Big Bus Tour in June - Will traffic ruin it?

Take a guidebook, get a sense of the congestion. Buy Oyster cards for the Tube and buses. Perhaps take a Big Bus tour. We saw them all over London last year.

Most London traffic is everyday folks getting to and from work, buses and van deliveries etc. London gets tourists all year round so June traffic will be no different to that in say March.

Buses are more interesting than the Underground, but slower. There is always a chance that you will get snarled up in traffic, as routes are often blocked by delivery vans or broken down vehicles.

Much has changed in 15 years. Traffic congestion is much worse.

June is the height of the tourist season. Expect large crowds.

Get the RS guidebook and share with your sons now. Have them make a list of things they truly want to see.

Upon arrival get your Oyster Cards (each of you will need them).

Once you have checked into where ever you are staying (Use Google street view maps to see where the closest bank ATM, Market and Tube Station are located) visit the ATM for your "cash." Walk to the tube station, buy your Oyster cards from the machines (15 pounds should be uploaded on each) and make your way to Westminster station. Walk outside and although Elizabeth's Tower is covered in scaffolding I can imagine they will enjoy seeing Parliament and the near by Westminster Abbey. Walk up Birdcage Walk to Palace.

Always a good first few hours in London seeing the above. They are the most iconic spots.

If by Big Bus- you mean the Hop On Hop OFF. I say go for it. We do on in every city just to get the lay of the land, to see everything and because the commentary can be informative and tacky at the same time. Great for your first day/evening as they are so little effort .

I used to love the hop-on-hop off bus in London, but the traffic for me makes it unbearable. Now, I focus on walking tours and I highly recommend London Walks: http://www.walks.com. You can pick an area that is of interest to you and your teenage sons. I would recommend the Classic London which provides a great overview of the top London sites. Your teenagers might also like the Harry Potter and Jack the Ripper walks.

Sandy

I was on the Big Bus the Friday before Harry and Megan's wedding. It was miserable, especially around the Palace. If you are there on a Sunday maybe the traffic will be less? I would stick with walks of London and guidebooks.

Depending on the age of your teenage sons, you can get a "young persons discount" added to their oyster card by a TFL employee.