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The Red Official Route presents the key sights and top attractions of London including the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye, The Shard, Tower Bridge and Leicester Square. Crossing the river four times you are guaranteed some spectacular views of London’s stunning scenery along the Thames on this London tourist route.

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Hop On Hop Off London - Bus Tours

Looking for ways to explore the city and see all its best bits? Hop-On Hop-Off London is the most fun way to explore the capital city of England and the UK. Pick the open-top Tootbus or City Sightseeing London Bus Tour to navigate around one of the world's busiest cities. Your bus will pass through all key attractions like the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Madam Tussauds, London Bridge, The Shard and allow you to get off and get on as you like. Visit and wave to Nelson standing tall on his Trafalgar Square column or marvel at the futuristic and expanding city skyline. What's more, all your tickets come with options to add on extras.

London Sightseeing Bus Tours

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Experience London in Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Get to ride the London Eye or visit Madame Tussauds to say 'hello' to the stars! You'll be saving some pennies if you do. Your ticket allows you to hop off the bus where you choose. You can always hop back on again later!

Nothing beats a good combo ticket. Check out all the options in the simple online booking process. All tickets offered by Golden Tours and Original Hop-On Hop-Off London Bus Tours come with options to add on the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and more. Options will be presented in the simple online booking process.

And those looking for some great deals may wish to pick up The London Pass, which provides access to the Tower of London, skip-the-line admission at St. Paul's Cathedral, and a lot more! A London Hop-On Hop-Off tour is the perfect accompaniment to your trip and also one of the best things to do in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is a hop-on hop-off london bus tour.

A Hop-on Hop-off London bus tour essentially works over a designated route that allows you to see London’s top attractions and set your own itinerary. With all the stops located strategically around all the major attractions, it is convenient to explore at your own pace. When you are ready to return, simply show your pass, hop back on the bus and onward toward your next attraction. You can do this as many times as you like within your ticket limit.

Q: What are the key attractions covered in the London Hop-On Hop-Off tour?

London Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour will take you through major attractions and landmarks including Trafalgar Square, Thames River, Westminster pier or Tower of London pier, London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, Downing Street, Piccadilly, Buckingham Palace, and more.

Q: Where can I find a list of all the stops and a map of the various Hop-On Hop-Off London tour routes?

You can visit the relevant product page and check the Useful Downloads section to find the latest information as routes, stops and timings change frequently.

Q: Are these tours guided?

Depending on the London tour operator, bus tours can either have a live guide or an audio guide. You can enjoy an informative commentary on the bus as you pass famous attractions and neighborhoods.

Q: What is the validity of the tour?

You can choose from 24/36/48/72-hour or ½/3-day London tours depending on your travel plans. The vouchers are valid anywhere between 6 months to 12 months and can be used anytime during that period.

Other Hop On Hop Off Destinations

• New York City
• San Francisco
• Washington DC
• Los Angeles
• Johannesburg
• San Antonio
• Reykjavik Iceland
• St-Petersburg
• Benalmadena
• Thessaloniki
• Kristiansand
• BUENOS AIRES
• Hop On Hop Off Bus Offers and Deals

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Big Bus London Tours

Big Bus: London Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Enjoy a hassle-free experience in London with this unlimited hop-on hop-off bus pass with the option of choosing between a Discover, Essential, and Explore HOHO pass.
• With 3 different routes available on all passes and over 35 stops located near distinct stops, hop on or off at your leisure.
• The Explore and Essential Passes offer walking tours like a 90-minute Royal Walk or Little Legs Kid’s walking tour, a 2-hour evening tour and a one-way river cruise.
• Pick up interesting facts about some of the attractions through the onboard commentary, available in 12 languages.
• Some of the popular stops on your route include the London Eye, Kensington Palace, Tower Bridge, and Madame Tussauds.

Discover Pass: 24-Hours

• 24-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
• Audio guide in 12 languages
• Hop-on hop-off map of London
• 1-way river cruise

Essential Pass: 48-Hours

• 48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
• 4 guided walking tours of Royal Walk, Hidden Gems of the City of London, Jack the Ripper & Hidden Gems of Westminster

Explore Pass: 48-Hours

• London evening tour
• Hotel pick-up/drop-off
• Attraction entrances
• First bus: 8am from stop #1 (Green Park Underground)
• Last bus: 6pm from stop #1 (Green Park Underground)
• Frequency: every 10 to 20 mins
• Popular stops: Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge & Big Ben
• Last bus: 6pm from stop #4 (Marble Arch)
• Frequency: every 20 mins
• Popular stops: Kensington Palace, Harrods, Notting Hill & Paddington Station Complete

Green Route

• First bus: 8:45am from stop #13 (Covent Garden)
• Last bus: 7pm from stop #37 (Woburn)
• Popular stops: Kings Cross Station, St. Pancras Station, British Museum & Temple Underground Station.

Please click here for a detailed route map and boarding points.

• Departure points: Green Park Underground (stop #1) & Trafalgar Square (stop #8)
• Timings: Daily, at 10am

Little Legs Kids Tour

• Departure point: Westminster Pier (stop #18)
• Timings: Every weekend, 27-31 May (daily), and July & August at 2pm

Cruise Details

• Boarding points: Tower Pier (near stop #17), Greenwich Pier, Westminster Pier (near stop #19), or London Eye Pier (near stops #12 & 13)
• Frequency: approx. every 50 mins.

Evening Tour

• Boarding points: London Eye (Stop 11) at 19:30
• Duration: 2 hours
• Tip: Visit the Covent Square Market, the most popular market in London for jewelry, antiques, or a souvenir of your trip as the merchandise changes every day.
• Facilities: Wheelchair accessibility, pre-recorded commentary.
• The pre-recorded commentary is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
• The live commentary is available in English, only on the red route.

Big Bus: London Evening Tour

• Soak up London’s charm during a 2-hour non-stop tour, showcasing the iconic landmarks under a mesmerizing dusk sky.
• This once-a-day evening tour offers an exclusive experience, letting you explore the city's famous sights at a leisurely pace.
• Benefit from the convenience of open-top buses and tune in to the pre-recorded commentary letting you delve into the city's rich history and culture.
• Be captivated by the striking sights of Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, and witness the eye-catching spectacle of the London Eye, set against the city's evening skyline.
• 2-hour evening tour
• Pre-recorded commentary in English, French, German, Spanish & Italian
• First bus: 7:30pm from the London Eye
• Frequency: once a day
• Tip: Nearby the London Eye stop is the famous 'Gordon’s Wine Bar', London's oldest, worth a visit post-tour.
• Require special accommodations for your disability? Rest assured as you can contact the service provider and they'll try to assist you.
• Mobility scooters cannot be accommodated on board due to size and weight limitations.
• Children aged 3 and under can travel for free.
• Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Combo (Save 10%): Heathrow Express One-Way Tickets + Big Bus London 24/48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

• Save big with this cost-effective combo, ensuring hassle-free Heathrow transfers and a London city hop-on hop-off tour.
• Reach London's vibrant Paddington from Heathrow Airport, or vice versa, in just 15 mins!
• With frequent connections from Heathrow Airport’s terminals, get access to a transfer with the most flexible schedule through the day.
• On a convenient hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour, access 3 routes with over 35 stops spread across the heart of the British capital.
• Visit iconic spots like the London Eye, Kensington Palace, Tower Bridge, Madame Tussauds, and more along your route.

Heathrow Express one-way tickets

• One-way transfer between Heathrow Airport to London Paddington (as per ticket choice)
• Level platform access to all trains on all platforms
• At-seat power
• Free 4G Wi-Fi
• Air-conditioning onboard
• Luggage space
• Onboard entertainment platform to browse newspapers, magazines & podcasts

Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour

• 3 guided walking tours of Changing of the Guard, City of London & Jack the Ripper

From Heathrow Airport to London Paddington

• First train: 5:12am
• Last train: 11:57pm
• Frequency: Every 15 mins

From London Paddington to Heathrow Airport

• First train: 5:10am
• Last train: 11:25pm

Green route

• Timings: 10am, daily

Little Legs kids tour

• Timings: Every weekend, 27-31 May (daily), and Jul & Aug at 2pm

Cruise details

• Frequency: Approx. every 50 mins.
• Tip: At Paddington Station, you can access National Rail, and Crossrail for London and UK travel. It's a central hub for Bakerloo, Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City tube lines.
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pram/Stroller Accessibility, Free Wi-Fi, Cloakroom.
• Pets and guide dogs are permitted on this transfer.
• Children 15 years and under can travel free on Heathrow Express.
• Note: The service is subject to disruptions or late departures in certain circumstances.
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pre-Recorded Commentary.

Combo (Save 7%): Stansted Express One-Way Transfers + Big Bus 24/48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of London

• Save big and enjoy two experiences with Stansted Express and Big Bus London hop-on hop-off combo tickets.
• Get to Tottenham Hale from Stansted Airport or vice versa, in under 40 minutes with the Stansted Express ensuring a quick and comfortable journey.
• Make use of in-train amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, at-seat power supply & USB plug, and ample luggage space on the Stansted Express.
• Explore London at your own pace with the Big Bus Tour, covering over 35 stops and featuring iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace.
• Choose between 24 or 48-hour passes, access 3 different routes, and enjoy extras like a river cruise and guided walking tours.

Stansted Express

• One-way transfers between London Stansted Airport & Tottenham Hale
• Ample luggage space
• Air-conditioning
• Wi-Fi, at-seat power supply & USB plug

Big Bus London

Discover Pass: 24-Hour

• Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian & Spanish
• Live guide in English on red route

From Stansted Airport to Tottenham Hale Station

• First train: 5:30am
• Last train: 12:30am
• Frequency: Approx. every 30 mins

From Tottenham Hale Station to Stansted Airport

• First train: 4:52am
• Last train: 11:13pm
• Frequency: Approx. every 50 mins
• Tip: Hop off at Tottenham Hale and discover Covent Garden's street performances and boutique shops.
• Facilities: Wheelchair & Bicycle Accessibility, Lavatory, Free Wi-Fi, Power Supply Socket, Luggage Space.
• Tip: Savor Indian cuisine at Dishoom near Covent Garden (stop 12), a local favorite.
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pre-recorded Commentary
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Big Bus London hop-on hop-off tours

Embark on a memorable journey with London’s Big Bus hop-on hop-off tours. Experience the city's rich history and vibrant culture as you explore famous landmarks, from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London. Enjoy the flexibility to hop on and off at your leisure and uncover the best of London's sights .

Why choose the Big Bus London tours?

Hop on hop off convenience

Enjoy the flexibility to explore London at your own pace with our hop-on, hop-off feature. Jump off at any of our designated stops and dive into the city's iconic attractions.

Panoramic views

Experience London's landmarks from a unique vantage point on our open-top buses. Capture breathtaking views of Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and more.

Expert guided tours

Learn about London's rich history and culture from our knowledgeable tour guides. Gain insights into each landmark's significance and uncover hidden gems along the way.

Multi-language commentary

Choose from a variety of languages for live commentary during your tour. Whether you speak English, Spanish, French, or Mandarin, our multilingual options ensure everyone can fully appreciate the experience.

Exclusive discounts and offers

Unlock special deals and discounts at select attractions with your Big Bus combo tickets. Maximize your London adventure while saving money on entrance fees and experiences.

Family-friendly experience

Our tours are designed to cater to all ages, making them perfect for families. Sit back, relax, and create lasting memories together as you explore London's top sights.

Big bus London routes, stops and maps

The Red Route/Classic Red tour travels around the best of Central London. Highlights are Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the London Eye, Big Ben, and St Paul’s Cathedral. 

• First stop: Green Park Underground
• Timings: 8:30am - 6pm
• Frequency: Every 10 to 20 minutes
• No. of stops: 24
• Full loop duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

The Blue Route/Big Blue tour is perfect for visitors who want to experience the best of West London, from Kensington Palace and Harrods to Notting Hill. It starts near Piccadilly and travels to the ritzy shopping areas near Park Lane, Regent Street, Oxford Circus, and Hyde Park. 

• First stop: Victoria, Nova Complex
• Timings: 8am - 6pm
• Frequency: Every 15 to 20 minutes
• No. of stops: 39
• Full loop duration: 3 hours 35 minutes

This route is primarily a transport link that connects Euston Station and King’s Cross Station to Central London. It starts at Covent Garden and has 10 stations that cover attractions like the British Museum, Russel Square, and Holborn. 

• First stop: Woburn - Northbound
• Frequency: Every 30 to 60 minutes
• No. of stops: 10
• Full loop duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

More details:

• Big bus overview and route-wise timetable
• Big bus route overview and route-wise stops and maps

Highlights of your Big Bus London tour

Route name: Red route, Blue route

Attraction timings: 11am to 6pm

Tower of London

Attraction timings: 9am to 5:30pm

SEA life aquarium

Attraction timings: 10am to 4pm

Buckingham Palace

Attraction timings: 9:30am to 6:30pm

Tower Bridge

Attraction timings: 9:30am to 6pm

Suggested London Big Bus Itineraries

If you have just one day in London then pick the Red Route of the London Big Bus Tours and explore all the top attractions in West London and Central London London.

• Start off at the Green Park Underground Station and take in the sights of West London, stopping at Mayfair. 
• Get back on the bus and stop at Trafalgar Square and enjoy the free Royal Walking Tour at 10am and explore the area around Buckingham Palace. 
• Take the Big Bus from Trafalgar Square to the Tower of London. Explore the landmark, then take the free River Cruise from the Tower of London Pier to Westminster Pier.
• After a stop for lunch, explore Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
• Finally, get back on the Big Bus and do the complete Red Route loop (1 hour 15 minutes), and get down at Covent Garden. Walk around the district and enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants.

If you have 2 days, you can explore the attractions in London at a more leisurely pace. Here is a sample itinerary to use:

Day 1 – Blue Route:  Set out from Green Park Underground and get down and explore the South Kensington Museums. Visit Kensington Palace and have lunch in the area, or at nearby Notting Hill. Get on the bus and stop at Baker Street for the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Madame Tussauds. Stop at the London Eye to ride the London Eye, and visit the London Dungeons and SeaLife Aquarium. Finally walk down to Westminster Pier and take the free river cruise.

Day 2 – Red Route:  Start your day at Trafalgar Square for the free ‘Royal Walk’ walking tour at 10am. After the tour head to Westminster Abbey. Get on the Red Route and get off at St Paul’s Cathedral. Then head to the City Hall stop to explore the H.M.S. Belfast. Finally, cross Tower Bridge, or take the bus again and get down at the Tower of London and spend time exploring the attraction.

Big Bus London tips

• Download the Big Bus Tours app as it is a convenient way to plan your itinerary and ensure you have the bus timings and route ready at your fingertips. 
• Plan your day ahead in advance as the bus routes are in a loop and there are a few points where you can change over to other routes. Make sure you consider the timings of the attractions and the days of closing as you don’t want to waste time alighting at the wrong stops! 
• As much as possible pre-book your tickets as you can avoid spending time in the queues outside attractions. You can purchase skip-the-line tickets for London attractions here . 
• The Big Bus ticket is valid for calendar days which means it is advisable to activate your pass as early in the day as possible. You cannot use the 1-day Big Bus ticket for 24 hours over 2 days!

Big Bus London: FAQ's

Hop-on hop-off buses are tourist buses that allow you to board and leave whenever you like at their destined stops and sightsee at your convenience.

Your ticket grants you access to all Big Bus routes, allowing you to hop on and off at any designated stop. Additionally, you'll enjoy informative commentary, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, and exclusive discounts at select attractions and restaurants.

London Big Bus hop-on hop-off bus tours run at a frequency of 10 to 30 minutes. Depending on the route. Click here for details. 

There are three Big Bus tour routes in London - the red, blue, and green link. All the routes are included in your big bus ticket. 

Yes, you will get access to audio guides available in up to 12 languages to learn more about the city.

Yes, the London Big Bus hop-on hop-off tours are accessibility-friendly for wheelchair users.

Tickets are typically valid for either 24 or 48 hours from the time of redemption, depending on the ticket type purchased.

Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour in London + River Cruise

Jumping on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour in London is definitely one of the best ways to explore such a big city like London. These sightseeing bus tours are suitable for all the family, and you can just sit back and relax and let it take you to London’s most important landmarks.

One of London´s most important sightseeing bus tour is the one offered by Big Bus Tours. You can hop-on and hop-off any of their three fascinating routes, and with more than 30 stops, you won´t miss any of London´s most important must-sees.

Hop on and hop off all the times you want and wherever you want during the day and see London in one of the most effective ways, on the topless upper deck of a double decker sightseeing bus. But don’t worry if the weather isn’t great as you’ll be able to avoid the cold or rain at the front of the upper deck which is covered, just in case!

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour in London: Advantages

There are a few reasons why we recommend a Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus tour in London:

• Discover all of London´s must sees:  The streets, the famous squares, the monuments and the important attractions and the best thing is that you don´t have to worry about looking at a map and getting lost. Just enjoy the ride.
• You can hop on and off as many times as you want during the day on all the different routes, so you will spend less time on public transport during your trip. Let´s be honest, you get to see much more on the top deck of a bus than on the London Underground!
• The ticket includes a River Cruise on the Thames.
• The ticket also includes a free guided walking tour  in London (See more details below).
• Enjoy the live commentary or listen to the recorded commentary (multi-lingual if English is not your preferred choice!) and discover all the interesting things you didn´t know about London.
• You also get a free discount book  which includes discounts to other attractions and restaurants in London such as the Hard Rock Café.
• They have the largest fleet of open top buses in London , so they run a lot more frequently than other sightseeing tour buses.
• Sightseeing bus tour tickets are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase, so you do not have to redeem them on a particular day. This is great because you can do the tour any day that suits you.

Big Bus London Hop-on Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour Prices

There are 3 different ticket types for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing Bus Tour in London: Classic , Premium and Deluxe .

Each one of these tickets has 3 different prices: Adults, Children (5 – 15) and Family (2 adults + 2 children under 15).

These are the different tickets available and their respective prices:

Classic: 1 Day Ticket

With this ticket you will be able to hop-on and hop-off Big Bus sightseeing bus tour as many times as you like during one day. It also includes a one way Thames River Cruise ticket (London Eye – Tower of London) and the Guided Walking Tour .

Classic Ticket Prices: Adults: £35 Children (5 – 15): £26 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 Children): £106.60

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tours Classic Ticket

Premium: 2 Day Ticket

The Premium ticket is valid for two consecutive days . You can hop on and hop off as many times as you like on any of the big bus routes for two days. This ticket also includes a round trip ticket on a Thames River Cruise and a free Guided Walking Tour , as well as the Night Tour during the summer months.

Premium Ticket Prices: Adult ticket: £40.40 Child ticket (5 – 15): £31.40 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 Children): £124.60

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tours Premium Ticket

Deluxe: 3 Day Ticket

The Deluxe ticket is valid for three consecutive days . You can hop on and hop off as many times as you like on any of the bug bus routes for three days. This ticket also includes a round trip ticket on a Thames River Cruise and the free Guided Walking Tour , as well as the Night Tour during the summer months.

Deluxe Ticket Prices: Adult ticket: £44.90 Child ticket (5 – 15): £35.90 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 Children): £139.60

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tours Deluxe Ticket

Night Tour and Hotel Return Service

During the summer months there is also the possibility of hopping on a sightseeing bus tour to see London at night. This night tour runs until the end of September. This night tour is also included when you buy deluxe (2 day) and premium (3 day) tickets, but you can also buy tickets for the night tour only.

There are three night tours per evening that depart from the London Eye, Victoria Station and Marble Arch. The pick-up times are:

• London Eye (stop 7) at 19:30, 20:00 & 20:30
• Victoria (stop 29) at 19:45, 20:15 & 20:45
• Marble Arch (stop 4) at 20:00, 20:30 & 21:00.  From Marble Arch, which is the last stop of the tour, there is a free hotel return service that goes to Paddington, Bayswater, Notting Hill & Kensington at the end of the tour.

Night Tour only Prices: Adult ticket: £24.90 Child ticket (5 – 15): £15.00 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 Children): £64.80

Combined tickets: Big Bus Sightseeing Tour + Attraction

There is also the possibility of buying combined tickets   for Big Bus HO-HO sightseeing bus tour in London with tickets to one of London’s Top Attractions , resulting in great savings.

Once you have bought tickets, the driver or a member of staff from Big Bus Tours (at any Big Bus Tours stop) will exchange your tickets, giving you the tickets for the sightseeing bus tour as well as the tickets to your chosen attraction.

Combo tickets:  > Big Bus Tours + London Eye > Big Bus Tour + Madame Tussauds > Big Bus Tour + Tower of London > Big Bus Tour + St Paul’s Cathedral

Big Bus Tour + London Eye

This ticket includes a 1 day ticket for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour (classic ticket) and entry to the London Eye . This ticket also includes a free river cruise and a free guided walking tour . Online tickets can be redeemed at any Big Bus Stop. You will need to use your tickets for the sightseeing bus tour and the river cruise that same day, and you will have 90 days to use your London Eye tickets.

You can buy normal entry tickets to the London Eye or fast track tickets. With fast track tickets you won’t have to queue at all.

Prices with Normal London Eye entry: Adult ticket: £64.80 Child ticket: £47.90 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £227.30

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour + London Eye Tickets

Prices with Fast Track London Eye entry: Adult ticket: £67.80 Child ticket: £58.80 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £189.00

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour + London Eye Fast-Track Tickets

Big Bus Tour + Madame Tussauds

This ticket includes a 1 day ticket for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour (classic ticket) and entry to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum . This ticket also includes a free river cruise and a free guided walking tour .

You can redeem your tickets at any Big Bus Stop. Online tickets can be redeemed at any Big Bus Stop. You will need to use your tickets for the sightseeing bus tour and the river cruise that same day, and you will have 90 days to use your Madame Tussauds tickets.

Prices for 1 day bus tour + Madame Tussauds Adult ticket:  £65.80 Child ticket: £52.80 Family ticket: £211.40

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour + Madame Tussauds Tickets

Big Bus Tour + Tower of London

You can choose a 1, 2 or 3 day ticket for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour (classic, premium or deluxe ticket) and entry to the Tower of London. These tickets also includes a free river cruise and a free guided walking tour .

You can redeem your tickets at any Big Bus Stop. Online tickets can be redeemed at any Big Bus Stop. You will need to use your tickets for the sightseeing bus tour and the river cruise that same day, and you will have 3 days to use your Tower of London tickets.

Prices for 1 day bus tour (Classic ticket) + Tower of London Adult ticket: £61.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £38.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Classic + Tower of London

Prices for 2 day bus tour (Premium ticket) + Tower of London Adult ticket: £67.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £43.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Premium + Tower of London

Prices for 3 day bus tour (Deluxe ticket) + Tower of London Adult ticket: £71.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £48.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Deluxe + Tower of London

Big Bus Tour + St. Paul’s Cathedral

You can choose a 1, 2 or 3 day ticket for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour (classic, premium or deluxe ticket) and entry to St Paul’s Cathedral. These tickets also includes a free river cruise and a free guided walking tour .

Online tickets can be redeemed at any Big Bus Stop. You will need to use your tickets for the sightseeing bus tour and the river cruise that same day, and you will have 90 days to use your St Paul’s Cathedral tickets.

Prices for 1 day bus tour (Classic ticket) + St Paul’s Cathedral Adult ticket: £61.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £38.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Classic + St Paul’s Cathedral

Prices for 2 day bus tour (Premium ticket) + St Paul’s Cathedral Adult ticket: £67.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £43.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Premium + St Paul’s Cathedral

Prices for 3 day bus tour (Deluxe ticket) + St Paul’s Cathedral Adult ticket: £71.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £48.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Deluxe + St Paul’s Cathedral

Routes and Timetable for London’s Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

There are 4 different routes which will take you to see London’s top landmarks. You can hop-on and hop-off of any of the routes as many times as  you like, and change routes whenever you want. This just makes sightseeing in London very easy, and it saves you having to use public transport in London to get from one place to another.

It’s also good to know that you can start your journey on the sightseeing bus tour at any bus stop, on any route, so you can start your journey at the bus stop that suits you best.

⇒ Here you will find a map with the routes and timetables: London Sightseeing Bus Tour Map .

1. Classic Red Tour

The first bus of this route departs at 8.10 am from the stop located just in front of Green Park underground station, on Piccadilly Street and there are buses approximately every 5 minutes. This route is the Classic Tour, a route that passes through 15 of the most important tourist places in London, including Westminster Abbey, London Eye, Big Ben, Covent Garden, the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral among others. The red route has a live commentary in English, and there are also recorded commentaries in several languages.

The red route takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, and has several stops in common with the blue route: stops from 2 to 5, from 7 to 11 and stop 15. It also coincides with the green route at stop 9.

2. Big Blue Tour

The first bus of the blue route departs at 8.36 am from stop number 2, which is located at Hyde Park Corner, and there are buses approximately every 5 or 10 minutes. The nearest underground stop is Green Park. The blue route is a slightly longer route, and coincides in almost all the stops with the red route, but also goes round Hyde Park, passing through the South Kensington area, where the natural history museum, the science museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum are located. It also goes past Harrods and towards Regent’s Park stopping at Baker Street, where the Sherlock Holmes museum and Madame Tussauds wax museum are located. The blue route has recorded commentaries.

The blue route takes almost 3 hours and coincides with the red route at stops 2 to 5, from 7 to 11 and stop 15. It also connects with the green route at stop 9 .

3. Green Link

The green link is very short and connects the famous Trafalgar Square with King’s Cross and St Pancras underground and train stations, going past the British museum. If you are going to spend a day in London and arrive at the King’s Cross – St Pancras station, we recommend that you use the tourist bus, since you can start the route here, change at Trafalgar Square to another route and see London easily before returning to King’s Cross with the green link again if you need to.

The first bus on the green route leaves from Covent Garden at 8.20 am, where it also links to the blue and red routes.

4. Night tour: Hotel Return Service 

The purple route is the hotel return service. It covers the areas from Marble Arch to Gloucester Road, so it’s ideal if your hotel is anywhere in between – such as Paddington, Bayswater, Notting Hill or Kensington. It runs up to 2 hours later than the other routes mentioned above.

Bus stops and timetables

Here you can find a list of the bus stops from the RED and BLUE routes, and the time of departure of the first bus at each one of them. After that, buses run every 5 – 10 minutes. Guide: Red Route ( RR ), Blue Route ( BR ) and Green Link ( GL ).

⇒ See Sightseeing Bus Tour Route Map Here

1. GREEN PARK ( RR ) – Green Park Underground Station, next to the Ritz Hotel 2. HYDE PARK CORNER ( RR , BR )  – Opposite Hard Rock Cafe 3. QUEEN MOTHER GATES ( RR , BR ) – Opposite Hilton Hotel 4. MARBLE ARCH ( RR , BR ) – Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park 5. MAYFAIR ( RR , BR ) – Park Lane Big Bus Stop 6. ROYAL MEWS ( RR ) – 31 Buckingham Palace Road Bus Stop 7. LONDON EYE ( RR , BR ) – Westminster Bridge Road Bus Stop 8. WATERLOO ( RR , BR ) – York Road Bus Stop 9. COVENT GARDEN ( RR , BR , RV) – Big Bus Stop at No.1 Aldwych 10. ST PAUL´S CATHEDRAL ( RR , BR ) – 26 Ludgate Hill Bus Stop 11. TOWER OF LONDON ( RR , BR ) – 362 Tower Hill Bus Stop 12. YORK ROAD ( RR )– Westminster Bridge Road Bus Stop 14. WHITEHALL ( RR ) – Big Bus Stop opposite Horse Guards 15. TRAFALGAR SQUARE   ( RR , BR ) –  Pall Mall East Bus Stop Z 16. BAKER STREET ( RR ) – Big Bus Stop at 9 Marylebone Road 17. OXFORD STREET ( BR ) – Bus Stop RF on Regent Street 18. REGENT STREET ( BR )– Bus Stop V on Regent Street 19. PICCADILLY CIRCUS ( BR )– Bus Stop G on Regent Street 20. HAYMARKET ( BR )– Big Bus Stop at No.11 Haymarket  **The blue route after stopping at stop number 20 stops at stop 15 at Trafalgar Square, where it coincides with the red route** 21. CRAIG´S COURT ( BR ) – Bus Stop at Craig’s Court and Whitehall Corner 22. WHITEHALL ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No.61 Whitehall **The blue route after stopping at stop number 22 stops at stops number 7, 8, 9, 10 and  11 coinciding with the red route** 23. WESTMINSTER PIER ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No.30-35 Victoria Embankment 24. LAMBETH PLACE ( BR ) – Lambeth Palace Road Bus Stop 25. COLLEGE GREEN ( BR ) – Abingdon Street Bus Stop 26. TOTHILL STREET ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 43-45 Tothill Street 27. BUCKINGHAM PALACE ( BR ) – Bus Stop  at No.1 Buckingham Gate 28. RUBEN´S HOTEL ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 39 Buckingham Palace Road 29. VICTORIA ( BR ) – Bus Stop opposite The Bag of Nails Pub 30. VICTORIA STATION  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 111 Buckingham Palace Road **The blue route after stopping at stop number 30 stops at stops number 3, 4 and 5 coinciding with the red route ** 31. GREEN PARK ( BR ) – Green Park Underground Station Bus Stop **The blue route after stopping at stop number 31 stops at stop number 2 coinciding with the red route** 32. HYDE PARK CORNER ( BR ) –  Bus Stop at No. 1 Knightsbridge 33. HARRODS ( BR ) – Bus Stop at Harrods, No. 87-135 Brompton Road 34. SOUTH KENSIGNTON MUSEUMS  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 6 Thurloe Place 35. GLOUCESTER ROAD  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 128 Gloucester Road 36. KENSINGTON PALACE  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 5 Kensington High Street 37. NOTTING HILL GATE  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 14 Notting Hill Gate 38. KENSINGTON GARDENS  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 150 Bayswater Road 39. THISTLE HOTEL  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 104 Bayswater Road 40. BAYSWATER ( BR ) – Bayswater Road Bus Stop 41. PADDINGTON STATION  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 25 London St 42. WOBURN ( GL ) – Bus Stop opposite Royal National Hotel 43. EUSTON STATION  ( GL ) – Bus Stop L, Upper Woburn Place 44. KING´S CROSS STATION  ( GL ) – Pancras Way Bus Stop 45. ST. PANCRAS STATION  ( GL ) – Midland Road Bus Stop 46. EUSTON ROAD ( GL ) – Bus Stop M, Upper Woburn Place 47. WOBURN (SOUTHBOUND) ( GL ) – Bus Stop J, in front of Russel Court 48. BRITISH MUSEUM (SOUTHBOUND) ( GL ) – Bus Stop X, Southampton Row 49. DUNCANNON STREET ( GL ) – Bus Stop G, Duncannon Street.

FREE River Cruise when you buy Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour tickets

A Thames River Cruise is honestly one of the best things you can  do when visiting London, this is something that I always recommend friends and family do when they come to visit us. If it’s your first time in London I can guarantee that a cruise on the Thames will leave you speechless, as you can see many famous landmarks from the river. And the best thing is: You get a free river cruise with the London hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour tickets. Boom!

The river cruise included is a one way ticket if you’re buying a one day sightseeing bus tour ticket, or a return ticket if you’re buying a 2 or 3 day bus tour ticket. The cruise runs from Westminster Pier to Tower of London. If you have a one day bus tour ticket you need to do the river cruise on that same day, but don’t worry as there is plenty of time do both, you would even have time to go on the London Eye on the same day.

Free Guided Walking Tour

You will also be able to make the most of your sightseeing bus tour tickets by joining the free walking tour that’s included in your ticket. The tour starts at the Big Bus Tours Bus Stop in Trafalgar Square at 10.20 am, and you will be able to enjoy the Changing of the Guard at 11.00 am at Buckingham Palace and learn all about St James’ Palace.

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London Bus Tour

Let the city simply take you by surprise.

Our tours will be severely disrupted on Saturday 18th May due to a large demonstration taking place in central London. The Kids Tour will leave from stop #15, Grosvenor Gardens, next to Victoria Station. See details

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London's Best Bus Routes for Sightseeing

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There's a lot to see on a trip to London , and especially on your first trip to the city. Taking a bus is one of the easiest ways to get a good view of London without much hassle or expense; all you have to do is find out which route you want to take and then leave the driving to them while you gawk at the scene. London is covered by more than 700 bus routes, and many travel past some of the city's iconic sights. As a bonus, many of the buses are double-deckers , and what a great view you'll get on the upper deck. This list focuses on routes in central London only and includes links to a full guide that rounds up all the sights included on the route as well as helpful tips and additional information. 

London buses no longer accept cash fares, so you will need an Oyster card loaded with sufficient credit or a travelcard. You could also consider using a contactless payment card to pay for London transport .

If you are short on time and want to guarantee that you see all of the big sights in London , your best bet is the classic Big Bus Tours circular route.

No. 11 Route

This bus route is a perfect one to take if it is your first trip to London. The key section of the No. 11 route starts at Liverpool Street Station and ends at Victoria Station. It goes through the City of London and past such must-sees as  St. Paul's Cathedral , Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.

No. 9 Route

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The best section of the No. 9 route starts in Kensington and ends on the edge of Covent Garden. It goes past Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park, along Piccadilly, past St. James's Palace and Trafalgar Square .

No. 73 Route

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The No. 73 route starts at Victoria Station and ends in Stoke Newington in northeast London. It goes past the Buckingham Palace gardens, Wellington Arch, Hyde Park, Marble Arch, along with the whole length of Oxford Street, and through Islington.

No. 26 Route

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The No. 26 route starts at Hackney Wick in east London and ends at Waterloo by the South Bank . It goes through Hackney and the City of London before traveling over Waterloo Bridge for fantastic views on both sides.

No. 24 Route

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The No. 24 route starts at Hampstead Heath in north London and winds its way to Pimlico, near ​ Tate Britain . It goes through Camden and Trafalgar Square, as well as Parliament Square, where you'll get a glimpse of the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

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The RV1 route starts at Tower Hill, close to the Tower of London, and ends in Covent Garden. The route links the Tower of London to London Bridge and Borough Market, via Tower Bridge, and Waterloo and the South Bank to Covent Garden Piazza.

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This route starts in West Hampstead and passes through other upmarket North London neighborhoods, including St. John's Wood where the famous Abbey Road pedestrian crossing can be found, before heading along Oxford and Regent streets, through Piccadilly Circus and around Trafalgar Square, and ending in Waterloo with magnificent views from Waterloo Bridge.

London Monopoly Board Locations

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Visitors to London often walk London Monopoly board locations. It's easier if you take the bus on these four routes, which will drive you past all the Monopoly board locations. These routes all connect. Catch No. 205 at Marylebone Station, No. 78 at Liverpool Street Station, No. 72 at Old Kent Road, and No. 23 at Fleet Street. If you want an abbreviated tour, pick No. 23, where you will hit the jackpot and roll past the lion's share of Monopoly board names on just this one route.

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Avoid These Tourist Traps In London And Visit These Destinations Instead

O ne of the world's greatest cities, London is packed with tourist attractions so impressive that you'll want to add them all to your itinerary. From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace to the Churchill War Rooms, the list of unmissable landmarks seems endless. Don't worry, though -- it's possible to visit most of them in just a two-day trip . When you're on a tight schedule, it's important to avoid time- and money-wasting tourist traps in favor of visiting sites that are worthy of your attention. 

Whether it's an overrated and overpriced wax museum, a kitschy dungeon experience, or a super crowded viewpoint, there are many places to avoid visiting in the U.K.'s heady capital. The confusing part? Some of them top multiple lists of must-see attractions. That's where we come in. 

As someone who lived in this captivating English city for six years, I have first-hand knowledge of the biggest tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London. Plus, I can offer more impressive (and often less costly) destinations to visit instead. Don't want to take my word for it? No problem. I combined my first-hand knowledge with reviews and suggestions from other locals to create this list.

Read more: 50 Underrated Tourist Destinations Around The World

Skip Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours And Ride A London Bus

While hop-on hop-off bus tours can be a convenient way to explore a big city, they often come with a hefty price tag. If the tour is based in London, you can expect to pay over $50 per adult for a one-day pass. Instead, board a London bus, which will cost less than $7 for a day of travel. Bus fare for one ride is about $2 and the daily cap is under $7. To pay for their ride, visitors must use a contactless card or an Oyster Card, the visitor's version of which can be purchased online and mailed to your home before you leave.

Double-decker London buses offer spectacular city views, with many routes passing right by London's landmark attractions. One of our faves is the historic Routemaster Bus 15, which we suggest boarding at the Tower of London. Hop on at Great Tower Street (Stop TT) and ride west to Charing Cross Station. Be sure to sit up top for the best views along this heritage route -– you can't miss St. Paul's Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. 

Bus 24 is another great option for sightseers. Hop on at Victoria Station and ride it to Camden High Street. Along the way, you'll pass Westminster Abbey, the Horse Guard's Parade, Trafalgar Square, and Downing Street. Grab a bite at Camden Market when you disembark or stay on until you reach Hampstead Heath where you can catch unbeatable views of the city.

Skip Madame Tussauds And Visit Buckingham Palace

It may tout itself as a top London attraction, but Madame Tussauds would be more honest if they said they were the top rip-off site. Booking in advance will save some money -- the standard online rate for an adult begins at just over $47 versus the walk-up price, which begins at almost $60. But that's still a lot of quid to dish out for wandering around an overcrowded and noisy space filled with okay-ish wax replicas of A- and B-list celebs. Yes, it's fun to take photos with the royal family and fool friends into thinking you met them IRL, but is it worth it? We don't think so.

Instead, we suggest visiting Buckingham Palace for a potential King Charles III sighting. Realistically, you probably won't spy a royal outside the palace, but at least you'll see a historic monument up close. Celebrities more your thing? Book a reservation at one of the city's most popular restaurants. Chiltern Firehouse has hosted acting greats Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper as well as soccer superstar David Beckham. 34 Mayfair is another good bet for great food and celeb spotting. Imelda Staunton and royal family members have all eaten here.

Skip Changing Of The Guard And Visit The Queen's Gallery

While you should add Buckingham Palace to your list of must-see London tourist attractions, you may want to avoid a visit during the Changing of the Guard. This formal ceremony marks the change between the old guard (on-duty soldiers) and new guard (soldiers taking over duty) for the royal palaces. Marching with a band from Wellington Barracks to the Palace, the new guard will arrive at the palace at about 10:45 a.m. A well-known event, this is a big tourist draw, which means you can expect hefty crowds queuing up an hour or more in advance, as well as pickpockets who arrive to take advantage of the chaotic atmosphere. This tourist trap, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, is one you'll be happy to miss. Sadly, watching this famed ceremony these days feels more like witnessing an overhyped marching band than it does an esteemed historic ritual.

Instead, ditch the crowds and glimpse art from the Royal Collection in the Queen's Gallery or visit the Royal Mews , where you can see the royal stables and the 260-year-old Gold State Coach used at King Charles III's Coronation. The Mews are open Thursday through Monday from early March to early November. Neighboring St. James Park is another interesting place to visit. One of London's famed Royal Parks, it is bordered by three palaces and boasts a fabulous view of Buckingham Palace in particular.

Skip Platform 9 ¾ At King's Cross Station And Visit Warner Brothers Studio Tour London

If you're traveling with a Harry Potter-obsessed kid, you may want to visit Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station. But if you're alone, or with other adults who couldn't care less, we advise you to skip this overrated tourist trap. If you're already planning to be in King's Cross Station and have time to scope out this attraction, that's one thing; but if you're traveling there with the sole purpose of visiting this site, think twice. 

Set between platforms 9 and 10 (obvs) this point of interest includes nothing but a brick wall denoted with a sign. Stuck into the wall is part of a trolley loaded with fake suitcases and an empty owl cage. Those hoping for a quick photo and to score some Potter swag will be pleased;  the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ is open daily, even on bank holidays, and it sells everything from wands to clothes to makeup. 

For those who'd rather have an unforgettable and truly magical Harry Potter experience, though, head to Warner Brothers Studio Tour London -- The Making of Harry Potter in nearby Leavesden. Instead of merely looking at a wall, visitors can board the Hogwarts Express, "fly" on a broomstick, walk through the Great Hall, and explore the Forbidden Forest. Step foot in Diagon Alley, try a Butterbeer, or check out some of the film's famous props and costumes. You won't be sorry you visited.

Skip London Dungeon And Visit The Tower Of London

No matter how much the kids beg you to visit the London Dungeon, stay strong and just say "no." This kitschy tourist trap is a waste of your hard-earned money (tickets start at over $37 for adults) and it's so hokey you'll roll your eyes more times than you can count on both hands. This pitiful attraction is peppered with costume-clad actors who like to scream and cackle and its two rides (the Drop Dead: Drop Ride and the Tyrant Boat Ride) will make you wish you were at Walt Disney World; even "It's a Small World" would be more enjoyable. An escape room has also been added to increase the venue's income stream –- it costs $153 for a private game for six people.

Want a historic experience with a side of chills? Head to the Tower of London instead. There, you can tour the Torture at the Tower Exhibition, where you can get up close and personal with the stretching machine (a.k.a. the rack) and other ancient torture devices in the Lower Wakefield Tower. The Bloody Tower is another point of interest you won't want to miss. The most infamous prison on the grounds, this is where you'll learn about the alleged murder of two young princes -– Edward V and his little brother Richard –- by their uncle, Richard III.

Skip The London Bridge Experience And Visit Churchill War Rooms

Looking for a good spooking? Do yourself a favor and skip The London Bridge Experience. A tourist trap designed to bring the city's macabre history to life with the help of actors with a penchant for jump scares, you can expect to meet zombie-like versions of ghastly heavyweights Jack the Ripper and William Wallace during your visit. Tickets cost about $37 for the experience, which takes anywhere between 35 and 50 minutes. That means you could be spending more than $1 a minute. Entry fees also include a trip to the London Tombs, deemed the U.K.'s "best scare attraction," according to their site . Zombified dentists, doctors, and creepy clowns await visitors in the lower vaults of this venue, ready to pounce and scream in your face.

Instead, we suggest visiting the Churchill War Rooms. Also located underground, this fascinating historic facility is part of the Imperial War Museums. Located in the basement of Whitehall, this once-secret complex was used by former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, top government ministers, and military planners to conduct meetings and develop plans during the country's war effort during World War II. Known as the Cabinet War Rooms, this clandestine spot was used daily during the war, until August 16, 1945. Or experience that stomach drop feeling by walking the glass floors at Tower Bridge. Set nearly 138 feet above the Thames, the views are both terrifying and impressive. Tickets cost under $16 per adult. 

Skip The Sherlock Holmes Museum And Visit The Sherlock Holmes Pub

We don't recommend visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum unless you have a detective-obsessed kid who doesn't realize that the famed character is fictional. Set inside a Georgian townhouse at 221B Baker Street in Marylebone, this four-story museum has been open since 1990. Inside lie antique furnishings mentioned in the books and pretty creepy-looking mannequins. Tickets cost over $21 which isn't exorbitant, especially for London, but considering you won't be there long (the museum's quite small), this seems a bit of a waste.

Instead, head to The Sherlock Holmes  in St James. Self-described as a "Victorian-themed public house," this watering hole features a recreated version of the famed fictional detective's apartment upstairs. The entire pub is dotted with references to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved books, making it easy to feel as if you're within the pages. Plus, there's a beer garden –- the museum certainly doesn't have one of those.

Skip The SEA Life London Aquarium And Visit The London Zoo

You'll find everything you'd expect to see at the SEA Life London Aquarium. From penguins to sharks to turtles, they're all there. And as far as aquariums go, this is a pretty good one. But when you're in one of the world's greatest cities that lies on the banks of a river, not an ocean, there are plenty of better things to see. Standard tickets to the Sea Life London Aquarium cost $24 online or $51 at the door. Again, that's pretty on par for London attractions, however, it's a steep price to pay for a tourist trap. 

Instead, visit London Zoo in Regent's Park. The oldest scientific zoo in the world, this family-friendly attraction was opened in 1828 for fellows of the Zoological Society of London. In 1847, the public was invited to visit. Today, the zoo is home to 14,0000 animals including a giant, 425-pound silverback gorilla, Sumatran tigers, and Linne's two-toed sloths. While tickets aren't cheap (an adult will cost about $40 to visit on a weekday), it's easy to spend a whole day here. Or, if you aren't willing to part with that much cash, visit the smaller, and lesser-known, Battersea Park Children's Zoo . Adult tickets are more reasonably priced, at $16. There are over 100 animals at this little zoo, including wallabies, meerkats, otters, and lemurs, and plenty of opportunities to interact with animals like coatis, donkeys, and goats.

Skip The Shard And Visit Level 10 At The Tate Modern

There's no denying that The Shard is impressive. In fact, it's one of the most spectacular buildings in the world . The viewing platform was opened by the queen on February 1, 2013, with the main restaurants (Aqua, Oblix, and Hutong) following suit that summer. Set across the Thames from another bucket-list-worthy London building, the Gherkin, this engineering masterpiece towers 1,016 feet above the city and boasts 11,000 glass panels. 

Dubbed a "vertical city," there's plenty to do inside, like spend serious coin on a meal with a view, or zip up one of the 44 elevators to the viewing platform. That 360-degree view will cost you, though -- about $36, or more if you add a glass of champagne. And if you visit on a day that's rainy or misty (honestly, London is often both of those things), you're basically paying for a ride in a lift.

Instead, head to Level 10 at Tate Modern, where you can enjoy a drink or snack (including sandwiches and salads) while ogling the impressive view of the Thames, St. Paul's Cathedral, the BT Tower, and Blackfriar's Bridge. You won't have to pay a thing unless you choose to grab a bite or a warm cuppa. The Skygarden at 20 Fenchurch Street is another must-visit for a free skyline vista. The highest public garden in London, this leafy space is as stunning as its views are remarkable.

Skip The London Eye And Visit Hamstead Heath

We are well aware that some of you will disagree with this addition to our list of tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London, but hear us out. Yes, the London Eye is iconic. Yes, it offers fantastic views of the city. And yes, it's deemed a top London attraction you won't want to miss . That said, visiting this popular landmark can cause more headaches than enjoyment. First created as a temporary point of interest, this 443-foot-tall, "cantilevered observation wheel" is the largest of its kind in the world, according to its website . And if you catch a ride on one of its 32 pods on a sunny day, you can see up to 25 miles in all directions. The problem is that thousands of others have the same idea, which means you could stand in line for more than two hours on a particularly busy day. Standard tickets start at over $32 online or more than $57 for a walk-up.

Instead, visit Hampstead Heath for a unique city view you probably never knew existed. Parliament Hill stands over 321 feet tall, making it one of the highest natural points in the city. If the weather is ideal, you can see to the Gherkin, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament. Speaking of the Gherkin, it's another great spot to enjoy unparalleled views. Grab a drink and snack at Iris Bar at Searcys at the Gherkin , then relax with a side order of stunning vistas.

Skip Harrods And Visit Peter Jones And Liberty

Harrods is to London as the Colosseum is to Rome -– a historic icon that's become synonymous with the city. The world's most famous luxury department store, this Knightsbridge institution is impossible to miss -– it's eight floors tall and an entire block long, not to mention over one million square feet in size. Inside, you'll find 20 restaurants, a beauty salon, a bank, and 300 separate departments selling over 5,000 brands. You'll also see price tags so high you might suffer sticker shock. Due to its notoriety, Harrods is often packed with tourists, making it difficult to enjoy the plush interior.

If you're hoping to shop during your London holiday, there are plenty of excellent places to visit instead. Sloane Square is home to the Peter Jones & Partners department store. Owned by John Lewis, this vast shop is filled with enough enticing merchandise that you'll find it tough to leave empty-handed. Grab a bite at The Top Floor Restaurant (on the 6 th floor) for captivating views of Chelsea and beyond.

Liberty is another recognizable landmark located on Regent Street. A heritage-listed building; this stunning Tudor-style store is as beautiful outside as it is indoors. Built between 1922 and 1924, it is worth a visit, if only to admire the impressive architectural features (the price tags here are also quite shocking).

Our Ranking Methodology

Having lived in London for six years with two young children, I visited pretty much every tourist attraction the city has. From renowned points of interest like the Tower of London to remarkable museums, I've seen the top sightseeing destinations multiple times, including many kitschy tourist traps I wish I'd skipped. To create this list, I used my experiences at these attractions to determine which locales are tourist traps that should be avoided and I included alternatives that are more than worthy of your time and money. I also consulted reviews from other locals and travelers, as well as their tips, to ensure the list is solid.

Read the original article on Explore .