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Big Bus Paris

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Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

Big Bus Paris Open Top Night Tour

Big Bus Paris Hop-on Hop-off and River Cruise

Arc de Triomphe, River Cruise and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Eiffel Tower Summit Entry with Big Bus and Seine River Cruise

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Big Bus Paris - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Big Bus Paris

• See all photos

Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

Big Bus Paris Open Top Night Tour

Big Bus Paris Hop-on Hop-off and River Cruise

Arc de Triomphe, River Cruise and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Eiffel Tower Summit Entry with Big Bus and Seine River Cruise

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

BIG BUS PARIS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

• Big Bus Paris
• What to see and do
• Guided tours and excursions

Description

Community facilities, accessibility.

London doesn’t hold the monopoly on double-decker buses : in Paris, Big Bus offers an unusual perspective over the city’s major sites with an open-top tour around the capital . Settled comfortably on the top deck , visitors should take advantage of the supplied headsets to listen to the audio guides, available in 11 languages .

The company offers one main circuit that take in many of the capital’s principal landmarks and iconic sites . The circuit heads from the Eiffel Tower to Trocadéro , via many of the city’s unmissable monuments . When darkness falls, visitors can also try a Big Bus Night Tour, when the lights of the city give a fairylike, romantic feel to the city.

Visit at your own pace

You can buy 1 or 2-day tickets , valid for both main circuits , allowing you to discover Paris at your own pace . Day tours are run on a “hop-on, hop-off” basis, so visitors can get off as many times as they want to go exploring. Bus stops are all located close to Paris landmarks . When you want to board again , waiting times shouldn’t be too onerous, as buses are scheduled to arrive every 5 to 30 minutes . To help plan your visit, download the Big Bus Tour app (which you can even do on-board, thanks to the free Wifi ) which itemises itineraries and bus times.

Access and contact

• https://www.bigbustours.com/en/paris/paris-bus-tours/

Classic Circuit : Station Big Bus: Tour Eiffel- Champ de Mars- Opéra Garnier- Louvre/Big Bus Information Centre- Louvre/Pont des Arts- Notre-Dame- Musée d’Orsay- Champs-Elysées- Grand palais-Trocadéro.

Days and opening hours

All year round between 9.38 am and 5.30 pm. Available all the year 1st circuit from 9:38am to 4:54pm 2nd circuit from 10am to 5:30pm.

• Adult: 39 to 49 € Child: 19 to 27 €. Free entry for children < 4 years.

Spoken languages

Guided tour languages, documentation languages (home), bulletin board languages, single services tour.

• Unguided individual tours available permanently
• Mental disability
• Visual disability
• Accessible for self-propelled wheelchairs
• Copyright images:
• Big Bus Paris les Cars Rouge

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• About this activity

Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - See Top Sights from Eiffel Tower to Louvre

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Multiple languages
• Freedom to explore the French capital at your own pace
• Iconic sites including Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame & Louvre
• Great way to discover the city's history, art & architecture
• Red Route with frequent departures every 7-15 minutes
• Audio commentary available in 6 languages

Activity location

• 11 Avenue de l'Opéra
• 75001, Paris, Île-de-France, France

Meeting/Redemption Point

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

• Sun, Apr 28 $46
• Mon, Apr 29 $46
• Tue, Apr 30 $46
• Wed, May 1 $47
• Thu, May 2 $46
• Fri, May 3 $46
• Sat, May 4 $46
• Sun, May 5 $46
• Mon, May 6 $47
• Tue, May 7 $47
• Wed, May 8 $48
• Thu, May 9 $48
• Fri, May 10 $48
• Sat, May 11 $48
• Sun, May 12 $48

24 Hour Ticket

• Activity duration is 1 day 1d 1d

24 Hour Unlimited Hop-on Hop-off access for the duration of your ticket

Includes audio-guide.

24 Hour Ticket and River Cruise

48 Hour Unlimited Hop-on Hop-off access for the duration of your ticket

1 Hour River Cruise along the Seine with Les Bateaux Parisiens.

24 Hour Ticket & Panoramic Night Tour

Includes audio-guide for the day tour and english-speaking live guide on the Night Tour,

Panoramic Night Tour

48 Hour Ticket and River Cruise

• Activity duration is 2 days 2d 2d

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Hop-on hop-off bus tour of Paris
• What's included What's included Unlimited rides for the duration of your pass
• What's included What's included Pre-recorded commentary in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese & Korean
• What's included What's included Headset for tour commentary

Know before you book

• Children 3 and younger travel free of charge
• River Cruise Departure (if you booked the option with cruise) is at the foot of the Eiffel Tower- Boarding Pier number 3. Please note your River cruise tickets will be provided by a Big Bus agent when boarding on the bus they will then tell you where to board and what time the departures are.
• Hours of operation for the Classic (Red) Route are 9:45 AM–5.30 PM, with buses every 7-15 minutes. The entire loop lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• This activity operates in most weather conditions.

What you can expect

Plan your Paris adventure with Big Bus: hop-on, hop-off tickets and tours designed to help you experience the very best of the City of Lights.

The classic red route will show you the best Paris has to offer taking in all the must-see sights of the city - the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Champs Elysées and the Louvre.

You can also see the city by night with a panoramic tour. No one can fail to be moved by the view of Paris’ architecture by night, including the much-adored illuminations at the Eiffel Tower.

On-board the bus, you can plug-in, sit back and relax, listening to our engaging recorded commentary in a choice of 6 languages. Upgrade your package to view Paris from a different perspective with a river cruise along the Seine.

Hop on and hop off as many times as you please throughout the day to create your very own Paris tour. Use our live bus tracking (available on the Big Bus app) to locate the next bus and jump back on board. Big Bus Tours Paris really does give you the most flexible sightseeing experience in the city.

Red Route Includes:

• The Louvre Museum
• Pont des Arts
• Musée D'Orsay
• Champs-Elysées
• Grand Palais
• Eiffel Tower
• Champs de Mars
• Opéra Garnier

Customers are advised to visit our website or to download our app for the most update service information.

• 3 Rue Lagrange
• 75005, Paris, Île-de-France, France
• 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur
• 75007, Paris, Île-de-France, France
• Avenue Winston Churchill
• 75008, Paris, Île-de-France, France
• Avenue Paul Doumer
• 75116, Paris, Île-de-France, France
• Quai Jacques Chirac
• Paris, Île-de-France, France
• Avenue Joseph Bouvard
• 15 Rue Scribe
• 75009, Paris, Île-de-France, France
• 2 Rue de l'Amiral de Coligny
• 156 Avenue des Champs-Élysées

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Paris Top Ten

Best of Paris

Big Bus Tours Paris

• Rating: 4.1
• Description

Discover the City of Light with Big Bus Tours Paris! Hop on and off at your leisure to explore the iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame Cathedral. their open-top buses offer panoramic views of the city, so you won’t miss a thing! With live commentary in multiple languages, you’ll learn about the fascinating history and culture of Paris. Don’t forget to indulge in some local cuisine like croissants, macarons and cheese, and immerse yourself in the Parisian lifestyle. Book your Big Bus Tour today and experience the magic of Paris!

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• Top-Rated Tours in Paris

Table of Contents

Why Choose Big Bus Tours in Paris?

Navigating the city: key routes and stops, ticket types and how to get them, making the most of your hop-on hop-off experience, enhance your journey with audio commentary and live guides, must-see attractions along the big bus route, beyond the bus: additional services and offers, tips for first-timers: maximizing your big bus experience, frequently asked questions, what are the ticket options for big bus tours in paris, can you provide a comparison between tootbus and big bus in paris, what are the must-see stops on the paris big bus tour, are hop-on, hop-off bus tours in paris a worthwhile experience.

Exploring the streets of Paris is an unforgettable experience, and the Big Bus Tour offers an ideal way to immerse yourself in the city’s enchanting atmosphere. With the convenience of a hop-on hop-off service, you can visit the renowned landmarks at your own pace. You can savor panoramic views aboard an open-top, double-decker bus and listen to pre-recorded commentary, sharing insights into the rich tapestry of Parisian history and culture.

Imagine gliding past the Eiffel Tower , pausing momentarily to appreciate its majestic structure, and then continuing to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral while absorbing the narrative unfolding through your headphones. Each bus stop is strategically located near major attractions such as the Louvre Museum, the opulent Champs Elysées, and the storied cobblestones of Montmartre.

This tour connects you with the city’s top sights and offers the flexibility to hop off at a whim, perhaps to venture inside a museum or to sit at a café and watch the world go by. It’s the perfect blend of structure and spontaneity for sightseeing in Paris , allowing you to curate your adventure in the City of Lights.

When you’re in Paris, the epitome of a cultural and historical feast, it’s essential to find a tour that efficiently covers all the famous sights. Big Bus Tours offers a comprehensive hop-on hop-off experience, allowing you the freedom to explore the City of Light at your own pace.

Convenience and Flexibility

• Hop-on hop-off access : Join and leave the circuit at your leisure across multiple stops.
• Frequency : Buses arrive every 7-15 minutes, reducing your wait time.
• Tickets : With flexible ticket options, plan your days with ease.

Panoramic Views

• Experience unobstructed vistas on a double-decker bus, perfect for snapping photos of the iconic Eiffel Tower and other Parisian landmarks.

Cultural Experience

• Audio Commentary : Learn about Paris’ rich history in multiple languages.
• Guided Options : Select tours have a guide for a more personalized touch.

Multi-Purpose Tours

• Options include night tours and packages with river cruises offering varied city views.

By incorporating both practicality and enrichment, Big Bus Tours caters to your travel needs, ensuring no famous monument , from the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower to the historic streets of Montmartre, is missed. The blend of convenience, panoramic views, and informative audio commentary will enhance your Parisian journey.

Exploring Paris with Big Bus Tours is a convenient way to see the city’s most famous landmarks . When you embark on a Big Bus tour, you’ll encounter two primary routes that cover a broad spectrum of must-see locations.

• Red Route : The Classic Red Route will take you past iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Champs-Elysées. Buses start at 9:30 AM and continue until 5:40 PM, making planning your day easy. For a closer look at Parisian grandeur, the Arc de Triomphe and the Opéra Garnier stops are not to be missed. You can find more details on the bus route map .
• Blue Route : If you’re eager to see the bohemian heart of Paris, the Montmartre Route (Blue Route) offers an intimate tour of this artistic enclave. Although smaller than the Red Route, it includes the storied Montmartre district, renowned for its quaint streets and rich history.

Here’s a quick reference list of stops that you shouldn’t pass up:

• Eiffel Tower : Begin your tour with a visit to this world-famous iron lattice tower.
• Louvre Museum : Explore the home of the Mona Lisa and thousands of other treasures.
• Notre Dame : Although currently under restoration, the cathedral remains breathtaking.
• Seine River : Consider a cruise to see Paris from a unique vantage point.
• Champs-Elysées : Stroll down this grand avenue, known for its theatres, cafés, and luxury shops.

Each stop offers the freedom to discover the area at your own pace. Headphones provide commentary in multiple languages, enriching your journey with historical insight and stories. Plan your route using online tour maps to maximize your time in Paris.

When planning sightseeing with a Big Bus Tour in Paris, you have several ticket options to fit your itinerary. The hop-on hop-off tickets are popular for their flexibility, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace.

• Classic Ticket : Offers you 24 hours of access to the bus routes. Ideal for a whirlwind tour of the city’s landmarks.
• Premium Ticket : This extends your hop-on hop-off experience to 48 hours, often including a scenic river cruise along the Seine.
• Deluxe Ticket : For the most comprehensive experience, the Deluxe option generally includes all Premium benefits plus an additional attraction or night tour.

Online booking is the easiest way to purchase tickets and often provides discounts. Visit the operator’s website, select your ticket type, and complete the transaction. Your e-ticket will be delivered directly to your email, which you can print out or show on your smartphone to the bus staff at any designated stop.

The Big Bus Tours cover many of Paris’s famous attractions. Remember, the buses range 7-15 minutes apart, so you won’t have to wait long. You’ll find a stop nearby if you want to explore the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, or the Champs-Élysées.

Planning is key to optimizing your hop-on hop-off bus tour in Paris. Before you board, review the routes and landmarks that pique your interest. Big Bus Tour maps display all the essential sights, allowing you to tailor a sightseeing path that fits your preferences.

• Start Early : Get a head start. Buses are less crowded, and you’ll have more time to explore.
• Plan Your Stops : Pick out must-see attractions from the Big Bus itinerary beforehand.
• Stay Flexible : If a particular site captivates you, stay longer. The buses come frequently.

Seats on the upper deck offer panoramic views, excellent for photography enthusiasts. On colder days, the lower deck provides a cozy vantage point. Remember, an open-top bus ride can be thrilling, but the weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers.

Remember the bus tour times, especially the last departure, to ensure you don’t miss your ride back. While spontaneous exploration is part of the charm, keeping an eye on the time helps cover more sights.

To enhance your experience, consider pairing the bus tour with a river cruise. This combination often leads to a more comprehensive overview of Paris’s beauty.

Lastly, download the Big Bus app for real-time tracking of your bus, saving you time and giving you peace of mind as you navigate the City of Lights.

Embarking on a Big Bus Paris tour , you have the unique opportunity to explore the city’s iconic landmarks with enriching audio commentary and the company of insightful live guides. The experience merges knowledge and convenience to cater to your adventurous spirit while providing historical context and intriguing narratives about the City of Lights.

Audio Commentary :

• Available in Multiple Languages : Tailor your sightseeing experience by selecting an audio guide in your preferred language.
• Engaging Narratives : Learn about Parisian history, architecture, and culture with captivating stories and facts.
• Flexibility : Use the provided earbuds to listen to the commentary at your own pace.

Live Guides :

• Personal Connections : Interact with seasoned guides who bring a personal feel to your tour.
• Insider Tips : Gain insights into the best spots for that perfect Paris photo or a cozy cafe nook.
• Real-Time Q&A : Have a question? Your knowledgeable guide is ready to provide answers on the spot.

Each bus stop presents an opportunity to discover something new about Paris, whether it’s the architectural splendor of the Arc de Triomphe or the vibrant history of Moulin Rouge . With the merger of audio-guided commentary and live guides, your journey through Paris will be informative and thoroughly engaging. Embrace the full spectrum of what the city has to offer while enjoying the flexibility to hop on and off at your leisure.

When you hop on a Big Bus tour in Paris, you’re in for a treat with an itinerary that showcases the crown jewels of the city’s heritage. Here’s your guide to not-to-miss stops:

• Eiffel Tower: Be swept off your feet with the grandeur of the Iron Lady . It’s a perfect photo-op and a majestic start to your Paris adventure.
• Louvre Museum : As your bus passes, the Louvre beckons with its stunning glass pyramid and priceless art like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
• Notre Dame Cathedral: Although under restoration, the architectural marvel of Notre Dame still imparts its historical significance.
• Champs-Elysées : The bus glides down this grand avenue, dotted with shops and cafes, leading to the towering Arc de Triomphe.
• Seine River: Catch the glint of the sun or the city lights on the waters, which many of the city’s treasures call home.
• Montmartre : This artistic enclave offers panoramic views of Paris from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica .
• Arc de Triomphe: Concluding your journey at this monument is a salute to the valor and spirit of France.

While the classic hop-on, hop-off tours are a staple for seeing Paris’s magnificent sights, Big Bus Tours extends your experience with several enticing services.

Seine River Cruise: As part of your exploration, you can see Paris from a different vantage point on a Seine River cruise . This addition allows you to glide past iconic Parisian landmarks while the city’s history unfolds from the comfort of a boat.

• Panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame
• Multilingual audio commentary
• Options to combine with bus tickets for a comprehensive experience

Night Tour: Experience the ‘City of Lights’ at its most enchanting with a night tour . Paris transforms after sunset, and a night bus tour showcases the illuminated monuments in their full glory.

• 2-hour panoramic tour
• Unparalleled views of Paris lit up at night
• No stops, so you can soak in the sights uninterrupted

Ticket Flexibility: Choose from a range of tickets offering 24 to 48-hour validity, allowing you to explore at your pace.

• Discounts on online bookings
• Free walking tours included with certain tickets
• Fully flexible tickets with free date changes

Sightseeing Tours: Your Big Bus ticket opens doors to various sightseeing tours . You’re not limited to the bus route; you can pair your tour with walking tours to discover the intricacies of Parisian culture.

When you’re setting out on your first Big Bus tour of Paris, planning can significantly enhance your experience. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

Purchase Tickets in Advance Secure your spot by buying tickets online before your trip. Not only can this save you time, but it might also offer early bird discounts.

Familiarize with Routes Paris is packed with sights, and big bus routes cover much of the ground. Check out the routes beforehand to know which landmarks you’ll pass.

Plan with Hop-on Hop-off The hop-on hop-off feature allows you to explore at your own pace. Identify the stops you definitely want to visit to make efficient use of your time.

Start Early To avoid the crowds, begin your Paris tour early in the day. This way, you’ll have more time to explore and fewer queues.

Stay Informed about Duration and Frequency Keep track of the duration between buses to plan your visits accordingly.

Pack Accordingly The weather in Paris can be unpredictable. Bring a jacket or umbrella, and wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Big Bus Tours in Paris offer a variety of ticket options including 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tours that can also bundle extras like a Seine river cruise or night tours. For example, an Adult ticket starts from €67.50 for a 48-hour package, including a river cruise and panoramic night tour .

While both Tootbus and Big Bus provide comprehensive hop-on hop-off experiences in Paris, Big Bus is known for its inclusive packages that offer panoramic night tours and river cruises. Tootbus might appeal for its thematic tours and affordability. Your choice may hinge on whether you prefer more inclusive experiences or want something more budget-friendly.

The must-see stops on a Paris Big Bus Tour include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Champs-Élysées. Essential for any visitor, these iconic landmarks are part of the comprehensive routes offered, ensuring a memorable snapshot of Parisian history and architecture.

Yes, hop-on, hop-off bus tours in Paris are a worthwhile experience, especially for first-time visitors. They offer flexibility and convenience for exploring the city at your own pace with insightful commentary, ensuring you don’t miss out on the rich history and culture of Paris’s most famous sights.

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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.

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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!

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Write your review

• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro 2019

Will it be easy to find my way in the Moscow Metro? It is a question many visitors ask themselves before hitting the streets of the Russian capital. As metro is the main means of transport in Moscow – fast, reliable and safe – having some skills in using it will help make your visit more successful and smooth. On top of this, it is the most beautiful metro in the world !

. There are over 220 stations and 15 lines in the Moscow Metro. It is open from 6 am to 1 am. Trains come very frequently: during the rush hour you won't wait for more than 90 seconds! Distances between stations are quite long – 1,5 to 2 or even 3 kilometers. Metro runs inside the city borders only. To get to the airport you will need to take an onground train - Aeroexpress.

RATES AND TICKETS

Paper ticket A fee is fixed and does not depend on how far you go. There are tickets for a number of trips: 1, 2 or 60 trips; or for a number of days: 1, 3 days or a month. Your trips are recorded on a paper ticket. Ifyou buy a ticket for several trips you can share it with your traveling partner passing it from one to the other at the turnstile.

On every station there is cashier and machines (you can switch it to English). Cards and cash are accepted. 1 trip - 55 RUB 2 trips - 110 RUB

Tickets for 60 trips and day passes are available only at the cashier's.

60 rides - 1900 RUB

1 day - 230 RUB 3 days - 438 RUB 30 days - 2170 RUB.

The cheapest way to travel is buying Troyka card . It is a plastic card you can top up for any amount at the machine or at the ticket office. With it every trip costs 38 RUB in the metro and 21 RUB in a bus. You can get the card in any ticket office. Be prepared to leave a deposit of 50 RUB. You can get it back returning the card to the cashier.

SamsungPay, ApplePay and PayPass cards.

One turnstile at every station accept PayPass and payments with phones. It has a sticker with the logos and located next to the security's cabin.

GETTING ORIENTED

At the platfrom you will see one of these signs.

It indicates the line you are at now (line 6), shows the direction train run and the final stations. Numbers below there are of those lines you can change from this line.

In trains, stations are announced in Russian and English. In newer trains there are also visual indication of there you are on the line.

To change lines look for these signs. This one shows the way to line 2.

There are also signs on the platfrom. They will help you to havigate yourself. (To the lines 3 and 5 in this case). 

Tour Details

Moscow metro tour: architectural styles of the subway.

Duration: 2 hours

Categories: Culture & History, Sightseeing

This metro tour of Russia’s capital and most populous city, Moscow, is your chance to get a unique insight into the beautiful and impressive architecture of the city's underground stations. Admire their marble walls and high ceilings representing Stalin's desire for glory after World War 2, and see first-hand how the interiors change with the rise of new political eras. Your guide will lead you through the complex network, which is one of the most heavily used rapid transit systems worldwide, with over two billion travelers in 2011.

Opened in 1935, Moscow’s underground system, now 190 miles (305 km) long with 185 stations, is today one the largest and most heavily used rapid transit systems in the world. On this Moscow metro tour, discover the impressive architecture of Moscow’s underground stations and learn how they reflect the Soviet era.

Getting around by metro, your local guide will take you through parts of Moscow’s infamous history. Stop at stations built during the time of the USSR (Soviet Union) that are praised as one of the most extravagant architectural projects from Stalin’s time. After World War 2, he was keen on establishing Stalinist architecture to represent his rising regime and a recognized empire. Learn how when his successor started the de-Stalinization of the former Soviet Union in 1953, the extravagancy of the architecture was toned down.

Discover how the unique character of each station reflected several different eras. While stations like Kievskaya and Slavyansky Bulvar have pompous halls and high stucco ceilings brimming with extravagant decorations, those built later, like Volzhskaya, are lightly adorned with sparse furnishings. Architect Alexey Dushkin and painter Alexander Deyneka were just two of the many artists who made these magnificent landmarks possible.

Revel in Moscow's glory days, as well as the years of scarcity, on this fascinating Moscow metro experience. Conclude your tour at one of the central stations in Moscow. If you're lucky, you may even find the secret entrance to the unconfirmed Metro-2, a parallel underground system used by the government -- a mystery which has neither been denied nor confirmed today.

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

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