The discount option. Golden Tours is one of the big machines in town, offering every permutation of bus tour and day-trip excursion you can imagine. None are particularly special, but they get the job done at low-ish prices, which means crowds. Its main product is a system of routes granting 24-hr. access to a network of nearly four dozen stops (which can be a waste of money since stops are generally only open from 8am–4:30 or 5pm), plus one free walking tour and one free river boat ride. Its Classic Tour covers most of the core city including South Kensington, and the Essential Tour forgoes South Ken but is the only line with a live narrator. Tickets are good for any line. Commensurate with the lower prices, buses can be shabby.
London
Travel Guide
London› Attraction
Golden Tours Open Top Bus Tours
11a Charing Cross Rd., WC2; 156 Cromwell Rd., SW7; and 4 Fountain Sq., 123–151 Buckingham Palace Rd., SW1
Our Rating
Hours
Daily 9am–4:30pm
Phone
020/7630-2040 in U.K., 800/509-2507 in North America
Prices
One-day tickets £25 adults, £14 children 5–15, £68 for family of 2 adults and 2 children; 24-hr. tickets £2–£4 more and include 1 river cruise and 1 walking tour. Add £6 adults, £3 children for 2nd 24-hr.
Web site
Golden Tours Open Top Bus Tours
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.