London by Night Sightseeing Tour – Open Top Bus

We’re excited to share our thoughts on the "London by Night Sightseeing Tour" aboard an open-top bus. This iconic tour offers a unique way to experience the city’s landmarks at night, providing a captivating ambiance and opportunities for stunning photographs. While the tour’s highlights and accessibility are worth considering, there are a few key factors to keep in mind as well. Let’s dive deeper into the details and see if this tour is the right fit for your London adventure.

Key Points

• The London by Night Sightseeing Tour offers an open-top bus experience to explore iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Tower Bridge after dark.
• The 1.5-hour tour provides live commentary to give insights into the city’s history and architecture.
• The tour is highly rated with over 900 reviews and a Badge of Excellence.
• The maximum capacity is 60 travelers per tour, ensuring ample photo opportunities.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and planning ahead is essential for accessibility considerations.

Tour Overview

The London by Night Sightseeing Tour is an open-top bus experience that takes visitors on a journey through the heart of the city after dark.

It boasts a 4.3-star rating from over 900 reviews and a Badge of Excellence. This 1.5-hour tour departs from Green Park, allowing you to see iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge illuminated at night.

With live commentary, you’ll gain unique perspectives and insights into the city. The tour operates year-round, with multiple departure times available depending on the season.

Just be sure to dress warmly as you take in the sights from the open-top bus.

Key Features

On the London by Night Sightseeing Tour, we’ll see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks illuminated in all their glory.

We’ll visit Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and more. The live commentary from our guide will provide fascinating insights into the history and architecture of these sights.

We’ll also enjoy a unique perspective of the city from the open-top double-decker bus, away from daytime traffic. With a maximum of 60 travelers per tour, we’ll have ample opportunities to snap photos and soak in the enchanting nighttime ambiance of London.

Tour Schedule and Availability

Scheduled departure times for the London by Night Sightseeing Tour vary depending on the time of year. During the colder months of October through March, the tours depart at 7:30 PM and 9:20 PM. From April through September, there are more options, with departures at 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:15 PM, 9:45 PM, and 10:15 PM. However, the tour doesn’t operate on December 25th and 31st. Unfortunately, audio guides aren’t available, and all tours are conducted in English only.

Time Period	Departure Times
October – March	7:30 PM, 9:20 PM
April – September	7:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:15 PM, 9:45 PM, 10:15 PM
No Tours on	December 25th, December 31st
Audio Guides	Not Available
Language	English Only

Accessibility and Considerations

Though the London by Night Sightseeing Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, we can still enjoy the experience if we plan ahead. Infants must sit on laps, so leave the stroller at home.

Dress warmly, as the open-top bus can get quite chilly, especially during the colder months. Arrive early to secure seating, as the popular upper deck may fill up quickly. Be aware that standing passengers could block the view for others.

Despite these considerations, the unique opportunity to see London’s landmarks illuminated at night makes this tour a memorable experience.

Seating Policy and Cancellation

Seats on the London by Night Sightseeing Tour are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This includes seating on both the upper and lower decks.

Due to the open-top design, upper deck seating may be limited, so we recommend arriving early to secure your preferred spot.

If you need to cancel your booking, you can do so free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts. This provides flexibility in case your plans change.

Just keep in mind that no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours won’t be refunded. Overall, our seating policy and cancellation terms aim to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.

Traveler Feedback

Based on the traveler reviews, the London by Night Sightseeing Tour generally receives positive feedback, with many visitors enjoying the informative guides, beautiful sights, and unique perspectives of the city after dark.

Specific tour guides like Michael were praised for their knowledge and humor.

However, some passengers reported issues like overcrowding, difficulty hearing the guide, and poor visibility due to standing travelers blocking the views.

While the tour is highly recommended by many, some suggest exploring alternatives like hop-on/hop-off buses for a more comprehensive experience.

Positive Experiences

Many travelers thoroughly enjoyed the unique perspectives of London’s iconic landmarks illuminated at night on the tour. The guides brought the city to life with their informative and engaging commentary, highlighting little-known facts and stories.

We particularly appreciated:

• The stunning views of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye bathed in soft lighting
• The serene atmosphere of the River Thames as we crossed Tower Bridge
• The lively energy of Piccadilly Circus and Harrods at night
• The guide’s ability to navigate the quieter streets, allowing us to avoid the daytime crowds
• The overall sense of wonder and enchantment the tour provided.

Negative Experiences and Recommendations

While many travelers praised the tour, some reported experiencing a few issues that dampened their overall enjoyment.

Overcrowding on the bus made it difficult for everyone to get a clear view, and the audio from the guide was sometimes hard to hear. Some complained of wet seats and limited visibility due to standing passengers blocking sightlines.

Although the majority highly recommend the tour, those looking for a more comprehensive experience may want to consider alternatives like hop-on/hop-off bus tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

We recommend checking with the tour operator beforehand, as many sightseeing tours have restrictions on bringing your own food and drinks. Some may allow it, while others may prefer you purchase refreshments on-site for the enjoyment of all passengers.

Do I Need to Book Tickets in Advance, or Can I Purchase Them on the Day?

You’ll want to book your tickets in advance for this popular tour. While you may be able to purchase tickets on the day, availability is limited and they often sell out, especially during peak times. We recommend securing your spot ahead of time.

Is There a Discount Available for Children or Seniors?

We didn’t see any information about discounts for children or seniors on this tour. Your best bet is to check the tour provider’s website or contact them directly to inquire about any special pricing options.

Can I Get off the Bus at Any of the Landmarks and Explore Them?

Unfortunately, we can’t get off the bus at the landmarks during this sightseeing tour. It’s a continuous journey to see as many London highlights as possible. If you want to explore the landmarks, consider a hop-on hop-off bus instead.

What Language Options Are Available for the Audio Commentary?

Unfortunately, there are no audio guides available for this tour – it’s conducted entirely in English. While that may limit accessibility, the live commentary from the guide allows us to engage and learn more about the sights.

The Sum Up

The London by Night Sightseeing Tour is an enchanting way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks after dark. With live commentary, stunning views, and a memorable ambiance, it’s a must-do for any visitor. While the open-top bus may not be the most accessible, the overall experience is well worth it. We’d recommend booking in advance to secure your spot on this unique tour.