Tower of London with London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise

Getting a taste of London’s most iconic sights in just a day or two can feel overwhelming—unless you choose the right tour to streamline your experience. This package, priced at around $107 per person, combines a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass, a one-way Thames River cruise, and entry to the famous Tower of London. It’s designed for travelers eager to see many landmarks without the hassle of navigating public transportation or planning multiple tickets.

What we love about this experience is how flexible it is. The bus route covers everything from Green Park to Buckingham Palace, with audio guides available in five languages—helping you understand the significance of each stop. Plus, the River Thames cruise offers a scenic alternative to city streets, giving you a fresh perspective of London’s skyline.

One thing to consider is that, like many city tours, traffic can be unpredictable. Several reviews mention long delays that can eat into your sightseeing time, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. Still, for those wanting a broad overview of London’s highlights, this package offers a good starting point.

This tour is particularly well-suited for travelers who want value and convenience—families, first-timers, or busy visitors who prefer a structured yet flexible way to see the city’s top attractions without feeling overwhelmed.

Key Points

• Flexible Transport: Unlimited 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus access allows you to explore at your own pace.
• Rich Historical Sites: Includes entry to the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels.
• Scenic Views: The Thames River cruise offers a relaxing way to see the city from the water.
• Informative Guides: Audio commentary available in five languages enhances your understanding of landmarks.
• Convenience: Mobile tickets and multiple stops make it easy to hop on and off throughout the day.
• Potential Delays: Heavy traffic can impact schedule and timing, so plan accordingly.

Starting Point and Route Overview

The tour begins at Green Park—a lovely green oasis near Buckingham Palace—making it convenient for visitors staying centrally. From there, the bus route covers a broad swath of London’s most recognizable sights, including Marble Arch, Baker Street, Oxford Street, and Regent Street. The route continues through Trafalgar Square and Whitehall, leading you past the Horse Guards Parade and the London Eye.

The stops are well-placed, offering easy access to key landmarks. For example, the St. Paul’s Cathedral stop puts you within walking distance of Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, while the Tower of London stop is your gateway to centuries of royal history and the dazzling Crown Jewels.

The Tower of London

According to reviews, entry to this historic fortress is a major highlight. The Tower of London is UNESCO-listed and steeped in royal tales. Once inside, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Crown Jewels, which are truly dazzling—stone-cold eye-candy for history buffs and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Most travelers find that the ticket included in the package is well worth it, especially given the entrance fee typically charged at the site. However, note that this is a one-time entry, so plan your visit accordingly, as you won’t be able to re-enter later on.

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

The bus service runs on a 24-hour ticket, allowing you to hop off at various stops to explore on foot, then hop back on later. The audio guides in five languages enhance the experience, providing context without the need for a guide on board.

While the route is extensive, some travelers report traffic delays that can extend wait times or cause buses to run behind schedule. One review shared frustration about being stuck in traffic for hours, missing their scheduled tour of the Tower of London. The bus driver, as noted, offers no commentary during the ride, which might leave some feeling a bit disconnected from their surroundings.

Thames River Cruise

The one-way cruise takes you along the Thames, offering picturesque views of landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye. The cruise is a relaxing break from the busy streets and gives a different perspective on the city’s historic and modern architecture.

Note: The cruise is one-way, so you’ll need to plan to either walk or catch another transport back if you want to return to your starting point. Some reviews mention that the audio commentary on the boat was absent, which could be a missed opportunity for context, but the scenery alone is often enough to satisfy.

Additional Stops and Highlights

Other notable stops include Covent Garden, famous for its street performers and markets, and Westminster Pier, close to the Parliament. The route also passes by Buckingham Palace, giving you that quintessential London photo opportunity.

One stop to note is Victoria Station, a major transit hub, perfect for connecting to other parts of London or heading out of the city.

Practicalities and Value

The $107.15 price includes all the main components: bus, entry to the Tower, and river cruise. For visitors wanting to maximize their limited time, this combo offers great value, especially considering that individual tickets for attractions and transportation can add up quickly.

However, the reviews highlight some drawbacks: delays caused by traffic, lack of onboard commentary, and occasional service interruptions (like during the Extinction Rebellion protests). These issues can impact your experience, so it’s wise to plan for some flexibility.

This package is ideal for first-time visitors eager to see many of London’s highlights in a short amount of time. It’s also great for travelers who prefer structured sightseeing without the hassle of buying separate tickets or navigating public transit. If you’re comfortable with potential delays and enjoy having a self-guided audio tour, you’ll find this offers good value.

Those who favor more in-depth or personalized guided tours might find this format a bit too broad or hurried. Likewise, if you’re interested in exploring off-the-beaten-path sites, you’ll need to supplement this experience with additional excursions.

This combo tour offers a practical and reasonably priced way to get a solid introduction to London. It covers many of the city’s top landmarks, giving you the flexibility to explore on your own while providing useful context via audio guides. The inclusion of entry to the Tower of London and a scenic river cruise makes it especially appealing.

But keep in mind the traffic issues that can slow down the tour, and the fact that some travelers found the lack of onboard commentary and service disruptions frustrating. If you’re a traveler who values reliable scheduling and more personalized experiences, you might want to plan your day with some buffer time or consider other options.

For those on a tight schedule or new to London, this tour can be a smart way to pack in the highlights—just stay flexible and prepared for possible delays.

Can I hop off the bus at any stop?
Yes, with the 24-hour ticket, you can hop on and off at any of the designated stops along the route.

Is the entry to the Tower of London included?
Yes, your ticket grants you entry to the Tower of London, including access to the Crown Jewels.

How long does the entire tour last?
The bus route itself is designed to be flexible over 24 hours, but the tour with the Tower visit and river cruise takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes on site, not including waiting times or transit delays.

Can I use this tour if I don’t speak English?
Absolutely. The audio guides are available in five languages, so you can choose the one you’re most comfortable with.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals and beverages are not included in this package.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can enjoy the sights, but keep in mind the duration and potential delays. The audio commentary can be educational for kids as well.

Does the tour operate during protests or strikes?
Service interruptions like during Extinction Rebellion protests have been reported, so check local news or the provider’s updates if you’re visiting during such times.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted.

What should I do if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How do I redeem my tickets?
Redeem your voucher at any designated Big Bus stop to receive your tour and Tower of London entry tickets.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor wanting a broad overview or someone eager to tick off the major landmarks, this tour offers a convenient and cost-effective way to see London’s highlights. Just remember to stay flexible and enjoy the ride—traffic and delays are part of city touring!