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

If you’re planning a trip to London, a city packed with world-famous landmarks and hidden gems, you’ll want a way to see as much as possible without wearing out your feet. The London Discovery + London by Night hop-on hop-off bus tour offers an appealing option, especially for visitors eager to get a broad overview of the city at their own pace. With a price tag of around $60.35 per person, this 3-hour daytime experience combined with an optional 90-minute evening tour makes it a flexible choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive snapshot of London’s top sights.

What we really like about this tour is the convenience of multiple stops—over 40 scattered across three routes—meaning you’re likely to find a stop near your accommodation or favorite neighborhood. Plus, the night tour promises a chance to see London’s landmarks illuminated, adding a magical touch to your sightseeing. But, as with any large bus tour, there are a few caveats—such as variable commentary quality and the inability to hop off during the night segment—that are worth keeping in mind. This experience suits those wanting a quick, scenic overview, especially first-time visitors or those short on time but eager to maximize their sightseeing.

• Flexible Exploration: Over 40 stops across three routes, allowing you to hop on and off at your convenience.
• Iconic Landmarks: Close-up views of Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and more.
• Stunning Night Views: The 90-minute evening tour illuminates London’s most famous sights beautifully.
• Real-Time App Access: The Tootbus app helps you track buses and find stops easily.
• Limited Inclusions: No restroom on board, and you cannot hop off during the night tour.
• Good Value for Sightseeing: Especially for those who want to see many sights without fussing over transportation.

This tour is ideal for travelers who prefer a “big-picture” approach to London. You can start your day by hopping onto one of the buses at any of the designated stops, which are well spread out around the city—including areas like Trafalgar Square, Westminster, Tower of London, Kensington, and Notting Hill. The buses are open-topped, perfect for snapping photos without glass barriers blocking the view, particularly from the top deck, which many reviews praise for breathtaking vistas of the city.

The three routes—each covering different parts of Central London—are designed to give a rundown. You’ll pass by notable attractions like St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Harrods. The stops are conveniently located outside or near famous sites, hotels, and transportation hubs, making it easy to jump on and off.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day Tour:

Starting at Coventry Street outside the Shake Shack, the day route takes you along major sights such as Trafalgar Square, where you can snap photos of Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery. Next, you’re treated to views of the London Eye, situated on the South Bank, and then moving past Waterloo Station—a hub of activity—before reaching Covent Garden, a lively area full of street performers and shops.

From there, the route continues past St. Paul’s Cathedral, with its iconic dome, and across the London Bridge area, giving you the chance to see the historic Tower of London up close. The tour culminates at Westminster Pier, where you can admire the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben while waiting at the stop, and then proceed to Buckingham Palace, where the chance to see the Queen’s residence from the bus is a highlight.

Night Tour:

In the evening, the tour departs from Coventry Street and takes about 90 minutes to wind through Westminster, Whitehall, and Piccadilly Circus. The night lighting gives a different, often more romantic or dramatic, feel to iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Trafalgar Square. Several reviews praise the glittering views, describing it as “the most beautiful way to fall more in love with London” after dark.

• Coventry Street: A bustling hub outside Shake Shack, perfect for starting your day amidst London’s nightlife energy.
• Trafalgar Square: Central, lively, and full of history, with Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery as focal points.
• London Eye: Just outside the Marriott Hotel, offering a close-up view of the giant Ferris wheel that provides panoramic London vistas.
• Waterloo Station: A major transit point, giving you a taste of London’s transport network.
• Covent Garden: Known for its street performers, boutiques, and lively atmosphere—ideal for grabbing a quick snack or just soaking in the vibe.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral: Its impressive dome dominates the city skyline; on the bus, you get a sense of its scale and importance.
• London Bridge & Tower of London: Historic sites with a rich past; the bus allows close-up views without the crowds.
• Westminster and Buckingham Palace: Heart of royal London, where the changing of the guard or just the sight of the palace can be captured from the bus.
• Westminster Pier & Whitehall: You get great views of government buildings and the iconic Big Ben.
• Piccadilly Circus & Soho: Bright lights, vibrant energy, and a taste of London’s nightlife, especially beautiful at night.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and helpful staff. One reviewer praised the driver, Tom, calling him “an excellent host,” while others appreciated the helpful staff at stops, like Shah in Paddington. Conversely, some travelers expressed frustration over poor commentary quality and long waits between buses, especially during winter. A few reviews mention rude drivers or buses that broke down, so your experience might vary depending on the day and time.

Price-wise, this tour offers good value if your goal is an efficient overview of London’s key sights. The hop-on, hop-off system means you can tailor your day—jump off for photos or a quick look around, then catch the next bus. Not needing to navigate London’s complex public transport system can be a relief for first-time visitors.

However, the lack of restroom facilities onboard and the inability to hop off during the night might be downsides for some. The night tour, while scenic, is a guided-only experience—meaning no flexibility to explore at your own pace once you’re on board.

The app helps keep track of buses in real-time, which is handy during busy periods or when waiting between buses. For families or those with mobility issues, the multiple stops and accessible locations are helpful, but keep in mind that the buses are a traditional sightseeing format, not necessarily suited for those needing more comfort or personalized commentary.

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors to London who want a broad sense of the city’s layout and major landmarks without the effort of navigating public transportation or walking long distances. It’s also ideal for families with children who enjoy bus rides and outdoor sightseeing, as many reviews mention kids loving the open-top experience.

If you’re interested in seeing London beautifully lit at night or want a quick, scenic overview, the night tour provides a special perspective. However, if you’re after deep historical insight or a highly personalized experience, you might find this tour lacking in detail or flexibility.

For travelers seeking a convenient, relatively affordable way to see London’s highlights, this hop-on hop-off bus tour is a solid choice. It offers breathtaking views from the top deck, easy access to major landmarks, and a chance to experience the city both during the day and after dark. If you’re okay with some variability in commentary quality and prefer a guided overview rather than detailed narration, this tour suits those who enjoy scenic transportation with stops in strategic locations.

It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors who want to get their bearings, families with kids who love open-top bus rides, and those eager to see London’s nighttime sparkle. But, if personalized guides or in-depth historical commentary are what you’re after, consider supplementing this with a walking tour or more specialized guided experience.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
While the stops are conveniently located near major sights, the buses are traditional hop-on hop-off models, so if you require assistance, it’s best to check with the operator beforehand. Most travelers can participate, but accessibility varies.

Can I hop on and off during the day?
Yes, the tour’s system allows you to hop on and off at over 40 stops throughout the day, giving you the flexibility to explore specific areas at your own pace.

Is the night tour included in the price?
The night tour is part of the package but operates as a guided 90-minute experience. You cannot hop off during this segment, and it runs at a fixed time from Coventry Street.

Are restroom facilities available on the bus?
No, there are no restrooms on board, so plan accordingly, especially if you have young children or need frequent breaks.

How accurate is the real-time bus tracking app?
Many reviews mention the app is helpful, but some users experienced delays or inaccurate updates, particularly during winter. It’s a useful tool but not foolproof.

What should I bring to make the most of the tour?
Bring a camera, some water, and perhaps a small umbrella—London weather can change quickly. Earphones or headphones are provided, but some reviews mention inconsistent commentary, so be prepared for some quiet moments or background music.

In short, the London Discovery + Night Tour offers a practical, scenic, and flexible way to get a sense of London’s most famous sights. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a rundown with the convenience of hop-on hop-off, especially during a first visit or a quick city trip. Just keep expectations in check regarding commentary quality and the limitations of the night segment. With some planning, you’ll leave with plenty of photos, memories, and perhaps a new appreciation for this endlessly fascinating city.