New York: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

If you’re planning a trip to New York and want an easy, flexible way to get your bearings and see the city’s highlights, the Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Big Bus Tours could be just what you’re looking for. We haven’t taken it ourselves, but after digging into the details and reviews, it’s clear this experience offers a practical overview of NYC with plenty of opportunities to customize your day.

What we really like about this tour is its convenience—you can hop off at any stop to explore, then hop back on when you’re ready for the next sight. Plus, the insightful digital commentary makes it easier to understand what you’re seeing, especially if you’re new to the city. On the flip side, some might find the bus frequency varies depending on the route, and the full experience can feel a bit rushed if you’re trying to see everything in one day.

This tour tends to suit first-time visitors, travelers with limited time, or those who prefer a straightforward way to orient themselves. If you’re comfortable with a bit of bus riding and want to avoid the hassle of navigating NYC on your own, this could be a good fit. Now, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect along the route.

• Flexible sightseeing: Hop on or off at any stop, exploring landmarks at your own pace
• Informative commentary: Digital audio guides in multiple languages provide context—some reviews mention the humor and helpfulness of drivers and guides
• Great views from the open-top bus: Perfect for sightseeing and photos, especially on sunny days
• Route options: Downtown and Uptown loops, each lasting around 75-90 minutes, with buses every 10-30 minutes
• Affordable price: Around $44 per person for 24, 48, or 72-hour access, offering good value for a comprehensive tour
• Additional perks: Digital walking tours and a mobile app for real-time updates and directions
• Limitations: No hotel pickup/drop-off, and some may find the commentary cheesy or outdated
• Ideal for: First-time visitors who want a broad overview, or anyone short on time

Starting Point and Booking

The meeting point depends on your ticket option, but you can redeem vouchers at Stop #1, like the popular M&M World. Booking is straightforward, and many reviews note that pre-purchasing online makes the process smooth—though others mention that buying tickets on the street can be just as easy and sometimes cheaper.

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a clean, open-top double-decker bus ready to whisk you around the city. The digital commentary is accessible via souvenir earbuds, offering insights in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, and more. Many reviewers have complimented the helpful, sometimes humorous guides, which make the ride more engaging.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Route and Stops: The Heart of NYC

Downtown Loop (Approx. 90 minutes)

This route covers the classic Lower Manhattan sights. You’ll pass Wall Street, see the iconic Charging Bull, and get a glimpse of Broadway. The Battery Park stop offers a view of the Statue of Liberty, and many choose to hop off here for closer visits or even a cruise around Liberty Island. Some reviews praise the views from the bus, noting the open-top design makes photos easy, especially when the weather’s clear.

Uptown Loop (Approx. 75 minutes)

Taking you through Midtown and uptown neighborhoods, this route features landmarks like Grand Central Terminal, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Uptown Loop provides an excellent overview of NYC’s cultural hubs. Reviews mention that the buses run every 30 minutes on this route, so planning your day around their schedule is helpful.

Special Stops: Museums and Memorials

You’ll have the chance to explore Museum Mile, with stops near the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Frick Collection. The tour also takes you to 9/11 Memorial just steps from the original Twin Towers site, offering a poignant stop for reflection.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Buses and Commentary

Many travelers note that buses are clean and well-maintained and that the schedule is generally reliable. The commentary is often described as informative and engaging, although some mention the narration can be cheesy or slightly dated. One review suggested that drivers could be clearer about announcing stops, which might help avoid confusion.

Hop Off and Explore

One of the key benefits of this tour is the freedom to hop off at any stop. You might choose to spend extra time at the Empire State Building, stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge, or explore the vibrant neighborhoods of SoHo or Greenwich Village.

Special Features

• The view of the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park is a highlight. Some reviews mention that you can also opt for a cruise on Liberty Island, which the ticket can accommodate.
• The Observation Decks like The Edge or Top of the Rock are nearby, offering stunning skyline views if you want to extend your sightseeing.
• The digital walking tours included (if selected) give you a self-guided exploration option around key districts.

Duration and Frequency

The full circuits take around 75 to 90 minutes, with buses arriving every 10-15 minutes on the Downtown route and every 30 minutes Uptown. Many guests find doing one full loop first helps get a sense of the city, then hopping off to explore specific areas in more detail.

Price and Value

At around $44 per person for 24, 48, or even 72 hours of access, this tour offers solid value. Considering the cost of individual tickets to attractions like the Empire State Building or the Met, it’s a budget-friendly way to see many sites in one go. Plus, the flexibility means you can pick and choose what interests you most without feeling rushed.

Based on reviews, guests love the knowledgeable guides, with some describing the drivers as funny, helpful, and engaging. Several mention the stunning views from the top deck—a real treat on a sunny day. Others appreciate the ease of navigation and the ability to customize their experience by hopping on and off.

A few downsides include bus frequency issues, especially on the Uptown route, and some outdated narration. One review suggested that calling out stop numbers would be a helpful addition for clarity.

Many travelers also pointed out the value for money, especially for short stays. For example, a 2-day pass was considered just right for seeing most of the city comfortably.

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview without the stress of navigating public transportation or hailing taxis. If you have limited time and want to see iconic sites like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Brooklyn Bridge, this provides a solid starting point.

It’s also great for those who prefer a relaxed, guided experience rather than walking long distances or planning multiple individual tickets. If you’re traveling with older children or teens, they’ll likely enjoy the open-top ride and the views, though this isn’t specifically tailored for families.

The New York Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Big Bus Tours is a practical, cost-effective way to get acquainted with one of the world’s most exciting cities. The ability to hop off and explore at your own pace, combined with informative commentary and stunning vistas from the open-top bus, make it a popular choice for many travelers.

While it’s not perfect—occasional delays, cheesy narration, and a busy rush to see everything in a short time—these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a reliable and enjoyable experience. It’s especially well-suited for first-timers, solo travelers, or those on a tight schedule who want to maximize their time without the hassle of navigating New York’s busy streets on foot or by subway.

If you’re looking for a straightforward way to get a lay of the land and see the city’s highlights from a vantage point, this tour offers solid value and a fun way to start your NYC adventure.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While it’s not specifically designed as a family tour, many travelers with children or teenagers enjoy the open-top ride and the freedom to hop on and off. Always consider the length of the day and your kids’ patience levels.

How long do the buses run?
The Downtown Loop runs from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and the Uptown Loop from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. These times give you a good idea of the touring hours, but buses come every 10-30 minutes, so plan your day accordingly.

Can I buy tickets on the day of?
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the stops, such as Stop #1 at M&M World, but booking online in advance is often more convenient and sometimes offers discounts.

What languages are available for the audio commentary?
The commentary is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.

Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour buses are wheelchair accessible, making it easier for travelers with mobility needs.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, the tour does not offer hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to make your way to the designated meeting points.

What’s the best way to maximize the experience?
We recommend taking a full loop at the start to get your bearings, then hopping off at the places you want to explore more thoroughly, such as museums, parks, or neighborhoods.

How often do the buses run?
On the Downtown route, buses arrive every 10-15 minutes, while on the Uptown route, they run every 30 minutes throughout the day.

Is the narration outdated or cheesy?
Some reviews mention the narration can feel cheesy or a bit dated, but overall, it’s informative enough to give good context about major sights.

This hop-on hop-off tour hits the sweet spot for many travelers looking for a flexible, informative, and scenic way to see New York City without the fuss. It’s a reliable choice, especially if you want a quick overview that you can tailor to your own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: