Big Bus or Original Tour in London
Apr 6th, 2003, 03:11 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Big Bus or Original Tour in London
Hello again,<BR><BR>I have never been on either tour...is one better than the other? Big Bus is more expensive (by a few pounds) but we dont need the walking tours etc...just the hop on hop off...any opinions?<BR><BR>Thanks<BR>Jamie
Apr 6th, 2003, 03:19 PM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
Apr 6th, 2003, 03:27 PM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,637
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
Apr 6th, 2003, 03:41 PM
#4
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.<BR><BR>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?
Apr 6th, 2003, 05:24 PM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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!
Apr 7th, 2003, 08:46 AM
#7
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi:<BR>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.<BR><BR>I remember a few discount coupons but we did not take advantage of them.<BR>Have a great time!!
Apr 7th, 2003, 09:44 AM
#9
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.<BR>Regards,<BR>K
Apr 7th, 2003, 12:14 PM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
jamikins - we did london for the first time last june. two votes for BB. do try at least one "london walks". pick a subject that interests you, show up at the appointed place/time with cash in hand and enjoy. the guides on all of ours were fabulous, especially shakespeare's globe. enjoy!
