I can’t think of anything more iconic than a double decker bus driving on the Tower London Bridge – well that, and a red phone booth. This image would float through my mind when planning this portion of the trip and it ended up being the smartest thing we did.
If it’s your first time in London, here’s why you should take the Double Decker Bus.
1. Jump-On and Jump-Off
Don’t underestimate the power of a jump-on/jump-off privilege. The bus makes stops at points of interest throughout the entire city allowing you to spend time at Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, The London Eye, etc., for as long as you’d like. When you’re ready to see more, jump back on! It’s as easy as that.
2. Open Roof
There’s nothing better than the fresh air blowing through your face. The 2nd deck of the double decker bus is the perfect place to take quick pictures, and more importantly, actually see what you’re driving by. There’s nothing worse than being in a new place and other cars are in the direct view out your window. Keep in mind, it may be chilly up there. Dress accordingly!
3. Scan the City
I recommend starting in Picadilly Circus and completing a full route at the very beginning of your day. This gives you the opportunity to see everything from a quick perspective and keep mental (or real) notes on an area that caught your eye. I found that learning about the history of iconic places made me more interested to check them out after I saw the major sights.
4. 24 Hour Ticket Period
Get an early start in the day or head out after a famous English Breakfast – you have the ticket for 24 hours. The company doesn’t have buses running throughout the middle of the night, but if you start later in the afternoon you are able to check out what you missed the next morning.
5. Knowledgeable Tour Guide (multi-language head set)
Every double decker bus comes with a tour guide. Whether the tour guide is a quick-witted local or a pre-recorded headset, you’ll get all of the information you need. If English isn’t your first language, do not fear! The headset comes with a choice of languages. Make sure you check the language list before you book your ticket.
Share with me: What were your favorite places to see while visiting London, England?
