New city, unfamiliar streets, and you’re not quite ready to brave the metro map just yet? We’ve got you. Hop-on hop-off buses are one of the easiest, safest, and most surprisingly fun ways to explore a destination, especially during your first or second day in town.
Whether you’re in Rome, London, New York, or Sydney, these double-decker tours do more than just check off the sights. They help solo (and social) travelers get their bearings, discover new neighborhoods, and ease into a city at their own pace.
What Is a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus?
It’s exactly what it sounds like: a sightseeing bus that follows a loop around the city, stopping at major attractions and neighborhoods. You can stay on for the whole route like a guided tour, or hop off and back on at any stop, whenever you feel like exploring.
They’re typically run by companies like:
- Big Bus Tours
- City Sightseeing
- Tootbus
- Gray Line
Most offer 1-day or 2-day passes, audio guides in multiple languages, and sometimes combo deals with boat tours or attraction tickets.
Why They’re Great for Solo Women Travelers
- Get the lay of the land without getting lost
Perfect for scoping out where you want to return later on foot. - Safe, easy, and solo-friendly
No transit confusion or street-side map reading required. - Great first or second day activity
Beat jet lag with fresh air, sunshine (upper deck, please!), and a stress-free city intro. - Self-paced sightseeing
You can stay longer at the places that interest you—and skip the ones that don’t.
How to Make the Most of Your Hop-On Hop-Off Pass
- Use it on Day 1 or 2
It’s the ultimate orientation tool. Take a full loop first without hopping off to get your bearings. - Download the app or route map in advance
Most companies now have live bus tracking and stop info. - Bring headphones or earbuds
Many buses offer audio guides through headphone jacks, better sound, and more personal. - Sit up top for the views, but bring sunscreen or a scarf
Especially in hot cities or midday sun! - Pack a light snack or coffee
It’s totally okay to treat it like a mini moving café between stops.
How to Save Money on Hop-On Hop-Off Tickets
- Book online in advance for discounts
- Check combo deals—some include free entry to major attractions or boat cruises
- Look for passes like the Go City Pass or city tourism cards that bundle the bus in
- Only buy a 1-day pass if you’re using it to orient yourself, not for full sightseeing
Where They Work Best
Hop-on hop-off tours are ideal in spread-out or historic cities like:
- Rome
- Paris
- Barcelona
- London
- New York City
- Istanbul
- Athens
- Dubai
- San Francisco
- Sydney
These cities can feel overwhelming at first, and the bus routes help simplify them.
