If you're someone who loves people-watching, sightseeing, and sitting down, I have great news: London’s open-top bus tours are basically built for you. I recently climbed aboard a Big Bus for a few hours of fresh air, historic facts, and all the London loveliness I could dream of. But more than anything, I came away with a brand new game – Big Bus Bingo.
From icons of Britishness to the weird, wonderful, and downright haunted, here’s what to keep your eyes peeled for on your own top-deck adventure through the capital...
1. A red telephone box, a black cab, and a Routemaster bus
The Great British trifecta! You’ll spot them all pretty early on – it’s like your starter pack for spotting London icons.
Bonus points if you can get all three in the same photo.
2. Big Ben (that’s the bell, not the tower)
He’s big. He’s ben. He’s finally out of scaffolding. Whether you're cruising past Parliament or crossing Westminster Bridge, Big Ben makes several dramatic cameos on the route.
Remember, it’s the Queen Elizabeth Clock Tower, Big Ben is the bell inside!
3. Someone on a school trip
You’ll hear them before you see them – usually in matching hi-vis vests, or colour coordinated caps and backpacks, yelling about whether Madame Tussauds has Spider-Man. A timeless London tradition.
It really is an iconic shot
4. A haunted house in Mayfair
Keep your eyes peeled at No.50 Berkeley Square – rumoured to be the most haunted house in London. I didn’t see any ghosts, but I did spot someone trying to eat sushi while cycling, which feels spiritually adjacent.
5. A royal residence (or three)
I took the Blue Route, and on this route alone, you’ll glide past Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and even Westminster Abbey.
Bonus points if you can spot a Royal Guard stood outside too.
6. Harrods – the most over-the-top corner shop ever
Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth spotting this Knightsbridge icon from the bus. Think Gatsby meets groceries. Their window displays alone deserve their own tour.
Home of Royal Weddings, Tombs and even the odd Coronation!
7. Monopoly board bingo
Pass through Mayfair, Park Lane, Oxford Street and more – it's your chance to tick off real-life squares from your favourite game. Sadly, I didn’t have enough Monopoly $ to make a purchase.
8. A wizard-themed souvenir shop
Once you notice one, you’ll see them everywhere. Wands, scarves, chocolate frogs – even if you’re not a Potterhead, they’re fun to spot.
9. A street performer
Fun fact: to perform in Covent Garden’s central piazza, you need to audition. So if you see someone juggling flaming torches in the middle of the Strand, they might be practising for that.
Hop-off and shop til you drop!
10. The Tower of London – home of Beefeaters, ravens, and royal drama
This fortress has seen it all: crown jewels, beheadings, ghost stories... even a polar bear once lived here (true story). Spot it from the top deck and you’ll get a real sense of London’s medieval history.
11. Tower Bridge – and yes, it’s not London Bridge
One of the most iconic sights on the whole route, although you get no points for this one as you drive right underneath it! Watch out for confused tourists calling it London Bridge.
12. The animal war memorials in Hyde Park
A moving and often-missed sight – a tribute to all the animals who served during war. Keep an eye out near Hyde Park Corner.
See if you can spot a Raven flying low inside the Tower!
13. The Monument (with a surprisingly dark history)
The Monument to the Great Fire of London is taller than you think – and sadly, more people died falling off it than in the actual fire it commemorates.
Classic London: beautiful and slightly morbid.
14. Gringotts? Nope, it’s the Australian High Commission
Harry Potter fans, take note: this grand white building on the Strand starred as and served as inspiration for the Gringotts building in the films.
Wizarding selfies at the ready.
15. Paddington! (And maybe even the bear…)
The Big Bus goes right through Paddington – home of the station, the neighbourhood, and of course, the bear in the blue duffle coat. No marmalade sandwiches sighted… this time, although there is a very cute statue of him, if you do venture into the station.
It really is giving Gringotts
The lowdown on Big Bus Tours
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it – trust me, it is. I did the Big Bus Blue Route which took around 3.5 hours, thanks to central London’s charming traffic, but I didn’t mind one bit. There’s a pre-recorded guide full of facts, music, and the occasional cheeky quiz, plus stops near pretty much all the major sights.
Pro tip: sit on the top deck, front row for maximum drama (and wind in your hair). You can hop on and off, or do what I did – settle in with a snack and see the city roll by.
Final thoughts
London’s got a lot going on – and seeing it from an open-top bus turns the city into a living, breathing board game. Whether you’re into ghosts, royalty, or just ticking off those Instagram spots, it’s the most fun I’ve had at 5mph in a long time.
So, eyes open and camera ready – your game of London bingo starts now, good luck!
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Check out our complete guide to Big Bus tours or discover why Londoners secretly love an open-top bus ride.
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