London Discovery by Day and by Night Hop-On Hop-off Tours

Thinking about seeing London in a way that combines flexibility with some standout sights? This London Discovery by Day and Night hop-on hop-off experience from Tootbus promises just that. It’s a chance to explore the city at your own pace during the day, then enjoy a glittering night tour highlighting London’s most iconic landmarks. While it’s not a perfect fit for everyone, it offers a straightforward way to get around and see the sights, especially if you’re short on time or prefer guided commentary.

What we really like about this tour is the two-part nature—daytime sightseeing plus a night tour—giving you a complete picture of London’s beauty both under and over the lights. Plus, with over 40 stops spread across three routes, it’s quite convenient for travelers staying in various parts of the city. The price point, around $60, makes it a decent value considering the scope, especially if you enjoy the flexibility of hopping on and off as you please.

That said, one possible drawback is that the night tour is not hop-on hop-off, which means you’ll be stuck with the 90-minute route as it runs. Also, some reviews mention issues like intermittent audio and long waits between buses, which can dampen the experience. This tour is best suited for those who want a flexible way to see London’s highlights without the hassle of navigating public transport alone, and who are comfortable with a bus-based sightseeing approach.

If you’re after a straightforward, cost-effective way to get a broad overview of London, especially if you’re a first-timer, this experience could be well worth considering—just keep in mind the limitations and occasional issues highlighted by fellow travelers.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing: Hop on and off at over 40 stops across three routes, letting you customize your day.
• Iconic landmarks: See major sights like Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and more.
• Breathtaking views: The open-top deck during the day offers great photo opportunities.
• Night tour charm: The 90-minute evening bus ride showcases London’s landmarks illuminated, perfect for a romantic or memorable start to your night.
• Value for money: For around $60, you get a full day of sightseeing plus a night experience, which many find reasonable.
• Some drawbacks: Limited facilities, no restroom onboard, and the night tour isn’t hop-on hop-off, meaning fixed timing.

What to Expect from the Day Tour

Starting from any of the designated stops, the daytime experience is all about flexibility and seeing London’s top sights. With over 40 stops crisscrossing three routes, you can hop off to explore, snap photos, or just enjoy the city from the bus. The open-top deck makes for a fantastic vantage point, especially if the weather is clear.

The stops include well-known attractions like Covent Garden, the British Museum, Kensington Palace, and the Tower of London—each gives you a taste of London’s diverse neighborhoods and history. The routes are designed to take in the city’s most famous landmarks, so you’ll have plenty of photo ops along the way.

TripAdvisor reviews suggest that guides often provide helpful commentary, and passengers appreciate the ability to see so much in a few hours without feeling rushed. One reviewer noted, “We did see everything we wanted to see in a few hours, and it was a great price,” which highlights the value of this flexible sightseeing approach.

The Landmark Stops in Detail

Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square

These stops are central hubs filled with street performers, shops, and historic sights. They’re perfect starting points to soak up London’s lively atmosphere.

The London Eye and Waterloo Station

You’ll get close to the river and the famous Ferris wheel, with the chance to explore nearby attractions or take quick photos.

Tower of London and Tower Bridge

A highlight for many, these stops offer a chance to see the historic fortress and the iconic bridges spanning the Thames.

Westminster and Buckingham Palace

These are the quintessential London sights, and the buses pass right by, giving you great photo opportunities from the open top.

The Night Tour: A Glittering View of London

Meet at Coventry Street, outside Shake Shack, for the 90-minute London by Night tour. This part of the experience is less flexible—you’re on a fixed route and cannot hop off—but the views are memorable. Seeing Big Ben, the London Eye, and Westminster Abbey lit up at night gives the city a different, magical feel.

Passengers report that the night tour is a lovely way to get a different perspective on London, with some reviewers praising the glittering cityscape and the “breathtaking views from the top deck.” It’s a good option to kick off your evening in London, especially for first-timers eager to see the city sparkle.

The Experience and Practicalities

The tour is mobile-ticket based, making it easy to access with your smartphone. The buses run in accordance with the winter timetable, which may mean longer waits at some stops. While some travelers mention issues like loud music or broken commentary, others find the guides knowledgeable and friendly. One reviewer even said, “Tom was an excellent host,” emphasizing that staff interactions can enhance the experience.

The price of about $60 covers both the daytime hop-on hop-off and the night tour, which many consider an acceptable cost for a full day of sightseeing combined with a memorable evening ride. But keep in mind, food, drinks, and restroom facilities are not included and are not available onboard, so plan accordingly.

How Does It Compare?

Compared to other sightseeing options, this tour offers good value for those who want a flexible and straightforward way to see London. It’s especially appealing if you’re a first-time visitor or short on time. The public nature of the buses means you’ll share the experience with other travelers, which can be fun but also means you may encounter some delays or issues, as some reviews have pointed out.

Travelers have pointed out that the audio commentary can sometimes be out of sync or repetitive, which might affect your enjoyment if you’re keen on detailed historical narration. However, some mention that helpful staff make up for this, offering tips and friendly advice.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a simple, reasonably priced way to see London’s highlights both during the day and in the evening, this London Discovery + Night Tour could be a decent choice. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a flexible schedule, easy access to major attractions, and a chance to see the city sparkle at night without the hassle of navigating public transit alone.

However, if detailed commentary, restroom facilities, or a more premium experience are priorities, you might want to look elsewhere. Long waits, occasional technical issues, and the non hop-on hop-off night ride are factors to consider.

All in all, this tour offers a practical, budget-friendly overview of London, with the added magic of a nighttime view that many will find quite special.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically designed as a family tour, some reviews mention that kids enjoyed the bus ride, especially with open-top views and seeing sights like the Fire of London. Keep in mind that there’s no restroom onboard and the tour is primarily aimed at adults.

Can I hop off and explore at any stop?
Yes, during the daytime, you can hop on and off at over 40 stops, giving you the chance to explore specific areas more closely.

Is the night tour hop-on hop-off?
No, the night tour is a fixed 90-minute route, so you cannot hop off and reboard. It’s a set experience to see London’s landmarks illuminated.

How do I get my tickets?
Tickets are mobile and delivered electronically, making it easy to access with your phone. You’ll receive a mobile ticket after booking.

Are there restroom facilities onboard?
No, the tour buses do not have restrooms. Plan to use facilities before boarding or at stops.

What should I wear?
Since much of the tour is on the open top, dress comfortably and consider the weather—an umbrella or jacket might come in handy.

What level of commentary can I expect?
Some reviews mention that the commentary can be inconsistent—sometimes out of sync or repetitive. Staff might provide helpful insights, but don’t expect a detailed narration at every stop.

In summary, this day and night hop-on hop-off tour offers a solid introduction to London for those wanting flexibility and easy access to major sights. While it has its quirks, many travelers find it a worthwhile, budget-friendly way to get a broad overview of the city—especially if you’re eager to see London’s glow after dark.