5 reasons why Londoners love an open-top bus tour

You might think a Big Bus tour is tourist-only territory but – newsflash – locals love them too. Here’s why…

Published: April 24, 2025
London

You get a new appreciation for the city

When you’re walking past Buckingham Palace or Tower Bridge every day – most likely staring at your phone – these landmarks fast become background noise.

Take a Big Bus tour of the sights and you’ll rediscover their charm and fall in love with the city again. You can even take all those classic tourist pics you probably never bother with.   

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace – just background fodder when you live in London

You’ll learn facts you won’t find on a Wiki page

Big Bus’ commentary distills London’s extensive history into the juicy bits, including lots you won’t learn in your usual history lessons. On our tour we discovered tonnes of new things – from the history of London’s mews (which, frankly, we'd never even noticed before) to fun facts about the bridges we crossed.

The on-board narration also includes ‘commentary’ from a realistic-sounding JM Barry, Sherlock Holmes and Samuel Pepys to truly bring it all to life. It’s anything but boring.

You discover hidden gems and new places to explore

That subtle street you never noticed. That building you thought was insignificant. Lots of London’s nooks and crannies in lesser-known areas are pointed out on a Big Bus Tour, giving you ideas for new areas to explore. Or pieces of history to delve into.

We discovered Australia House where Harry Potter was filmed, and 50 Barclay Square – the most haunted house in London – amongst others.

Australia House

Australia House – the setting of Gringotts bank in Harry Potter

You’ll see how the city connects

Travelling to attractions on the tube means you don’t get to experience the flow of the city and the striking architectural differences (and vibes) between neighbourhoods. A bus tour lets you see the transitions – from West End glitz to East London grit – helping you understand London’s layout in a totally different way.

It’s a fun yet chill activity

Got nothing to do on a Sunday? Grab a coffee and a seat on the top deck and enjoy being chauffeured around London. Get amazing views of all the impressive landmarks without having to elbow your way through a crowd. Perfect!

Big Bus

An easy breezy Sunday on a Big Bus Tour

You’ll soak in the sightseeing energy

You won’t find any grumpy commuters staring at their phones or typing angrily into their laptops on a sightseeing tour. Everyone is thrilled to be in London (okay, apart from the man snoring at the back) and fully engrossed in their surroundings.

There’s nothing like tourist energy to bring back the excitement of being in one of the greatest cities in the world.


Enjoyed this? Learn all about London's famous Thames bridges and check out our neighbourhood guide to Westminster.   

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Selina Whitby
Content Lead

Selina is a copywriter and seasoned backpacker who has visited over 50 countries if you count Vatican City, which she does. Her most memorable travel experiences include tubing in Vang Vieng, doing New Zealand’s Nevis Bungee with a fear of heights, and taking a nine-hour flight with a toddler. On her bucket list is Rio Carnival in Brazil, walking the Camino de Santiago, and flying First Class (when she wins the EuroMillions).

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British Museum, London
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The British Museum Vs National Gallery | The London Pass®

by Mia Russell London's Cultural Showdown: British Museum vs. National Gallery Are you ready to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of one of the world's greatest cities? Then look no further than London's world-class museums and galleries! From the British Museum's ancient artifacts to the National Gallery's iconic masterpieces, there's something for everyone in this cultural wonderland. Plus, general admission to both is free! Two of the most famous museums in London are the British Museum and the National Gallery. Both world-renowned institutions have loads on offer, so let's take a closer look at what you can expect from each. The British Museum The British Museum is home to more than 8 million objects from around the world and is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums on the planet. This massive institution is particularly well-known for its collection of ancient artifacts, ranging from Egyptian mummies to ancient Greek statues to Mesopotamian pottery. One of the most famous items in the collection is the Rosetta Stone, which helped scholars decipher Egyptian hieroglyphs. But that's just the beginning - there is so much to see here that you could easily spend an entire day (or more!) exploring the exhibits. One of the things that sets the British Museum apart from other museums is the sheer scope of its collection. With objects from every corner of the globe, it is a true celebration of human culture and history. Whether you're interested in ancient Rome or modern-day Japan, there's something here for everyone. Another unique aspect of the British Museum is the way it is organized. Instead of being arranged by region or time, the exhibits are arranged thematically. This means you can explore topics like religion, money, or technology and see how they have been represented in different cultures and periods. It is a fascinating way to think about how human society has evolved. You can wander the galleries at your own pace or enjoy a guided tour led by experts who can provide context and insights into the objects on display. The museum offers free maps to help you navigate and plenty of benches and rest areas if you need a break. The British Museum also has a dedicated children's area if you are visiting with kids. Here, kids can learn about history and culture in a fun, interactive way. Games, puzzles, and activities are designed to engage curious minds and inspire a love of learning. And let us not forget about the amenities! The British Museum has plenty of places to eat and drink, including cafes and restaurants. There is also a gift shop to pick up souvenirs and books about the exhibits. And if you need a break from the crowds, there are plenty of quiet spots where you can relax and take in the beauty of the building itself. The British Museum is a great institution that is well worth a visit. It's a celebration of human culture and history and a testament to the incredible diversity of our planet. The National Gallery If you're a fan of art and culture, visiting the National Gallery in London should be on your bucket list. This world-renowned museum is home to some of the most iconic famous works of art in history, and it's a true feast for the senses. The National Gallery's collection spans more than 700 years, from the Middle Ages to the present day. The focus here is on Western European art, so you will find works by some of the world’s most famous artists, like Van Gogh, Monet, and Leonardo da Vinci. The National Gallery is home to the most extensive collection of paintings by Van Gogh outside of Amsterdam, so if you're a fan of his work, you will not want to miss it. The National Gallery’s collection is also organized by style and theme. This allows you to explore different movements and techniques more effectively. For example, you could explore the Baroque period and see how artists like Caravaggio and Rubens used light and shadow to create dramatic effects. One of the most famous paintings in the National Gallery's collection is undoubtedly ‘The Arnolfini Portrait’ by Jan van Eyck. This stunning piece from the 15th century is a masterpiece of realism, with every detail of the room and the figures depicted in the painting meticulously rendered. But that is just one example - there are countless other masterpieces to discover here. The National Gallery offers free guided tours daily, so that's a great option if you're seeking expert guidance. Alternatively, you can meander around the galleries and take in whatever catches your eye. The National Gallery is in Trafalgar Square, one of London’s many famous landmarks. This means there's always plenty of buzz and activity in the area, making it a suitable place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere. The National Gallery has several cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat and a gift shop where you can pick up souvenirs and books about the exhibits. There's also a free Wi-Fi network to stay connected while exploring. The National Gallery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art and culture. It's a true treasure trove of masterpieces and a testament to the enduring power of human creativity. British Museum vs. National Gallery Ultimately, deciding which museum to visit (or whether to visit both!) will depend on your interests. If you're more interested in history and artifacts, the British Museum is the obvious choice. But if you are more of an art buff, you'll want to spend some time at the National Gallery. You will undoubtedly have a fantastic time regardless of which museum(s) you choose to visit. The British Museum and the National Gallery are world-class institutions offering a unique glimpse into the past and present. Can't decide? That's no problem either, they're in walking distance from one another (or an easy tube ride if you prefer) and both totally free to enter so pick both and enjoy a culture filled day in London - spiffing!
Go City Expert
Best Walking Tours in London
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Best Walking Tours in London

Fancy seeing the sights while getting your steps in? London is a city steeped in history, from medieval castles to modern movie sets. So why not take a walking tour and see the very best that London has to offer? Below, we've found the best walking tours in London, so you don't have to! Take a look. Including: London Sights Tour Palaces and Parliament Tour Brit Movie Tours Brit Music Tour and more! London Sights Tour If you're new in town, or simply want to speedrun all of the most iconic landmarks in London, this London Sights Tour might be perfect for you. Hitting over 30 of the most recognizable place, buildings, and bridges in the city, it's easily one of the best walking tours for those new to London. Guiding you through Westminster and then around London Bridge, we'd need all day to talk about every stop on this tour. However, highlights include Buckingham Palace, where the King of England spends much of his time doing whatever kings do; Big Ben, arguably the most famous clock on Earth; and Downing Street, where Britain's frequently inept prime ministers tend to drop the ball. For historical buffs, you'll also see Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, and many, many more. With this London Sights Tour, you can tick off your England itinerary in an afternoon. Palaces and Parliament Tour Have you ever wanted to take a closer look at the places where royalty live? You're not alone. Curious sorts can join this Palaces and Parliaments tour and see four of London's most famous palaces. You'll also get a few of London's biggest landmarks thrown in for good measure, you lucky devil. The four palaces are Buckingham Palace, Westminster Palace, Whitehall Palace, and St James Palace. While they're all in varying levels of use these days, they're still well-kept. So be sure to bring your camera or whip out your phone to take as many snaps as possible. Plus, if you're lucky, you'll even catch the famous Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, where the funny guards in funny hats do funny things, no matter rain or shine. Other stops worth a pic or two include Trafalgar Square - watch out for the pigeons - Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. Brit Movie Tours Cinephiles, rejoice! Britain is the home to some of cinema's biggest films, franchises, and recognisable filming locations. And on these Brit Movie Tours, you can pick your poison and see the famous places from your favourite Brit flicks. While there are too many to mention here, highlights include the Harry Potter Tour, where you'll see the real-life locations transformed into the Ministry of Magic, the Leaky Cauldron, and Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station. Spies-at-heart can take the James Bond Tour, where you'll visit Mi6, London's longest-running restaurant, and tonnes of other locations from James Bond films throughout the years, all the way up to Daniel Craig's final film, No Time To Die. Don't worry, detectives-to-be, we see you. Thanks to the Sherlock Holmes Tour, you'll walk in the footsteps of England's most famous detective as you explore locations from the books, shows, and movies through the years. These are just a handful of the tours available through Brit Movie Tours, so if you're a fan of the silver screen, you're likely to find the best walking tours in London through them! Brit Music Tour Some of the biggest bands in history began in the UK, so why not take a Brit Music Tour and see where your favourite artists cut their teeth? Beatlemania took the world by storm in the 60s, so fans will be pleased that they can pick from not one but two Beatles walking tours! The first is a tour of Soho and Mayfair, where you'll explore the venues that helped catapult them into the stratosphere. The other is a tour of Marylebone and Abbey Road, where you can snap the famous zebra crossing from the eponymous album cover. Fans of more leftfield pop will appreciate the David Bowie London Tour, where you'll explore the parts of Brixton where he grew up, as well as the Soho joints where he hung out and performed. If you're ready to be rocked, join the Queen London Walking Tour and see the place where the band first formed, as well as other venues that were key to their success. And for a dash of anti-establishmentarianism, the Sex Pistols Walking Tour will let you retrace the steps of not just the band but the punk movement as a whole. Plus, the places they played and destroyed. God Save the Queen and all that. Brit Icon Tour Of course, there's plenty more to London than palaces and pubs. In fact, some of the most iconic writers, hauntings, and even murderers have called the city home. So, if you want to take a trip back in time to explore the lives, loves, and ghoulishness of these characters on one of many Brit Icon Tours! Crime aficionados will love the Agatha Christie Tour, where you'll explore the real-life locations that inspired the "Queen of Crime's" best-selling books. Taking you through the likes of Chinatown, Mayfair, and Bloomsbury, you'll have plenty of time to snap pics as you go. Dickensians can take the Charles Dickens Tour and explore Borough Market, the Southbank, and other locations from his most famous works. And, for those that revel in the ghoulish, this Jack the Ripper Tour should hit the spot. You'll head to Whitechapel and explore the scene of every murder associated with the elusive killer. Changing of the Guard Walking Tour And finally, if you don't fancy shoulder-barging your way through the inevitable crowds at Buckingham Palace, why not take this walking tour focusing on the famous Changing of the Guard? Your guide will grab the perfect spot for snaps, so you can take as many unimpeded pictures as you want. And they'll even clue you in on the history of the ceremony, as well as other interesting facts surrounding it. Then, take a relaxed stroll around Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament to end things in a fine fashion! And those were our picks of the best walking tours in London! Need some less active activities to fill out your London itinerary? With the London Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
The London Eye
Tower of London

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