens, which enhances the experience.

Travelers love the nighttime cruises for seeing Paris illuminated, but daytime cruises provide plenty of impressive views of landmarks like Notre Dame, the Musée d’Orsay, and the bridges crossing the Seine. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and with WiFi onboard, you can share your photos or look up additional info as you go.

Value for Money and Practicalities

At $59, this combined tour offers fairly good value considering it includes both a full day of sightseeing and a one-hour cruise. If you’re visiting Paris for a limited time, this combo lets you tick off many major sights without paying for multiple tickets or tours. Reviewers mention that the flexible timing and self-guided aspect make this ideal for beginners—or travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace.

However, it’s worth noting that hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to plan your arrival at one of the designated stops or the starting point at the Big Bus Information Centre. The app with live bus tracking enhances planning, helping you avoid long waits or missed buses.

Comfort and Accessibility

The buses are equipped with ramps for wheelchair users, and the multilingual guides ensure everyone stays informed. The WiFi is an added bonus, especially for sharing moments on social media or checking maps.

Timing and Duration

You can choose between the 24- or 48-hour tickets, giving scope for longer exploration. The cruise runs from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays, with an increased frequency on weekends. You need to reserve your cruise time in advance, which is straightforward via the app, online, or in person.

What the Reviews Say: Authentic Perspectives

Many travelers highlight the guides’ knowledge and helpfulness. One reviewer from Canada appreciated the “helpful assistants at each stop,” which reduced confusion in a busy city. Others call out the great value for money, noting that “it’s an excellent way to see the city’s main attractions” without exhausting yourself.

A common theme is the stunning views from the water during the Seine cruise—especially appreciated at night when the city’s lights sparkle. One traveler from the UK said, “the evening cruise was a real icing on the cake,” emphasizing how the water adds a magical dimension to the city’s famous skyline.

Some reviewers did mention occasional delays or crowded buses, but overall, the experience is viewed as reliable and enjoyable. The audio commentary is generally praised, although a few noted that sometimes the timing of the recordings can fall out of sync with the landmarks—something to keep in mind if you’re relying heavily on the guides.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off and Seine River Cruise combo offers fantastic value for travelers wanting an easy, flexible way to discover Paris’s highlights. The ability to hop on and off at over 50 points of interest means you’re not bound by strict schedules—perfect for spontaneous explorations or those who like to linger in their favorite spots.

The Seine cruise adds a peaceful, scenic break from busy streets, giving an entirely different perspective of the city’s beauty. Combined, these experiences provide a well-rounded Paris adventure that balances sightseeing, comfort, and educational commentary.

While you’ll need to plan your cruise times and get to the starting points yourself, the overall convenience and affordability make this a top choice for first-timers and return visitors alike. It’s especially suitable for families, older travelers, or anyone looking to maximize their sightseeing with minimal hassle.

This tour is not for those who want a luxury, guided experience or prefer private, curated visits—but for the general traveler seeking value, flexibility, and a rundown of Paris, it hits the mark beautifully.

FAQ

Can I start the tour from any of the bus stops?
Yes, you can activate your ticket at any of the 10 available stops along the route, including the Louvre, Notre Dame, and Eiffel Tower.

How do I book my Seine River cruise?
You can reserve your cruise time in advance via the Big Bus app, online through the Big Bus Paris website, or in person at their Information Centre. It departs every 45 minutes from near the Eiffel Tower.

Is the bus accessible for wheelchair users?
Absolutely. All buses are equipped with ramps to accommodate wheelchair users.

How long does the entire tour take?
The bus tour is flexible—your ticket lasts either 24 or 48 hours—so how long you spend depends on how often you hop off and explore. The cruise is approximately one hour.

Are headphones provided for the audio guide?
Yes, headphones are supplied, and the commentary is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, and Chinese.

Can I use WiFi onboard the bus?
Yes, WiFi is available, so you can stay connected while touring around Paris.

In the end, this combo tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to experience Paris’s main sights at your own pace, with the added magic of a Seine cruise. It’s a well-balanced choice for anyone wanting to get a broad impression of the City of Light without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.