I love a bus tour and anticipated that the Big Bus Tour in San Francisco would be everything. However, it was awful.
There are either not enough buses or the times are too far apart, for the number of passengers, or both.
It was pot luck if you got on a bus in the first place, even at the beginning. At the popular spots it was impossible, without having to wait ages to get back on a bus. The queues were staggering. Especially, at the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf.
Put it this way - it was the only Big Bus tour where I have never hopped off.
The tour guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the city. We were also helped immensely by a member of staff at the Redemption Centre, near Union Square.However, the drivers were often rude and short with passengers, who understandably were irate having to wait so long to get on a bus - many with young children.
The only saving grace was the bus tour also included Alcatraz, but if we had thought about it much earlier when we booked the holiday, we would have booked Alcatraz seperately.
The seating is far too close on the upper deck.
If you book Alcatraz ahead of your holiday, I would recommend doing a tour of the city with another company, or just expect to wait.... and wait.