London by Night Sightseeing Tour – Open top bus

The London by Night Sightseeing Tour offers a fantastic way to experience the city’s most iconic sights illuminated against the evening sky. For $40.03 per person, this 1 hour 30 minutes open-top bus tour departs from Piccadilly Circus, starting in the heart of London, and makes its way through key neighborhoods, providing a vibrant snapshot of the city after sunset. The tour features live commentary in English, with options for audio guides in several languages, and is perfect for those who want to enjoy London’s evening atmosphere without the daytime crowds.

While the tour covers many famous landmarks, it is especially suited for visitors seeking a relaxed introduction to the city’s top sights at night. Its value lies in the illuminated views and engaging guides, although it’s worth noting that no stops are made during the tour, so it’s best for those comfortable with a moving sightseeing experience. The group size is capped at 60 travelers, ensuring a relatively intimate experience, and the meeting point is conveniently located near Green Park underground station.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: $40.03 per person for about 1 hour and 30 minutes of sightseeing.
• Start Point: The tour departs from Piccadilly Circus, right next to the Ritz Hotel.
• Main Highlights: Pass by Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Harrods at night, all lit up beautifully.
• Guide Service: Live English commentary guides you through the city’s landmarks, with multilingual audio options available.
• Seating: Seats are on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early helps secure a spot on the top deck for the best views.
• No Stops: The entire 2-hour tour is continuous with no scheduled stops, focusing on cruising past the sights.
• Booking and Availability: Book 24 days in advance on average, with multiple departures in the evening, especially during warmer months.
• Accessibility and Group Size: The tour accommodates up to 60 guests, with capacity for most travelers, but all seats are first-come, first-served.

The Start at Piccadilly Circus and First Views of London

The tour begins at Piccadilly Circus, a lively hub in London’s West End, situated next to the Ritz Hotel. From here, you board the double-decker bus, with the upper deck offering the most striking views. Early arrivals enjoy the best chance to secure seats on the top level, which offer unobstructed vistas of the city’s glowing landmarks.

The opening stretch takes you through Piccadilly, where bustling streets are lined with high-end stores like Fortnum & Mason, and illuminated billboards light up the evening. The atmosphere is lively, with crowds enjoying the city’s nightlife and shopping, creating an energetic backdrop for the tour.

Illuminations at Westminster and the Houses of Parliament

Cruising past Westminster, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey are bathed in dramatic lighting, highlighting their Gothic and Gothic Revival architecture. The guide shares brief stories about these historic buildings, making the experience both visually stunning and informative.

The Thames River glimmers with boats’ lights, creating a picturesque scene as you glide along. The combination of historic sights and lively riverside activity captures the essence of London as a city that balances tradition with modern vibrancy.

Tower Bridge and the Thames River at Night

Passing by Tower Bridge, travelers get a clear view of this iconic bascule and suspension bridge, famously lit up at night. The golden glow of the towers and the intricate details of the bridge make it a standout photo opportunity.

The cruise along the Thames offers glimpses of the river dotted with illuminated boats and the shimmering London Eye in the distance, providing a mesmerizing perspective of the city’s skyline. The guide points out historic sites along the riverbank, enriching the visual experience with brief anecdotes.

St. Paul’s Cathedral and the City Skyline

Your route takes you past St. Paul’s Cathedral, known for its impressive dome and baroque architecture. It stands out against the night sky, illuminated to showcase its grandeur.

The guide’s commentary offers insights into the cathedral’s history and its significance in London’s architecture. This stop-and-start in the daytime is replaced here by a smooth, moving view that captures the magnificence of this religious landmark in a different light.

The Bright Lights of Kensington and Harrods

The tour moves through the upscale Kensington neighborhood, famous for luxurious homes, museums, and shops. The highlight here is Harrods, the world-renowned department store, which shines brightly on Brompton Road.

While the tour does not stop here, the views of Harrods’ illuminated façade are captivating, and the rich ambiance of the area is palpable. The guide shares quick facts about the neighborhood’s elegance and cultural appeal, offering a glimpse into London’s affluent side.

Buckingham Palace and the Mall

Although the tour does not stop, passing by Buckingham Palace in the evening allows a glimpse of the residence’s exterior, bathed in spotlights. The tour provides a sense of the royal residence’s prominence in London’s architecture and history.

The route along The Mall and through St. James’s Park showcases the city’s open green spaces, contrasting with the bright city lights and adding visual variety.

The Final Stretch: Knightsbridge and the End at Green Park

The last leg winds through Knightsbridge, known for luxury shopping and elegant Victorian architecture. The guide mentions notable landmarks like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the London Oratory.

The tour concludes back at Green Park, a peaceful Royal Park near Piccadilly Circus. The group can disembark knowing they have seen the city’s most spectacular landmarks illuminated, all in one coherent journey.

Practical Tips for a Great Experience

Guests are advised to arrive at least 20 minutes early to secure a top-deck seat. The seats are first-come, first-served, and being early increases chances of enjoying the best vantage point.

The tours run from October to March at 7:30 pm and 9:20 pm, while during the warmer months, there are additional departure times with some later than 10 pm. Since there are no stops, guests should dress warmly, especially if sitting outdoors, and keep in mind that it may not be fully dark during summer months for the entire duration.

The Guide and Transportation

The live commentary in English is lively and engaging, with multilingual audio guides offered in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Japanese. The guides are praised for their knowledge and entertaining storytelling.

The double-decker bus is well-maintained, and seats on the upper deck are limited, emphasizing the importance of early arrival. The group size is capped at 60 travelers, making it manageable and less crowded than some larger tours.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Tickets can be booked up to 24 days in advance, with full refunds available if canceled more than 24 hours prior. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the tour are not refunded, so planning ahead is recommended. The tour operates most nights of the year, excluding December 25th and 31st.

London by Night Open-Top Bus Tour: Final Thoughts

This evening tour offers a cost-effective way to see London’s most recognisable landmarks illuminated at night, with the guides’ lively commentary adding depth to the visual feast. It is especially suitable for visitors who want a relaxed, scenic overview of the city without the commitment of a full-day tour.

The absence of stops means it’s best for those comfortable with continuous sightseeing from the bus. Arriving early to secure a top deck seat is highly recommended, and dressing warmly ensures comfort during the ride.

While it may not replace a detailed daytime exploration, the tour delivers a beautiful, illuminated view of London’s highlights and a fun, informative experience that captures the city’s vibrant night-time atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the London by Night tour?
The tour costs $40.03 per person.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Piccadilly Circus, next to the Ritz Hotel.

Are there multilingual options?
Yes, audio guides are available in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Japanese.

Can I sit on the top deck?
Seats on the upper deck are first-come, first-served, so arriving early helps secure a good spot.

Does the tour include stops?
No, it is a continuous cruise with no planned stops during the 2-hour journey.

What landmarks will I see?
You will pass Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and more.

Is the tour suitable in summer?
Yes, but note that it may not be fully dark during summer months, and dress appropriately.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance are fully refunded.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing and a camera for capturing the sights from the top deck.