Visiting timetable09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Central London, United Kingdom
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itinerary

1-Day London HOHO Itinerary: Where to Hop and When

Efficient 1-day HOHO plan: must-hop stops, midday break, best photo seats, and a sunset cruise finish.

2/7/2026
14 min read
Iconic red bus passing Big Ben in monochrome with red accent

Big Ben and HOHO

Quick Plan

Time Stop Why
09:30 Westminster Big Ben & Abbey photos
11:00 Buckingham Royal vibes, gardens
12:30 Trafalgar Lunch + National Gallery
14:00 St Paul's Dome views nearby
15:30 Tower Bridge River walk & skyline

Route Strategy

  1. Board early at Westminster to secure front-row top-deck seats.
  2. Ride one full loop to understand timing and stop density.
  3. Hop at 3–4 major stops max; depth beats quantity.

Photo Checklist

  • Big Ben from Westminster Bridge
  • Horse Guards Parade views
  • Tower Bridge from Butler’s Wharf
  • Skyline from Waterloo Bridge

Pro move: Shoot RAW if your phone supports it — overcast skies become dramatic.

Optional Sunset Finish

Thames Cruise Sunset on the river pairs perfectly with a day of HOHO.

{
  "finish": "Embankment Pier",
  "addon": "Thames Cruise",
  "departures": "Every 20-30 minutes",
  "best_light": "Golden hour"
}
Rain Plan
  • Favor lower deck; fewer stops, longer rides.
  • Museums near Trafalgar / Kensington for indoor blocks.
---

Extended Plan Details

Seats by Segment

Segment Seat Why
Westminster → Buckingham Top-deck front-right Palaces and parade views
Trafalgar → St Paul’s Top-deck front-left Oncoming bridges and dome shots
St Paul’s → Tower Rear Wind-sheltered for river skyline

Lunch & Coffee Windows

  • Trafalgar/Covent Garden: fast bites + terraces.
  • City side streets: quieter coffee spots away from crowds.

Bonus Stops (If Time)

  • Kensington Museums for indoor culture on rainy days.
  • Hyde Park for a quick green break with ponds and paths.

Checklist

  • One full loop before hopping
  • 3–4 targeted hops
  • Golden hour cruise (optional)
  • Layered clothing + wired earbuds

Map Snapshot

Paths map Use the app to watch bus clusters and avoid long waits.

About the Author

London Travel Expert

London Travel Expert

I put this guide together to make your London sightseeing day simple, flexible, and full of local tips — from the best viewpoints to calmer times to ride.

Tags

Itinerary
London
Hop-On Hop-Off
Top Deck

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