The Easiest Way to Tour London and Paris: My TootBus Experience

First day in London.

When I visited London and Paris this year, I knew I wanted to soak it all in. The romance of both cities had been on my bucket list for years, and I had a long list of landmarks I wasn’t willing to miss. But I also knew how overwhelming it could be to navigate two of Europe’s largest capitals. I didn’t want to spend my time buried in subway maps or trying to figure out how far it was from the Tower Bridge to Buckingham Palace. I wanted to see the cities, not stress about getting from point A to point B. That is why I used TootBus—and honestly, it was the best decision I could have made.

Why TootBus Was Perfect for My Trip

TootBus is a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing service, but to me it felt like having a private tour guide who let me set the pace. I didn’t need to worry about where to start or how to get around. The route itself was like a moving postcard, circling through all the landmarks I’d dreamed of seeing. I loved that I could sit on the open-air top deck, snap photos, and listen to little bits of history through the audio guide.

There was something calming about knowing I had a seat waiting for me anytime I wanted to take a break. Travel days can be exhausting, but this kept me energized and still gave me freedom to explore on foot when I wanted.

Exploring London with TootBus

London was my first stop. There is something about the city that feels grand and traditional but also modern and alive. The TootBus loop captured all of it.

• Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament: When the bus turned the corner and Big Ben came into view, I actually felt goosebumps. For centuries, the clock tower has been the symbol of London, chiming over major moments in history. Sitting up high on the bus gave me an unobstructed view, and I took way too many pictures.

• Buckingham Palace: I hopped off here and managed to catch the Changing of the Guard. The pageantry, the uniforms, and the sound of the marching band felt like stepping back in time. Knowing that every monarch since Queen Victoria has lived there gave me chills.

• The Tower of London and Tower Bridge: This was one of my longest stops. The Tower of London has held so much history—royal prisoners, political intrigue, and even the Crown Jewels. After wandering through, I walked across Tower Bridge. Seeing the Thames stretch out from both sides of the bridge made me feel tiny in the best way.

• St. Paul’s Cathedral: The dome was magnificent, and knowing that Sir Christopher Wren rebuilt it after the Great Fire of London gave me even more appreciation. It was inspiring to think about how this one building has stood through wars, fires, and generations of Londoners.

• Hyde Park and Kensington Palace: I stopped here for a quiet stroll and a bit of people-watching. Londoners out walking their dogs or reading under a tree made me feel like I had stepped into their daily rhythm, not just the tourist version of the city.

By the end of the day, I felt like I had seen the London I had always imagined—historic, regal, and alive with energy—without ever feeling rushed.

Exploring Paris with TootBus

Paris was next, and the TootBus ride here felt like watching a romantic film play out in real time. The city is wide and layered with history, but the route made it manageable.

• The Eiffel Tower: I got off here in the morning to avoid the heaviest crowds. Standing beneath it, knowing it was built in 1889 for the World’s Fair and was once considered controversial, made me smile. It is now the very symbol of Paris, and it was surreal to see it sparkle at night later on.

• Notre-Dame Cathedral: Even while undergoing restoration, it is stunning. The Gothic details, the flying buttresses, and the stained glass windows tell stories that go back to the 1100s. The audio guide shared little historical notes that made me appreciate its survival through revolutions and fires.

• The Louvre: The glass pyramid outside contrasted so beautifully with the historic palace it sits in. I hopped off here and spent hours exploring inside. Knowing the building itself had been a royal palace before it became a museum gave me a new perspective on wandering its endless halls.

• Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées: The ride down the Champs-Élysées at sunset felt cinematic. The Arc, commissioned by Napoleon to honor his victories, stood glowing at the end of the avenue. I hopped off to walk the boulevard, window-shopped, and treated myself to a macaron before catching the next bus.

• Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur: This was a highlight. Climbing up to the basilica, with its ivory-white dome, gave me one of the best views of Paris. Montmartre’s streets felt bohemian and romantic, and I could see why so many artists once lived there.

Paris felt more approachable with TootBus. Instead of feeling lost in a maze of boulevards and alleys, I felt like I always had a clear path to the next adventure.

What Made TootBus Stand Out for Me

• I loved the flexibility. I could hop off for hours at the Louvre or just ten minutes at St. Paul’s.

• The views from the top deck gave me photo angles I never would have found on my own.

• The audio guide sprinkled history into the ride without making it feel heavy.

• It gave me the comfort of knowing I wouldn’t get lost, which meant I was more relaxed and present.

How It Compared to Other Options

Before my trip, I considered a few other ways to get around:

• Walking Tours: These are great if you want an in-depth look at one neighborhood, but they lock you into a schedule and usually only cover a small area. TootBus gave me the same commentary while still letting me see the entire city.

• Public Transportation: The Tube in London and the Metro in Paris are both efficient and affordable. But they can also be confusing, crowded, and tiring when you are constantly hopping on and off. I wanted something easier for my visit.

• Taxis and Ride Shares: They can add up quickly, especially when traffic is heavy. Plus, you miss out on the open-air views and commentary that make the ride part of the experience.

• Private Guides: Amazing if budget is not a concern, but much more expensive than a TootBus pass. For me, TootBus was the happy medium—structured but affordable, informative but flexible.

My Best Travel Tip

Do a full loop first. Let the ride be your introduction to the city. You get a sense of the layout, a first glimpse of everything, and time to decide which stops really call to you. Then go back the next day and use the bus as your personal ride to the places you want to dive deeper into.

Practical Tips for Using TootBus

If you are thinking about adding TootBus to your trip, here are a few things I learned along the way:

• Buy Tickets Online in Advance: It saves you time and guarantees your spot, especially during busy summer months.

• Choose the Right Pass: Passes usually come in 24-hour, 48-hour, or multi-day options. If you want to do the full loop one day and then hop on and off the next, a 2-day pass is worth it.

• Start Early: The first buses of the day are less crowded, and you’ll have the best chance at snagging a front-row seat on the top deck.

• Bring Earbuds: The buses provide them, but your own will be more comfortable for the audio guide.

• Check the Weather: The top deck is amazing for photos, but bring a jacket or umbrella if you’re traveling in cooler or rainier months.

• Use It for Orientation: Even if you’re only in town for a short stay, riding the loop on your first day helps you get your bearings.

Final Thoughts

Using TootBus in London and Paris made my trip so much smoother. I saw every landmark on my list, learned just enough history to feel connected to the cities, and still had energy left over at the end of the day.

If you are planning your own trip, I cannot recommend it enough. TootBus was my way to see the big sites this year, but more than that, it gave me time to enjoy the little moments—the café stops, the people-watching, the quiet awe of standing in front of monuments I had only ever seen in books.