REVIEW · LONDON
London: Bar Bus Tour by Tootbus
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Tootbus · Bookable on GetYourGuide
London from a rooftop bar feels different. This Bar Bus from Tootbus puts you up high on an open-air rooftop terrace, and it pairs the views with a music-friendly, guide-led good time.
I like that it’s not just sightseeing. You’re cruising past major landmarks while you chill with drinks, and the vibe stays relaxed instead of turning into a rushed photo stop marathon.
Only one thing to plan around: the ride is about 75 minutes, so you’ll get amazing views, but you won’t have time to jump off and explore each sight up close.
In This Review
- Key Things to Know Before You Go
- First Step: The Open-Air Rooftop Terrace Setup
- Your Two Drinks Included (Plus Extra If You Want It)
- Landmarks You’ll See From On High (And What to Look For)
- Trafalgar Square
- Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
- The London Eye
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- Tower Bridge and the Tower of London
- Southbank
- Piccadilly Circus
- The Guide Makes It Feel Like a Show (Movie Facts Included)
- Timing, Weather, and How to Get Better Photos
- Alcohol Rules That Actually Matter (Challenge 25)
- Price and Value: What $36.77 Buys You
- Who This Bar Bus Fits Best
- Should You Book the London Bar Bus by Tootbus?
- FAQ
- How long is the London Bar Bus tour?
- What drinks are included?
- Is food included?
- Can children join the tour?
- What ID do I need to be served alcohol?
- Are mobile tickets accepted?
- Is oversize luggage allowed?
- Is free cancellation available?
Key Things to Know Before You Go
- A rooftop terrace that actually feels like a bar: open-air seating with fun décor and a party soundtrack you can influence
- Two drinks are built into the experience: choose an option in advance, then relax while the city moves by
- Landmark views come fast: Trafalgar Square, Parliament/Big Ben, the London Eye, St Paul’s, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Southbank, and Piccadilly Circus
- Your guide can turn it into an event: I’d bet you’ll remember the movie facts and quiz-style moments led by Charlie
- Music stays part of the fun: you can put in requests and steer the playlist during the cruise
First Step: The Open-Air Rooftop Terrace Setup
The whole point here is getting above the traffic and the crowd level. You’re not staring at London through a window. You’re up on a rooftop terrace that feels like a lounge, with open-air views and a social layout that makes it easy to talk while you take in the skyline.
The terrace vibe is also why this works so well as an early evening move. You start with skyline energy, you order your drinks, and the “we’re in London” moment hits right away. The décor and atmosphere are meant to feel summery and fun, not stiff or overly formal.
One practical note: since it’s open-air, weather matters more than on a normal bus tour. If it’s breezy or cool, bring a layer. You’ll be glad you did.
You can also read our reviews of more drinking tours in London
Your Two Drinks Included (Plus Extra If You Want It)
Price-wise, this isn’t just paying for a sightseeing ride. You’re paying for access to a rooftop bar style experience, plus 2 drinks included depending on the option you select. Food isn’t included, so treat this like the start of your night, not your whole meal plan.
That “two drinks” detail is the part that makes the value feel more grounded. In many city bar experiences, you’re paying entry plus drinks. Here, the experience includes drinks as part of the package, which helps you estimate your real cost before you arrive.
If you want more than the two included drinks, there are drinks available for purchase on board. So you can keep it light with one extra, or go a bit more celebratory if the night is calling for it.
Landmarks You’ll See From On High (And What to Look For)
This Bar Bus route gives you a concentrated hit list of London’s biggest names. You’ll cruise past views of Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, Southbank, and Piccadilly Circus.
A key detail: you’ll mainly be viewing from the moving bus, so don’t expect the same closeness as standing on the pavement. Instead, use the ride like a visual orientation tool. You’ll come away with a mental map of where things sit, which makes the rest of your trip easier.
Here’s how to make each landmark moment work for you:
Trafalgar Square
Watch for the way the square reads as a focal point from distance. Even when you’re not dead-on, it’s the kind of landmark that instantly tells you where you are in the city grid. Great for your first “okay, I’m really here” photo.
Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
This is one of those London pairs that look best when you can catch the scale. From the rooftop height, the skyline context comes through. Keep an eye on sight lines that pop between buildings as the bus turns.
The London Eye
The Eye is basically designed to be seen from lots of angles. On a ride like this, it’s a strong reference point. When it appears, you’ll know you’re in central London territory in a heartbeat.
St Paul’s Cathedral
From above and from across the city, St Paul’s tends to stand out because of its recognizable shape and presence. It’s also a good moment to pause your phone scrolling and actually look, because the view can feel more impressive in person than in a quick snap.
Tower Bridge and the Tower of London
These are the “wow” landmarks for a lot of people. From the bus, the best approach is to aim for a clean framing: Tower Bridge plus the surrounding river/skyline cues you get on approach.
Southbank
Southbank views help you connect the dots between central sights and the river corridor. It’s where the city starts to feel layered, with multiple landmarks and a sense of movement.
Piccadilly Circus
Expect a lot of visual noise here, in the best London way. Even from the rooftop, you’ll feel the energy. It’s a perfect capstone stop in your evening loop because it signals you’re deep into the classic tourist-center zone.
The Guide Makes It Feel Like a Show (Movie Facts Included)
A big part of the experience is the host or guide energy. I love tours where the guide doesn’t just rattle facts. On this Bar Bus, the fun comes from interactive moments and a lively style.
Charlie is one name that comes up in the best kind of way. The vibe includes movie-related facts, plus quiz-style competition during the ride. That turns the bus time from passive to playful. You’re still sightseeing, but you’re also entertained.
Another highly praised element is how the group can shape the soundtrack. You get to pick your music and share requests. The “playlist control” detail is more important than it sounds. It helps the whole group feel connected, and it changes the mood fast—either chill-out cruise or full-on feel-good singalong energy.
Timing, Weather, and How to Get Better Photos
The tour is around 1.5 hours total, with about 75 minutes of bus touring. That means you’ll have time to enjoy the experience without feeling trapped for most of an evening. But it also means the photo windows aren’t long. If you want great shots, don’t wait until the moment passes to start thinking.
Here’s what helps:
- Pick one or two “must-photo” landmarks and be ready when they come into view.
- Keep your phone or camera accessible, but also take breaks. The best views are the ones you actually watch for a few seconds before you shoot.
- Bring a layer if the weather turns. Open-air riding can cool down quickly, especially on a breezy day.
Also plan to arrive a bit early. The meeting point instructions say to show up 15 minutes before your tour time so you don’t miss departure. That’s not just a rule; it’s how you keep your evening calm and on schedule.
Alcohol Rules That Actually Matter (Challenge 25)
If you’re planning to enjoy the bar part, read this section carefully. There’s a strict Challenge 25 policy. If you look under 25, staff may ask for photo ID before serving alcohol, and you won’t get a refund if you can’t provide suitable ID when boarding.
Accepted forms of ID include:
- photo driving license
- passport
- proof of age card with the PASS hologram
This isn’t meant to be annoying. It’s just how UK alcohol service works. I’d rather you be ready than surprised when you’re trying to start your night with a drink.
Price and Value: What $36.77 Buys You
At about $36.77 per person, you’re paying for several things at once:
- a rooftop terrace style sightseeing ride
- time up high to see major landmarks
- two included drinks
- a guide who adds energy, plus music-friendly fun
Compare that to doing sightseeing by bus and then separately paying for drinks in a crowded spot. Here, the drinks are part of the package and the atmosphere is built in, not tacked on after.
The value is best when you’re the kind of traveler who likes mixing a little social time into your day. If you only want quiet, no-frills photos and you hate group energy, you might find the bar vibe less necessary. But if you want your first evening in London to feel like you’ve joined the city instead of just watched it, the price starts to make sense fast.
Who This Bar Bus Fits Best
This is a great fit if you want:
- an easy first-night activity to get oriented
- a date-friendly option that still works with friends
- a fun way to entertain visitors without planning a long itinerary
- a rooftop drink experience without committing to a full bar reservation schedule
It also works for families in a specific way: children can enjoy the tour when accompanied by adults. That makes it easier to include everyone, as long as your group understands it’s a drink-focused setting and alcohol rules still apply.
Should You Book the London Bar Bus by Tootbus?
I’d book this if you want an evening that feels like London rather than just passes through it. The rooftop terrace angle is the difference-maker, and the included drinks keep things from feeling overly pricey or awkwardly fragmented. Add in a guide like Charlie bringing movie facts and quiz-style moments, plus the chance to influence the music, and you get a tour that’s both sightseeing and party-adjacent.
Skip it if you need quiet, or if your idea of sightseeing is getting off the bus to explore. This is about views while you move, not about spending long stretches at each landmark. Also, dress for open air and plan your ID ahead if you’re drinking.
If you want a fun, practical way to kick off your London time with a skyline glow and a bar-like vibe, this one checks a lot of boxes.
FAQ
How long is the London Bar Bus tour?
The experience runs about 1.5 hours total, including approximately 75 minutes of bus touring.
What drinks are included?
The tour includes 2 drinks, depending on the option selected.
Is food included?
No, food is not included.
Can children join the tour?
Yes, children can enjoy the tour when accompanied by adults.
What ID do I need to be served alcohol?
A strict Challenge 25 policy is enforced. If you appear under 25, you may be asked for photo ID such as a photo driving license, passport, or a proof of age card with the PASS hologram.
Are mobile tickets accepted?
Yes, mobile tickets are accepted onboard.
Is oversize luggage allowed?
No, oversize luggage is not allowed.
Is free cancellation available?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
If you tell me your travel dates and whether you’re aiming for a date-night vibe or a group hang, I can suggest the best approach for timing and what kind of evening plan to pair with it.
