In 2017, during our visit to Abu Dhabi, we discovered the Big Bus Hop-on-Hop-off service. It was our first time trying it, and we enjoyed it thoroughly. In 2019, we had another positive experience with the same service in Los Angeles. Yuven particularly enjoyed listening to the recorded and live commentary and learning about the history of the monuments and the city.
When we planned our vacation to Paris, we searched for the Big Bus and were pleased to find that they offer both a night tour and a hop-on-hop-off service. We decided to try both. We also discovered that another company, ‘Toot Bus,’ provides a similar service in the city.
Cost and Booking
We monitored the prices closely and noticed an increase in April, prompting us to book in advance. The service offers 3-4 packages that vary in duration, flexibility, and additional features like a river cruise or a night tour. We chose the package that included a night tour and a 24-hour hop-on-hop-off bus service, which cost us 193 Euros. The booking process on their website was smooth and user-friendly. Comprehensive information about hours of operation, starting points, various stops, route details, and cancellation or date change policies are readily available on both, their website and app.
Our Experience
Night Tour (Non-Stop)
The night tour lasts 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions, and begins and ends opposite the Arc de Triomphe. After a stroll along the Champs-Élysées, we arrived at the Big Bus stop around 8:45 PM, where 2-3 buses were lined up for the night tour. Following a quick ticket check, we chose seats on the covered upper deck to stay protected from the wind, rain, and cold. Although the official start time was 9:15 PM, the first bus departed nearly 30 minutes early.
The tour began by circling the Arc de Triomphe and slowly proceeding along the Champs-Élysées. This route covered major landmarks and attractions, including Place de la Concorde, Place de la Madeleine, Opera Garnier, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame, Place Vendôme, Moulin Rouge, Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre neighborhood. Seeing the city during twilight was a unique experience.
The bus usually reaches the Eiffel Tower before 11:00 PM so tourists can watch it sparkle for 5 minutes every hour, which varies according to sunset time. It was a mesmerizing experience. Although we stayed on the bus, we could see thousands of people gathered in various places to view the spectacular sight.
The bus dropped us off at the starting point around 11:20 PM. We took the opportunity to capture stunning nighttime photographs of the Arc de Triomphe before making our way to Metro Line 2 at Charles de Gaulle Étoile. From there, we took the metro to Pigalle, which was just a 2-minute walk from our accommodation.
At the Charles de Gaulle Étoile station, the ticket-validation machines were out of order, so we were unable to validate our tickets. We checked with other passengers who were facing the same issue, and it turned out we all got a free ride. Having read about the importance of ticket validation and the hefty fines for unvalidated tickets, I hoped we wouldn’t encounter any ticket inspectors. While riding the metro is straightforward, the numerous steps from the underground station to street level are quite a workout. In Paris, it often feels like every day is ‘Leg and Cardio Day.’
Overall, the night tour was well worth the money, time, and effort, and we thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
Hop-On-Hop-Off Service
On our third day in Paris, we decided to explore the city using the Big Bus hop-on-hop-off bus service, starting from Opera Garnier (Big Bus stop no. 10).
At around 9:00 AM, we headed to a nearby bus stop to catch a ride to Opera Garnier, hoping to save some time. Unfortunately, we ended up wasting nearly 45 minutes. Due to Olympics preparation, which wasn’t reflected on Google Maps, the bus service was disrupted. After waiting at the first bus stop in vain, we attempted to catch a different route, only to encounter the same issue. Eventually, we decided to walk to Opera Garnier, a pleasant 25-minute stroll from our hotel.
Once we reached the Big Bus stop, it was total chaos. Buses were delayed from the starting point, and there were about 50 people ahead of us in the queue. This was the most disappointing experience we’ve had with Big Bus.
After waiting for almost 30 minutes, we finally boarded a bus and got off at Notre Dame, spending about half an hour exploring the area. The cathedral was closed for the renovation.
By then, we noticed several Big Buses operating smoothly, so we assumed everything was back on track. With lunchtime approaching, we returned to the stop, did some quick shopping at nearby souvenir shops, and inquired with the Big Bus coordinator about the next bus. He informed us it would arrive in 30 minutes.
We decided to make the most of the wait by heading to a small nearby garden. There, we enjoyed a leisurely picnic with our baguettes, blending in with the locals and savoring the Parisian atmosphere.
Afterward, we returned to the stop, only to encounter another long queue. Eventually, we boarded the next bus, which took us to the Arc de Triomphe. We snapped a few photos from a distance before using the underpass to reach the eternal flame and to explore the surrounding area.
While we didn’t climb the stairs to the top of the Arc, I’ve read that it offers breathtaking views of the city. Tickets for the ascent can be booked online or purchased at the entrance beneath the underpass. There was quite a crowd waiting to buy tickets.
Next, we planned to visit Trocadéro but discovered that the Big Bus stop was not operational due to the Olympics preparation work. Frustrated by the delays and heavy traffic, we requested our driver to let us deboard so we could walk. He kindly agreed, and we were able to reach Trocadéro on foot, avoiding further delays.
After Trocadéro, we went straight under the Eiffel Tower, and it started drizzling. Fortunately, we saw a Big Bus coming to the nearby stop, so we hopped on.
Next, we wanted to go to Place de la Concorde, but the driver informed us it was almost time to stop the service, so this bus was heading towards Opera Garnier. Since it was raining, we decided to go to Galeries Lafayette and check it out for dinner.
At Galeries Lafayette, we indulged in a delicious Indian dinner at The Crossing, bringing a comforting touch of home to our Parisian adventure. The night ended on a sweet note with a delightful éclair from L’Éclair de Génie, a classic Paris-Brest from Philippe Conticini, and rich pistachio ice cream from Bachir at Galeries Lafayette—a perfect way to wrap up another unforgettable day in Paris!
That was it for the Big Bus experience – not a good service from Big Bus overall, but the food and desserts made up for it. Stay tuned for a separate blog on our food experiences.
A note on Big Bus: Although the buses were in good condition, people didn’t keep them clean. Due to the rain, everything was wet, and tourists threw tissues, food wrappers, headphones, and brochures on the bus floor. The headphones provided by Big Bus were of mediocre quality, enough to last a ride. The pre-recorded commentary was available in eight languages, explaining the surroundings in detail. All the buses are double-decker and have space to put strollers or wheelchairs.
Read about our experience of exploring Paris by the Seine with the Batobus Hop-on Hop-off service. Another great way to explore the iconic landmarks of Paris.
If you liked reading this post or find it useful, please like, share, and subscribe.
We would love to hear from you. Use comments to share your thoughts!
One Plus One Three 
One Reply to “”