London is a bustling city, packed with historic landmarks, top-rated restaurants, and cultural destinations. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming trying to experience it all. That’s where bus tours come in – they offer a convenient and efficient way to explore the city’s most iconic sites, with the added benefit of a knowledgeable guide at your side. But with so many tours available, how do you know which ones are worth your time and money? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the two best bus tours in London, and why they should be at the top of your sightseeing list.

The 2 Best Bus Tours in London

1. London: Jack The Ripper and Sherlock Holmes Bus Tour
2. Edinburgh Rail Trip from London with Castle entry and Hop-on Hop-off bus

The 2 Best Bus Tours in London

1. London: Jack The Ripper and Sherlock Holmes Bus Tour

Step aboard a luxury air-conditioned bus and journey through the haunted streets of London after dark to experience the Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes Bus Tour. Follow in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper as you walk through the dark alleys and backstreets where his victims were found. Explore the Sherlock Holmes Pub and its vast collection of memorabilia. Discover where the Elephant Man lived and hear about the great men and women buried at Westminster Abbey. You’ll enjoy transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach and receive commentary from a knowledgeable guide. The tour includes a walking tour of Smithfield Market and food and drinks. Note that this tour is not suitable for children under 12 years or wheelchair users. Don’t miss out on this thrilling and educational tour through London’s dark past.

2. Edinburgh Rail Trip from London with Castle entry and Hop-on Hop-off bus

Explore the Scottish capital on an independent day trip from London. Start your journey by travelling through England’s picturesque countryside and arrive in Edinburgh by train. Enjoy Edinburgh’s famous landmarks with a hop-on hop-off open-top sightseeing tour, and create your own itinerary for the day. Stroll through Edinburgh Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Royal Mile, lined with shops and restaurants. Take your time to visit the St. Giles Cathedral, the National Museum of Scotland or any other top attractions of the city. Your entrance ticket to Edinburgh Castle is included, providing a fascinating insight into Scottish history. The tour includes an Edinburgh city map and guide, as well as return train journeys with reserved seats. Hotel pickup and drop off are also included for your convenience. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the best of Edinburgh at your own pace!

Frequently Asked Questions About London

London is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world, offering a rich history, diverse culture, and endless entertainment options. It is not surprising that it attracts millions of visitors every year that come to experience everything that London has to offer. However, many visitors have some common questions about this city before visiting it. In this post, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about London to help you plan your trip better.

1. What is the Best Time to Visit London?

London is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preference and what you intend to do in London. The summer months of June to August are the busiest and most expensive times to visit London due to peak tourist season. Spring (March-May) is the best time to visit London if you want to escape the crowds while enjoying beautiful weather, blooming flowers, and reasonable prices. Autumn (September-November) is also an excellent time to visit London, with mild temperatures, beautiful fall foliage, and fewer crowds than summer.

2. How Do I Get Around in London?

Public transport is the best way to get around London, and it is comprehensive and efficient. The iconic red buses, underground, and overground trains, and trams are operated by Transport for London (TFL). The most convenient and cheapest way to travel is to buy an Oyster card or use a contactless payment card. In contrast, taxis and private hire cars such as Uber are also available but are more expensive.

3. What Are Some Must-See Attractions in London?

London has many world-famous attractions, and some of the must-sees include the following:

• The British Museum
• The Tower of London
• The London Eye
• Buckingham Palace
• The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
• The National Gallery
• Tate Modern
• The Natural History Museum
• The Victoria and Albert Museum
• The West End theatres and shows, such as Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton

4. What Are Some Free Things to Do in London?

Despite being a relatively expensive city, London has several free things to see and do. Here are some of our top free things to do in London:

• The British Museum
• The National Gallery
• The Tate Modern
• Hyde Park
• The Victoria and Albert Museum
• The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• The British Library
• The City of London guided Walks
• The Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street

5. What Is the Currency in London?

The currency used in London, and the United Kingdom as a whole is the Great British Pound (GBP) or pound sterling. One pound is divided into 100 pence, and there are coins for 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, and £2. Notes are available in £5, £10, £20, and £50 denominations.

6. Is London a Safe City?

London is generally a safe city, but visitors should take extra precautions in popular tourist areas where pickpocketing and petty thefts are common. It is also recommended to avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit or deserted areas.

7. Can I Use My Credit Card in London?

Yes, you can use your credit card in most shops, restaurants, and attractions in London. However, note that some smaller businesses may only accept cash, so it’s always advisable to have some pound sterling in your wallet.

8. Do I Need a Visa to Visit London?

Visa requirements for visiting London vary depending on your nationality, the duration, and the purpose of your trip. If you’re a citizen of a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to visit the UK. Citizens of some other countries may require a visa, while others may qualify for a visa-free entry for a particular period. Always check the official UK government’s website for the latest visa requirements and regulations.

9. What is the Nightlife in London Like?

London is famous for its vibrant nightlife, and there is always something for everyone. From trendy bars, nightclubs, comedy clubs, live music venues, and pub crawls, London has it all. Popular nightlife destinations include Soho, Camden, Shoreditch, and Covent Garden.

10. What Are Some Famous London Festivals and Events?

London hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, some of which are world-renowned. Some of the most famous festivals and events include:

• The Notting Hill Carnival in August
• The New Year’s Eve Fireworks
• The London Marathon in April
• The Chelsea Flower Show in May
• The London Fashion Week in September
• The Wimbledon Tennis Championships in June/July

Final Words

London is a beautiful and vibrant city that offers plenty of attractions to cater to everyone’s needs. It is always good to have some basic knowledge before visiting any city, and hopefully, this post has answered some of your most pressing questions about London. Remember to plan your trip well and enjoy all that London has to offer.

The 2 Best Bus Tours in London – Answering Your Most Common Questions

London is a city that has a fascinating history and numerous iconic landmarks. Exploring this city is an enjoyable experience, and one of the best ways to do that is on a bus tour. When it comes to bus tours in London, there are two that stand out – The Original Tour and Big Bus Tours. We’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions about these tours to help you make an informed decision on which one to choose.

1. What are The Original Tour and Big Bus Tours?

The Original Tour and Big Bus Tours are hop-on-hop-off bus tour operators in London. They operate open-top buses that offer panoramic views of London’s iconic landmarks. These buses have recorded commentary available in different languages, providing information about London’s history and landmarks. The tours have strategically placed stops that allow passengers to hop on and off at any point along the way.

2. Which bus tour is better – The Original Tour or Big Bus Tours?

Both tours offer similar experiences, but there are some differences. The Original Tour has been operating for over 65 years and has a fleet of 110 buses. Big Bus Tours began operating in London in 1991 and has a fleet of 50 buses.

One advantage of The Original Tour is its 24-hour validity period, which allows for more opportunities to hop on and off the buses. Additionally, the audio commentary provided by The Original Tour is available in more languages than Big Bus Tours. However, Big Bus Tours offer a free walking tour and a river cruise that is included in the ticket price.

Ultimately, it comes down to individual preferences. Researching and comparing the two tours is crucial in deciding which one is the better option.

3. What are the prices of The Original Tour and Big Bus Tours?

The prices of both tours are relatively similar. The Original Tour offers a 24-hour ticket for adults at £35, while Big Bus Tours offer the same for £39. Tickets for children under 15 cost £18 for The Original Tour and £20 for Big Bus Tours. It’s worth noting that both tours offer discounts for online bookings.

4. How can I book tickets for The Original Tour or Big Bus Tours?

Both tours offer a variety of ways to book tickets. Tickets can be purchased online through their respective websites, via phone or email, or in person at designated locations.

5. What are some of the landmarks covered by The Original Tour and Big Bus Tours?

Both tours cover a similar list of landmarks, including The Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament. Additionally, both tours offer different sightseeing routes, allowing tourists to explore London from different perspectives.

6. Can I hop-on and off the bus midway through the tour?

Yes, both tours allow passengers to hop on and off the bus whenever they want, as long as they have a valid ticket. This feature allows for flexibility and freedom to explore London at one’s own pace.

7. How long are the tours?

The duration of the tours varies, depending on the route chosen. It can be anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions.

8. What happens if it rains?

Both tours operate during rainy weather, and the buses have a cover to protect passengers from the rain. The buses are equipped with window wipers, so visibility is maximized, and the tour is not impacted by rain.

9. What is the frequency of the buses?

Both tours have buses departing from each stop regularly, with The Original Tour having a bus every 15-20 minutes, and Big Bus Tours having a bus every 10-20 minutes.

10. Can I bring food and drinks on the bus?

Food and drinks can be brought on the bus, but they must be consumed quickly and responsibly. Passengers are requested to dispose of any food waste in the bins provided.

In Conclusion:

In conclusion, The Original Tour and Big Bus Tours are two of the best bus tours in London. Both offer great opportunities to see the iconic landmarks of London and to learn about its rich history. Although there are slight differences between the two tours, both are great options and provide a unique and memorable experience. It all comes down to individual preferences, time, and budget when deciding which tour to book.