If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple, chances are you want to see as much as possible without feeling overwhelmed. We’ve come across a pretty popular option that combines two iconic NYC experiences—the Empire State Building and a comprehensive hop-on hop-off bus tour—and it’s worth sharing some honest insights. This package offers a flexible way to explore the city’s highlights, especially if you’re keen on panoramic views and discovering neighborhoods at your own pace.
What really caught our eye are the stunning vistas from the Empire State Building and the extensive route coverage of over 40 stops on the open-top bus. Plus, the digital audio guides add a layer of storytelling that makes sightseeing more engaging. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour doesn’t include entry to the Empire State Building’s 102nd floor or the Statue of Liberty, so if those are musts, you’ll need to plan separately.
This combo is particularly suited for first-timers or those who want a comprehensive yet flexible introduction to NYC. It’s also a solid choice if you’re conscious of budget and want to maximize your time without rushing through landmarks.
Key Points
- Flexible Duration: 48 hours to hop on and off as you like, covering most of Manhattan and beyond.
- Great Views: The Empire State Building ticket grants access to the 86th floor with panoramic city views.
- Extensive Route: Over 40 stops, including major sights like Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, and Wall Street.
- Expert Audio Guides: Available in multiple languages, adding context to your sightseeing.
- Cost-Effective: Bundled at $105 per person, which offers good value compared to buying separately.
- Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive.
What to Expect from This Tour Experience
The Empire State Building Visit
This part of the experience is a highlight, especially for first-time visitors. Standing atop the Empire State Building’s 86th floor, you’ll get breathtaking views of the NYC skyline, from the Hudson River to Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. It’s a classic stop that never loses its appeal, and many reviews praise the “fantastisch” views that truly justify the visit. Andreas from Germany even called it “hervorragend organisiert und super nett,” which hints at a smooth experience.
Keep in mind, your ticket is for the 86th floor only, so if you’re hoping to access the 102nd, that’s an extra. Still, the views from the 86th are more than enough for most visitors, and standing on such an iconic skyscraper is a thrill. The timing can be key—try to go early or late to avoid peak crowds, especially in summer.
The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ride
The second component is your ticket for the 48-hour Big Bus tour, which covers both Downtown and Uptown loops. The open-top double-decker buses are a great way to get an overview of the city at your own pace. You can hop off at any stop to explore landmarks, then jump back on when you’re ready. With over 40 stops including Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, Chinatown, and Wall Street, you’ll find it easy to tailor your day.
The digital audio commentary is a nice touch—available in multiple languages—which helps bring context and history to what you’re seeing. Many travelers appreciate the convenience of live bus tracking via the app, making it simple to know when the next bus will arrive.
The Route and Stops
The route covers the city’s most famous neighborhoods and sights. You’ll pass through areas like the Flatiron District, Bryant Park, SoHo, and Little Italy, plus the financial district and Battery Park. The Brooklyn Bridge stop offers a perfect photo opportunity, and the Wall Street stop is great for a quick look at NYC’s financial heart.
The stops are well spread out, so you can spend more time wandering neighborhoods or enjoying a quick snack. Plus, the buses run during operating hours, so you can plan your day accordingly.
More Great Tours NearbyAdditional Options and Inclusions
If you opt for the Statue of Liberty ferry (which is an extra), that’s an excellent way to see the Statue up close. The combo includes the ferry if you choose that option, but note that it doesn’t include entry into the Statue of Liberty itself—just the ferry ride. The tour also includes a helpful Big Bus app, so you have routing info and live updates at your fingertips.
Price and Value
At $105 per person, this package offers good value, especially considering the separate costs of tickets for individual attractions like the Empire State Building and hop-on-hop-off tours. The bundle saves you around 25-30%, which is attractive for budget-conscious travelers. Remember, the ticket is valid for 48 hours after activation, giving you plenty of flexibility.
What Could Be Better?
A slight downside is that the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point at 7th Ave & W 48th St or activate your ticket via the app at any stop. Also, without entry to the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building or the Liberty Island, some might find it limiting if those are top priorities.
How It All Comes Together
This combo tour balances sightseeing and flexibility in a way that many travelers find appealing. The stunning views from the Empire State Building are a highlight, providing a sense of awe that’s hard to beat. Meanwhile, the hop-on hop-off bus allows you to explore at your own pace, making it suitable for people who prefer a relaxed, unhurried approach.
With a multitude of stops and an engaging audio guide, you’ll learn a bit about NYC’s neighborhoods and history without feeling like you’re on a rushed tour. The open-top buses also mean you get to enjoy the city’s energy and sights from a perfect vantage point—something we think many visitors cherish.
While it might not satisfy those looking for comprehensive, in-depth access to every landmark (like the Statue of Liberty or Empire State’s upper floors), it offers a fantastic overview of the city’s highlights with plenty of flexibility.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of NYC. It’s also good for travelers on a budget who prefer to explore on their own schedule rather than fixed, guided tours. Those who love panoramic city views and enjoy discovering neighborhoods at a leisurely pace will find it especially rewarding.
If you’re short on time but want to see the major sights and enjoy a memorable view from one of the city’s most famous skyscrapers, this package fits the bill. It also works well for travelers who appreciate digital guides and the convenience of hopping on and off multiple times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, children under 3 can travel for free. The hop-on hop-off bus is generally accessible, but check specific needs if your child uses a wheelchair.
Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your tickets ahead of time, especially during peak seasons. You can activate your ticket via the Big Bus app or at the designated meeting point.
Can I use the same ticket for both days?
Yes, your 48-hour ticket is valid during operating hours for two days after the first use, giving you flexibility to split sightseeing across different days.
Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, it doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point or activate your ticket at any stop.
Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.
What’s the best time to visit the Empire State Building?
For fewer crowds, try visiting early in the morning or late in the evening. Weather can also impact visibility, so clear days are ideal for views.
What’s included in the ticket?
Your ticket includes entry to the Empire State Building’s 86th floor, a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour, digital audio commentary, and the option for a Statue of Liberty ferry if selected.
What’s not included?
Entry to the Empire State’s 102nd floor and access to the Statue of Liberty monument are not included. Also, there’s no hotel pickup.
How reliable are the bus schedules and route info?
Thanks to the live tracking via the Big Bus app, you can generally plan your stops efficiently. Buses run during operating hours, but wait times can vary.
NYC: Empire State Building & 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Final Thoughts
This combined tour offers a practical way to see many of New York City’s most famous sights with the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The views from the Empire State Building are undeniably spectacular, and the hop-on hop-off bus route ensures you won’t miss out on neighborhoods beyond Midtown.
If you want a good balance of iconic experiences and local flavor, and you’re comfortable organizing some activities on your own, this package might be just right. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate the convenience of digital guides and value having 48 hours to soak in the city’s energy.
While it’s not a comprehensive pass to everything NYC offers, it’s a smart, budget-friendly way to make your visit memorable and visually stunning. Just plan ahead to maximize your time, and you’ll come away with plenty of unforgettable sights and stories.
Feel free to reach out if you want more tips on navigating NYC or picking the perfect sightseeing options for your trip!
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