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The 10 best bus tours in NYC

From superhero movie sets to a Sex and the City excursion, these are the best NYC bus tours for sightseeing

Want to take in all that NYC has to offer but with maximum comfort and convenience? Book yourself an NYC bus tour — these stellar sightseeing options are a visitor's best friend. While you could get your steps in on a walking tour or eat your way through NYC on a foodie jaunt, you’ll see more sights in a smaller amount of time on one of the city’s top bus tours. Whether you’re looking for the classic hop-on hop-off experience that stops at all the major attractions, a themed TV and movie route spotlighting popular filming locations or a spirited excursion to the outer boroughs, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the best bus tours in NYC. Read on, then hop on!

RECOMMENDED: Find more New York City tours .

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Best NYC bus tours

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

First time exploring the wonderful city that is New York? This comprehensive, fully narrated tour allows you to customize your itinerary to just how you want it, boarding and leaving whenever it’s convenient for you. Vouchers can be redeemed in Times Square, where the tour begins. Choose from two circuits: the 90-minute Downtown Loop, which visits neighborhoods such as Little Italy and Chinatown and attractions like the Stock Exchange and the World Trade Center; and the 75-minute Uptown Loop, which includes classic New York spots like Lincoln Center, Rockefeller Center and the Apollo Theatre. Think of it as a handy little passport to discovering all the best of this fascinating city. 

2.  THE RIDE New York City

Double-decker bus tour not your thing? Amp up your usual sightseeing excursion with this dynamic part-show, part-city tour. Yes, it’s as wild and wonderful as it sounds. The multi-million-dollar bus (yep, you heard that right) offers outward-facing stadium seating with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Billed as a “traveling theater,” the uniquely designed bus allows riders to take photos of top attractions ( the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal) and interact with street performers during the 75-minute ride. It's a blast.

3.  New York Bus Night Tour

If New York is the city that never sleeps (which it totally is, btw), it makes sense to experience it in all its nighttime glory. This after-hours tour starts in midtown Manhattan, then drives past iconic and illuminated landmarks like the Empire State Building, Times Square and Chinatown, with expert commentary on the city’s history and celebrity residents along the way. There will also be time to stretch your legs during the four-hour excursion, with guided walks in High Line Park and Grand Central Station. And trust us, all those glittering, gleaming views of Manhattan at night are just as glorious as billed. 

4.  Sex and the City Hotspots Tour

Has there been a better unofficial NYC spokesperson than Carrie Bradshaw herself? This bus tour pays homage to the New York-loving sex columnist by spotlighting all of the hotspots from the original stint of the hit HBO show. (Alas, locations from the  And Just Like That  reboot aren’t featured, so no Che Diaz sightings here!) B oard the bus and get reacquainted with some of your favorite Sex and the City settings, like Steve and Aidan's bar Scout — where you can stop to sip a Cosmo, of course — the Pleasure Chest, where Charlotte bought her 'Rabbit' vibrator, and Carrie’s iconic stoop. Jimmy Choos optional!

5.  Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens Coach Tour

Manhattan may get a lot of the glory, but this comprehensive tour (it lasts for four-and-a-half hours) takes you through three equally deserving boroughs that made New York, well, New York. (Sorry, Staten Island!) Board in midtown and drive north through the Upper East Side to Spanish Harlem and the Bronx. Check out Yankee Stadium and the Italian enclave on Arthur Avenue before crossing into Queens. You’ll drive through Astoria and Long Island City before entering Brooklyn, where you’ll explore trendy ‘hoods including Greenpoint and Williamsburg. There’s just enough time left to drive over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge for one last look at the New York City skyline. Lush .

6.  Birthplace of Hip Hop Tour - Harlem & The Bronx

Like R euben sandwiches, eggs Benedict and Martin Scorsese, hip-hop was born right here in New York City. Discover the origins of the groundbreaking musical genre on this bus tour of Manhattan, Harlem and the Boogie Down Bronx . Led by a grandmaster —no, not Flash, but similarly legendary emcees like Kurtis Blow, Johnny Famous, Roxanne Shante and Reggie Reg — the excursion starts at the location of the first hip-hop party in Manhattan before heading uptown to iconic spots like the Apollo Theater, the Graffiti Hall of Fame and Yankee Stadium. You’ll get to watch a real b-boy and b-girl dance session, snap photos in front of famous murals dedicated to Big L and Kool Herc, and even learn how to freestyle!

7.  Superhero Film Tour of New York

From Spider-Man to Batman to Jessica Jones , New York City has played home to many a superhero. On this sightseeing tour, you’ll see around 40 locations featured in your favorite super-powered TV shows and movies, from the setting of the Battle of New York in The Avengers to The Daily Planet building from the Superman franchise to the exact spot where Danny Rand flips over a cab in Iron Fist . This is one fascinating exploration that will make superhero fans and comic-book buffs very happy indeed.

8.  Sunday Harlem Gospel Guided Tour

Explore the culture of Harlem, one of the meccas of Black-American identity, on this guided tour. The tour visits both iconic and lesser-known attractions, such as  Columbia University, the Cotton Club and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. After visiting the Apollo Theater, where Michael Jackson once performed, and the famous stretch of 125th Street, where Duke Ellington lived, guests will be welcomed by a local congregation to participate in a Gospel mass. 

9.  Gossip Girl Bus Sites Tour

“Spotted at Grand Central, bags in hand” is the opening line of the New York-centric hit show Gossip Girl . And this is a big “XOXO” to the city and its super-elite, showcasing a number of memorable locations from the hit teen drama. Follow in the footsteps of Blair Waldorf , Serena van der Woodsen and the rest of the Constance Billard crew and explore many of the show’s glamorous locations on this three-hour bus tour, including The Empire Hotel (where Chuck Bass lived and worked), the Vera Wang boutique where Blair tried on her wedding gown and, of course, those iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where you can take a photo op.

10.  The Sopranos Filming Locations Bus Tour

First thing’s first: yes, we know that The Sopranos largely takes place in New Jersey. But just like Jersey residents proudly tout “NJ/NYC” in their Instagram bios, we’re going to lovingly co-opt the crime drama as our own. Starting in midtown Manhattan and crossing over into the Garden State, this Jersey-set tour will feature key locations from the Mafia-inspired HBO series, including the diner where Chris was shot, the spot where Big Pussy spoke with the FBI and the booth in Tony’s restaurant where the final episode was filmed. You’ll also catch a glimpse of Satin Dolls (the Bada Bing bar).

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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

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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
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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
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• Columbus Circle
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Night Tour (Black Line)

• Macy's Headquarters
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• Meat Packing District
• Little Island

1 day Iconic Access Pass

Sight and connection includes (*choose 3).

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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

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Discover the architecture, history, and culture of New York City on an expert guided bus tour with CitySights NY. We offer convenient pick-up locations and affordable prices to make your New York sightseeing experience fun and memorable. Our guided double-decker NYC bus tours will give you a 360° view of the city from a whole new perspective. Book your guided New York bus tour today.

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Discover NY Bus Tour

Experience the enchanting allure of New York City with Discover NY, your expert guide to the city’s top sights. Revel in the thrill of one of the USA’s top three sightseeing experiences, as celebrated by TripAdvisor. But the accolades don’t stop there – Viator recognizes our Discover NY among the top 20 American experiences! Join us and savor the quintessential NYC delights. Choose between our enclosed or glass-top buses for an unforgettable journey through the city that never sleeps!

Highlights:

+ Fully guided walks with live narration from friendly and knowledgeable local guides + Spectacular views of iconic NYC landmarks + Luxury climate-controlled buses for an enjoyable all-weather experience + Staten Island ferry ride for sweeping views over the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline + Award-winning New York City sightseeing bus tours!

Meet your Guide and Begin your New York City Bus Tour

Our half-day New York City bus tour departs daily at 9 AM and 10 AM on 7th Ave between 50th & 51st Streets (in the middle of the block) and ends at 3 PM and 4 PM at the same location. Meet your driver and guide, and take a seat aboard your comfortable bus to begin.

After a drive through the Times Square area, our first stop is at Central Park West and 72nd Street, at the Dakota Building (former home of John Lennon). The stop includes a short, guided walk into Central Park to visit the Strawberry Fields. Here, discover the Imagine mosaic dedicated to John Lennon and admire fine views over the celebrity-owned condominiums. We’ll also drive by Central Park Zoo, the famous Plaza Hotel, and Carnegie Hall.

Rockefeller Center

The second stop on our tour is Rockefeller Center, where beautiful views over St. Patrick’s Cathedral await. We’ll also see the location of the winter ice-skating rink and Christmas Tree, and NBC’s Today Show set.

5th Avenue and Empire State Building Views

Our third stop is on Fifth Avenue, where we pause to admire the iconic Empire State Building. This area also provides spectacular views of dramatic architecture featured in numerous books and films, including the Flatiron Building (Godzilla, Spider-Man), the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower (The Runaway Skyscraper, Futurama), and of course the Empire State Building (King Kong, Independence Day).

We drive by Madison Square Park – the original location of Madison Square Garden Arena, and our tour continues with a drive through iconic NYC neighborhoods such as Greenwich Village, Soho, Chinatown, and the Financial District. En route to the fourth stop, we drive by Wall Street for views of the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall (the location of the first Capitol Building of the United States), Trinity Church, and the famous Charging Bull sculpture on Broadway.

World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial

Our fourth stop is the World Trade Center, where we visit the 9/11 Memorial. The tour does not include entry into the 9/11 Museum, but visitors can walk the grounds of the Memorial, visit the waterfalls of “Reflecting Absence,” (the footprints of where the original twin towers stood), and see the Survivor Tree that withstood the destruction of 9/11.

Gansevoort Liberty Market Lunch Stop

Around 1 pm, we’ll stop for a quick lunch break at Gansevoort Liberty Market. Lunch is not included on your tour, but this is a great place to stop and pick up something tasty.

The Staten Island Ferry Ride

Our fifth stop is the Whitehall Terminal in downtown Manhattan, for a boat ride on the Staten Island ferry. During your relaxing cruise, soak up magnificent views over the Statue of Liberty to the Manhattan and Brooklyn skyline beyond. The boat docks back at the Whitehall Terminal, where we board our bus to head back to our original departure point on 7th Avenue in the Times Square area. Our tour concludes at 3 PM and 4 PM, back where it began.

Inclusions:

+ New York City sightseeing bus tour, by luxury tour bus + Expert tour guides and live narration + Bottled water on buses + Guided walks + Staten Island ferry ride

Exclusions:

• – Lunch (available, and payable separately) – Gratuities – Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Dakota Building
• Strawberry Fields
• St. Patrick's Cathedral (outside only)
• Atlas Statue
• NBC’s Today Show Set
• Christmas Tree (seasonal)
• Empire State Building (outside only)
• Flatiron Building
• Madison Square Park
• does not include Museum entry
• lunch stop (lunch not included in the tour price)
• Statue of Liberty
• Manhattan and Brooklyn Skyline
• Staten Island

This tour was a fantastic way to see many sights at one time! Of course the sights were great to see but what was even better was the history, stories and information that Rachel provided throughout the tour. I’m so glad that Rachel was our guide. Not only did we see a lot, we learned a lot! - Melita D.

This is the second time we’ve taken this tour of New York City. We loved it the first time and were fortunate enough to have Rachel as our guide for the second time. The sights are fantastic, but Rachel MAKES the tour with her personal anecdotes. She kept everyone comfortable while keeping things moving so we could fit it all in. Thanks Rachel and USA Guided Tours!! - Kim R.

We have been to NY many times and decided to take a guided bus tour this time. It was a very informative and enjoyable experience. Our tour guide, Tyler, was exceptional. She had an outstanding personality, very knowledgeable about NY, kept everybody engaged and her delivery was top notch. We had several stops and she got off the bus and guided us on each one, answering all questions. There was just enough time to take in the site, but didn’t feel rushed. It was one of the best tours we have ever taken. - Jay E.

Google Reviews

The tour was on a small open-air bus and it was a small group of 13 people. The tour included a combination of walking (very short distances) and sightseeing on the bus for 6 hours. Our tour guide Steve was outstanding!! He was full of information and anecdotal stories that really brought the history and culture of New York alive. the tour also included a trip on the Staten Island Ferry which provided great views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan. Although this tour is a bit expensive, it's worth it for a more personal tour with a native New Yorker like Steve. - Chip

My mom and I took this tour and I recommend that if you are looking to see the sights in NYC, you do the same!! We were guided by Tyler who was incredibly sweet and knew EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING and driven by Jose who somehow navigated the city without aggressively using the breaks or honking. The harbor tour at the end took us for about an hour and we go really close to the Statue of Liberty! This was the best and so happy I did it. - Kelly McCarthy

All I can say is Kudos to Betty for being an amazing driver through the city! She kept everyone safe through the smallest areas of the roads, Excellent driver! Jim was spectacular hosting us through the city.. from joking to detailed info of the city he kept everyone entertained. This was my first time doing a tour in a city before as well as a first time visit to NYC and I couldn't of had a better time anywhere else. It was a fantastic experience. Thank you guys for showing my wife and I such a pleasant experience. - Brandt Page

Why type of buses does USA Guided Tours use?

Our luxury tour buses provide a comfortable and climate-controlled environment for an enjoyable touring experience, while also offering protection from the elements. We cater to various group sizes with a diverse fleet of vehicles, from SUVs to premium motor-coaches, ensuring that our private tours can be customized for couples or large groups alike. To maintain a more intimate atmosphere on our public tours, we intentionally limit the capacity of our tour buses to keep the average group size small. We do our best to keep large, same-party groups together on the same bus, but please remember that the seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you claim your seats – they’re reserved only for you for the duration of the tour.

Are we allowed to bring luggage on the tour?

Unfortunately, our shuttles are not wheelchair accessible, nor is there storage for baby strollers. If you have a wheelchair, please call us to make special vehicle arrangements for your tour. Some of our tours involve longer walks so if you like, you may stay on board the shuttle, near the landmark, without exiting the shuttle bus every time.

What is USA Guided Tours cancelation policy?

Free Cancellation up to 24 Hours in Advance > if you cancel your booking 24 hours in advance of your tour departure time – a full refund will be issued

Free Cancellation up to 1 Hour in Advance With Tour Booking Insurance > if you purchase Tour Booking Insurance at $5.99 per person, booking cancellations may be made up to 1 hour in advance of your tour departure time for a full refund

What are the blackout dates for tours?

Mar 17 NYC Half Day Marathon – All Tours Closed July 4 Independence Day – Night Tours Closed Nov 28 Thanksgiving Day – All Tours Closed Dec 24 Christmas Eve – Night Tours Closed Dec 25 Christmas Day – All Tours Closed Dec 31 New Year’s Eve – All Tours Closed

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Uptown, downtown, night lights, brooklyn, big bus tours, nyc bus night tour.

• NYC Night Bus Tour - From Times Square to the Brooklyn Bridge, see our city wink and twinkle right at you.
• NY Night Bus Tour - 4 hrs, Tues/Thurs/Sat eves. Includes a short nighttime stroll on the High Line, then hop on a bus for a ride through Times Square, Rockefeller Center, SoHo, Chinatown and short walk through Grand Central.

Hop On Hop Off Buses

Stress free safe nyc group transportation, group transportation in nyc with national charter bus, discount new york city bus tours.

• NYC Sightseeing Pass – Unlimited Hop on Hop off Buses – valid for the whole duration of day passes or 72hours in Flex Products. Brooklyn Hop on Hop off Tour and Night Tour are also available
• New York Pass – includes a Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tours 2 Day Pass
• New York Build Your Own and Explorer Pass – offers bus tours as an attraction choice

New York City Bus Tour Overview

Bus tour advantages.

• NYC bus tours give you a nice overview of NYC
• Include day and night outdoor NYC bus tours and cover parts of the City you may not see otherwise
• Great if with people who cannot walk for many hours
• Cost of many attractions are included with a NYC Bus Tour pass

Bus Tour Disadvantages

• Expensive way to get around the city, if not seeing a lot of attractions with admission prices
• Tour guide knowledge is not guaranteed
• Does not go through Central Park
• After tour, still have to take taxis or learn how to use the subway

Bus Tour Reviews

Great experience on the citysights bus tour, how are you going to tour new york city.

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HOLIDAY RIDE – now through Dec 30

minute experience (approx)

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!

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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.

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A rock star sightseeing bus on steroids.

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

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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..

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Entertainment Experience | From $79 | 75 Min.

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Live updates, daredevils now riding a new wave by standing on top of nyc buses in twist on deadly subway surfing trend .

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These daredevils are riding a new wave.  

Adrenaline junkies are now surfing atop Big Apple buses barreling down major thoroughfares — a new twist on the deadly transit trend of surfing subway cars.

One audacious roof rider captured their illegal trip on an M15 articulated bus, the streetscape blurring past as the steel behemoth hurtled down Second Avenue in Manhattan’s Murray Hill neighborhood, video footage shared on Instagram this week showed. 

Another vertigo-inducing clip posted on X in February showed a hoodie-clad youth crouching down on the roof of a different articulated bus — before hopping on to a different section of the vehicle and ducking beneath an electric cable line.  

“If there’s something ridiculous, foolhardy and dangerous, teens will figure out how to do it,” straphanger Pamelda Candusso Hirsch, 71, griped to The Post. 

“They could forever ruin so many lives.” 

Mustapha Sawaneh, who has driven MTA buses along crosstown routes for six years, warned the brazen surfers who are taking their stunts from the city’s underground to the streets face more “unpredictable” and dangerous terrain. 

“If a cab cuts in front of you, you have to slam on the breaks. If someone steps out on the street, you have to swerve the bus,” Sawaneh, 26, said.

What is the NYC MTA Bus President Frankie Annicaro doing about bus surfing?🤔⁦ @MTA ⁩ ⁦ @mtaoig ⁩ ⁦ @NYCTSubway ⁩ ⁦ @NYCTBus ⁩ ⁦ @nypost ⁩ ⁦ @NYDailyNews ⁩ ⁦ @fox5ny ⁩ ⁦ @ABC7NY ⁩ ⁦ @CBSNews ⁩ ⁦ @NBCNews ⁩ ⁦ @progressiveact ⁩ pic.twitter.com/KhRTDdf5po — Jonathan Eli (@EJonatha4766004) February 14, 2024

“If you’re [subway] surfing you can see a train curve ahead, what’s coming up [but] when you’re bus surfing you don’t know what’s going to happen.” 

Several bus drivers suspected the reckless riders were somehow scampering aboard their vehicles while they were parked during their 10-minute breaks, or even a 30-second stop at a red light. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by This Is NYC (@_thisisnyc_)

“Operators are going to need to check [the top of buses] before we head out,” said veteran operator Jason Williams, 40.

He warned it’s impossible to tell from the driver’s seat whether their bus has a roof-level stowaway “unless someone tells you, and then it might be too late.” 

New York City and state officials have attempted to crack down on the scourge of transit surfers, which they say has become more common among teens who are trying to copy what they see on TikTok and Instagram. 

In September, the Adams administration and the MTA deployed a public service campaign with ads and announcements warning about the dangers of subway surfing. 

At least two people have been killed riding outside of trains this year, including 14-year-old Alam Reyes , who was killed after he was thrown from the top of a southbound F train in Brooklyn. 

Last year, at least five teens were killed while subway surfing. 

Dave Steckel, an MTA spokesman, said the agency was investigating the incidents.

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Read Your Way Through Accra

Bus stations. Traffic stops. Beaches. There’s no telling where you’ll find the next story in Accra, Ghana’s capital. Peace Adzo Medie shares some of her favorites.

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By Peace Adzo Medie

Read Your Way Around the World is a series exploring the globe through books.

Accra is rich with stories, some of them only a few words long — Still Hustling; Work Hard and Dream Big; Short Ways Are Dangerous — and written in bold letters on the rear windows of tro tros, the ubiquitous minibuses that ferry residents and visitors around the city. These mantras are meant to represent the people who own the buses. But they also tell of life in Accra, and what it takes to make it in this vibrant city.

Accra, Ghana’s capital, is in the southern part of the country and borders the Atlantic Ocean. For centuries, its coastline has served as an entry point for people both from neighboring countries and from farther away. Ghanaian writers have found rich material in the city, the home of the Ga people. And writers from other African countries and the diaspora, such as Wole Soyinka and Maya Angelou, have called Accra home, even if only for a short time.

Though much of Accra’s creative activity has taken place in centers like the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana, interest in stories and books permeates the city.

Merchants selling books line many thoroughfares. There is a good chance that, when you stop at a major traffic light, a bookseller, wares in hand, will come to your window and try to get you to buy at least one. Even bus stations can be a treasure trove. One of my favorite activities as a teenager was shopping for books at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, a busy bus station in the heart of the city, where volumes are neatly arranged in stalls or on canvas spread out on the ground. And when I didn’t have enough money for a book, Accra still came through for me: I could always read and imagine the stories behind the one-liners on the buses idling nearby.

What should I read before I pack my bags?

Nii Ayikwei Parkes’s “ Tail of the Blue Bird ” brings the city to life. This slim novel is set in Accra and Sonokrom, a small village. Kayo, a forensic pathologist working in Accra, has been forced by a high-ranking police officer to investigate a sinister discovery in the village.

The novel’s lyrical prose and rich dialogue, which incorporates Ghanaian words and phrases, make it delightful to read. Through Kayo’s work, outings with friends and encounters with the police, we see different aspects of life in Accra, while his time in Sonokrom and interactions with the village’s intriguing inhabitants offer a glimpse of how people outside the center relate to the city.

If you prefer nonfiction, Ato Quayson’s “ Oxford Street, Accra: City Life and the Itineraries of Transnationalism ” offers an excellent introduction to the city. It takes the reader on a journey through Accra’s history, showing its evolution from a fishing village to a port town during British colonial rule, to a vibrant metropolis that draws in people from around the country and the world. With Oxford Street, a bustling commercial corridor, as a starting point, Quayson evokes the sights and sounds of the city with keen attention to how people interact with each other and their surroundings. Forays into the salsa and gym scenes underline the transnational dimensions of life in Accra.

What books or authors should I bring along with me?

Accra is at the heart of Yepoka Yeebo’s “ Anansi’s Gold: The Man Who Looted the West, Outfoxed Washington, and Swindled the World .” This work of nonfiction is a wild ride about one of the boldest scams of the 1970s and ‘80s, carried out by John Ackah Blay-Miezah, a charismatic Ghanaian. Blay-Miezah promised huge returns to thousands of investors from around the world, tied to a bogus trust fund allegedly set up by Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president. While Blay-Miezah targeted victims across the world, his dealings with government officials and other businesspeople in Accra facilitated his scam and, ultimately, contributed to its end. The book is a meticulously researched and riveting account of politics and money in post-independence Ghana.

Fictional stories of murder can also be doorways into Accra. In “ Sleep Well My Lady ,” by Kwei Quartey, a female detective’s investigation of a murder offers a glimpse into the lives of the rich and the not-so-rich of the city. In Kobby Ben Ben’s “ No One Dies Yet ,” Accra is the scene of mystery and sex, in a meeting of Ghana and its diaspora.

What books can show me other facets of the city?

There is always something to discover in Accra, even for people who are already familiar with the city. It helps to know the right people, though — or at least the right books.

“ Accra Noir ,” edited by Nana-Ama Danquah, is a collection of 13 stories set throughout pockets of the city. Their characters encounter the kind of sky-high hurdles that a thriving, cutthroat metropolis puts in the way of its residents — unemployment, corruption, abuse of power. And, determined to make it, these characters do not hesitate to adopt creative and extreme methods, often in places that are hidden from view: hotel rooms and bedrooms, dark alleys and a market at night.

Serena Owusua Dankwa’s “ Knowing Women: Same Sex-Intimacy, Gender, and Identity in Postcolonial Ghana ” is also about finding joy when the conditions are unyielding. It is a study of same-sex desire among women and of their relationships, which happen in every part of Ghana, yet aren’t typically visible in the open. The historical discussion of same-sex desire and intimacy in Ghana, and Africa more broadly, is illuminating, and dislodges widely held reductive ideas about the subject. Dankwa’s interviews with women, including female athletes, both in Accra and in a midsize town, reveal a great deal about desire and intimacy and the influences of class and social norms.

If I have no time for day trips, what books should I read instead?

Books of poetry are one way to travel around Ghana. Kofi Anyidoho’s collection “The Place We Call Home” is rhythmic in its treatment of history and the present. Anyidoho is also the editor of a book of poetry by another Ghanaian great, Kofi Awoonor. “The Promise of Hope: New and Selected Poems, 1964-2013” beautifully renders life in Ghana and abroad.

“The Girl Who Can,” by Ama Ata Aidoo, a writer with a towering legacy , is a collection of stories that explores girlhood and womanhood. Aidoo’s novel “Changes: A Love Story” chronicles one woman’s attempts to live and love on her own terms.

For books that take you on journeys into the past, start with Ayi Kwei Armah’s “The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born.” This classic of Ghanaian literature unfolds during the 1960s and follows an unnamed railway clerk determined to stay on the straight and narrow path — unlike others around him. “ The Hundred Wells of Salaga, ” by Ayesha Harruna Attah, is set in the 19th century. In this novel, the trade in enslaved people plays a major role in changing the lives of two young women. Yaa Gyasi’s “ Homegoing ” goes further back, to the 18th century, to narrate the outcomes of one family’s encounters with the West.

What’s a good place to curl up with a book on a day off?

Accra is a city of beaches and, in addition to sunshine and a cool breeze, a few of its waterfronts have the ambience that make for a good reading experience. But I’m partial to green spaces, many of which are beyond the city limits. Aburi, in the Eastern Region, is a short drive outside Accra. Situated on a hill, the town is cool and has several spots where you can curl up with a book while enjoying the lush scenery.

Peace Adzo Medie’s Accra Reading List

“Tail of the Blue Bird,” Nii Ayikwei Parkes

“Oxford Street, Accra: City Life and the Itineraries of Transnationalism,” Ato Quayson

“Anansi’s Gold: The Man Who Looted the West, Outfoxed Washington, and Swindled the World,” Yepoka Yeebo

“Sleep Well My Lady,” Kwei Quartey

“No One Dies Yet,” Kobby Ben Ben

“Accra Noir,” edited by Nana-Ama Danquah

“Knowing Women: Same Sex-Intimacy, Gender, and Identity in Postcolonial Ghana,” Serena Owusua Dankwa

“The Place We Call Home,” Kofi Anyidoho

“The Promise of Hope: New and Selected Poems, 1964-2013,” Kofi Awoonor (edited by Kofi Anyidoho)

“The Girl Who Can” and “Changes: A Love Story,” Ama Ata Aidoo

“The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born,” Ayi Kwei Armah

“The Hundred Wells of Salaga,” Ayesha Harruna Attah

“ Homegoing ,” Yaa Gyasi

Peace Adzo Medie is author of the novels “ Nightbloom ” and “ His Only Wife ,” which was a Reese’s Book Club pick and one of The Times’s notable books of 2020 . She is a professor at the University of Bristol.

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Bus stations. Traffic stops. Beaches. There’s no telling where you’ll find the next story based in Accra, Ghana’s capital . Peace Adzo Medie shares some of her favorites.

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