Europe, Travel Tips

Exploring Paris with Ease: A Guide to Hop-On Hop-Off Tours

Last Modified:
November 9, 2023

Reading Time: 9 minutes

If you’re planning to visit Paris and want to see all the iconic attractions in a limited time, a hop-on hop-off tour could be your best bet. Since there are so many things to do in Paris These tours offer a convenient and cost-effective way to see the city at your own pace, without worrying about transportation or navigating the unfamiliar roads. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what hop-on hop-off tours are, how much they cost, and what you can expect to see on the Paris hop-on hop-off route learn about the best neighborhoods in Paris..

Eiffel tower with trees in front of it; Paris, France

What is a Hop on Hop Off Tour?

Imagine arriving in Paris for the first time and feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of iconic landmarks and neighborhoods that the city has to offer. How do you even begin to explore this beautiful city and see all of its top attractions? That’s where a hop-on hop-off tour comes in!

A hop-on hop-off tour is the perfect way to see all of Paris’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods, while giving you the flexibility to create your own itinerary and explore at your own pace. With designated stops at all the top attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, you can hop off the bus and explore each area on foot.

What’s great about hop-on hop-off tours is that you don’t have to worry about transportation or navigation. The bus arrives at each stop every 15-20 minutes, so you can take as much time as you want at each attraction before hopping back on the next bus.

But it’s not just about the convenience and flexibility of the tour. Hop-on hop-off tours also provide an informative onboard audio commentary that tells you all about each attraction and its significance, giving you a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture.

And if you’re worried about the cost, don’t be! Hop-on hop-off tour ticket prices are very reasonable, and there are a variety of packages and discounts available to suit every budget.

So, if you want to make the most of your time in Paris and see all of its top attractions without feeling rushed or constrained by a strict schedule, a hop-on hop-off tour is the way to go. Hop on the bus and get ready to explore the City of Lights!

Ticket Prices for Hop-on Hop-off Tours in Paris

If you’re planning to explore Paris with a hop-on hop-off tour, you may be wondering how much it will cost. The ticket prices for these tours vary depending on the duration, the number of stops, and the season. Here is a breakdown of the ticket prices for hop-on hop-off tours in Paris.

If you’re interested in taking a Hop on Hop Off tour in Paris, you’ll need to purchase tickets. Click here to check out the Hop-on Hop-off bus tickets!

The official Hop on Hop off tour operator in Paris is Big Bus Tours. If you decide to book the Paris Pass, a classic one-day, two-day, three-day ticket for the Big Bus tour is included. You can hop on and off as many times as you like for as long as your ticket is valid.

24-Hour Pass

A 24-hour pass for a hop-on hop-off tour in Paris typically costs around €34 per person. This pass is valid for 24 hours from the time you board the bus, and you can hop on and off as many times as you want during that time. This pass is a great option if you only have one day to explore the city.

48-Hour Pass

If you have more time in Paris and want to see more attractions, a 48-hour pass may be a better option. This pass is valid for 48 hours from the time you board the bus and typically costs around €39 per person. With this pass, you can take your time exploring the city and hop on and off as many times as you want.

72-Hour Pass

For those who want to see everything that Paris has to offer, a 72-hour pass may be the best option. This pass is valid for 72 hours from the time you board the bus and typically costs around €43 per person. With this pass, you can take your time exploring the city and have the flexibility to hop on and off as many times as you want.

Discounts

Many hop-on hop-off tour companies offer discounts for online bookings, group bookings, or family bookings. Some companies also offer a combined ticket that includes both the bus and the boat tour, which can save you money.

Children’s Ticket

If you’re traveling with children, you may be wondering about the ticket prices for them. Children under the age of 4 usually travel for free on hop-on hop-off tours in Paris. Children between the ages of 4 and 12 are usually charged a reduced fare of around €17-20 per person.

Hop on Hop off Route

One of the best ways to see Paris and all of its iconic landmarks is through a hop-on hop-off tour. These tours take you through the city’s most popular neighborhoods and attractions, giving you the opportunity to hop off and explore at your own pace. Here are some of the popular stops on the hop-on hop-off route in Paris:

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris and a must-see for any tourist. The hop-on hop-off bus tour typically stops at the Eiffel Tower, allowing visitors to take in the views from the top or explore the surrounding areas.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is one of the world’s most famous museums, housing thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa. A hop-on hop-off bus tour usually stops at the Louvre, giving visitors the chance to explore the museum’s impressive collections.

Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous streets in Paris, lined with luxury shops and cafes. The hop-on hop-off tour typically takes visitors down this iconic boulevard, with stops near the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

The Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world, with its stunning Gothic architecture and rich history. The hop-on hop-off tour usually stops at this famous landmark, allowing visitors to explore the cathedral and the surrounding area.

Montmartre

Montmartre is a bohemian neighborhood in Paris, famous for its charming streets, art galleries, and cafes. The hop-on hop-off tour usually takes visitors through this neighborhood, with stops near the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the Moulin Rouge.

Opera Garnier

The Opera Garnier is a stunning example of Parisian architecture, with its grand staircases and ornate decor. The hop-on hop-off tour usually stops at this landmark, allowing visitors to explore the inside of the opera house or take in the views from outside.

Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay is another famous museum in Paris, known for its collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. The hop-on hop-off tour typically stops near the museum, giving visitors the chance to explore the exhibitions.

These are just a few of the many stops on the hop-on hop-off route in Paris. With the flexibility to hop off and explore at your own pace, this tour is an excellent way to see all of the city’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods. To plan your trip, you can refer to the Paris hop-on hop-off map provided by the tour company, which shows all the stops along the route.

staircase of Musée d'Orsay; Paris, France

Paris Hop on Hop off map

Before starting your hop-on hop-off tour, make sure to grab a map of the bus route, which will help you plan your itinerary and decide where you want to get off. Most companies provide a free map with their ticket or you can download the map from their website.

Map:

Hop on Hop off Boat

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Paris, why not try a hop-on hop-off boat tour? It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective while enjoying a relaxing cruise along the Seine River.

With a hop-on hop-off boat tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore all the famous Parisian landmarks along the riverbanks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. And just like the bus tour, you’ll have the flexibility to hop on and off the boat at your leisure. BatoBus provides a hop on hop off service via boat.

But what sets the boat tour apart is the stunning views you’ll get from the river. As you cruise along the Seine, you’ll see the city’s architecture and landmarks in a whole new light. It’s the perfect way to take a break from walking and sightseeing, and just sit back and relax while taking in the beauty of Paris.

As for the prices, hop-on hop-off boat tour tickets are very affordable, with a variety of packages and discounts available. For example, a one-day ticket for the Batobus, one of the most popular boat tour companies, costs only €19 for adults and €9 for children (ages 3-15). And if you want to make the most of your time in Paris, you can also purchase a two-day ticket for €24 or a five-day ticket for €34.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and relaxing way to explore Paris while taking in some breathtaking views, a hop-on hop-off boat tour is definitely worth considering. With affordable prices and the flexibility to create your own itinerary, you can’t go wrong!

Other Hop on Hop off Tours

While the bus and boat tours are the most popular, some companies offer hop-on hop-off tours on different modes of transportation, such as bicycles or electric scooters. These tours are a great way to see the city and stay active at the same time. If you’re looking for a unique way to view Paris by bus, though, TootBus offers a Paris Vintage tour

Are Hop on Hop off Buses Worth It?

Whether hop-on hop-off tours are worth it or not depends on your preferences and itinerary. If you want to see all the major attractions in a limited time, without worrying about transportation or navigating unfamiliar roads, a hop-on hop-off tour could be an excellent option for you. These tours offer flexibility, convenience, and an audio guide that provides useful information about each location.

If a Hop on Hop off bus tour sounds worth it to you, be sure to buy your tickets online in advance to save some money!

If Paris is your next destination, be sure to read our post on where to stay in Paris so you can figure out your accommodation easily!

Are you ready to discover the wonders of Paris?

If it’s your first time visiting, a hop-on hop-off bus tour is the perfect way to see all the iconic landmarks at your own pace.

But before you hit the road, don’t forget to prepare your travel documents and itineraries. That’s where Travel Diaries comes in! This innovative travel website will help you organize your trip and connect you with resources all over the world.

With Travel Diaries, your planning experience will be a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy the sights and sounds of Paris. So, hop on that bus and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

FAQs

Is Hop on Hop off worth it in Paris?

The worthiness of the Hop on Hop off experience in Paris depends on personal preferences and needs. It can be a convenient option for exploring the city’s major attractions at your own pace, especially if you have limited time or prefer a guided tour. The buses offer audio commentary and multiple stops, allowing you to hop off and explore specific sites before hopping back on to continue the tour. However, if you prefer a more immersive and authentic experience, exploring Paris on foot or using public transportation might be a better choice.

Where does Big Bus Paris start?

The Big Bus Paris tour typically starts from the central location of the Eiffel Tower. The exact departure point may vary, so it’s recommended to check the Big Bus Paris website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information.

How long does it take to do the hop on hop off in Paris?

The duration of the hop on hop off experience in Paris depends on various factors, such as the specific bus route, the number of attractions you choose to explore, and the time spent at each stop. Generally, if you were to complete a full loop without getting off, it can take around two to three hours. However, if you plan to hop off at multiple locations and explore the attractions in-depth, it can easily take a full day or more to make the most of your hop on hop off pass.

How to get to the Eiffel Tower by bus?

Getting to the Eiffel Tower by bus is relatively straightforward. The most convenient way is to use the public transportation system, specifically buses. Depending on your starting location, you can use various bus lines that have stops near the Eiffel Tower, such as lines 42, 69, 72, and 82. These buses can take you to different sides of the Eiffel Tower, so it’s important to check the bus routes and stops in advance. Additionally, you can also consider using ride-hailing services or taxis for a more direct route to the Eiffel Tower.

Aatika Farooqui

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Aatika Farooqui, a passionate explorer and storyteller, weaves her love for travel into captivating narratives. Her words have the power to transport readers to distant lands, igniting a sense of wanderlust and curiosity. Through her evocative writing, Aatika captures the essence of each destination, sharing both the remarkable and the hidden, inspiring others to embark on their own transformative journeys.