Big Bus London Evening Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

Imagine seeing London’s most iconic sights lit up against the night sky—Big Ben’s clock face glowing, the London Eye shimmering, and the Tower of London illuminated with centuries of history. This 2-hour evening tour is designed to give you a panoramic glimpse of London after dark, starting outside the London Eye and wrapping around the city’s top landmarks. Priced at around $50.73, it’s an accessible way to enjoy the city’s magical atmosphere without the constraints of a traditional group tour schedule.

What we love about this experience is the freedom to hop on and off at your own pace, combined with audio commentary in five languages that enriches the sights with fascinating stories and details. Plus, the top-deck open buses mean you’ll get unobstructed views and great photo opportunities—perfect for capturing London’s twinkling lights.

That said, a few considerations are worth noting. Some reviews mention that the audio guide can sometimes be out of sync, or that visibility at night might be limited until it gets darker, which affects the experience. Also, getting to the meeting point outside the London Eye can occasionally be tricky if directions aren’t clear, and delays do happen, especially during busy times or due to road closures.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a flexible, visual introduction to London’s evening skyline and iconic sites. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning on the move and prefer riding in open-air buses to avoid the crowds and schedules of guided walking tours. If you’re short on time but eager to see many highlights—especially when the city is beautifully lit—this tour could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Flexible 2-hour tour with open-top buses that give you clear views of London’s illuminated landmarks.
• Audio commentary in five languages enhances your understanding of the sights.
• Great photo opportunities as the bus moves at a relaxed pace through the city at night.
• Start point outside the London Eye offers a scenic and central location, though directions might occasionally be confusing.
• Delays and route changes can happen due to traffic or road closures, so check updates.
• Most travelers find it a good value for a comprehensive night-time overview of London.

In-Depth Review: What to Expect from the Big Bus London Evening Tour

The Itinerary: A Nighttime Panorama of London

Starting at Stop D outside the London Marriott County Hall, the tour whisks you around the city’s most celebrated sights in about two hours. While the route may vary depending on traffic or road closures—a common issue in such a busy metropolis—it generally covers notable landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the Tower of London, and the London Eye.

Most reviewers appreciated the non-stop nature of the tour, meaning you get to see a lot without frequent stops or long detours. But, as some noted, the audio commentary can sometimes lag or get out of sync, especially if you’re seated in the middle of the bus rather than upstairs. You might find it frustrating if you’re trying to match the stories to what you’re viewing in real-time.

The View from the Open-Top Bus

One of the biggest draws is the open-air experience. Many travelers, including one who described it as “the best way to see London lights,” treasured the chance to snap photos of the skyline without glass obstructing the view. The buses are designed to be comfortable enough for the evening, but keep in mind that it can get chilly—so packing a jacket is advised, especially if you plan to stay upstairs for the entire journey.

The Audio Commentary: Information and Annoyance?

The commentary is a mixed bag. Multiple reviews praise the educational value and engaging guides, with some mentioning Big Steve as a guide who adds fun with his storytelling. However, others found the recorded narration somewhat cheesy or poorly synchronized. One reviewer even pointed out that the commentary still referenced the Queen, which suggests some updates are needed to reflect modern times.

Despite this, the commentary remains a valuable feature, especially if you want to learn about London’s history and culture while enjoying the striking night views. Just be prepared for occasional mismatches or less-than-clarity if the audio system isn’t perfect.

Meeting Point and Timing

Getting to the meetup spot outside the London Eye is generally straightforward, especially with public transportation nearby. Still, a few travelers mentioned the difficulty in finding the exact location or experiencing delays due to queues—sometimes filling multiple buses before yours.

The tour starts at 7:30 pm, which is ideal for witnessing London’s skyline before the lights dim and the city truly sparkles. However, some reviews suggested that waiting until later in the evening could offer a more dramatic display of lights, as the lighter sky in early evening sometimes limits visibility.

Price and Value

At roughly $50.73 per person, this tour offers solid value for those wanting a comprehensive nighttime overview. While it’s more expensive than a typical bus ride, the inclusion of audio commentary and the scenic open-top experience justify the cost for many.

Some feedback highlights that the tour covers all the major sights, making it ideal for travelers short on time or those who prefer a relaxed, sightseeing journey rather than walking or hopping between sites. On top of that, the ability to hop off and explore nearby attractions or grab a quick bite adds to its appeal.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Stunning panoramic views of London lit up at night
– Comfortable open-top buses with unobstructed sights
– Informative commentary in five languages
– Suitable for all ages, with most travelers finding it easy to participate

Cons:
– Occasional delays or route changes due to traffic or road closures
– Audio commentary can sometimes be out of sync or less engaging
– Finding the meet-up point might be tricky without clear directions
– Visibility might be limited early in the evening before it gets darker

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This evening sightseeing tour is perfect for visitors wanting a flexible, visual introduction to London’s highlights after sunset. It’s well-suited for travelers with limited time who want to maximize their sightseeing, or those looking for a relaxed way to see the city’s illuminated landmarks without the fatigue of walking. If you enjoy photo opportunities, learning a few fun facts, and soaking in the city’s atmosphere, this is an excellent choice.

However, if you’re a history buff craving detailed stories or a traveler who gets easily seasick from open-air rides, you might want to consider other options. Also, if you’re an early evening person and want to see the city lights as they turn on, consider starting the tour a little later or planning to stay out after the tour to see the lights in their full glory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers find it family-friendly, especially since it’s a comfortable ride with great views. Just note that the timing and route might be better suited for older children who can enjoy sightseeing from the open top.

Can I hop off the bus during the tour?
This tour is mainly non-stop, so hopping off isn’t typically an option. It’s designed as a panoramic ride, not a hop-on, hop-off experience.

What languages is the audio commentary available in?
It’s offered in five languages: English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but since the buses are double-deckers with stairs, it’s best to check with the operator if you have specific needs.

How do I find the meeting point?
The tour departs from outside the London Marriott County Hall near the Lion Statue, just next to the London Eye. Directions are generally clear, but some reviews suggest arriving early to avoid confusion.

What should I bring?
Bring a light jacket or sweater, especially if you plan to stay upstairs, as it can get windy and chilly at night. Also, consider bringing your camera for photo ops.

Are there restrooms or food options nearby?
While the bus tour doesn’t include food or drinks, the starting point and nearby areas offer plenty of cafes, restaurants, and restrooms.

What happens if the route is changed due to traffic?
Adjustments are possible, including route changes or delays, especially during peak times or road closures. Keeping an eye on updates or asking the staff can help.

Can I cancel or reschedule if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If you need flexibility, this policy helps plan around unforeseen changes.

Final Thoughts

The Big Bus London Evening Sightseeing Tour offers a relaxed, scenic way to take in London’s iconic sights after dark. With open-top buses providing sweeping views, audio commentary enriching your experience, and the chance to take stunning photos, it’s a delightful way to see the city in a different light. It’s especially appealing if you’re looking for a flexible itinerary that doesn’t tie you down to strict schedules, and if you’re eager to experience London’s nighttime ambiance.

While it’s not perfect—occasional delays, some outdated commentary, and variable visibility—the overall experience remains worth considering for first-time visitors wanting a snapshot of London’s illuminated landmarks. It’s a fun, accessible, and visually captivating tour that suits adventurous travelers, families, and anyone eager to see London sparkle after sunset.

If you’re entering London with limited time or want a memorable photo tour with minimal fuss, this open-top bus experience could easily become a highlight of your trip. Just remember to dress warmly, arrive early, and keep your camera ready—you won’t want to miss the magic of London at night.