Hop on Hop off London Bus Tour & Tower of London

Exploring London in a day or two can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to balance iconic sights with authentic experiences. This combined package of a hop-on hop-off bus tour plus a visit to the historic Tower of London offers a practical way to see many highlights without the hassle of navigating public transport alone. It’s designed for travelers who want flexibility, great views, and a dose of history—all in one ticket.

What really stands out is the inclusion of a free one-way River Thames boat ride, giving you a different perspective of the city’s skyline. But, be aware that some travelers have mentioned infrequent bus schedules and a few hiccups with entry procedures. Still, if your goal is to cover major landmarks at your own pace, this tour hits many of the right notes. It’s especially suited for those who prefer a mix of guided insights and independence as they discover London’s vibrant streets.

Key Points

• Flexibility: Choose between 1, 24, or 48-hour tickets to fit your schedule.
• Comprehensive routes: Multiple routes cover iconic sights, parks, and museums.
• Authentic experiences: Entrance to the Tower of London and Crown Jewels included.
• Stunning views: Expect panoramic vistas from open-top buses and the river cruise.
• Language accessibility: Audio guides available in 12 languages.
• Potential delays: Buses run every 5-10 minutes but may not always be frequent, according to some reviews.

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This package offers quite a bit for those wanting a broad look at London without the stress of planning every detail. For about $90.25 per person, you gain access to a multi-day hop-on hop-off bus (valid for 1 or 2 days), a free river cruise, and entry to the Tower of London—a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can see the Crown Jewels and learn about centuries of royal history.

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Service

The core of the experience is the open-top bus that loops through the heart of London. The buses depart every 5-10 minutes from key stops, which means you won’t wait long—although some reviewers have noted that the frequency isn’t always perfect, especially on less busy routes. The buses are separated into three routes:

• Blue Route (Classic Tour): Covers main sights like St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament.
• Red Route (Essential Tour): Passes by Madame Tussauds, King’s Cross, Hyde Park, and Regent’s Park.
• Orange Route (Museum Tour): Focuses on London’s world-famous museums, Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, and Buckingham Palace again.

Each route offers a chance to hop on or off at places that interest you most, making it easy to tailor your sightseeing day. The audio guides in 12 languages help you understand the significance of each landmark, enriching your experience beyond just views.

The Tower of London: A Must-Visit Landmark

Included in the ticket is admission to the Tower of London, which is a huge plus. This historic fortress has played many roles—from royal palace to prison—and now hosts the iconic Crown Jewels. It’s a bucket-list site for many visitors, and walking through its walls feels like stepping into history.

The Tower’s popularity means it can be busy, but the guided tours and displays make it worth the visit. Reviewers mention the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see the Crown Jewels up close. However, keep in mind it’s closed on December 24th, 26th, and January 1st, so plan accordingly.

The Thames River Cruise: A Unique Perspective

The free one-way boat ride is a highlight; departing from Westminster or Tower Pier, it offers stunning views of London’s skyline. You’ll cruise past landmarks like the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the Shard. Live commentaries or audio guides provide context, making it more than just a scenic boat trip.

The cruise is valid for 24 hours with a 24-hour ticket, or a return trip with a 48-hour ticket, making it flexible depending on your schedule. Some travelers found this a fantastic way to relax after walking around, seeing parts of the city from a different angle.

Additional Guided Tours & Extras

For those interested in deeper insights, the tour includes free walking tours—such as the Jack the Ripper tour and Royal London Walk. These are scheduled at specific times and provide a chance to explore more niche topics or royal history with expert guides.

What We Love About This Tour

The mixture of flexibility and comprehensive coverage is its main strength. The ability to hop on and off at your own pace means you can customize your day, spending more time at favorite spots like Trafalgar Square or Piccadilly Circus. The stunning panoramic views from the buses and river cruise make it easy to get a sense of London’s scale and beauty.

The inclusion of audio guides in multiple languages ensures international visitors can understand and appreciate the sights, making the experience accessible and enriching. For history buffs, touring the Tower of London with its Crown Jewels and medieval walls provides a tangible connection to the city’s royal past.

Things to Consider

Some reviews point out that the bus scheduling can be inconsistent—buses may not run as frequently as hoped, which could lead to longer waits, especially on the Red and Blue routes. For instance, one traveler noted they ended up spending quite a bit of time waiting because of infrequent departures and misinformation from the driver regarding Tower access.

Also, while the admission to Tower of London is included, food and drinks are not, so plan to bring snacks or meals if you need them. The timing might also be tight if you want to see everything in one day, especially during busy periods.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of London’s most famous landmarks without the hassle of multiple tickets or complicated transportation. It’s perfect if you value flexibility—you can choose how long to stay on the bus, when to hop off, and which sights to explore more deeply.

Travelers who love scenic views will appreciate the river cruise, offering a unique perspective of the city’s skyline. Those interested in history and royal traditions will find the Tower of London a highlight, especially with included access and insightful guides.

However, if you prefer more frequent transportation or are on a tight schedule, you might want to check the bus frequency or consider supplementing this tour with other options. It’s also best suited for those comfortable with some waiting time and navigating the logistics of a large city.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the Hop on Hop off London Bus Tour & Tower of London offers a practical, moderately priced way to see a lot of London in a short time. The combination of buses, river cruise, and historic site access provides a well-rounded experience that balances sightseeing with cultural insight.

While some minor issues with schedule frequency and a few logistical hiccups exist, the overall value is good, especially for first-time visitors eager to get their bearings. The audi guides, scenic views, and flexibility make this a convenient option for exploring London at your own pace.

If you’re looking for a way to combine the city’s iconic landmarks with authentic history and enjoy some fantastic views, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s best for independent explorers who want to craft their own adventure but appreciate guided insights and a bit of luxury—like free boat rides and entry tickets—along the way.

FAQ

Is the bus ticket valid for multiple days?
Yes, you can choose a 1-day, 24-hour, or 48-hour ticket depending on how long you want to explore.

Are audio guides available in different languages?
Yes, audio guides are offered in 12 languages including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese, Polish, Hindi, Japanese, and Arabic.

Does the tour include access to the Tower of London?
Yes, admission to the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels is included in the ticket.

Is the river cruise a round trip?
The cruise is free and typically one-way with a 24-hour ticket, but with a 48-hour ticket, you can enjoy a return trip.

What landmarks can I see from the bus?
Expect panoramic views of St Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and more.

How often do the buses run?
Buses depart every 5-10 minutes on the Blue and Red routes, approximately every 30 minutes on the Orange route.

Are the tours suitable for families?
Yes, they’re family-friendly, especially the open-top buses and the boat cruise, which are relaxing and scenic.

What if I want to hop off and explore longer?
You can hop off at stops that interest you most and rejoin the tour later, within the ticket’s validity period.

When is the Tower of London closed?
It’s closed on December 24th, 26th, and January 1st.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In summary, this combined tour offers an excellent way to tick off London’s must-see sights at your own pace, with added extras like a river cruise and royal history. While it has some scheduling quirks, the overall flexibility and included experiences make it a worthwhile choice for many travelers.