The red double-decker No.15 bus trundles by most of the popular sights and you can get on and off wherever you wish. So jump aboard and conduct your own tour of London.
Explore London by Bus - First you buy a Travelcard.
Many newsagents sell these and you can also buy them at any Underground station. Ask for a one-day Travelcard that covers all zones. These cards will allow you to hop on and off any bus or tube all day and evening. Take a map of London with you. So... jump aboard the No.15 Bus! Travel Card Information
It's a good idea to re-board the bus at the same stop where you got off, and don't forget that all bus routes operate in both directions, so when you are ready to return to your hotel all you need do is jump on the No.l5 bus going the opposite way.
Explore London by Bus - Your journey begins
Depending upon where you are staying, anywhere between Marble Arch and Piccadilly Circus would be a good place to start your self-conducted tour. You will probably be travelling in an easterly direction towards Trafalgar Square. If you start at Piccadilly Circus, for example, look for the Cafe Royal at No.68 Regent Street - the bus stop is on the same side of the street, just a few yards from the entrance.
Piccadilly Circus is always busy with non-stop traffic and milling crowds. A 'circus' in this case means a circle. This is London's Times Square, at least as far as brilliant neon advertisements are concerned. The steps around the Eros statue are the meeting place for an international brigade of young people.
Explore London by Bus - The best seat in the house!
Ride on the top deck (front seat if possible) for the best views, and have your map of London with you in order to follow the route. Trafalgar Square, which commemorates Lord Nelson's famous naval victory at the Battle of Traflagar, is just a few minutes ride from Piccadilly Circus. With the National Gallery situated here and Admiral Nelson looking down from his lofty column, it's an impressive sight and well worth a visit. The National Gallery is here. World famous art and a good restaurant.
From Trafalgar Square the No.15 wends its way up the Strand, home to some of London’s best theatres and some good old-fashioned pubs. Ask where to get off for Covent Garden - great for shopping and restaurants.
Explore London by Bus - The 'Street of Ink'
The bus continues along Fleet Street towards St, Paul's Cathedral. Fleet Street is an historic area, long associated with the printing and publishing industry. In 1477 William Caxton published the first book printed in England and after his death in 1491 his press was moved to Fleet Street. In 1702 the first newspaper was printed and from thereon the street became dominated by the offices of the newspaper publishers and was known as 'The Street of Ink'. Nowadays the newspaper offices are in the rejuvenated Docklands area.
The next main point of interest is St. Paul's Cathedral which was built from 1675 to 1710 and is Sir Christopher Wren's greatest work. The crypt is the largest in Europe and contains a museum worth seeing.
Explore London by Bus - The Bloody Tower
Back on the bus to the Tower of London which has stood by the Thames for over 900 years. Many famous people were beheaded in the Tower, including two of Henry VIII's wives and the philosopher and statesman, Sir Thomas More. The axe and execution block can still be seen in the White Tower. You'll want to see the Crown Jewels, but be warned, queues are very long during the summer months.
Explore London by Bus - Tower Bridge is close by and it's worthwhile to walk across it, especially if you want to take photographs, as you'll get some fantastic views of the Thames, the Tower, and the spires and columns of the London skyline.
Don't forget that your ticket is good for evenings too. Many of the places you saw during the day are brilliantly illuminated when the sun goes down. So have a rest, a nice dinner, and take a bus tour of London by night.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
