NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, & Hop-on Hop-off (Save 25%)

Exploring New York City with this bundled tour offers a convenient way to see many of the Big Apple’s iconic sights without the hassle of individual bookings. If you’re short on time or prefer a structured, flexible approach to sightseeing, this package might be appealing. It combines two hop-on, hop-off bus routes with tickets to the Empire State Building observation deck and the Statue of Liberty ferry, providing a comprehensive snapshot of NYC’s highlights.

We like the flexibility of being able to hop on and off at key landmarks—perfect if you want to take your time at certain spots. The included tickets to the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty ferry are definite pluses, saving you both money and planning time. On the flip side, some reviews point out issues with organization and service quality, so it’s not a flawless experience.

This tour works best for travelers seeking an overview of NYC in a day or two, especially those who prefer not to navigate the city independently or worry about booking each attraction separately. If you’re comfortable with some variability in service and are mainly looking for a broad, easy way to tick off major sights, this might be worth considering.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing with hop-on, hop-off bus routes across downtown and uptown NYC.
• Includes essential attractions—Empire State Building observation deck and Statue of Liberty ferry tickets.
• Great for quick, rundown of NYC’s most famous landmarks.
• Potential issues with organization and service quality, as some travelers have experienced delays or confusion.
• Good value for the price when considering combined access to multiple sites.
• Not suitable for those needing interior monument access or highly personalized guides.

A Practical Look at the Tour Experience

Planning your day in New York City can be overwhelming, especially with so many iconic sites packed into a small area. This tour aims to cut through the chaos by bundling key experiences into one ticket, allowing you to maximize your limited time. For about $135 per person, you’re getting access to two bus routes, the Empire State Building’s observation deck, and ferry rides to Liberty and Ellis Islands. That’s quite a bit of sightseeing in a single package, and if you plan your schedule wisely, it can be an efficient way to cover a lot of ground.

The Bus Routes: Downtown and Uptown

You’ll get two separate bus loops, each offering a different perspective of the city. The downtown route takes you through areas like Wall Street, the World Trade Center, and the Statue of Liberty, while the uptown loop explores Midtown, Central Park, and attractions like Carnegie Hall and the Met.

Travelers have praised the concept of being able to hop on and off, which allows for spontaneous exploration or rest periods. One reviewer said, “It does precisely what it says. The tour bus stops at all the important landmarks. No problems rejoining later on in the day and there seemed to be a regular flow of buses resulting in less lost time.” The audio commentary, available in multiple languages, adds context to each stop, making the journey more informative.

The Stops and Itinerary

The stops are plentiful and well-placed. You can expect to see classic sights like Times Square, Flatiron Building, Chinatown, Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, and Trinity Church. The inclusion of Pier 57 and Hudson Yards adds some modern flair, alongside more traditional landmarks.

When it comes to the Statue of Liberty, the ferry ticket is a definite perk. The ferry departs from Battery Park, and you’ll receive round-trip tickets to Liberty and Ellis Islands. The experience includes an audio tour, which adds a layer of storytelling to your visit. Keep in mind, interior access to the monument or museum isn’t included, so if you want to climb up the pedestal or crown, you’d need additional tickets.

The Empire State Building

The ticket grants you access to the observation deck, one of NYC’s most iconic viewpoints. You’ll need to pre-book a time and date through a provided link or by talking to staff at Stop #1, which is straightforward enough. The views from up top give you a panoramic look over Manhattan, and, as one reviewer noted, “the experience is worth it for the view alone.”

What Travelers Say About the Experience

Overall reviews are mixed. Many appreciate the value, with one quoting, “This package deal was completely worth it!” Others, however, have expressed frustrations:

• “Lots of hassle, lots of time and money wasted,” said one reviewer, highlighting issues with organization and service.
• Several reviews mention delays, confusing instructions, or poor communication—especially around ferry timing and bus stops.
• One traveler pointed out that the buses lack air conditioning, which can make the experience uncomfortable during hot summer days.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• All-in-one ticket saves money and planning effort.
• Flexible hop-on, hop-off buses allow you to explore at your own pace.
• Access to famous landmarks like the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty.
• Audio commentary enriches your understanding of each site.
• Most travelers find the value worthwhile, especially with the included attractions.

Cons:

• Some reviews report logistical issues, like buses running late or confusing stops.
• The buses lack air conditioning, which can be a problem in summer.
• Limited access—interior monument/museum access to Statue of Liberty is not included.
• Customer service experiences vary, with some travelers feeling they didn’t receive the support or clarity expected.
• Pricing can seem steep when compared to individual tickets bought locally or cheaper alternatives.

What to Expect During Your Day

You’ll likely start at one of the designated stops, redeem your tickets, and hop onto a bus that takes you along either the downtown or uptown loop. With approximately every hour on each route, you’ll have ample opportunity to explore stops at your leisure, snap photos, or grab a quick bite. The audio commentary is played throughout, so even as you’re riding, you’ll learn about the landmarks passing by.

When you reach the Empire State Building, you’ll head inside to the observation deck—expect breathtaking views and a chance to see the city skyline stretch in every direction. Afterward, you can return to the bus and choose to explore more neighborhoods or hop off at your favorite spots.

The ferry ride to Liberty Island is a highlight, especially if you’re interested in the Statue of Liberty’s story. The audio tour on the ferry provides background, making the experience richer, though you should be aware that interior access to the statue or museum isn’t included.

Real Review Insights

Many travelers have shared their experiences. “Enjoyed the Downtown Loop, Empire State visit and Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry. Wanda at Stop 1 took care of booking our Empire and Ferry dates,” said one happy customer. Conversely, a few others highlighted issues, like difficulties finding stops or bus delays, which can diminish the overall experience if not managed well.

The Price and Overall Value

At $135 per person, considering the combined access to several key sites, the package offers decent value—especially for first-time visitors who want an overview. However, some reviews say that the experience can feel rushed or disorganized, and that additional costs or waiting times can detract from the enjoyment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is well-suited for visitors who want to maximize their sightseeing with minimal planning, or those who prefer guided transportation and a set itinerary. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but still want to see major sights like the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty.

However, if you’re someone who values personalized, in-depth experiences or interior access to landmarks, you might find this package limiting. Also, travelers visiting during hot summer days should consider the lack of air conditioning — it can turn a pleasant ride into a sweaty ordeal.

Final Thoughts

This combined ticket to NYC’s highlights offers considerable convenience, especially for first-time visitors or those who prefer the comfort of guided transportation and bundled tickets. The hop-on hop-off buses give flexibility, letting you explore neighborhoods at your own pace, while the tickets to the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty add major landmarks to your itinerary with minimal fuss.

That said, the experience isn’t without flaws. Some travelers have faced issues with logistics, communication, and comfort, which can influence your overall impression. It’s worth keeping in mind that the buses lack air conditioning and some aspects of organization can be improved.

Ultimately, this tour package is a practical choice for broad sightseeing and saving money on multiple attractions, but it’s best for those who are adaptable and don’t mind a bit of unpredictability.

FAQ

Do I need to pre-book a time to visit the Empire State Building?
Yes, you’ll need to pre-book your visit through the provided link or with staff at Stop #1 before heading to the observation deck.

Is the ferry ticket to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island included?
Yes, round-trip ferry tickets are part of the package, but interior monument or museum access is not.

How often do the buses run on these routes?
Approximately every hour on both the Downtown and Uptown loops, giving you time to plan your stops.

Where can I redeem my tickets?
You can redeem your digital or printed tickets at any of the designated bus stops listed in the itinerary.

Are the buses accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible with lifts that can handle up to 650 pounds.

What if I encounter delays or issues during my trip?
Some reviews mention delays or confusion, so it’s wise to allow extra time and use the tour’s app or live guides for updates.

In the end, this tour offers a straightforward, budget-friendly way to see the essentials in NYC, but it’s not without some caveats. If you’re flexible, patient, and looking for a broad overview, it’s a solid choice. Just be prepared for the occasional hiccup and plan accordingly.