London: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Madame Tussauds Ticket

Traveling to London and feeling overwhelmed by all the sights? This combined experience offers a convenient way to see the city’s highlights from an open-top bus, with the bonus of a ticket to Madame Tussauds and a river Thames boat ride. For $75.43 per person, you get a flexible ticket valid for 1 to 2 days, making it perfect for visitors who want to cover a lot of ground at their own pace.

What we love about this experience is how easy it is to hop on and off, giving you the freedom to linger at places that catch your eye. The live guides and audio guides in multiple languages help you learn about London’s landmarks in a lively, accessible way. Plus, the Madame Tussauds visit really makes the day more memorable, allowing you to get up close with celebrities and royalty alike.

However, some travelers have noted that the overall rating is around 3.7 out of 5, meaning this tour might not be for everyone, especially if you’re looking for a more immersive or exclusive experience. It’s best suited for first-timers wanting a broad overview of London without breaking the bank or spending too much time in transit.

If you’re keen on seeing London’s iconic sights and love the idea of seeing celebrities in wax, this tour can deliver a fun, flexible day out. It works well for those who prefer a mix of sightseeing, light entertainment, and a bit of local flavor. Just keep in mind that it’s not a guided tour with detailed storytelling—more of a self-guided adventure with helpful guides along the way.

Key Points

Flexible itinerary: Valid for 1, 24, or 48 hours, so you can customize your sightseeing.
Iconic landmarks: Stops include The London Eye, Tower of London, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and more.
Includes Madame Tussauds: Perfect for celebrity fans and family fun.
River Thames boat ride: Offers panoramic views and a different perspective on the city.
Multi-language guides: Audio guides available in 12 languages, plus live guides in English.
Good value: Combines several popular activities into one reasonably priced package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

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The Hop-on Hop-off Bus Itself

This open-top bus tour is geared toward those who want the freedom to explore at their own pace. You can choose from 1-day, 24-hour, or 48-hour tickets, which allows you to plan your day without feeling rushed. The buses run approximately every 20 minutes on the Red and Blue routes, with the Orange route running every 30 minutes Monday to Thursday. That frequency means you won’t be waiting long, and you can hop off whenever a stop piques your interest.

The buses cover all the major central sights—think of them as a moving sightseeing platform. We loved the way the upper deck offers stunning, unobstructed views of landmarks like the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the Houses of Parliament. The guides, whether live or audio, do a capable job of pointing out interesting facts and stories, although some reviews have noted that the guides might not be as engaging or detailed as a dedicated guided tour.

Landmarks and Stops

The routes are designed to give you a comprehensive tour of London’s most famous sites. The Classic (Blue) route is your best bet for seeing the city’s main attractions, while the Essential (Red) route takes you past Madame Tussauds, Kings Cross, Hyde Park, and Regent’s Park. The Museum (Orange) route is perfect if you’re interested in London’s world-class museums, passing by Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, and Buckingham Palace.

Every stop is a photo opportunity, and since you can hop off at any point, you can spend more time exploring neighborhoods like Covent Garden, Soho, or South Bank. This flexibility is a real plus if you prefer a DIY schedule.

The River Thames Boat Ride

A highlight for many is the boat ride along the Thames, included if you select the 24 or 48-hour ticket. Departing from Westminster Pier, the cruise takes you to Tower Millennium Pier, offering memorable views of the London skyline, including Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the Houses of Parliament. Boats leave every 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into your day.

Many reviews mention that this boat ride provides a unique vantage point that complements the bus tour. It’s a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective and catch some great photos.

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Madame Tussauds

The attraction itself promises to be a highlight for fans of celebrity culture. Stepping into Madame Tussauds, you can get up close with wax figures of stars, royalty, and fictional characters. The experience includes a Star Wars exhibit and a chance to pose with your favorite celebs. Guests have said it’s a “fun and interactive experience” — perfect for families or anyone wanting a break from walking.

Keep in mind that admission is included in your ticket, but suitcases are not allowed, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The attraction is busy, so plan your visit accordingly.

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Additional Perks: Walking Tours

The tour package also offers free walking tours such as the Jack The Ripper tour or the Royal tour. These are small, guided walks that add a deeper historical or cultural layer to your sightseeing, especially if you want to get beyond the surface and hear some local stories from knowledgeable guides.

Transport, Timing, and Practical Tips

This experience is all about convenience. The buses run frequently, and your ticket is valid across all routes, so you can tailor your day. The audio guides in 12 languages make it accessible for international visitors, while live guides provide lively commentary in English.

The boat cruise is an added bonus, offering panoramic views of London’s most iconic landmarks. It departs every half-hour from Westminster, so timing your ride around your bus schedule is straightforward.

Remember, food and drinks are not included, so plan snacks or meals accordingly. Also, the ticket is only valid for the date and time you select—so double-check your schedule when booking.

When considering the value, think about how many attractions you can see in a day or two and the convenience of transportation and included activities. For many, this is an affordable way to tick off many London “must-see” sights without the hassle of organizing separate tickets.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of London in a limited amount of time. It’s especially good for families with kids—who can enjoy the bus, the boat ride, and Madame Tussauds all in one trip. If you’re on a budget, the combination of multiple attractions for a single price offers good value.

However, if you’re seeking an in-depth, guided experience or are interested in exploring specific neighborhoods more thoroughly, you might find this tour somewhat superficial. Similarly, those looking for luxury or exclusive access might want to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

This London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour combined with Madame Tussauds provides a practical and enjoyable way to experience the city’s highlights. Its flexibility makes it suitable for a variety of travelers, especially those wanting a cost-effective, all-in-one sightseeing package. The inclusion of a Thames river cruise and free walking tours further enriches the experience, adding layers of discovery without extra cost.

While it isn’t a deeply narrated guided tour, the informative guides and scenic routes make it a solid choice for those who prefer self-paced exploration with some engaging extras. If you’re seeking a fun, easy, and comprehensive introduction to London, this package is definitely worth considering.

FAQs

How long is the tour valid?
You can choose a ticket that’s valid for 1 day, 24 hours, or 48 hours, depending on your schedule and how much you want to see.

Does the boat ride run every day?
Yes, the Thames boat departs every 30 minutes from Westminster Pier to Tower Millennium Pier, for those who select the 24 or 48-hour ticket.

Are guided commentary options available?
Yes, each bus provides an informative and entertaining live guide or audio guides in eleven languages, including English and many others.

Can I hop off at any stop and explore?
Absolutely. The hop-on hop-off feature is designed for maximum flexibility, allowing you to stay longer at sites or simply enjoy a quick photo.

Is Madame Tussauds included in the ticket price?
Yes, your ticket grants you entry to Madame Tussauds, including the Star Wars Experience and celebrity wax figures.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Yes, suitcases are not permitted inside Madame Tussauds, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The ticket is valid only for the date and time chosen at booking.

This combined tour offers an enjoyable, budget-friendly way to tick off London’s highlights, with enough flexibility to make it your own. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or just a day, it’s a well-rounded introduction that balances sightseeing, fun, and a bit of celebrity sparkle.