Best Bus Route To See London

So, you want to see London, but you don’t want to be stuffed in a sweaty Tube carriage with your face in a stranger’s armpit? I get it. You want a view, not a claustrophobia adventure.

Friend, let me introduce you to the holy grail of cheap sightseeing: the number 11 bus. It’s a double-decker tourist trap, but in the best way. Seriously, it’s like a guided tour that costs the price of a crappy sandwich.

The Number 11: Your Liquid History Lesson

Hop on the front seat of the top deck. Front row, no chewing gum on the seat. You’re about to watch London unfold like a pop-up book, but better.

You start at Liverpool Street. It’s ugly, but don’t worry, it gets good fast. The bus crawls past the Bank of England and the Royal Exchange. Very important suit-and-tie energy here.

Next up: St. Paul’s Cathedral. You’ll see its giant dome rise up like a stone muffin. Pro tip: try to snap a photo on the top deck curve—it’s the only angle that makes you look like a real photographer, not a tourist.

The “Ooh, That’s Pretty” Stretch

The bus then snakes down Fleet Street. This used to be the newspaper capital of the world. Now it’s mostly lawyers and expensive cafés, but the architecture still screams “old money and drama.”

You’ll pass the Royal Courts of Justice. If you squint, you can almost see a Victorian judge throwing a wig at someone. Don’t actually squint—you’ll miss the next part.

Then, bam—the Strand opens up. On your right, Somerset House pretends to be a fancy palace. On your left, Waterloo Bridge gives you a sneak peek of the London Eye. It’s a tease.

The Drama at Trafalgar Square

The bus swings around Trafalgar Square. This is the moment you feel like you’re in a movie. Nelson’s Column, the lions, the pigeons plotting world domination.

Look left: Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. They are so photogenic it’s almost annoying. Like, relax, clock tower, we get it—you’re iconic. The bus stops right here, so soak it in.

Mapa turístico de Londres (PDF) | Londres mapa, Ilustración de londres

Then you go down Whitehall. You’ll pass Downing Street (don’t wave at the door, the guards won’t wave back). And the Horse Guards Parade with those soldiers in fuzzy hats. They’re trying not to laugh. I swear.

The Westminster Bridge Head Fake

Crossing the Thames on Westminster Bridge is the highlight. If the top deck is full, push past a child. I’m joking. Mostly. You get a full-frontal view of the London Eye and the South Bank. It’s a postcard that moves.

On the other side, the bus heads toward Victoria Station. This part is uglier—more bus depots and office blocks. But don’t get off yet. Wait for the loop.

The Secret Weapon: The 15 Bus

Okay, so Number 11 is the queen. But if you want a shorter, punchier ride with less tourist baggage, try the Number 15. It’s like the 11’s cooler, slightly more chaotic cousin.

The 15 starts at Trafalgar Square and goes to Tower Hill. It takes you past St. Paul’s and the Tower of London, but it also hits the Bank Junction—where old buildings look like wedding cakes made of stone.

The real magic? The 15 uses the old Routemaster buses sometimes. You know, the ones with the open platform at the back where you can hang off like a monkey. It’s not safe. It’s glorious. Do it once.

Why the 24 is the Underdog Hero

Let’s talk about the Number 24. It’s the route for people who want real London, not just the postcards. It starts in Hampstead (fancy, hilly, charming) and ends in Pimlico (Quiet, neat, also fancy).

London’S Best Bus Routes – London’s Top 3 Sightseeing Bus Routes – GCXI

This one goes through Camden Town (punk energy and cheap sunglasses). Then it passes Regent’s Park (you might see a giraffe from the zoo if you lean hard enough). Then Trafalgar Square again (you can’t escape the lions).

But the best part? It cuts through Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes’s house is here. Yes, there’s a guy in a deerstalker hat outside. No, he won’t solve your problems.

Pro Tips From a Cheapskate

Buy an Oyster card or use your contactless card. A single bus ride is cheaper than a Tube ride, and you get unlimited bus-to-bus transfers within an hour. Math + sightseeing = win.

Sit on the top deck left side heading south, right side heading north. You get better photo angles. Also, avoid the 8:30 AM rush. Unless you enjoy being mashed against a German tourist’s backpack.

And finally, bring headphones for a soundtrack. I recommend something orchestral or Billie Eilish. Nothing ruins a good bus ride like silence and a crying toddler.

The Final Ride

So, which one do you pick? If you have two hours and want to feel like a VIP tourist, Number 11. If you want a quick hit of history with a side of hipster, Number 24. If you want to channel your inner 1960s rebel, Number 15.

Honestly, you can’t lose. Even the boring parts of these routes have something weird to spot. A man selling fake Rolexes. A pigeon wearing a hat. Okay, I made that last one up, but stay alert.

Grab a coffee, tap your card, climb those spiral stairs, and settle in. London is waiting to roll right past your window. Just don’t miss your stop while you’re busy being amazed.