tour bus nyc double decker

hop-on hop-off Tours

Express tours, iconic access passes.

• Holiday Lights
• How To Use My Tour Ticket

Discover the best of New York City's wonders at your own pace with our hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Explore iconic landmarks at your leisure.

Best new york city hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour.

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.

Expert Guides

Take advantage of our well-versed in the history, culture, and hidden gems of New York City.

Best Prices

Get unbeatable prices to explore the deepest parts of the big Apple city at your convenient.

Memorable Experiences

Our goal is to create unforgettable memories for our guests. From the top to botton view.

Comprehensive Itineraries

Our meticulously crafted itineraries cover must-see attractions & landmarks of New York City.

Make Your Adventure Easier

Our Hop-on Hop-off service is here to make your adventure easier and more enjoyable than ever before. With our convenient and flexible transportation system, you can navigate the city with ease and customize your itinerary to suit your preferences with our app.

New York Iconic

• Things To Do In NYC

Join Our Newsletters

Subscribe to our newsletters to receive prompt updates and exciting offers.

Helpful Links

• Affiliate Program
• Group Booking
• Private Hires
• Fun Facts about NYC

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Affiliates Login

Submit your question

Why Hop-Off When You Can Hop-On?

Get 25% off your ticket.

• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Hop-on Hop-off Passes Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Passes Liberty Cruises
• Attraction Pass ™
• Tea Around Town
• Explore All TopView Tix
• More Groups & Charters Maps North Pole Express Things to do in NYC Sunset & City Lights Cruises Explore All TopView Tix About Us Contact Us FAQ Live Map
•   Leave A Message

Start Your New York Hop On Hop Off Adventure Here

Buy your tickets today for the best deal - we’ll see you out in the city!

To protect you and others, face covering is required for customers seating on the lower deck (indoor area).

Best Rated New York Bus Tours and Sightseeing Packages

Online Deal Save 24%

• Included Tours
• 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
• Extra Features
• Mobile boarding
• Movies & Celebrities audio channel

Many More Top New York NY Attractions incl. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Over 1 Million Tickets Sold!

Online Deal Save 22%

Over 500,000 Tickets Sold!

Online Deal Save 25%

Online Deal Save 32%

Online Deal Save 26%

Online Deal Save 29%

Over 100,000 Tickets Sold!

Online Deal Save 40%

Don't Miss One of Our Unique Double-deck Bus Experiences

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!

Start Your NYC Hop-On Hop-Off Adventure Here

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!

Send Us a Message

Request your quote, leave your feedback, don't hop off yet, checkout now and get 15% off your entire purchase.

Coupon code is not valid for special events

Check out now and get up to 61% off

Double-Decker Bus Tours in NYC

Heather Cross

New York City offers visitors no shortage of options for just about every aspect of your trip... including double-decker bus tours. Here we'll try to help you pick the right one for your trip by assessing each option's strengths and weaknesses.

There are several great reasons to take a double-decker bus tour of New York City, including that they offer you not only a guided tour but also transportation around the city. You can get on and off the bus as you please , making it easy to explore many different parts of Manhattan during your ride. It also offers easy access to many tourist attractions that might not be as easy to reach via public transit.

In most cases, each tour operator has a Midtown, Uptown, and Downtown loop, as well as a night tour. The Midtown loop typically covers the area between Times Square and Central Park . The Uptown Loop covers Central Park and north: sometimes this includes the Upper East Side , sometimes the Upper West Side and less often, both. The Downtown loop covers the area south of Times Square to the southern tip of Manhattan. The coverage of each Night tour varies, but they often include Brooklyn and there isn't the option to hop-on, hop-off during the tour.

In most cases, it's less expensive if you book your tickets in advance , and there are frequently sales available online , so if the price is the most important factor for you, be sure to compare all the different choices.

Gray Line Hop On Hop Off Tours

Gray Line's red double-decker buses are an iconic New York City sight and Gray Line has been providing tours of New York City since 1926!

Gray Line offers four different loops: Uptown, Downtown, Brooklyn and the Bronx, as well as a 2-hour Night Tour (not hop-on, hop-off). The Uptown loop travels from midtown up the Upper West Side into Harlem and back down via the Upper East Side along Fifth Avenue. The Downtown loop covers much of midtown Manhattan, including Rockefeller Center , Madison Square Garden, and the Empire State Building , as well as downtown neighborhoods such as SoHo and Greenwich Village and attractions including the Statue of Liberty and 9/11 Memorial . The Brooklyn loop starts in Lower Manhattan and crosses the Manhattan Bridge and includes stops through Brooklyn, including the Prospect Park Zoo , the Brooklyn Museum and the Brooklyn Promenade. The Night tour (which is not hop-on, hop-off) travels from Midtown Manhattan into Greenwich Village and the Lower East Side across the Manhattan Bridge and into Brooklyn. 

There are double-decker different pricing options if you choose Gray Line's buses, the most popular being the which is available for 48-or 72-hours. Options include lots of popular museums, sightseeing cruises, and even some meals near double-decker sights.

CitySights NY

CitySights NY offers 5 different loops for visitors to explore. Their uptown loop circles Central Park, giving visitors a glimpse into both the Upper East and Upper West Sides. They have a Brooklyn loop and a Bronx loop, which allow visitors to explore these two areas in greater depth, as well as the typical Midtown and Downtown loops. Their Night tour lasts about 2.5 hours and travels from midtown into Brooklyn (this tour is a continuous one and you can't get on/off the bus).

Live narration is provided by a licensed tour guide , but there is also narration available via headset in 11 languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Russian and Hebrew.

The best value is probably their "New York All Around Tour" ticket offers access to all five loops for 48 hours, though you can purchase single loop tickets that are good for 24 hours. double-decker under 3 years of age ride free.

Ticket purchasers will need to redeem their vouchers at the CitySights NY Visitor Center in 234 West 42nd Street (Lobby of Madame Tussauds NY between 7th and 8th avenue). Nearly all tours begin in the vicinity of the visitors center, aside from the Brooklyn tour. (A ticket for the Brooklyn tour or the Downtown tour include the other, so Brooklyn tour-takers can get to the start point by taking the Downtown loop.)

Open Loop New York

New York City's newest fleet of double-decker buses is also the most eco-friendly. Their ticketing system is very straightforward -- a single ticket gives visitors access to four different loops: uptown, downtown, midtown and night.  Daytime loops run from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and the night tour begins daily at 7 p.m. Buses arrive at each stop approximately every 20/25 minutes and each loop runs about 100 minutes if you ride it continuously.

Narration is available in 9 languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean and is provided through headsets that are provided free on board.

Families will appreciate that there is special children's narration (available in 4 languages) and that kids two and under ride free with an adult.

Big Bus New York

All of Big Bus's double-decker buses offer both indoor and outdoor seating , which is a great option when the weather is cold or wet. They have tour guides providing live commentary on all their routes , as well as recorded commentary in ten languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean and Russian) on their Uptown and Downtown Loops.

Big Bus New York offers​ four different routes to enjoy: an Uptown Loop that travels from Midtown through the Upper West Side into Harlem and back down along Fifth Avenue through the Upper East Side; a Downtown Loop that covers Midtown, SoHo and stops in Battery Park City before heading back north through Chelsea along the West Side Highway; the Brooklyn Tour lasts roughly 90 minutes and travels across the Manhattan Bridge to Prospect Park and back into Manhattan (this is not a hop-on, hop-off tour); the Night Tour lasts roughly two hours and travels from Times Square south into Brooklyn and back again.

Keep in mind that their Brooklyn tour doesn't allow you to hop-on, hop-off, so if exploring Brooklyn in greater detail is double-decker to you, you might want to consider a different option.

They offer a variety of different tickets (and some even include a bagel breakfast!) but the Deluxe 2-Day All Loops is a good deal since it also includes a Hornblower Sightseeing Cruise. You can often save even more by booking online (and they don't require a printed ticket like some of the other companies) so you can still take advantage of the online savings if you don't have access to a printer.

5 Best Bus Tours in New York City

20 Things to Do in New York City on Cold and Snowy Days

CitySights NY Hop-On, Hop-Off Tours

Cruise With San Francisco's Best Bus Tours

18 Best Things to Do as a Solo Traveler in NYC

Best Budget Manhattan Hotels

Every NYC Neighborhood You Need to Know

Harlem Visitors Guide

New York City Guide: Planning Your Trip

Brooklyn: A Visitors Guide

How to Travel From New York City to Woodbury Commons by Train, Bus, and Car

Manhattan Bed and Breakfasts

The 17 Best Rooftop Bars in New York City

Your Trip to New York State: The Complete Guide

A One-Day Itinerary for Visiting New York City

New York Botanical Garden: The Complete Guide

Double Decker Bus Tours in NYC

Charter a tour bus in nyc for your group.

New York City Double Decker Bus Tours

Group Transportation Services

See the Sights of New York City

Private Bus Tours

A private Double Decker bus tour is the ideal way to see the iconic sights of New York City. From the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center to Madison Square Garden, your group can sit back and relax while enjoying the views up top in open air or down below.

Custom Itinerary and Schedule

When you book a private Double Decker tour bus for your group, you can customize the itinerary and set the schedule. We’ll visit only those attractions and sights that you want to see.

Charter a Double Decker Bus in NYC Today!

hop-on hop-off Tours

Express tours, iconic access passes.

• Group Bookings
• Private Charters
• Ads on Buses
• Download App

Discover the enchanting allure of the city lights with our captivating Night Tour. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the urban landscape as New York City transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle after dark.

Embark on a thrilling journey through the iconic landmarks and renowned neighborhoods that make up the fabric of this bustling metropolis. Our expert guides will lead you through a carefully curated route, ensuring you experience the city’s most breathtaking sights and hidden gems illuminated against the night sky.

As twilight descends, witness the sparkling brilliance of Times Square, where billboards and neon lights create a kaleidoscope of color and movement. Marvel at the architectural marvels of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and other iconic structures that adorn the city’s iconic skyline.

Cruise along the elegant avenues and bustling streets, passing by celebrated landmarks such as Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and the High Line. Feel the energy of the city pulsating through the streets as you soak in the lively atmosphere of Times Square, Greenwich Village, and other vibrant neighborhoods.

Capture stunning photographs of the city’s nocturnal beauty, with each frame showcasing the juxtaposition of light and shadow that creates a captivating ambiance unique to the nighttime hours.

Sightseeing includes:

• Times Square
• Empire State Building
• Macy’s Headquarters
• A vessel at Hudson Yard
• Meat Packing District
• Little Island
• Little Italy
• Manhattan Bridge
• Brooklyn Bridge
• Williamsburg Bridge
• South Street Sea Port
• Statue of Liberty
• World Trade Center
• Sixth Avenue
• Radio City Building
• Rockefeller Center NBC Studios

Join us on the Night Tour (Black Line) and experience the magic of New York City as it comes alive under the enchanting glow of the stars and city lights. Uncover the secrets of the city that never sleeps and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Book your tickets now!

Here are some of the benefits of taking the Night Tour (Black Line):

You’ll see the most popular tourist attractions in the city at night. You’ll learn interesting facts and history about the city from a knowledgeable guide. You won’t have to worry about transportation or finding your way around. The tour is a great option for first-time visitors to a city, families with young children, or people with limited mobility.

No Review Available

From $49.00

Person Info

Booked Successfully

Booking summary, new york iconic.

• Things To Do In NYC

Join Our Newsletters

Subscribe to our newsletters to receive prompt updates and exciting offers.

Helpful Links

• Affiliate Program
• Group Booking
• Private Hires
• Fun Facts about NYC

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Affiliates Login

Submit your question

Why Hop-Off When You Can Hop-On?

Get $2 off your ticket.

Protect Your Trip »

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.

Getty Images

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

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The 17 best costa rica tours.

Lyn Mettler April 12, 2024

Hard vs. Soft Luggage

Rachael Hood April 12, 2024

The Best Kauai Boat Tours

Lyn Mettler April 11, 2024

The Top-Rated NYC Food Tours

Ann Henson April 11, 2024

The Best Things to Do in Maine

Mariya Greeley and Nicola Wood April 10, 2024

The Best Pearl Harbor Tours

John Rodwan and Amanda Norcross April 9, 2024

The Best Pigeon Forge Dinner Shows

Korrin Bishop April 9, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 8, 2024

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

The Best Charleston Tours

John Rodwan April 4, 2024

Bias of KSAT

• Balanced News
• Story of the Week
• News Curation Principles
• Newsletters
• Balanced Search

Here’s what happened to the double-decker San Antonio tour buses

SAN ANTONIO – Remember the infamous, red-colored double-decker tour buses downtown? Well, they have gone out of business, and a new company has taken their place. David Strainge, founder of City Sightseeing of San Antonio, started the trolley company in 2010, according to the San Antonio Report. He opened the company as a franchise of the international tour bus operator based in Seville, Spain. City Sightseeing closed shop in early January. Since the closure, Strainge has branched off into other business opportunities. This has made way for Historic Tours of...

Related Coverage

AllSides Picks

April 13th, 2024

April 11th, 2024

April 10th, 2024

April 9th, 2024

More News about General News from the Left , Center and Right

From the left, from the center, from the right.

• Entertainment
• KSAT Insider
• Newsletters

Here’s what happened to the double-decker tour buses downtown

City sightseeing of san antonio closed shop in january.

Spencer Heath , Digital Journalist

SAN ANTONIO – Remember the infamous, red-colored double-decker tour buses downtown? Well, they have gone out of business, and a new company has taken their place.

David Strainge, founder of City Sightseeing of San Antonio, started the trolley company in 2010, according to the San Antonio Report . He opened the company as a franchise of the international tour bus operator based in Seville, Spain.

Recommended Videos

City Sightseeing closed shop in early January. Since the closure, Strainge has branched off into other business opportunities.

This has made way for Historic Tours of America to bring Old Town Trolley Tours to San Antonio.

“The timing could not have been more perfect. We have been looking to expand and the opportunity presented itself in this amazing city,” said Historic Tours of America’s CEO Chris Belland.

Old Town Trolley Tours, featuring orange and green-style busses, offers guests a 90-minute narrated tour with 14 stops throughout San Antonio.

The 12-mile tour ride includes stops at the Alamo Plaza, Japanese Tea Garden, San Antonio Zoo, Witte Museum, Botanical Gardens, The Pearl, San Antonio Museum of Art, Veteran’s Memorial Park, The Tobin Center, Buckhorn Saloon, E. Houston Street, Spanish Governor’s Palace, Historic Market Square, Tower of the Americas, Hemisfair, The Alamo, and the Crockett Hotel.

“San Antonio is a city with incredible history, attractions, sites, and fabulous people which is what we look for when going into a city,” said Belland.

Old Town Trolley Tours also offers a ‘Hometown Pass’ to Bexar County residents, granting free access when bringing an adult paying guest, according to a press release.

In addition to San Antonio, the release mentioned Old Town Trolley Tours also operates in Key West, Boston, Washington, Savannah, St. Augustine, San Diego, and Nashville.

For more information, click here.

Copyright 2024 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Spencer heath.

Spencer Heath is a Digital Journalist at KSAT. Spencer graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied Radio-Television-Film. He’s worked as a journalist in San Antonio since June of 2022. Outside the newsroom, he enjoys watching movies and spending time with family.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Trump trial turns ordinary task of jury selection into the extraordinary

Procedures that played out in New York courtroom were banal, but their significance was historic: the first US president facing a criminal trial

Jury duty in America can often be a banal affair, a day spent in a courthouse filling out forms and telling lawyers when you scheduled your next vacation.

But for those New Yorkers summoned to the state courthouse on Monday it was a day when the ordinary had become extraordinary. They arrived to a frenetic scene of loud protest and high security in downtown Manhattan – a sure sign that Donald Trump is yet again in court .

Though the procedures that played out in the courtroom at 100 Centre St were banal, their significance was pure history: the first US president facing criminal charges at trial . And not only that, but at a time when Trump is all but guaranteed to be his party’s nominee for the 2024 presidential election.

Police closed off the block in front of the courthouse to pedestrians, requiring people to show press or court badges to get on to the street to the building. That didn’t stop passersby, including double-decker tour buses heading downtown, from stopping to ogle at the spectacle.

The scene inside the courtroom was much calmer than the crowds that gathered outside the building. Security getting into the building was tight. Trump briefly gave remarks to the small pool of reporters who were allowed to stay in the hallway outside the courtroom.

“This is political persecution, persecution like never before,” Trump said, standing in front of a police barricade, his lawyer Todd Blanche standing beside him. “It’s an assault on America. And that’s why I’m very proud to be here. This is an assault on our country, and it’s a country that’s failing.”

The morning was taken up by proceedings. Judge Juan Merchan declined Trump’s second request that he recuse himself from overseeing the trial. Trump on social media attacked Merchan’s daughter, who worked for a company that assisted the digital campaign of Democratic candidates, and has called the judge biased. The judge also ruled that prosecutors could use certain evidence in the case.

The atmosphere in the courtroom appeared calm, with Trump at times appearing to doze off during proceedings. Much of the courtroom was left empty to allow room for jurors.

Jury selection did not start until later in the afternoon, and if the activity outside the courthouse was any indication, it will take lawyers a few days to select an unbiased group of New Yorkers who will ultimately decide the outcome of the trial.

Outside of the courthouse, multiple news channels were doing wall-to-wall coverage of the trial.

A few people holding what appeared to be jury ID slips – which jurors are sent in the mail and told to bring with them the day they are summoned to court – were let into the line of people entering the building. Some, looking bewildered, stopped to take pictures of the scene before entering the courthouse.

Police shuffled the small groups of protestors, both for and against the former president, who arrived to commemorate the day into Collect Pond Park, a small, concrete park across the street from the courthouse.

“Fuck Joe Biden!” a lone voice chanted the pro-Trump crowd, which was flying a giant “Trump 2024”, shouted.

after newsletter promotion

The conservative activists Laura Loomer and Andrew Giuliani stood among a small crowd of Trump supporters, standing under a Trump 2024 and a flag that read “Trump or Death”. Another person held a “Trump 2028” flag.

“Can you believe the president of the United States has a gag order on him?” Loomer, shouting into a bullhorn, asked the crowd.

“Fire Tish James! Fire Tish James,” Loomer started to chant, referencing the New York attorney general who prosecuted Trump’s fraud trial and is not involved in this hush money trial. “Fire Alvin Bragg! Fire Alvin Bragg! All of them have to go.”

In the scrabble of Trump supporters, a man playing the flute offered renditions of Yankee Doodle and The Star Spangled Banner. A truck embossed with Trump 2024 stickers and bearing four Trump flags circled the streets around the courthouse, appearing to play homemade hip-hop music focused on re-electing Trump.

Meanwhile, a small group of protestors chanting “Trump is not above the law” briefly blocked traffic while holding signs. The same group had also appeared on the first day of Trump’s fraud trial in October, which took place in a courthouse down the street.

Trump entered the courthouse through a side entrance, away from the news cameras and the crowd of supporters. While press would typically be gathered right outside the courthouse, construction scaffolding obscured much of the front of the building.

Though Trump could not greet his supporters when entering the building, he raised a fist to the cameras in the distance before going inside.

• Donald Trump trials
• Donald Trump

Most viewed

FinanceBuzz

16 Most Scenic Double-Decker Bus Rides in the World (#10 Is a Hidden Gem)

Posted: October 11, 2023 | Last updated: October 11, 2023

When you think of a double-decker bus, your mind may automatically jump to London's famed two-floor, red buses — and rightly so. But there are many other incredible double-decker bus tours, where guests can sit in an open-air top floor worldwide. 

You may not be aware of the fun things you can get up to and the amazing sights you can see on these tours all over the world. So step up your travel game and climb aboard these 16 famous double-decker bus tours from around the world.

Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel

Barcelona Bus Turístic – Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona's Bus Turístic is one of several popular double-decker bus tours in the city that lets riders hop on and hop off at dozens of incredible sites.

Audio guides are available in more than a dozen languages (headphones are provided on the bus), and riders can take in everything from La Sagrada Familia to Camp Nou football stadium.

Booking with Bus Turístic on one of your first days in Barcelona can help save money on travel by narrowing down which spots you can devote more time to.

Get expert advice on making more money - sent straight to your inbox.

City Sightseeing Cape Town – Cape Town, South Africa

City Sightseeing’s Cape Town bus tours give passengers access to three different routes, with the hop-on, hop-off buses passing through several major tourist destinations.

Audio tours are available in 15 languages, and the bus loops stop at breathtaking attractions like Table Mountain’s cableway station and the Camps Bay Strip, where riders can check out the stunning beach.

Big Bus Chicago – Chicago, USA

Big Bus is not the only hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus option in the Windy City, but it’s one of the more popular choices.

The tour stops at major attractions throughout the city, like the Chicago Riverwalk, Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), Millennium Park (home of The Bean), and Navy Pier.

6 ways to build a life where you can travel any time you want

Big Bus Dubai – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Big Bus also has an option to explore Dubai on one of their double-decker buses.

Choose from a 24-hour, 48-hour, or five-day hop-on, hop-off ticket and visit the city's stunning landmarks, including Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), Heritage Village, and Palm Jumeirah.

DoDublin – Dublin, Ireland

DoDublin’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour is one of the most popular in Ireland’s capital city. Riders can book 24- or 48-hour passes and check out several of the city’s famed landmarks.

A tour guide will give riders the low-down as they visit top tourist destinations like Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and more.

Edinburgh Tour – Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Tour takes passengers on a big, green bus to many of Scotland’s capital city’s most stunning landmarks — from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The tours begin at Waterloo Place and feature a live guide. Passengers are free to hop on and off at any time while their ticket is active or ride for the duration of the tour (about an hour).

13 legit ways to make extra cash

Big Bus Hong Kong – Hong Kong, China

Big Bus also offers hop-on, hop-off tours of Hong Kong that hit all the major sites — from Victoria Peak and Lan Kwai Fong to Victoria Harbour.

Riders can listen to pre-recorded commentary (available in 10 languages) and choose a 24-hour, 48-hour, or night tour ticket, which includes a stunning nighttime view of the Kowloon Peninsula.

Big Bus Las Vegas – Las Vegas, USA

Big Bus’s Las Vegas tours take riders to all the major sites — from the Strip and the Bellagio fountains to the Downtown District — in their open-air, two-floor buses.

These hop-on, hop-off tours also feature live guides, so riders can be entertained and educated about the area. Riders can buy 24-hour, 48-hour, or night tour tickets.

The Classic Tour – London, England

Naturally, there are many incredible bus tours in London, home of the famed red double-decker buses. The Classic Tour, which packs riders onto a vintage 1960s double-decker Routemaster, is a fan favorite.

The tours feature hilarious live guides and take riders through the city’s top tourist destinations — from Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London to St. Paul’s Cathedral.

9 nearly secret things to do if you fly Southwest

New York Iconic – New York, USA

There are many hop-on, hop-off bus tour options in New York City, but a relatively lesser known, yet still highly rated, option is the big, orange New York Iconic bus tour.

The company offers different tour options — like a Downtown tour, an Uptown tour, or an All City Express tour (that hits hotspots like Grand Central Station and the Plaza Hotel). Many tours also come with a live guide.

France Tourisme – Paris, France

A two-hour tour where riders can listen to commentary in one of five languages, France Tourisme’s Paris double-decker takes passengers to some of the City of Light’s most stunning landmarks.

Riders will be able to enjoy the beauty of the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and the Louvre Museum — and learn about the city’s rich history while doing so.

I Love Rome – Rome, Italy

I Love Rome’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour takes passengers on a hot pink bus to some of the ancient city’s most popular and stunning landmarks.

The open-air bus stops at the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, Vatican City, and more. And with buses running every 15 to 20 minutes, passengers can spend as long as they like at each stop.

5 signs you're doing better financially than the average American

Big Bus San Francisco – San Francisco, USA

Big Bus San Francisco offers several options for tour enthusiasts visiting the Bay Area.

They offer the classic 1- and 2-day hop-on, hop-off tours (which hit the city’s hot spots), options to add a visit to Alcatraz into the ticket price, or a wine tour that takes riders to several Napa Valley wineries.

FunVee – Singapore

Those looking for a fun weekend excursion in Singapore should consider the FunVee bus tour, which offers incredible views of Singapore’s skyline.

The double-decker bus tour runs on Saturdays and Sundays and takes riders past stunning sites like Sri Mariamman Temple, Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay.

Big Bus Sydney – Sydney, Australia

Big Bus also offers several packages for riders in Sydney. Each tour covers the city’s most well-known landmarks — like Darling Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and Bondi Beach.

Some packages include extra excursions, like a pass for the company’s hop-on, hop-off harbor cruise, or admission to attractions like the Sydney Tower Eye.

City Sightseeing Toronto – Toronto, Canada

City Sightseeing offers a great Toronto double-decker bus tour where riders can hop off at more than a dozen prime locations throughout the city.

The bus stops at sites like the Royal Ontario Museum, the famed CN Tower, Queen’s Park, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and more. Consider booking your bus tour with a travel credit card to earn travel rewards while you explore.

Bottom line

A city bus tour is a smart way to get your bearings when visiting somewhere new since you’re paying for transportation to many top tourist destinations in one shot.

The great thing about many of these tours — aside from the very flexible hop-on, hop-off options — is that they’re one of the best smart travel hacks that can save you money. 

Visit one of the tours on this list next time you're visiting one of these terrific locations worldwide. 

More from FinanceBuzz:

• 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know
• 9 things you must do before the next recession.
• Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.
• 9 simple ways to make up to an extra $200/day

More for You

John Oliver Laughs at 'Cluelessness' of CNN Host Pointing Out 1860s Were Bad for Women - to a Black Man

I Did a 25 Day Water Fast. I Lost 20lbs and My Skin Cleared Up

KFC Is Changing Its Menu—Here’s What to Expect

These Are 10 Smells That Cats Absolutely Hate

Keep this line off your resume, says ex-Disney recruiter: ‘There's zero benefit’

Ancient DNA from a 25,000-year-old pendant reveals intriguing details about its wearer

12 Rude Things You Probably Shouldn’t Be Doing at the Grocery Store

19 Common Behaviors of Highly Intelligent People

Ketanji Brown Jackson's New Warning to Supreme Court

28 Trivia Tidbits About Hidden Jokes and References in Pop Culture

Is It Safe To Grill Frozen Hamburger Patties Straight From The Freezer?

Secrets of ancient Herculaneum scroll deciphered by AI

25 human foods you should never give your dog—and 25 foods you can

Burger King's menu adds a new twist on a British classic

Harvard-trained psychologist: If you use any of these 9 phrases every day, ‘you're more emotionally secure than most'

13 Polite Habits Flight Attendants Actually Dislike—and What to Do Instead

I Lost White Friends When I Finally Spoke Out

Read the memo Elon Musk sent Tesla staff announcing that the company is laying off more than 10% of the workforce

The Dangers Of Storing An Extra Propane Tank In Your Shed (& What To Do Instead)

Kale had its moment. Its leafy cousin has more protein and fewer calories