We took the Original Tour and it was just fine. It covered the sights and provided transportation, that was about all we needed. However, I have heard that the Big Bus has more entertaining guides. On all five of the Original Tour buses we hopped on and off of, our guides were boring. Also, with the Big Bus, though, you also get coupons for the "London Walks," which are AMAZING!!! So, I think if I were to do it again, knowing I was going to take a couple of "London Walks," I would go for the Big Bus.

I think the walks included with the Big Bus ticket is different than the Original London Walks. However, I really did enjoy the Big Bus and have never taken the Original Tour. The Original has recorded tours and the Big Bus has live. I have found them very informative and different each time I've been, depending on the guide. Be sure to ride on top for the best view.

The Original Tour has either recorded OR live guides, it depends on which bus you get on. On the outside of the bus it indicates if it is a live or recorded guide, so you know before getting on... but, this is where what Grasshopper says makes a difference... if you only want live guides, then the Original Bus tour can be a drag. If you are waiting for a bus and one stops by that has a recorded guide, you either have to sacrifice time and wait for another to come by with a live guide, or just hop on and deal with the recorded guide. With the Big Bus company, you don't have to worry about that. Also, we were told the discount coupons for the walking tours were for the original "London Walks," but I can't say for certain they are, since we did not go with the Big Bus.

Really, either way you go, I think you would have a great time. If it comes down to saving money and you don't care about a live or recorded guide, why not go with the one that saves you some cash?

I very much enjoyed the Big Bus tour, in fact, so much I took it the second day (different routes). This was on my first trip to London. The commentary was always enjoyable. I used it to hop on/off. Sure, you can do it cheaper but I would definitely not take a recorded version on any tour. Puts you to sleep!

Any other thoughts...these are great!

Hi:
I was in London last October. We used Big Bus. We traveled all over and transferred all over the different routes offeredd. The guides were wonderful. We got tickets early on day and were able to use them until the buses stopped running the next day. Well worth it as far as my Mom and I were concerned. We made sure to sit up top. A couple of times were were under the cover right in the front. A few times the guides were upstairs with use so they were able to answer questions we asked.

I remember a few discount coupons but we did not take advantage of them.
Have a great time!!

TYPO!!

We got the tickets early on one day and used them until the bus stopped running the next day. Basically got two full days from the same tickets.

we just came back from London and took Big Bus tour. We thought it was great, with live guides that provided very witty, tongue-in-cheek commentary and were very helpful. also, the tour fee includes the river tour as well.
Regards,
K