Yes HOHO even when snarled in traffic provides neat views from its open-air upper deck. I did not mike moving slowly thru parts of town. Heck what is that congestion fee supposed to do?

Pal -- you have no idea so stick to something you know!
What 's your complaint - I rode those buses several times - not recently but the topic was buses always being ensnarled in traffic - something you keep harping on. Does not mater whether it were 1984 or 1997 or 2019 - point was to me when I rode them being ensnarled in traffic was not a bad thing as I cherished the view from above.

That I know what happened long ago but it is relevant always - who cares if buses are slow going? I liked it and believe me that is something I know. I know you love to snark but please make it right next time! I will not be bullied by you.

In fairness, yes, having to abandon (regular) buses due to traffic standing still is not uncommon. For example, around Holborn down toward aldwych - e.g. the 10 or 59 buses. Forget going down the Strand at 6pm.

But I guess you learn to accept that getting around any major city has occasional (or regular in some spots) delays, no matter the chosen mode of transport. For example, many Tube stations restrict entry at peak times - e.g. just opening one entry gate to ease station overcrowding. Or closing stations altogether due to overcrowding. Not uncommon at all and you need to plan for this in some stations as entry restriction happen everyday.

Back to buses...for every frustrating bus journey, you're likely to make many rewarding ones as generally I still maintain that the bus is an inexpensive, convenient, and pleasant way to travel around London.

In a couple of days, there will be another charge for vehicles driving into London in addition to the congestion charge, if the vehicle doesn't meet emission standards. Maybe this will improve the traffic situation, unfortunately traffic is part of London life, much of it caused by roadworks that pop up seemingly overnight. Anyone who has commuted into/to London can tell you that the tube can be unreliable at times, as can trains. Try getting into Oxford Circus tube station at 6pm on a weekday. Travelling on a bus can be fun for a 9 year old, stuck in traffic or not.

>>Back to buses...for every frustrating bus journey, you're likely to make many rewarding ones as generally I still maintain that the bus is an inexpensive, convenient, and pleasant way to travel around London.<<

I agree -- just not at H-o-H-o prices.

I always took the bus for short journeys and always sat up front above the driver - real views of London traffic and trees that swish across the bus. Please mind the queue to get into the bus!

Interesting views on this..does the traffic make a difference mid week or on a Saturday, or is it just terrible all the time?

It's just terrible all the time except early on a Sunday morning, and I mean early!

Hamley's is a must for children and parents as well!

If anything I would do the bus tour on the first day definitely not the last day. What's the use after you saw much of the city anyway during the trip? But frankly you can perfectly live without it. You will see most of the sites on your own either walking or taking a bus from one place to another.

As for restaurants: I like very much Spaghetti House (Italian) there are several restaurants all around. One in Leicester Square and another in the Soho on Palladium House 1 - 4 Argyll St.
Another excellent Italian restaurant is Cichetti. It's in Piccadilly circus and also very close to the Coliseum (English National Opera).

Thanks for the tips Zvi!

I wanted to to check out Hamley's, I think my daughter would love it. So it looks like there are a few locations, but I think the one at Waterloo Road is near our hotel. Do you think they are all the same? https://www.hamleys.com/explore-stores.irs

>>Do you think they are all the same?<<

Nope -- when people mention Hamley's they usually mean the flagship store in Regent Street. Otherwise it is just a toyshop (there are even outlets at LHR)

9 yr-old may love the London Transport Museum at Covent Garden - it has many interactive things for kids and the museum shop (free entry) has many model buses and toys:

https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/

https://www.google.com/search?q=imag...w=1280&bih=625

I agree with Pal. It's got a lot of very unique London themed things. Most are of high quality and I always suggest it as a place to pick up souvenirs that are far and away more unique and generally better than those at souvenir shops.

It's aslo (London Transport Museum) got loads of Tube posters - classic ones from years ago that made neat wall decorations - like one I have SEE FLAMINGOS AT GOLDERS GREEN by Tube (are there still Flamingos at Golders Green?) Again museum store is free to enter if not paying for the museum.

Yes, I was certainly including posters in my reference to unique London themed items. And things like reproductions of tube stop signs, etc. (genuine feeling in quality). Pillows, etc made from (unused) tube and bus seat fabric.