London Bus Tour: the best way to see the sights of London

Published: July 17, 2024

A hop on hop off bus tour around London is on everyone’s bucket list when visiting the capital – and the good news is we’ve teamed up with one of the best bus tours so that you can discover London for yourself, from the comfort of your seat.

With the London Pass you will get a free 1 day ticket to use on any of the hop on hop off buses around London, covering three routes around the central city sights. There are over 60 stops so you can hop on and off at leisure, tailor-making your own sightseeing itinerary for the day. Whilst on board you’ll have great commentary to keep you entertained and to teach you about the city sights, landmarks and monuments as you drive through the streets of London.

Highlights of the bus tour include some of the best London attractions around, including Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Tower Bridge and Big Ben – among many others!

Make sure you collect your 1 day ticket before boarding the bus from one of 4 collection points in the city:

11a Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0EP
Golden Tours Visitor Centre: 4, Fountain Square, 123-151 Buckingham, Palace Road, London, SW1W 9SH
Golden Tours Visitor Centre: 156 Cromwell Road, London, SW7 4EF
Golden Tours Visitor Centre: 145 Praed Street, London, W2 1RL

Vanessa Teo

London Travel Expert

Discover {{destinationFullName}} itineraries

Continue reading

Tower Bridge

Best Restaurants Near Tower Bridge

Discover fantastic dining experiences near London's Tower Bridge.

Top 10 Unique London Souvenirs to Bring Home

Take your trip home with some unique London souvenirs The English capital is one of the most visited cities in the world. So, it's no surprise there are loads of stores selling London souvenirs everywhere you look. (Tip: don't buy anything from the stores in Camden or nearby the biggest landmarks. They'll charge you a kidney.) Leave the postcards and London bus teapot to the side and go for something a little different. This post includes: Gifts for food and drink lovers Presents for music enthusiasts Souvenirs for vintage enthusiasts Presents for people who love designer gifts And more... Luxury Tea from Fortnum & Mason Forget the red telephone tea tins and packs of Duty-Free teas. Gourmet Fortnum & Mason brews really take the classic British staples to another level. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated royal blend or a fragrant herbal tea, there are lots of choices on offer. Don't be too dazzled by sublime teas - the store includes coffees, hampers and other treats. If you decide to grab something from them, you need to head over to their huge Piccadilly store. Why not take a well-earned shopping break and treat yourself to Fortnum & Mason's famous afternoon tea? Beatles Memorabilia Aside from the quintessential Abbey Road shot, a bit of Beatles memorabilia goes a long way. The Beatles Store is probably the best place to pick something up with everything from guitars to rare collectables. You know, for those with a major case of Beatlemania. Gourmet cuisine from the East India Company Open yourself up to a world of culinary delights at the East India Company. The finest coffees, teas, jams and more line its shelves, imported from all over the world. You know it's going to be premium quality if it comes from this incredible shop. Vintage knick-knacks from Portobello Market Portobello Market is a treasure trove of hidden finds. It has all manner of things on sale, from clothing to homeware. There's so much to see and buy that there's no time for excuses. So, what are you waiting for? Get stuck in and join the fun to find the perfect souvenir of your trip – if anyone spots a cool denim jacket or a pair of brass bookends, let us know. A Burberry trench coat If you've got the money to spend, a high-end purchase from an iconic British designer is definitely on the cards. There's nothing more British than a Burberry trench coat, which perseveres as an icon of heritage chic. Starting off life as a World War 1 military staple, it's now become a must-have fashion item seen on the catwalk season after season. A Hamleys purchase Whether you're travelling with little ones or want to relive your childhood, Hamleys is magical no matter what age you are. It plays host to multiple floors of fantastic and bizarre toys. From the standard Star Wars merchandise to gigantic six foot stuffed giraffes, there's sure to be something that'll take you way back. A wand from Ollivander's Are you a secret Potterhead? Then you can't go wrong with some magical merchandise. There are a number of Harry Potter-themed stores dotted around London (check out the King's Cross branch and make a pit stop at Platform 9 3⁄4), filled with wizard robes, books and even Bertie Bott's Every Flavoured Beans. Naturally, the store at the Harry Potter Studio Tour is the most impressive with each of the characters' signature wands. Don't forget to pop by some of London's Harry Potter landmarks while visiting. Artisan gin Venture away from the classic Gordons or Tanqueray's bottles and head to Borough Market. Their speciality alcohol is something to behold. From sloe gin to small-batch whiskeys, there is an endless selection to take home. Expert vendors will also be more than willing to help you out, if you have a question or two. Want to learn more about the gin-making process? Why not join a distillery tour of one of London's most iconic brands, Beefeater Gin? Pub coasters A traditional pub visit is a must in London. Most places generally have a disposable coaster for you to pop your pint glass on. If you're doing a tour of local pubs or out on a proper pub crawl, you can build up a good collection of them to take home - plus, they're not as expensive as figurines of Big Ben on Oxford Street. Not sure where to start? We've got you covered with a guide to some of the city's oldest and most historic pubs. Local fashion finds London is one of the fashion capitals of the world. Understandably, there are a number of incredible local designers waiting to be discovered in the city. Dover Street Market and the boutiques along Brick Lane are a great place to start. These are generally packed with indie designers, with racks of options no matter your style. Need more inspiration for things to do in London? We've got you. There are so many amazing London attractions for visitors to check out, why not pick up a London Pass and see while you sightsave?

Suz Pathmanathan

Our Guide to London Christmas Markets

There's much festive frolicking to be had at the best London Christmas Markets and we're on hand to help you plan your visits! It's beginning to look a lot like we need a mug of mulled wine. There's no place better to grab one than London's Christmas markets and there are options galore this season. Whether you're keen on the traditional with the family or on the lookout for a quirky adventure with a special someone, you'll find them all here in the capital! Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Market This Christmas stalwart is in its eleventh year and has long been a favourite of families everywhere; transforming Hyde Park’s pristine landscape into something not even Santa could have cooked up. The market is undoubtedly one of the biggest with over 200 dreamily lit traditional Bavarian stalls, offering everything from decadent hot chocolate to stocking-stuffers to remember. Address: Hyde Park, London Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm Dates: 23 November – 6 January 2019 Prices: Free Southbank Winter Market As part of Southbank’s annual Winter Festival, the Winter Market takes Londoners away from the bustling high rises and into a village of wooden chalets. Nestled by the River Thames and right around the corner from The National Theatre, the charming stalls are packed with handmade gifts and merry culinary delights perfect for a mellow adventure. Pick up a little something for the tree and a mince pie to get into the Christmas feeling. Address: Southbank Centre, Hungerford Car park Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 11am – 10pm; Friday – Saturday, 11am – 11pm Dates: 9 November – 27 December 2018 Prices: Free Christmas in Leicester Square Market Just up the street from The National Gallery and The National Portrait Gallery, Leicester Square is bringing a taste of Bavaria to the London Christmas market scene with bratwurst and gluhwein to spare. Fall in love with delicately crafted Christmas decorations and make ordering a grilled sausage covered in molten raclette cheese a priority. This market is ready to give the real stuff in Germany a run for its money. Address: Leicester Square Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 12pm – 8pm; Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 8pm Dates: 9 November – 6 January 2019 Prices: Free Camden Christmas Market Surprise, surprise – Camden’s taken an alternative approach to the festive market. Running every weekend from now till Christmas week, each Saturday and Sunday bring choirs, fairground games and even snow. Camden Market is also hosting a Santa’s Grotto and Gingerbread workshop, which is ticketed. Once you’re in Camden, you’re not far from London Zoo - why not go see their light show to round off the evening? Address: The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AH Opening Hours: 1pm-6pm Dates: Saturday and Sundays, 1 – 23 December 2018 Prices: Free Christmas by the River at London Bridge City For a market that won’t let you forget you’re in London, head to London Bridge City. Browse Christmas by the River’s 68 stalls selling festive gifts, food and drinks against the backdrop of London’s most iconic landmarks, such as Tower of London, Tower Bridge and The Shard. If the stalls are not enough to get you in the Christmas spirit, you can take part in various workshops such as food tastings or arts and crafts - all with a picture-perfect view. Address: London Bridge, SE1 2DB Opening Hours: Sunday - Wednesday: 11am - 7pm, Thursday – Saturday: 11am - 9pm Dates: 29 November to 2 January 2019 Prices: Free Greenwich Christmas Market Greenwich Market is worth visiting all year round - but even more so in the lead up to Christmas. Every Wednesday until Christmas, Greenwich Market is staying open late to celebrate the festive season - allowing you more time to find that perfect gift! Expect to find handmade jewellery, scarves, cushions and artwork - and Christmas music and mulled wine, of course. Visit the market after spending a day in Greenwich, visiting the Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, Fan Museum or Royal Observatory - just make sure you leave yourselves enough time to get that gift! Address: Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ Opening Hours: 11am-9pm Dates: Wednesdays, (5, 12 and 19 December 2018) Prices: Free Winterville, Clapham Head south to Clapham and visit the Solo Craft Fair at Winterville. Shop for the perfect gift and choose from a range of affordable and unique art, jewellery, ceramics, and clothes. After the craft fair, enjoy the rest Winterville as to offer, with food stalls, DJs, comedy shows, magicians, a Christmas show, a fairground, roller disco, mini-golf, an adult puppet show, an ice rink and even a maze. One thing’s for certain - you won’t run out of things to do at Winterville. Address: Windmill Dr, SW4 9DE. Dates: 15 November - 23 December 2018 Prices: Tuesday – free, Wednesday – free, Thursday – £2, Friday – £2 after 3pm & £5 after 6pm, Saturday – £2 after 12pm & £5 after 6pm, Sunday – £2 after 12pm

The London Eye

Tower of London

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Tower Bridge

St Paul’s Cathedral