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Best Rated New York Bus Tours and Sightseeing Packages

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• Hop-On Hop-Off Downtown
• Hop-On Hop-Off Uptown
• Statue of Liberty Cruise
• Central Park Bike Rental
• Brooklyn Tour (Open Top Bus)
• Museum of the City of New York
• Skyscraper Museum
• Night Tour with Entertaining Host
• Harry Potter Store - Free Tankard of Butterbeer
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• Mobile boarding
• Movies & Celebrities audio channel

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Attraction pass, see nyc from the water with our liberty cruise, why choose topview ® , experience a 360° view of nyc above the crowd.

Our tours are created by a team of local experts who know NYC inside out. We’ve got New York City covered: Downtown, Uptown, as well as The Night Tour–If it’s worth seeing–our hop-on hop-off NYC bus tours go there!

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New York Bus City Tours and Manhattan Sightseeing Guided by Local Experts

TopView ® offers the best New York sightseeing bus tours led by local experts so you won't miss the most important attractions. On our NYC bus tours, hop on, hop off, and take time to enjoy all of the different places to visit in New York City. We have dozens of hop-on hop-off bus tour stops near all major points of interest. Our New York sightseeing bus will take you by all of the biggest NYC attractions!

5 Best Routes for Open-Top Sightseeing Bus Tours in NYC

We have five New York tours that allow you to experience the best of New York City, including two hop-on hop-off NYC bus tours, Downtown and Uptown, along with Brooklyn, and an exciting Night Tour route! While enjoying our NYC bus tours, hop on or hop off to take part in the excitement, explore the sights, and make the most of your visit. We'll make sure you hit every stop on your list of NYC attractions to see and give you plenty of Instagram-worthy views from atop our NYC sightseeing bus!

What Is There to Do in New York? Top Manhattan Attractions

Our hop-on hop-off NYC tours can take you to the top of Manhattan and back again, stopping at some of the most famous sites in New York City, NY. Here are a few examples of city locations you can see on an NYC sightseeing bus around Manhattan:

• Rockefeller Center
• Times Square
• Empire State Building
• Flatiron Building
• Union Square
• Washington Square Park
• Battery Park
• Garment District

Our New York tours and sightseeing packages include multi-day passes and 24-hour passes as well as individual hop-on hop-off and nonstop double-decker tours. We offer plenty of choices so you can customize your New York City tours any way you want, and our flexible ticketing means that you can buy your tickets online now without having to plan a set schedule: Once you book your tour or package, you'll have twelve months to exchange your online booking confirmation for a boarding ticket. And our buses run seven days a week, 365 days a year, in any kind of weather, so no matter when you choose to visit New York City, we can help you make the most of your trip. Whether you want a day trip or simply to see the city sights at nighttime, you will find a TopView ® sightseeing pass that fits your needs.

Rain or Shine Manhattan Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tours

Learn more about the history, culture, and architecture of this one-of-a-kind city with our audio narration. Our big bus tour is available in 11 languages, with free earphones provided. And this isn't the only perk we offer! Our New York tours also provide free ponchos for rainy days.

Two Million and Counting Passengers on the Best Sightseeing Double-Decker Bus Tour in NYC

No matter your travel style, an adventure with TopView Sightseeing ® will add convenience and comfort to your trip. More than two million people have already discovered why TopView ® is the best choice for Big Apple sightseeing. For the best NYC bus tours at the best prices, book with us today!

Bike Rentals and Other Popular New York City Attractions

When you book our New York City tours as part of a complete All City package, we also include a 2-hour extension to any bike rental purchase, so you can cruise Central Park the way it was meant to be enjoyed, as well as free admission to the Museum of the City of New York . You can also enjoy a Liberty Cruise of New York Harbor and get close-up views of the Statue of Liberty. You know you want a selfie with Lady Liberty!

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The 5 Best NYC Bus Tours for 2024

Let a trained driver worry about the traffic while you enjoy the Big Apple's best sights.

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As one of the largest cities in the world, New York City has so much to see and do. That's why many visitors start their trip off with a bus tour to see iconic sights and neighborhoods and get the lay of the land. To help you find the tour that's best for you, U.S. News reviewed traveler sentiment and expert input to determine the top New York bus tours. Read our suggestions below for some of the best bus tours you can book for your next trip to the City That Never Sleeps.

Big Bus Tours

Price: Adults from $80; kids from $70 Duration: 75 to 90 minutes

Big Bus New York offers a hop-on, hop-off tour that features 18 stops at major attractions like Bryant Park, Broadway and St. Patrick's Cathedral, with prerecorded commentary provided along the way. Double-decker buses frequent stops every 20 minutes on the Red Line (which runs through downtown) and every 30 minutes on uptown's Blue Line. The Essential Ticket, which is valid for one day, grants you access to the 90-minute downtown and 75-minute uptown routes and lets you add on extras like tickets for Madame Tussauds, the Empire State Building or a harbor cruise. Big Bus New York is a hit with travelers who appreciate the ability to tailor tours to their interests. Others bemoaned the overcrowded buses and long wait times.

You can also book a Discover Ticket, which explores famous landmarks downtown, or an Explore Ticket, which is a two-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour experience. Big Bus Tours also operates a seasonal night tour.

Check prices & availability on:

A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours – The Original Brooklyn Pizza Tour

Price: Adults from $105; kids from $95 Duration: 4.5 hours

Brooklyn has so much to see and do – and eat! The Original Brooklyn Pizza Tour, which reviewers describe as a great experience with even better pizza, lasts 4.5 hours and takes travelers throughout the borough to sample delicious slices from places like Grimaldi's and L&B Spumoni Gardens. You'll also see filming locations for movies like "Saturday Night Fever" and "Goodfellas."

Ticket prices include lunch. Tours are available Friday through Monday and Wednesday at 11 a.m. A Slice of Brooklyn also leads a seasonal tour exploring Dyker Heights' Christmas lights , among other options.

On Location Tours – "Sex and the City" Hotspots Tour

Price: From $66 Duration: 3.5 hours

Fans of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda can relive all their favorite "Sex and the City" moments during this New York bus tour, which features more than 40 popular locations from the show and movies. During the tour, you'll view iconic filming locations, walk past Carrie Bradshaw's brownstone apartment, sample cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery, drink a cosmopolitan (if you wish) and shop in Greenwich Village. Plus, you'll visit stops from the reboot "And Just Like That," including Bergdorf Goodman and Chelsea Market. Reviewers peg this tour as fun and fabulous.

Tourgoers can pay another $10 for priority seating. Participants must be 18 or older. Tours generally depart Thursday to Sunday at 2 p.m., though additional days may be available during the summer months. On Location Tours operates other filming locations tours for shows and movies, including "Gossip Girl," "The Sopranos" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," among others.

USA Guided Tours – Discover NY Tour

Price: Adults from $99; kids from $89 Duration: 6 hours

On this full-day tour, you'll drive through some of the city's most famous neighborhoods and most-visited areas. You'll have your choice of a traditional bus or a bus with either a glass top or a convertible top. Regardless of the vehicle, enjoy the expert commentary and a history lesson from your tour guide as you cruise past Times Square, Madison Square Park, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and more. A 15-minute stroll through each of the main stops is included, as is a boat cruise that takes you to see the famous NYC skyline. Many travelers call this tour fantastic and a must-do in New York.

Tours depart at 9 and 10 a.m. daily. USA Guided Tours also offers a night tour of the Big Apple.

Hush Hip Hop Tours – Birthplace of Hip Hop

Price: Adults from $79.99; kids from $58 Duration: 3 hours

Travelers routinely praise the Birthplace of Hip Hop tour not only for its cultural lessons about Harlem, but also for the informative guides who explain the history of hip-hop music. During this tour, you'll see famous clubs, murals dedicated to artists and the Apollo Theater. Plus, you'll get to observe a dance session and show off your moves.

Outings run Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Hush Hip Hop Tours also operates walking tours of Harlem and Brooklyn, among others.

Check prices & availability on:  

Interested in more New York City tours? Check out the:

• Best New York City Tours
• Best New York City Food Tours
• Best Statue of Liberty Tours
• Best New York City Boat Tours
• Best New York City Walking Tours

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , New York City , New York Vacations , Mid-Atlantic Vacations , US Vacations

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The 5 Best NYC Bus Tours – [2024 Reviews]

A great way to experience the big apple - take a bus tour in new york city.

The city of New York, also known as the Big Apple, has everything an average traveler looks for on a trip: countless historical and cultural attractions, vivid night life, bustling parks, magnificent skyscrapers, a variety of designer stores and boutiques, cafes and restaurants for every taste, and, of course, a highly developed tourist industry.

The range of NYC bus tours is unbelievable. From budget to luxury, bus tours in NYC can take place during day or at nighttime, last a couple of hours or all day long. You can take a mini bus or a double decker bus tour.  Also see: Your Guide To Visiting New York City.

Best New York City Bus Tours

Quick answer: the 5 best bus tours of new york city.

• New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour
• New York City Guided Sightseeing Tour by Double Decker Bus
• Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
• New York City Sightseeing Tour by Coach
• New York Double-Decker Bus Night Tour

Best NYC Bus Tour Reviews

#1   new york in one day guided sightseeing tour.

• Departure Point: 7th Avenue, between 50th & 51st Streets
• Departure Time: 10 a.m.
• Duration: 5 hours (approx)
• Includes: Professional tour guide, guided coach tour, tickets for boat cruise (not included during the off season Jan 1 – April 1; guests will visit Grand Central Terminal instead)

During the whole trip, a professional friendly guide, who will share the knowledge of the city and its sights, will accompany you. This NYC tour will take place on a bus, as well as on a boat, which will take you around the harbor.

You will enjoy the magnificent skylines of Brooklyn and Manhattan, take pictures of Governor’s Island and Ellis Island, take a look at the city’s numerous bridges, such as Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and Williamsburg Bridge. And of course, you’ll have a great 360 o -degree view of the Statue of Liberty, for the most magnificent photos.

Keep in mind, though, that between January 1 and April 1, the boat cruise is changed for a visit to Grand Central Terminal of New York City.

During this bus tour, there will be a short lunch stop at the Fulton 55 Market, where you can find all kinds of New York street food or a café to your liking.

On this NYC bus tour, you will visit the sights, filmed in numerous world-known movies. These are the Flatiron Building, the Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Center, Plaza Hotel, and, of course, Central Park. You will drive through some iconic neighborhoods of New York City, such as Chinatown, Soho, and Greenwich Village.

This NYC bus tour ends at the original departure point.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, #2   new york city guided sightseeing tour by double decker bus.

• Departure Point: Gray Line Visitors Center
• Departure Time: 9 a.m.
• Duration: 6 or 8 hours
• Includes: Professional guide, transport by double decker bus, 1-hour New York Harbor cruise, admission to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck (8-hour tour only)

Irrelevant of which itinerary you choose, you will get a double decker bus tour around NYC with informative friendly guide all along the way, much of attention to every person on a small tour group, and plenty of impressions from this NYC bus tour.

Relax on a bus tour around Manhattan, including its Lower, Upper, and Midtown parts, Times Square, the Fifth Avenue, Central Park, the Greenwich Village, Madison Square Garden, One World Trade Center, Battery Park, Wall Street, South Street Seaport, Little Italy, and, of course, the Rockefeller Center.

Sometimes, you will hop off the bus, to go on walking guided tours around the best-known attractions of the Big Apple. And, of course, a 1-hour boat cruise will offer fascinating views of the Statue of Liberty and the city’s world famous skyline.

This NYC bus tour ends at the Rockefeller Center.

If you choose an 8-hour-long bus tour, you will then take an elevator, and in less than a minute, find yourself 70 stories above the ground, at the top of the Rock Observation Deck, with an unbelievable view of vibrant New York City life underneath and a magnificent panorama of the city’s skyline.

#3  Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

• Departure Point: Board the bus at any stop along your route
• Duration: Varies
• Includes: Hop-on hop-off bus tour, live guide

See the complete Tour Stops Schedule .

Explore New York City with your own itinerary by an open-top Big Bus tour, which makes over 30 stops around the city, for you to hop on and hop off whenever you like.

This double decker bus tour around NYC offers a trip by Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Central Park, Empire State Building, through the famous Manhattan district, not less famous Brooklyn district, Harlem, and many, many other significant spots of the Big Apple.

On the way, you have a chance to learn about the city’s history from the engaging guide.

This hop on hop off bus tour makes navigating around New York City landmarks easy and pleasurable. Just show your voucher (printed or mobile) to the Big Bus staff on any stop and hop on.

Ride through Upper, Lower or Midtown Manhattan, visit the Greenwich Village, take a look at Little Italy and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and hop off wherever you see an interesting spot or a place for magnificent photos. Or stay for a whole route, which takes approximately 2 hours.

#4   New York City Sightseeing Tour by Coach

• Departure Point: Sheraton New York
• Departure Time: 8:30 a.m.
• Duration: 5 hours (approx.)
• Includes: Live commentary on-board, 9 stops during the tour

This NYC bus tour will take you to Central Park, Dakota Building, Lincoln Center, the Upper West Side, the Flatiron Building, the Greenwich Village, the district of Soho, Harlem, Little Italy, and many, many other attractions of New York City.

You have a chance to enjoy a guided walking tour around the famous district of Chinatown and get off the bus near the Brooklyn Bridge, for a magnificent view of Brooklyn district and Manhattan Bridge.

On the way, you will drive past the Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, Museo del Barrio, the Fifth Avenue, the Radio City Music Hall, and, of course, the Rockefeller Center.

Get a chance to visit the Financial District, Wall Street, and the Battery Park, for a great view of the Statue of Liberty.

There will be a stop for a short lunch at Chelsea Market, where you can find numerous budget cafes and street food vendors.

Enjoy the personal service and attention of the guide, due to a small number of tourists on the group. You will see that a mini bus tour in NYC is not worse than a tour on a big double decker bus.

This NYC bus tour ends at Herald Square, by the Empire State Building.

#5   New York Double-Decker Bus Night Tour

• Departure Point: Gray Line Visitor Center
• Departure Time: Daily at 6:30 p.m.
• Duration: 90 minutes (approx.)
• Includes: Double Decker Bus Tour

Rest after a long day of sightseeing, while enjoying the views of Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, the Manhattan Bridge, Greenwich Village, Little Italy, the Lower East Side, Soho, and Chinatown.

Get to know the history of New York City from an on-board guide, while seating comfortably on the double decker tour bus. You will cross the Brooklyn Bridge for a sparkling view of the evening Manhattan skyline.

And if you are lucky to come to New York City during Christmas time, enjoy the Holiday Lights Tour, instead of the Night Tour, which will take you to Midtown, covered in Christmas lights and decorations.

The guide will show famous New York City department stores, brightly decorated for the holidays, filled with people buying presents for their significant ones.

This NYC double decker bus tour returns to original departure point.

Your Guide to Visiting New York City

Airports & entry, planning tips, restaurants & eating out, nightlife & entertainment, getting around, accommodations.

There are three airports in New York City: John F Kennedy International Airport, La Guardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport.

To get from the JFK Airport to the city, take the AirTrain, which links to the subway, and will take you to Manhattan in one hour by the cost of $2,75. Or use the service of an express bus to Grand Central Terminal or Port Authority, which takes 1,5 hours and costs $18.

You can also take a taxi from the taxi dispatch booths or use services, such as Uber. The flat taxi fare is $52, excluding tolls, tips, and rush hour surcharge.

La Guardia is the closest airport to Manhattan, and still, least accessible by public transport. You can take an express bus #Q70, which will bring you to the 74 th St – Broadway metro station, and will cost you $15. Or take a cab, which will cost approximately $34 – $53, excluding tolls and tips.

From Newark Liberty Airport, take the AirTrain to Newark Airport train station, and then, take any train to New York Penn Station for $13. Taxi fares range from $60 to $80, excluding tolls and tips.

You should promptly consider your plans for the Big Apple, before you pack your luggage. Are you going for a picnic in the Central Park? Are you planning to visit a musical, an opera, or a theatre performance? Are you going to dine in a luxury top-end restaurant on the Fifth?

Consider all your wants and needs for your trip to New York, not only to pack everything you might need, but also to get tickets in advance. Keep in mind, the most popular places and events can be highly overbooked during the high season (summer, vacation time, and during the holiday season).

New York City might have its disadvantages, but you’ll never get hungry in the Big Apple, that’s for sure. Countless cafes, bars, bistros, and restaurants cater for every taste and budget. Italian, Asian, Middle Eastern, Greek, French, Mexican – the variety of cuisines available is outstanding.

From small family cafes to large international restaurant chains, from fast food to luxury “haute couture” cuisine, from street food of all kinds to extravagant restaurants with huge booking lists. To get the best taste of NYC, we would recommend taking a guided NYC food tour .

Whatever plans you have for the Big Apple, you definitely can’t leave without trying these typical New York foods and drinks:

• Cheesecake New York
• Long Island Ice Tea

If you are on a budget, don’t miss the markets: Chelsea and Fulton 55, where you can find all kinds of New York street food, as well as numerous budget cafes. To get the best taste of NYC, we would recommend taking a guided NYC food tour .

New bars and clubs open and close in New York City all the time. Every district is filled with night entertainment facilities. If you are in Manhattan, head to Greenwich Village. There are plenty of places, popular with locals, mostly NYU students. Chelsea and Lower East Side are other popular nightlife spots in the heart of the Big Apple. However, if you are staying in Brooklyn, Queens, or Staten Island, don’t worry, you won’t feel the lack of sparkling New York nightlife.

New York City has the name of the world capital of jazz, and it is probably true. The city has expired many world famous jazz musicians in the past, and nowadays, it has countless settings, where you can listen to good jazz music, while enjoying a drink with your friends or a date.

Probably, the most famous jazz club in the world is the Blue Note in Greenwich Village. And the Village Vanguard, which dates back to 1935, is another popular spot in the district for jazz admirers. However, if you can’t afford such top-end places, take a look at Smalls or Fat Cat, situated also in Greenwich Village, just a block from each other, which keep their charges quite reasonable.

Salsa, although originates from Cuba, also draws numerous dance lovers to New York City clubs. If you find yourself into passionate Afro-Caribbean rhythms, head to Copacabana, the best-known Latin dance club dating back to 1940’s, situated right next to Times Square, El Morocco in Spanish Harlem, or Iguana in West Midtown.

As for classical entertainment, Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall, along with Broadway theaters are the main venues you should head towards. Opera, ballet, music shows, and concerts of all kinds will suit any cultural taste and budget.

And, of course, most New Yorkers tend to be passionate sports fans. Baseball, basketball, hockey teams – you have a wide list to choose from. Join the locals in one of the games, pick your favorite, and don’t forget to buy souvenirs during a break.

New York City has an extended system of public transportation, which includes subway, buses, commuter rail, and ferries. The terrible stories about New York City subway crimes are mostly in the past. However, you should still be careful, when traveling alone at night: don’t flash your valuables in public, use crowded stations, and try to be around people all the time.

Yellow cabs are as much the symbol of New York City, as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. They are numerous, reasonably priced, and comfortable. To get a cab, all you need to do is stand close to the road and raise your arm. However, if you are in a hurry, it may be wiser to go underground, due to heavy traffic, especially during rush hours.

New York City has some of the most expensive accommodations in the world. Be prepared to pay a minimum of $100 – $200 for a hotel room and, at least, $50 for a bed in a hostel in Manhattan. However, Manhattan is not the only district in New York. You can find much cheaper accommodation in Long Island City, Queens, Brooklyn, or New Jersey. Cheaper fares are also available during January and February, in the end of August, and on Sundays.

Typically, the room fare is claimed without taxes. All New York State and New York City taxes add up to approximately 15%. So, be prepared to pay more on arrival, than the amount on the booking.

New York City generally experiences cold winters, wet springs, hot humid summers, and cool dry autumns. In winter, the temperature can decrease to -18 o C and during the summer, be prepared for the temperature to go up to 38 o C sometimes. Snowstorms are regular during the winter months, but the snow rarely lies longer, than for a couple of days. Also, tropical storms can hit the city during summer time and in September. So, keep that in mind.

Attractions

The Big Apple is never short on attractions to keep tourists busy from sun up to sun down. The Empire State Building is one of the most popular attractions as you are able to see the New York skyline from the observation deck. The Statue of Liberty is not to be missed. If you find yourself in Central Park, there are plenty of food vendors and even free activities to enjoy. If you want to take in a show, be sure to hit Broadway, and if music is your thing, there’s always the Radio City Music Hall.

Tour Guides

The New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour is our top pick for the best NYC bus tour

Richard Moore

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Express tours, iconic access passes.

• Holiday Lights
• How To Use My Tour Ticket

Holiday Lights Christmas New York City Sightseeing Tour

Tour highlights:.

• Exclusive Gifts
• Cozy Blankets and Warm Hats
• Chocholate Tea Delight
• Iconic Landmarks
• Expert Guides and Narration
• Festive Atmosphere
• Awe-Inspiring Decorations
• and lots more

More Details

Hop-on Hop-off Downtown Tour

Sight and connection includes:.

• Times Square
• Broadway Theaters
• Madam Tussaud
• Herald Square
• Madison Square Garden Penn Station
• Empire State Building
• Flatiron Building

Hop-on Hop-off Uptown Tour

• The Lion King Theater District
• New Year's Eve Ball
• American Museum of Natural History
• The Museums of The City of New York
• Lincoln Center for Performing Arts
• The Guggenheim Museum
• El Museo de Barrio
• The Metropolitan Museum of Arts

Hop-on Hop-off Harlem Tour

• 125th Street
• Apollo Theater
• Studio Museum in Harlem
• Abyssinian Baptist Church
• Schombug Center for Research in Black Culture
• Malcolm X Boulevard
• The National Jazz Museum in Harlem

Save on new york city Double-decker Sightseeing tour

• Brooklyn Express Tour
• Williamsburg Bridge
• Manhattan Bridge
• Brooklyn Bridge
• Brooklyn Bridge Park
• Brooklyn Heights
• Promenade Brooklyn Bridge

• All City Iconic Express Tour
• Times Square Theater District
• Grand Central Terminal
• Top of the Rock
• Columbus Circle
• Central Park
• The Plaza Hotel

Night Tour (Black Line)

• Macy's Headquarters
• Vessel at Hudson Yard
• Meat Packing District
• Little Island

1 day Iconic Access Pass

Sight and connection includes (*choose 3).

• Hop-On Hop-Off uptown tour
• Hop-on hop-off downtown tour
• Hop-on hop-off Harlem tour
• Walking Tour
• Times Square Live Comedy Show

48Hours Iconic Access Pass

Sight and connection includes (*choose 5).

5Day Ultimate Unlimited Access Pass

Sight and connection includes.

Times Square Live Commedy Show

Step into a world of humor, wit, and uproarious laughter as talented comedians take the stage to deliver a memorable performance that will leave you in stitches.

Adult - $39.00

Why book a new york city bus tour with us.

With New York Iconic Cruises, you’re sure to find the perfect tour for exploring during your time in New York City. Buy your ticket and plan your adventure today! At New York Iconic Cruises, we also offer the ultimate charter experience for groups of any size for a variety of events.

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5 Best Bus Tours in New York City

The energy of New York City is found in its streets. One of the best ways to experience this vitality, and cover serious ground at the same time, is with a bus tour, rolling between Manhattan neighborhoods, one beautiful block at a time.

From a themed tour (like the Sex and the City Hotspots tour) to hop-on, hop-off options that offer direct transportation to the top landmarks in the city, here are the five best bus tours that NYC has to offer.

Big Bus New York

The Big Bus is easy to spot: bright red, open top, and double-decker. This classic bus tour provides a thorough introduction to Manhattan, with two routes, the downtown red loop, and the uptown blue route – and hop-on, hop-off service for stopping at top landmarks along the way. Take a seat in the open-air top deck and instead of traveling by subway (where you see nothing as you move between neighborhoods), you will see New York’s famous street life as the bus travels between the Financial District, Chinatown, Greenwich Village, and Chelsea . The most popular stops on the downtown route include the 9/11 Memorial and the High Line, while popular stops on the uptown loop include 5th Avenue shopping and Harlem ’s Apollo Theater. For some fresh air, stop in the 843-acre Central Park and go for a stroll.

Climb aboard The Ride – and the bus becomes the theater while the New York City streets are the stage. Instead of seats facing forward with the flow of traffic, seats aboard The Ride are turned toward the floor-to-ceiling windows, stadium-seating style. This 75-minute tour combines sightseeing (including landmarks like the Chrysler Building and Carnegie Hall) with live entertainment (both from onboard guides providing fun facts and screening movie clips, and on-the-street performers including break dancers and improv comedians). The busy Manhattan streets provide additional entertainment and the bus is equipped with 40 TV screens, tons of LED lights, and a club-quality sound system to keep the atmosphere festive. Kids age 6 and up are welcome to join.

Gray Line CitySightseeing Holiday Lights Tour

Witnessing New York City by night is an essential experience when visiting Manhattan. The streets always have certain electricity, but by night, the thoroughfares, landmarks, and bridges are lit up in spectacular fashion. There’s no better way to see it than from the open-air top deck of a double-decker bus. This after-dark excursion takes between two and three hours to complete and includes the chance to see famous attractions including Rockefeller Center (and its famous sparkling Christmas tree ), the bright lights of Radio City Music Hall , the department store holiday windows along 5th Avenue and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. From Times Square to Central Park, this tour showcases the best of New York’s famous holiday lights .

Open Loop New York

Take advantage of technology to know exactly when your bus is coming, with the “Where’s My Bus?” web page from Open Loop . This bus tour, with an uptown route and a downtown route, offers a double-decker experience complete with an audio guide available in multiple languages (including English, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, and more). Tickets are available for one, three, or five days of unlimited use, offering convenient transportation to attractions across Manhattan including the Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art , Times Square, and the High Line. Hop-on, hop-off stops are also available in favorite downtown neighborhoods, including the West Village and the East Village. When you’re done with exploring, use your phone to confirm where and when to hop on the next bus.

Sex and the City Hotspots Tour

Strut the same streets as Carrie and shop in the same stores as Samantha during this 3.5-hour bus trip from On Location Tours complete with Sex and the City trivia, cocktails, and New York City sightseeing. The tour begins in front of the iconic Plaza hotel and continues throughout neighborhoods featured in the popular HBO series including the Meatpacking District , the West Village , and SoHo . The tour includes a glimpse of Carrie’s gorgeous brownstone (which is actually in the West Village and not the Upper West Side, where it is supposed to be located in the show) and stops include an adults-only sultry boutique and a cupcake bakery favored by Carrie. The tour wraps up with a drink at the bar that stood in for Steve and Aidan’s bar in the series. 

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24 Best NYC City Tours for an Unforgettable Exploration of the Big Apple

It’s America’s tourism posterchild — and the best NYC city tours manage to communicate the raw, unique essence that has made New York the city of all cities.

Around every corner, down every street, there’s something new to discover. It’s the birthplace of jazz, bagels and hip-hop, a melting pot of cultures (à la Chinatown, Little Italy and Harlem for starters), and it’s been aptly crowned the City That Never Sleeps.

With so many things to do in NYC , you could spend weeks here and barely scratch the surface. That’s exactly why first-time travelers opt for guided city tours; in the space of just a few hours, you’re treated to a highlight reel of New York City – its art, history, food and architecture.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

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1 – New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 8859 reviews )

“Absolutely brilliant tour and day in the hands of the fantastic Hayley and Manny, would absolutely recommend this tour as a ” must” for anyone visiting NYC.” Ian, Viator

Ticking off a hand-picked selection of the best places to visit in New York City back to back, this USA Guided Tours adventure covers Manhattan from top to bottom, showing off as many quintessential landmarks as possible in one day.

With a combination of walking, driving and cruising on the Staten Island Ferry, you’ll tick off over a dozen world-famous attractions. Starting from Central Park, you’ll pass by the Rockefeller Center, the New York Public Library, the 9/11 Memorial and more, with insights into neighborhoods like SoHo , Times Square, Chinatown and Greenwich in between.

With time to wander around Fifth Avenue and soak up views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty as well, this tour is perfect for first-timers wanting to get the most out of their stay.

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• Starting from Midtown, this tour first ventures north via Times Square toward Central Park, where you'll get to see Strawberry Fields and the John Lennon Memorial. Then, you'll head south en route to Lower Manhattan, passing several landmarks along the way, such as the Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, the Flatiron Building and the New York Public Library.
• After a 30-minute stop at the Gansevoort Liberty Market, you'll then wander around the Financial District and Battery Park. Finally, you'll hop on the ferry to Staten Island for a round-trip that lets you admire Lady Liberty from afar. You'll then be escorted to the original meeting point where the tour ends.

If you’re short on time and want to squeeze in as many iconic New York City as possible into a day, this tour is a great option! Rachel, Jim, Tyler and the crew are all experts in all things NYC – history, architecture and culture – so you’ll learn plenty as you cover most of Manhattan. If you don’t mind sharing a few dozen other tourists, this tour comes highly recommended.

2 – Boroughs of NYC: Harlem, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn & Coney Island

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1378 reviews )

“As a first timer to New York, this is a great tour to give you a high-level understanding of 4 of the 5 boroughs.” Jack, Viator

With skyscrapers aplenty, Manhattan steals the spotlight. But in reality, it’s only one of five boroughs that make up New York City, and each boasts its own energy, landmarks and fantastic attractions.

On the Amigo Tours USA Boroughs Tour, you’ll get to discover Harlem , the birthplace of jazz and hip hop, Queens , home to the most diverse population in the world, the Bronx , renowned for its eccentric street art and Brooklyn , the NYC hipster capital.

Throw in an optional stop at historic Coney Island (widely considered to be one of the best things to do in Long Island ) and you’ve got yourself an all-encompassing, highly educational day out!

• After meeting your group near Grand Central Terminal, your local guide will first take you up to Harlem, where you'll see the iconic Apollo Theater. Next stop is the Bronx, where you'll pass by the Big Pun Mural and the Bronx–Whitestone Bridge.
• You'll then head toward Queens where you'll have some time to explore the Flushing Meadows Corona Park before crossing the Kosciuszko Bridge to Brooklyn. After wandering around Crown Heights, Williamsburg and DUMBO, you'll then either cross the Brooklyn Bridge and finish your tour or head to Coney Island.
• The tour's finishing point is up to you: choose from Coney Island, DUMBO, or Grand Central Terminal.

Very few tours cover as much ground as this one. With stops in all 4 boroughs, you’ll get a real taste of the distinctly different vibes that, when put together, make up the NYC charm. The guides are professional and humorous too.

If you want to learn about the history and culture of each neighborhood, plus see the sights, we’d certainly recommend this tour.

3 – New York City: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 2493 reviews )

“It was very cool not having to worry about transportation all day and just being able to get on and off pretty much anywhere and at any time. This way you can get a good overview and check out the most famous sights. It was really fun!” Sam, Getyourguide

The big, double-decker buses are touristy for good reason: they hit up almost all of the best tourist attractions in New York City , with the bonus of being able to hop on and off whenever and wherever you like.

The Big Bus Tours sightseeing adventure is all about convenience and flexibility. Whether you opt for the Downtown Loop (which passes places like Battery Park, SoHo , Chelsea and Greenwich ), the Uptown Loop (Grand Central Terminal, Central Park and more), or both, you’ll see a huge range of notable landmarks.

All buses come with an audioguide to give you the rundown about each attraction too. What’s not to love?

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• Prices vary depending on which route you choose and any extra add-ons you wish to purchase.
• The classic 1-day Downtown Loop ticket is the cheapest, at US$54 for adults and US$45 for kids (3-12).
• The 1-day Downtown and Uptown loops combo costs US$72 for adults and US$63 for kids.
• The 2-day Downtown and Uptown loops combo ticket costs US$90 for adults and US$81 for kids.
• Add-on: A 1-day Downtown and Uptown loops combo plus a cruise around Liberty Island costs US$100 for adults and US$90 for kids.
• Add-on: A 1-day Downtown and Uptown loop combo plus entry to the Empire State Building AND a ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands (museum access not included) costs US$130 for adults and US$120 for kids.

A fantastic way to get your bearings! These are more affordable than small group tours AND you can also see the sights at your own pace. You won’t get the personalized feeling of a private tour, but you can spend more time at the places that interest you most.

We recommend the Uptown+Downtown loops at the beginning of your NYC trip.

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4 – Private Custom New York City Tour by SUV

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 387 reviews )

“Absolutely great experience, my kids will remember it for ever. Even the car was perfect Thank you Ryan!!!” Manuel, Viator

All about that VIP feeling, this tour ditches the touristy big buses and cookie-cutter itineraries; you choose the route and the duration, and then your very own tour guide will make sure that your day is as fun and insightful as possible — that’s the beauty of New York City private tours .

Of course, you’re more than welcome to leave your destiny in the guide’s hands, who’ll happily whisk you to iconic landmarks and hidden gems while sharing insights into each neighborhood.

Whether you want to spend your day shopping at designer boutiques, indulging in delicious food, or snapping selfies at famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, Best New York Tours ‘ SUV adventure has got you covered.

If you want to craft your own experience, the private SUV tour is ideal. Bernice, Sheldon, Ryan and the team are so incredibly caring and helpful. It’s amazing how much sightseeing and storytelling they can squeeze into half a day.

The downside is the price; however, if you’re traveling with a large group it becomes much more reasonable. A fantastic option!

5 – 20-Min Ultimate NYC Helicopter Tour from Downtown Manhattan

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 2591 reviews )

“This was a brilliant experience, a unique birds eye view of the Big Apple.” Theodore, Headout

Short, sweet, and serving up incredible views of America’s posterchild, helicopter rides invite you to ditch the foot traffic and see the entire Manhattan Island from a whole new perspective.

Taking off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, the chopper soars high above famous sights like the Statue of Liberty , Central Park , the Brooklyn Bridge , and the Palisade Cliffs (just a handful of the 15+ quintessential landmarks en route).

But it’s not just sightseeing; with a professional pilot doubling as your VIP tour guide, you’ll learn all about the city’s major landmarks too.

Being such a quick experience, you’ll have stacks of time to do a few of the other top things to do in Manhattan afterward.

A bucket list activity worth splurging on, this exciting helicopter tour is worth every penny. The views are second to none, and the insightful pilot comments make this experience even more special. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned NYC veteran, seeing the Big Apple from above is worth doing once in everyone’s life. 10/10.

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6 – SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 1592 reviews )

” would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the history of these 3 very unique neighborhoods!” Judith, Viator

A huge part of Manhattan’s charm comes from the dynamic subcultures scattered throughout its streets, and this walking tour shows off three of the most unique enclaves one after the other.

Led by knowledgeable guides from ExperienceFirst , you’ll wander through SoHo, a neighborhood renowned for its high fashion and trendy stores, before heading to Little Italy where you can indulge in authentic Italian cuisine and learn about the area’s 19th-century architecture as well as the decades of gang violence.

On top of Soho and Little Italy , throw in Chinatown , where buzzing markets and bustling streets will immerse you in Eastern culture and tradition, and you’ve got yourself quite the whirlwind tour!

Affordable, enjoyable, and an excellent way to dive into the NYC cultural melting pot, this walking tour is a must-do. Mindy, Andrea, Esa, Tim and the ExperienceFirst crew know so much about SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown – not just their modern sides, but also about their rich histories. We would certainly recommend this activity.

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Read more: Best walking tours in NYC

7 – 1 Hour Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 5560 reviews )

“Nice quick ride to the Statue of Liberty and back. Good guide and good music and good boat.” Jeffrey, Getyourguide

Description: 100 words – mention Statue Walks LLC , Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Once a gift from France, the Statue of Liberty has become an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy. On this hour-long sightseeing cruise, you’ll sail past Lady Liberty herself, getting an up-close look at her stunning features and learning all about her transformation into a national monument.

You’ll also cruise past Ellis Island, the gateway for over 12 million immigrants, with plenty of stories to be told by the Statue Walks LLC team. Besides being blessed with a unique perspective of these two historical landmarks, you’ll also be treated to wonderful views of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. What’s not to love?

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No visit to NYC is complete without the Statue of Liberty. So you might as well see her on a wonderful boat ride! The crew are extremely friendly (sometimes they let you steer the boat), the boat has restrooms and a bar, and views across the harbor are spectacular. Given the reasonable price, this gets out tick of approval.

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Read more: Best boat tours in NYC

8 – Private New York Tour with Native and Professional Photoshoot

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 555 reviews )

“Best $$ I ever spent on a vacation. This was the highlight of our trip to NYC and the bonus is we have amazing pics to have forever. Everyone that visits the city should absolutely do this!” Tara, Viator

Description: 100 words (include the official website link if we mention the company name)

If crowded walking tours and cliché big buses give you the ick, a private tour is the perfect antidote. Sure, you’ll get to witness quintessential landmarks (think Times Square, the Theatre District, etc.), but you’ll do it in style, with your very own passionate NYC historian.

The other standout part of this tour is the photos. Forget about selfies all day; your private guide doubles as a professional photographer. You’ll end up with around 75+ high-quality snaps when it’s all said and done!

The best part? The tour is completely customizable based on what YOU want to see, whether it’s hidden eateries, movie backdrops, iconic landmarks, or a bit of everything!

• There is no standard ticket price for this tour. Instead, prices vary depending on how many people are in your group.
• Tickets cost US$172.50 each when booking two tickets.
• Tickets cost US$123 each when booking three tickets.
• Tickets cost US$99 each when booking four tickets.
• Tickets cost US$89 each when booking five tickets.
• Tickets cost US$74 each when booking six tickets.
• Tickets cost US$67 each when booking seven tickets.
• Finally, tickets cost US$62 each when booking 8 or more tickets.

It may seem a little touristy to have your own photographer, but make no mistake, this tour is one of the best for tourists wanting to capture their time in NYC!

Marc is amazing at making sure you get great shots without the insane crowds of people around too. For first-timers, it’s a fantastic way to get your bearings. 5 stars from us!

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9 – NYC TV & Movie Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1053 reviews )

“Loved this tour! Comfortable ride, awesome sights, and Benji was so knowledgeable and kind! I would highly recommend this tour!” Heather, Viator

Forget about Tinseltown because when it comes to movie and TV filming backdrops, New York City is the real star.

From the iconic Central Park Home Alone bridge to the Empire State Building (King Kong, When Harry Met Sally, and dozens more), and countless locales featured in titles like Seinfeld, Friends, and SATC (see #20), this silver screen deep-dive lets you relive all your favorite cinematic moments

Led by an On Location Tours actor-guide, you’ll get to drive around Midtown and Central Park, checking off places like the Wollman Rink, Fifth Avenue, the Friends Building, and even the GhostBusters Firestation. All the while, you’ll hear stories and fun facts about the movie sets, characters and actors. How good!

Cinephiles, this one is a non-negotiable afternoon activity! Benji, Chris and the team have phenomenal energy and are undisputed experts in all things NYC film and TV.

Besides snapping selfies at dozens of famous movie locations, you’ll also hear all the insider gossip about your favorite shows. Highly entertaining and certainly worth doing!

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Read more: Best TV & movie locations tours in New York City

10 – New York City: Highlights of Central Park Bike Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 ( 414 reviews )

“We stopped at the sights and were given some time to take a better look around. It was definitely worth it and you get to see the park well at a fast pace.” Ricardo, Getyourguide

If you’re on the hunt for family things to do in New York City with kids , you can never go wrong with Central Park . Spread across 843 acres, this slice of world-famous greenery acts as a much-needed breath of fresh air from the loud, crowded city streets.

Due to its size, you’d need at least an entire day to cross off all the main things to do in Central Park . Instead, why not speed things up with Unlimited Biking ‘s Central Park Bike Tour?

Led by local New Yorkers, you’ll pedal through the park, stopping at locations like Strawberry Fields, the Bethesda Terrace, and The Central Park Zoo, as well as lesser-known gems like the Alice in Wonderland statue and Belvedere Castle.

Central Park is world-famous, but it’s hard to cover all of it on foot, especially in just a few hours. That’s why Unlimited Biking’s tour is a great option. On top of the amazing sightseeing, the tour guides are also super knowledgeable about the history and fun facts of the park. We recommend this tour, especially for families.

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Read more: Best bike tours in NYC

11 – Broadway Theaters and Times Square with a Theater Professional

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 435 reviews )

“Loved learning about the history of the theater district! Our guide was very informative! I will look at the theaters in a new light now.” Jennifer, Viator

NYC’s beating heart is its Theatre District – from Times Square to the dozens of Broadway theaters, the energy and excitement is palpable year-round.

Led by the theater-obsessed ExperienceFirst crew, this walking tour shows off the history, the culture, and the behind-the-scenes magic of Broadway . From the first show in 1866 to today’s record-breaking hits, you’ll learn about the evolution and impact of Broadway on New York City – and hear all about the best Broadway shows to see right now as well.

Tours usually run at 4pm, leaving you with plenty of time to catch a show afterwards (one of the quintessential things to do in New York City at night ) or check off some of the other things to do in Times Square .

Keith, Chris, Tim and the ExperienceFirst crew make sure this tour is well worth your time. For budding performers and theater enthusiasts alike, it’s one of the best city tours in NYC.

Times Square can get very chaotic, so having a local by your side to navigate the crowds is a huge plus. If you don’t mind the hustle and bustle, it’s a great option.

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Read more: List of Broadway theaters – which one is best?

12 – Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 702 reviews )

“This was a great way to look at all of New York famous buildings and learn about their history! I would go again!” Jessica, Viator

All about luxury, sophistication and (as the name suggests) architecture, this NYC cruise is definitely one for those who like to travel in style. Once on board the 1920s-style yacht, you’ll spend almost 3 hours cruising around the Hudson and East Rivers while taking in stunning views of staple Manhattan landmarks.

While you’ll pass by the Freedom Tower, the Chrysler Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, Roosevelt Island and more, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill sightseeing boat cruise. The expert American Institute of Architects guide waxes commentary about the city’s rich architectural history, making it a great learning experience as well.

With an architectural landscape that changes daily, if there were ever a city to study the different styles of buildings, bridges and monuments, it’s this one.

While more expensive than regular cruises, the architecture yacht tour dives into themes of which other tours barely scratch the surface. The crew are experts, and the boat itself is stunning. Highly recommended!

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13 – New York City Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 331 reviews )

“My friends and I loved the tour, it was very interesting! I definitely have some new facts to share with my family 🙂 The tour guide was amazing and was able to answer all of my dumb questions about the city!” Caroline, Viator

Modern-day Greenwich is known as the home of Manhattan counterculture; a hipster, groovy district with art galleries and trendy bars around every corner. But dig beneath the glamorous surface and you’ll discover that this neighborhood also has a long history of hauntings, crime and paranormal activity.

And there’s no better group to share the spine-tingling stories than Top Dog Tours . Taking a moonlit walking tour through the Village’s winding streets, you’ll hear tales of murder, mystery, and mayhem as you visit haunted places like Washington Square Park, the Jefferson Market Library, and the Cherry Lane Theatre, to name a few.

A refreshing alternative to the traditional sightseeing tour, this bone-chilling Village walkthrough truly brings the spooky history of Greenwich to life. Luke, Katie and Rory are expert storytellers, keeping the tour engaging from start to end. If you want to venture off the beaten path, we highly recommend this tour.

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14 – Private Harlem Soul Food and Jazz Evening Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 127 reviews )

“Extremely knowledgeable regarding Harlem; very pleasant personality; enjoyed the music and atmosphere; food excellent!” Melody, Viator

Undeniably one of Manhattan’s most fascinating neighborhoods, Harlem is renowned for its rich history as the birthplace of jazz, hip hop and everyone’s favorite soul food. On this private evening tour (run by the great team at Harlem Spirituals ), you’ll get to wander through the lively Harlem streets, popping into jazz clubs, passing by well-known landmarks and, of course, tasting some traditional soul food dishes at the one and only Sylvia’s restaurant.

All the while, you’ll learn all about how this dynamic enclave rose to fame in the 1920s, becoming a hub for African-American culture. Being a private tour, you can guarantee a more personalized, intimate experience too.

If you prefer budget-friendly experiences, look elsewhere. If you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks for a personalized tour that covers everything from history and culture to music and food, then this Harlem walkthrough is unbeatable. The live show at the Cotton Club, in particular, is top-notch. Worth doing!

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15 – NYC: 3-Hour Gossip Girl Sites Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 321 reviews )

“It was a very nice experience for my family to be able to enjoy this experience and see serious places that I liked so much.” Cesar, Getyourguide

Calling all Gossip Girl fans! Get ready to step into the glamorous world of Manhattan’s elite, following in the footsteps of Blair and Serena as you make your way to a stack of the 40+ NYC locations (!) featured in the hit TV series.

From Grand Central Terminal to the beautiful Upper East Side, you’ll be whisked away to the Vera Wang boutique where Blair tried on her wedding gown, the candy store where Dan helped Vanessa shop, Chuck Bass’ new business, and a whole lot more.

And since the tour guides are usually diehard fans of the show, you’ll hear all sorts of insider trivia along the way.

This tour isn’t for everyone, but if you’re a fan of the show, it’s as bucket list-worthy as they come. Abby and co. are nice, engaging and funny (doubling as photographers) and the sites are all really interesting. The macaroons at Ladurée are a bonus! The verdict? Worth doing for diehard fans.

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Read more: Gossip Girl tours in New York – everything you should know

16 – The Original Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture, Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 737 reviews )

“This was a great tour of Brooklyn. We learnt so much about the culture and history from our amazing tour guide Laurie. And to top it all off, the food stops were absolutely delicious!” Ian, Viator

Move over, Manhattan! NYC’s most hipster borough is a smorgasbord of cultural and culinary delights waiting to be discovered. Renowned as one of the best NYC city tours, this half-day foodie adventure (led by the experts at New York Fun Tours ), takes you on a lip-smacking journey through the premier Brooklyn eateries.

Sure to tantalize the tastebuds, you’ll get to dig into shawarma, pierogies, pizza, cannolis, and French bonbons. But it’s not exclusively about eating. You’ll get your fair share of sightseeing too, passing by the likes of the Brooklyn Bridge (one of the top things to do in Brooklyn ), Prospect Park, DUMBO, and Williamsburg.

The Best of Brooklyn excursion is a non-stop highlight reel of the city’s biggest, most dynamic borough. Regardless of where you go on any given day, expect exceptional food tastings from all kinds of international cuisines. For the amount of food you get, the price is very reasonable too. We consider this a must-do tour for foodies!

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Read more: Best food tours in NYC

17 – Free Walking Tour: VIP Financial District Stroll

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 ( 1008 reviews )

“Omar was a great guide. It was a great introduction to the city. I will highly recommend this tour to everyone visiting NYC for the first time.” Sameer, Guruwalk

Where modern skyscrapers contrast centuries-old churches and taverns; where the oldest immigration hub meets Wall Street; where the sobering 9/11 Memorial stands, the Financial District is so much more than finance.

This tour highlights the district’s most iconic landmarks — think the New York Stock Exchange, Trinity Church, Federal Hall and the Freedom Tower. Like you would on Wall Street tours , you’ll wander through the story-filled streets, hearing all about the city’s rich history, its status as the nation’s economic heart, and the impact of major events like the 9/11.

The best part? It’s totally free, making the Guru Walk one of the best cheap things to do in New York City .

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Informative, entertaining, and totally free! What’s not to love? Besides being experts in local history and culture, Omar, William and the Guru Walk team are also happy to give recommendations on what to do later on. If you’re on a budget, we couldn’t speak any higher of this tour.

18 – High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 699 reviews )

“We loved the entire tour. Especially the stories about the meatpacking district were fascinating. Great mixture of History, current facts and humour.” Clara, Viator

A former elevated railway line transformed into a modern urban park, the High Line has rapidly risen the ranks to become one of the Big Apple’s must-visit attractions.

The ExperienceFirst small group tour reveals the history and architecture of the area, showing off the hidden gems in gentrified Chelsea and the Meatpacking District too (where great food, quaint bars and designer boutiques are aplenty).

Come hungry; a highlight of the tour is a walkthrough of the buzzing Chelsea Market – a hundred-year-old former factory that’s now home to more than 50 shops and eateries.

Based on the flawless 5-star ratings, the people have voted this one of the best NYC city tours.

Chelsea and the Meatpacking District have so much character! Jon, Ben, Evan, Maki and the whole ExperienceFirst team share great stories as you stroll through the charming streets.

You’ll learn about the economy, the architecture, the history and the culture all in one — we’d definitely suggest giving this tour a go!

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19  – New York City: The Sopranos Filming Locations Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 146 reviews )

“Great tour which took us to most of the sopranos regular filming sights! Would recommend to get better insight and little places you wouldn’t think of as we had considered hiring a car and doing ourselves but never would have spotted so much.” Katie, Viator

Walk in the shadows of Tony, Jennifer, Christopher and the rest of the Soprano gang on this fascinating bus tour that takes you to all of their famous filming locations.

With the On Location Tours experts (read: diehard Soprano fans) leading the way, you’ll see fan-favorite spots like the Bada Bing, Pizzaland, Fr. Phil’s Parish, and no less than 40 more TV-featured haunts. Along the way, expect to hear all kinds of behind-the-scenes stories about the making of this beloved show.

If you love the Sopranos, this is easily one of the best NYC city tours.

If you’re a Sopranos diehard, this tour is truly unmissable. You squeeze heaps into 4 hours but everything runs seamlessly. The major haunts are well-documented, but this tour shows off stacks of little places you wouldn’t even think of visiting (or know where to find).

Stefan is terrific and we definitely recommend this tour.

• The Sopranos tours in NYC

20 – Sex and the City Hotspots Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1119 reviews )

“Seeing all the places that were important, the tour covered all the seasons. The behind-the-scenes stories were very entertaining. Having a Cosmopolitan at Steve and Aiden’s bar was the best.” Joni, Viator

Whether you’re a Samantha, Carrie, Miranda, or Charlotte, this tour screams out “join me!” for any true Sex and the City fan.

From Steve and Aidan’s Scout Bar (Onieal’s) where the girls have gossiped to cupcake stores they’ve shopped at, even Carrie’s West Village brownstone, you’ll get to see over 40 locations featured in the beloved show.

The On Location Tours team aren’t just chaperones either; they’re SATC fanatics who have carefully crafted this tour to be the ultimate experience for diehard fans – and they’ll share countless behind-the-scenes tidbits along the way.

This is a fantastic way to see lovely parts of Manhattan and discover locations from the beloved series at the same time. Expect loads of interesting trivia, plenty of jokes, and a few delightful SATC surprises. The highlight? Having a Cosmopolitan at Steve and Aiden’s bar, of course! Definitely a must if you love the show❤️

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Read more: Sex and the City tours in New York – which one is the best?

21 – Brooklyn: Bushwick Street Art Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 264 reviews )

“Great tour of Brooklyn street art. The guide was superb and introduced us to the origin of graffiti in this legendary district of New York. My teenage son loved doing this activity.” Kia, Getyourguide

While Manhattan sits in the spotlight, its East River neighbor flies under the radar. With world-class eateries, stunning waterfront views and a hipster art scene that’s as colorful as its street murals, Brooklyn deserves your daytime attention.

On this walking tour of Bushwick, you’ll uncover the secrets of what’s dubbed the “largest outdoor street art gallery” in NYC, checkout out graffiti (by Fumero, Giz, Dasic and Danielle Mastrion), colorful murals and thought-provoking installations that liven up the area.

You’ll get to meet a real graffiti artist as well, and the Wandering Barman coffee is the cherry on top.

If you like to venture off the beaten path and discover the cultural gems of a city, then this Bushwick street art tour is a great shout.

You’ll learn about the history of graffiti art in New York and don’t have to walk too much to do so! Audrey and the team are knowledgeable and enthusiastic with a sense of humor too. Affordable and worthwhile!

• street art tours in New York City

22 – New York City: The Ride Interactive Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 210 reviews )

“The Ride experience totally made our trip to NYC. The reviews and photos on line do not do it true justice. (…) I would recommend this to all ages and guarantee a great time. I would do it again tomorrow.” Clare, Getyourguide

Part city tour, part Broadway musical, and collectively a whole lot of fun!

Combining sightseeing with music and theater, The Ride is an interactive 75-minute bus tour that whisks you through the characteristic streets of Manhattan while entertaining and educating you with live performances.

Unlike typical bus tours, you actually face sideways, with the streets becoming the stage. That means one moment you’ll be serenaded in front of Grand Central, and the next you could be seeing a live ballet show at Bryant Park or a freestyle rap performance at Columbus Circle!

With 3 rows of stadium-style seats, unlike your typical Broadway theater, there’s no bad seat in the house.

Embodying the essence of New York, The Ride is one of the best ways to experience the city’s deep-rooted musical theater culture. It combines the best of both worlds – Broadway talent and landmark sightseeing – to show off the city in a way you’ve never seen before.

It’s one of our top picks for NYC city tours!

• The Ride tours

23 – NYC: Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 297 reviews )

“The speakeasy tour was a highlight of our trip for sure! Our guide Jack was awesome and had great drink recommendations. The three bars we went to had great atmosphere and delicious drinks and weren’t places we would have found on our own. Highly recommend!” Brianne, Getyourguide

These days, NYC is chock-full of craft breweries and lavish cocktail bars. But it wasn’t always this way. In the 1920s, Prohibition forced New Yorkers to drink in hiding.

On this NiteTables Experiences walk down memory lane, you’ll travel back in time to experience the roaring ’20s, popping into 3 historical watering holes around Midtown Manhattan.

Unlike most pub crawls in New York City , this one’s heavily educational; Cocktails in hand, you’ll learn about infamous bootleggers, notorious gangsters and the women of the Gilded Age. Overall, not only is it one of the best New York City night tours , it’s one of the best NYC city tours, period.

The perfect combination of fun and educational, this thirst-quenching tour makes a point to venture away from the cliché tourist spots.

Since drinks aren’t included you have the freedom to order whatever libations take your fancy too. Thanks to Jack, Ariel and the guides being so welcoming and insightful, this tour is an excellent option.

• speakeasy tours in New York City

24 – Dyker Heights Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 486 reviews )

“After Dyker Heights we got to stop at a great photo spot for the Brooklyn bridge perfect quick pit stop to get some photos before heading back. Highly recommend and would do it again!” Nicole, Viator

When the annual festive season rolls around, the Big Apple lights up like no other city. But there’s one quiet Brooklyn neighborhood that puts the rest to shame: Dyker Heights.

Sure to ignite the holiday cheer, the Tour America excursion whisks you to the most elaborately decorated streets in Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge, passing by hundreds of animatronic and inflatable toy soldiers, Santa Clauses, elves and reindeer.

But you’re not just stuck on the bus – on foot, you’ll wander through the neighborhood and get to witness the dazzling, often music-synced houses up close.

The view of the lit-up Brooklyn Bridge at tour’s end is the cherry on top.

A lovely way to embrace the holiday season magic, this tour shows off a typically unseen part of NYC. Luiz, Alan and the team make it fun, entertaining and insightful, and the lights – well, they’re on another level! We rate this as one of the best NYC Christmas tours.

• Christmas lights tours in New York City

How to book city tours in NYC?

Don’t wait until you’re in NYC to book your tour. To secure the best price and your preferred timeslot, you need to book in advance.

But rather than spending hours scouring different tour companies, make your life easier by using an all-in-one search engine like TourScanner.

With TourScanner, you can compare all of the tours, prices, reviews and discounts to ensure you’re scoring the best possible deal.

• compare city tours in NYC

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The 19 best tours and walks in NYC

Take one of the best NYC tours and let an expert show you the city like never before

With so many must-see attractions in NYC , a visit to the city can be overwhelming. The best NYC tours — whether by land, sea or air — can help you make the most of your visit. Even locals will enjoy these tours and maybe learn something new (or discover a few secret NYC destinations) by taking an off-the-beaten-path tour . Choose your own adventure: walking tours, boat tours, bike tours and helicopter tours are all great ways to see the city, and the expert guides will leave you with a satisfying taste of the city. Looking for something more specific? There are food tours, movie tours, art tours, architecture tours and more. Whatever part of NYC you want to explore, there’s a tour for you, and you’ll have fun while learning everything you need to know about the Big Apple.

Recommended:  the best lesser-known attractions in NYC   Recommended: the best non-touristy things to do in NYC Recommended: the best parks in NYC Recommended: the best food tours in NYC  

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click  here .

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Best NYC tours

1.  Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

The quintessential city tour of all tours, hop-on hop-off's get some major props for ease, accessibility, and price. Map-reading and subway-taking not your strong suit? No worries — even the most directionally-challenged traveler can enjoy Big Bus Tours, condensing a sightseeing fest including thirty landmarks into one trip. Be sure to watch out for famous points of interest as you go with the aid of a live tour guide (and go-to know-it-all about New York attractions). And if something catches your eye? Just hop off wherever you fancy — simple. Choose from routes running in downtown, uptown, Harlem, and Brooklyn and get from Wall Street’s Charging Bull statue to the green meadows of Central Park with ease. Basically, it's an easy option for seeing as much or as little as you want of the city in one day – and not stress out about maps or super expensive Uber fairs.

2.  Small Group Central Park Bike Tour

You’ll cover much more of Central Park’s 843 acres of meadows, woods, and ponds on a bike than you ever could on foot. Meet up with the guide from Central Park Tours Inc. to pick out your wheels for the day, then set off from the south end of the park. You’ll spy iconic landmarks, plus a few lesser-known gems. And since the tour is always capped at just eight people, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions along the way and maybe even make a new friend or two. Oh, and you know, we could think of worse ways to stay fit and save the planet. 

3.  Circle Line: New York Landmarks Cruise

As far as skylines go, Manhattan's is a hard one to beat. There's the Statue of Liberty leading the way from Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge showing off its architectural beauty, and the Empire State standing tall – all of which make for a stunning view from the water. Sail around New York harbor on the Circle Line cruise, which heads up the Hudson, as well as rounding the Brooklyn bay areas. You'll also hear the history and stories behind all of the sights, so fill up on the facts and don't hesitate to ask a question or two. 

4.  9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero Walking Tour

Remember the lives lost during the tragedy that was 9/11 by visiting the site where the World Trade Center once stood. Now known as Ground Zero, your guide will share facts, figures, and real-life stories with you – making for a trip that is insightful, informative, and moving all at once. Starting at City Tales Sightseeing, you'll also stop at the  Fireman’s Memorial,  twin reflecting pools, One World Observatory, and  St Paul’s Chapel .

5.  Central Park TV and Movie Sites Tour

With 843 acres of meadows, woods, and streams, Central Park offers a gorgeous green backdrop for filmmakers. So perhaps it’s no surprise that countless movies have been set here, from When Harry Met Sally to Ghostbusters . Movie buffs will recognize the skating rink featured in Serendipity , the people-watching scene from Annie Hall, and the path that Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Jules Munshin biked along in On the Town . This two-hour walking tour takes you to 30 film locations within the park, though hundreds more exist.

6.  Champagne Brunch Sail

Fresh air, ocean waves, unlimited prosecco, and a massive brunch spread of bagels, lox, cream cheese, quiche, fresh fruit, and more—it’s fair to say that this midday cruise on the Shearwater really does have it all. Sit back and relax and the crew guides the restored 1929 sailboat out into the harbor. If you’re lucky, the captain will even let you take a turn at the helm.

7.  Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour

Boasting some of the most jaw-droppingly spectacular views in the city, the Brooklyn Bridge is a beacon for snap-happy tourists. But don't let your only experience of this stunning structure and its incredible views be through the viewfinder of your camera. Put the gadgets down and take a bike ride across the bridge to really soak up the scenery. This 'Bike and Roll' tour takes about three hours, running at a  leisurely pace with  plenty of time for photo stops. Make sure you make the most of your guide, who is sure to have bags of knowledge about the bridge's history and architectural details. 

8.  Sugar Hill and Washington Heights Tour

Sugar Hill got its name during the Harlem Renaissance, as “life was sweet” for the wealthy African Americans who lived in the district. Thurgood Marshall, Langston Hughes, and Duke Ellington all spent time in the row houses here. Peep the stunning Queen Anne–style architecture and immerse yourself in the vibrant community on this walking tour of the area.

9.  Lower East Side Bagel Tour

Come hungry: You start this walking tour of the Lower East Side with a piping hot bagel smeared with cream cheese. The eats only get better as you visit venerable New York institutions like Katz’s Delicatessen, Russ and Daughters, The Pickle Guy, and Economy Candy. It’s not all about the food either: Your guide will explain how immigrants shaped both this neighborhood and its cuisine as you walk.

10.  Roosevelt Island Tour

Few visitors know anything about Roosevelt Island, a secluded residential community that feels worlds apart from the rest of the city. Once used for insane asylums and hospitals, Roosevelt Island is now home to a thriving population of about 14,000 residents. But, if you have the stomach for it, revisit the island's troubled past on the 'Island of Lost Souls' tour. Pass eerie sites, like the neo-Gothic ruins of the smallpox hospital, the first pathological and bacteriological research lab, and the NYC Lunatic Asylum which opened in 1841. After you learn about the island’s history, board the aerial tram for a sky-high trip over the East River into Manhattan.

11.  Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture Tour

Despite Manhattan's abundance of white-clothed, Michelin-starred dining rooms, some are now touting Brooklyn as the epicenter of food culture in NYC. Either way, it's impossible to deny that Brooklyn's dining scene is incredible, from pierogis in Greenpoint's Polish stronghold to tacos and pupusas in Sunset Park and trendy farm-to-table newcomers in Williamsburg. To provide a thorough understanding of the borough's eats, this half-day tour will take you through all those neighborhoods, as well as Dumbo, the waterfront neighborhood where you'll enjoy sweets from the renowned Jacques Torres chocolate factory.

12.  Sex and the City Hotspots Tour

What Sex and the City fan hasn’t daydreamed about switching lives with Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, or Charlotte for the day? The over-the-top outfits, glamorous parties, and outrageous dates might be too good to be true, but at least the scenery is true to life. Visit Carrie’s brownstone, some of the girls’ favorite bars, and an X-rated store featured on the show on this epic bus tour. There might even be time to stop for a Cosmo.

13.  Statue of Liberty Express Cruise

Perfect for the sightseer who knows exactly what he or she wants, this Circle Line express tour goes right to the Statue of Liberty – no pit stops this time. Listen to an expert guide point out some lower Manhattan landmarks before pausing for photos right next to Lady Liberty. And since this cruise only takes an hour, it’s easy to fit into even the busiest itinerary.

14.  High Line and Chelsea Walking Tour

What started life as an unremarkable elevated railway is now famous across the world and one of New York's most photogenic landmarks. The High Line is a public park, rotating art gallery and perennial tourist attraction stretched, as the name suggests, high over the bustling city streets below. Take a two-hour walking tour hosted by New York Tour 1 to explore the full span of this green oasis and take in the architecture and unique history of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. Make sure you save some time to shop in Chelsea Market afterward and don't forget to snap a pic of the lush greenery. 

15.  Lower East Side Food and Culture Tour

This is one for the foodies. The Lower East Side’s culinary scene is as vibrant as its culture. It's impossible to separate the two: as different immigrant communities moved in over the decades, each brought the foods of their homelands with them. These days, you can find everything from knishes to stroopwafels to fresh mozzarella within a few blocks. This three-hour walking and eating expedition around the neighborhood lets you t aste all the foods it has to offer – and learn about their origins. 

16.  Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village

You’d never know it from the looks of Washington Square Park, but Greenwich Village has a sinister past. At the northwest corner of the park is the Hangman’s Elm, one of the oldest trees in the city and the site of at least one public execution. Master of horror Edgar Allan Poe once lived in the neighborhood and rumor has it that artist John La Farge still haunts the nearby Church of the Ascension. Delve into the neighborhood’s gruesome past on this two-hour ghost tour, and discover all of its haunting secrets. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

17.  The Sopranos Sites Tour

Technically speaking, this tour takes you outside the five boroughs, but The Sopranos is such an iconic New York show that we couldn’t leave it out. After you board the bus in Midtown, you’ll go through the Lincoln Tunnel – the site of the show’s unforgettable opening sequence – on your way to the New Jersey suburbs. There, you’ll check out the Bada Bing! strip club, Big Pussy’s auto body shop, and the restaurant featured in the final scene of the series.

18.  Alternative New York Street Art Tour

There's much more to art in New York than just the paintings, photography, and sculptures exhibited in its many prestigious museums. Graffiti started life in the Big Apple and NYC remains at the very forefront of the street art world to this day. Discover some of the city's very best outdoor artworks and murals on an Inside Out Tour of either the Lower East Side or Bushwick and Williamsburg. You won’t find these artists hanging in any gallery. Yet.

19.  New York City Lights Sail

There's only one thing more spectacular than New York's skyscrapers glimmering in the sun – the famous skyline dramatically lit up against the night sky. Board the Shearwater for a cruise around the harbor after dark. The 105-minute trip is a great way to get awe-inspiring views of the city and a much-needed moment of calm out on the water.

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HOLIDAY RIDE – now through Dec 30

minute experience

42 nd & 8 th

departure location

laughs with our hosts & performers

Experience the energy that powers New York City with the traveling theater that drives discovery.

Explore a whole new side of NYC with THE RIDE. Our custom-designed, multimillion-dollar bus is perfect for people-watching, but the entertainment doesn’t stop there.

The streets come alive during this uproarious one-of-a-kind theatrical adventure, and you have the best seat in the house. Take a bite out of The Big Apple with our two hilarious hosts and enjoy surprise performances during this unique 75-minute show.

When the streets are the stage, anything is possible. Sit back and enjoy THE RIDE as this entertainment spectacle unfolds right before your very eyes.

About Holiday Ride – Nov 14 through Dec 30

Embrace the holiday spirit in an unforgettable New York City experience with THE RIDE – where the wonder of the season meets theatrical delight.

Step aboard our custom-designed bus, a window to the city’s festive magic, and immerse yourself in the ultimate holiday spectacle. As you journey through the twinkling streets, the city becomes more than a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing stage of yuletide joy.

This special holiday RIDE edition, led by our charismatic hosts, is filled with merry surprises and performances that capture the essence of NYC’s holiday charm. From the shimmering lights of the city to heartwarming acts on every corner, the holiday spirit comes alive in a way only New York can deliver.

Experience the enchantment of the Big Apple during the most wonderful time of the year. With laughter, wonder, and festive cheer around every turn, THE RIDE is more than a tour; it’s a holiday celebration on wheels. Sit back, relax, and let the magic of the holidays unfold in an extraordinary journey through New York City.

The Ride Buzz

You’ve never experienced nyc like this..

See what past riders have to say about this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.

Made me realize how much I’ve missed being in NYC .

Danielle S. (New Paltz, NY)

Technologically advanced party-bubble ! Perfect & wonderful.

From the moment we departed we didn’t stop laughing!

Vicky G. (Tonyrefail, UK)

Drama, comedy, documentary, and reality all rolled into one .

If I could give 10 stars I would! Definitely a must see and worth every penny.

Talizzaro (Rockland, MA)

A rock star sightseeing bus on steroids.

Love watching New York go by while they add their own sparkle with their own street performances.

Ruth (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

It’s like looking at a giant movie screen of NYC!

An authentic, witty new york experience and you can trust me, i’m a new yorker..

Stay01283447057 (New York, NY)

Entertainment Experience | From $79 | 75 Min.

Corporate & Private Bookings

Customize your experience with a private tour.

Groups, Schools, & Travel Professionals

Book your group outing with THE RIDE.

To book with a pass, please email us at [email protected] with the following information:

• Email Address
• Phone Number
• Date & Time of THE RIDE you’d like to take (from our calendar, under TICKETS)
• Number of Tickets
• All Pass Numbers (can be found on the face of your pass, under the QR Code)

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Review: The Big Bus Tour in New York City

I absolutely loved the Big Bus Tour in New York City. It’s the best way to go sightseeing in an open-top, hop-on hop-off, top-rated tour and explore the best New York attractions !

If this is your first-time visiting New York and you want to see all the top landmarks, this double-decker tour bus will take you there.

The Big Bus Tour in New York

You may be wondering if a hop-on hop-off bus is worth it. Absolutely, yes!

If you consider the time and money spent on transportation costs, waiting for buses, navigating the subway (which can be confusing for visitors), and getting from one point of interest to another, it is worth every dollar!

I had a great visit to New York City on Big Bus Tour. My goal was to show the city to some friends from Italy who were visiting the US for the first time.

Since we only had about two days to spend together, the hop-on hop-off was undoubtedly the best decision.

From our experience, we’ll answer commonly asked questions about the Hop-on Hop-off bus while visiting New York City.

Google Reviews

Why take the big bus tour in new york.

While seeing New York from the open-top deck of the double-decker bus, the city unfolded block by block with panoramic views from every angle.

As we traveled through the streets, the sights were unobstructed and new visual backdrops were revealed.

The towering skyscrapers and colorful billboards filled the air with excitement and as the cityscape continued to change, it gave a grand feeling to the experience.

I especially enjoyed being able to relax from the upper deck of the bus while taking in the energy of city scenes.

Because I also live in a large city, the rhythm felt familiar from the elevated vantage point .

Car horns were honking, crowds traversed through the streets and there was an endless hum of activity.

Best of all, the tour gave me the chance to interact with other travelers who were seeing New York while waiting for the tour to began.

We struck up conversations and exchanged stories, insights, and recommendations during our stay in New York.

How Much is the Big Bus Tour in New York

The regular price of an adult and child ticket is $60.00 and $50.00, respectively. However, you can use the link below for discounted fares.

Get discounts for the Big Bus Tour NYC  here .

How Long is the Big Bus Tour in New York

The round-trip New York City Big Bus Tour takes about two hours from start to finish.

The bus is the perfect solution for visitors worldwide because they offer pre-recorded audio narratives and translations in five languages — French, German, Spanish, Italian, and English.

Are There Toilets on the Big Bus

No. Unlike charter buses, you won’t travel long between stops. So the best thing to do is exit at a stop, find a public restroom, see an attraction, if desired, and then catch the next bus.

If you are not sure where to find one, ask a Big Bus guide on the street. The driver may also have some suggestions.

Charter buses come equipped with a bathroom because travel is expected to be for a much longer period.

How Does the Big Bus Tour Work in New York City

The tour offers three options for purchase — 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day.

When you decide the number of days of your tour and purchase your ticket, the clock starts when your ticket is scanned while boarding the bus for the first time.

The ticket is good for 24, 48, or 72 hours. So, if you have a 1-day ticket and board the bus at 11:00 AM on Monday, it can still be used until 11:00 AM on Tuesday.

We found a ton of touring options for sightseeing in New York.

Aside from the extended period, the 2 and 3-day tickets also offer discounted bike rentals.

The buses run every 20 minutes on average. However, the first stop at the M&M store can be a long wait during peak season.

You can exit or board at any of the designated stops as much as you want.

The only exclusion is the one-loop tour Night Tour which is a panoramic non-stop tour.

Where to Catch the Big Bus Tour in New York City

During the tour, the buses only stop at designated stops.

Your ticket is good for as long as the buses operate during the day and it may be used on both the red and blue routes.

When you board, make sure you get a hop-on hop-off New York bus route map!

Big Bus NYC Red Route

The red route sightseeing tour covers lower Manhattan and you’ll see many landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Wall Street, the Chrysler Building, and General Grant’s Tomb.

You can catch a tour at any one of the following bus stops and you can get your tickets in advance of boarding.

1 – M&M’s World – 7th Ave & W 48th St (Outside M&M World & Majestic Deli)

2 – Times Square East – W 42nd St & Broadway (at Knickerbocker Hotel)

3 – Empire State Building / Korea Town – 5th Ave & W 32nd St (at CVS Pharmacy)

4 – Flatiron District – 5th Ave & W 23rd St (at Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop)

5 – SoHo – Broadway and Spring Street (at Nike Store)

6 – Chinatown / Little Italy – 100 Lafayette Street (near the corner at Walker St)

7 – Brooklyn Bridge – Park Row & Beekman St (across from 33 Park Row)

8 – Wall Street / Charging Bull – Broadway & Wall St (Southwest corner near Rector St)

9 – Statue of Liberty / Battery Park – State St and Bridge St (at Subway Entrance)

10 – Circle Line Sightseeing – 12th Ave & 40th St (opposite Pier 81)

11 – Times Square North – 7th Ave & W 50th St (at Majestic Deli)

Big Bus NYC Blue Route

The blue route covers upper Manhattan, and half of the ride is mostly views of Central Park. You can switch to the blue route at red stop #2.

We recommend changing routes at stop #11 (the Majestic Deli) where you can take a break and have a nice lunch.

12 – The Metropolitan Museum of Art – 5th Ave & E 83rd St (near 83rd St)

13 – Central Park Zoo – 5th Ave & E 66th St (opposite 845 5th Ave)

14 – Columbus Circle – Central Park & Columbus Circle (SW corner of Central Park)

Tips and Things to Know Before You Go

The bus has two levels, the upper level offers panoramic views of the city but be careful of overhanging traffic lights and trees. Don’t stand while the bus is in motion.

• After you find a seat, check the audio to confirm it is working.
• Snacks are allowed. Bring a frozen bottle of water and protein bites to keep you energized.
• When on the upper deck, cover up with sunscreen to protect your skin on hot sunny days.
• If you are a family of 3 or more, take seats across from one another so you’ll have views and photos from both sides of the bus.

Tourists were lined up at stop #1 at least an hour before departure and the line extended the entire block and rounded the corner.

We decided to see other points of interest and returned around 11:00 AM.

The wait to board the bus was about 20 minutes. It was a relaxing ride and there we saw so much!

By the time we reached stop #9, we were pumped and ready to exit the bus so that we could explore the city! And you probably will be too.

Here’s the secret sauce that really made the experience memorable. Exit at stop #9 and take a FREE ferry to Staten Island.

To see the Statue of Liberty, stand on the left side of the boat. When returning, stand on the right side.

Traveling on a budget? Read my review of the Westside YMCA Hotel !

Final Thoughts About the Big Bus Tour in New York City

Overall, the tour was a pleasant way to see New York city and when you are on the upper deck, you hardly notice the traffic.

Some other advantages of seeing the city by bus include:

• Avoiding parking hassles. I mean, who actually drives in New York?!
• Photo opportunities. With the open-top or large windows, you have excellent photo opportunities as you pass by iconic landmarks and cityscapes.
• Comprehensive sightseeing of major landmarks and attractions within two hours.
• You can get local recommendations from the guides who operate the bus.

I usually opt for a hop-on hop-off bus when I am short on time or to get my bearings in the city before deciding what to do.

Either way, when you take the tour bus, it doesn’t appear impossible to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

Happy Travels!

Total solar eclipse April 8, 2024 facts: Path, time and the best places to view

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality.

Scroll down to see the list of U.S. cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible, the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com .

"Eclipse Across America," will air live Monday, April 8, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+ and Hulu as well as network social media platforms.

On April 8, 2024, a historic total solar eclipse will cast a shadow over parts of the United States, prompting a mass travel event to the path of totality -- from Texas to Maine and several states and cities in between.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and, for a short time, completely blocks the face of the sun, according to NASA .

The track of the moon's shadow across Earth's surface is called the path of totality, and to witness the April 8 total solar eclipse, viewers must be within the 115-mile-wide path. To discover when to see the solar eclipse in totality or the partial eclipse in locations across the U.S. outside of the path, check out NASA's Eclipse Explorer tool .

Eclipse travel

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality, bringing the celestial phenomenon to their doorsteps, Michael Zeiler, expert solar eclipse cartographer at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told ABC News.

MORE: Eclipse glasses: What to know to keep your eyes safe

But for individuals outside of the path, investing time and money are needed to experience the event in totality.

Eclipse chasers, or umbraphiles, are individuals who will do almost anything, and travel almost anywhere, to see totality, according to the American Astronomical Society .

"There's a very active community of solar eclipse chasers and we will go to any reasonable lengths to see solar eclipses anywhere in the world," Zeiler said. "All of us are united in pursuing the unimaginable beauty of a total solar eclipse."

MORE: The surprising reason why a Texas county issued a disaster declaration ahead of April total solar eclipse

Bringing together both eclipse experts and novice sky watchers, the total solar eclipse on April 8 is projected to be the U.S.'s largest mass travel event in 2024, according to Zeiler, who likened it to "50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation."

"When you look at the number of people expected to come to the path of totality for the solar eclipse, we estimate those numbers are roughly the equivalent of 50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation, from Texas to Maine," he said.

Eclipse map, path of totality

In the U.S., the path of totality begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to NASA.

Best times, places to view eclipse

Below is a list of some American cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be most visible -- pending weather forecasts -- the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com.

• Eagle Pass, Texas, 1:27 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Uvalde, Texas, 1:29 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 16 seconds
• Kerrville, Texas, 1:32 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Austin, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 1 minute, 53 seconds
• Killeen, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 17 seconds
• Fort Worth, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 34 seconds
• Dallas, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 47 seconds
• Little Rock, Arkansas, 1:51 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 33 seconds
• Jonesboro, Arkansas, 1:55 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 24 seconds
• Poplar Bluff, Arkansas, 1:56 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1:58 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 6 seconds
• Carbondale, Illinois, 1:59 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Mount Vernon, Illinois, 2:00 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Evansville, Indiana, 2:02 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 2 seconds
• Terre Haute, Indiana, 3:04 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 57 seconds
• Indianapolis, Indiana, 3:06 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 46 seconds
• Dayton, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 46 seconds
• Wapakoneta, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 55 seconds
• Toledo, Ohio, 3:12 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 54 seconds
• Cleveland, Ohio, 3:13 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 50 seconds

Pennsylvania

• Erie, Pennsylvania, 3:16 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 43 seconds
• Buffalo, New York, 3:18 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 45 seconds
• Rochester, New York, 3:20 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Syracuse, New York, 3:23 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 26 seconds
• Burlington, Vermont, 3:26 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 14 seconds
• Island Falls, Maine, 3:31 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 20 seconds
• Presque Island, Maine, 3:32 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 47 seconds

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