Big Bus NYC: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

Thinking about cramming as much of New York City as possible into a day or two? The Big Bus NYC hop-on-hop-off tour is a common choice for travelers wanting to tick off major landmarks without the hassle of navigating subway maps or rushing from place to place. It’s designed to give you the freedom to explore at your own pace, with open-air buses that let you soak in the city sights comfortably.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the flexibility to hop on and off at key spots in Manhattan and Brooklyn means you can tailor your day to your interests. Second, the audio commentary adds context and stories behind the landmarks, making your ride both scenic and informative. But, like any touring experience, there are some caveats—mainly that the buses run about once an hour, which can mean waiting around, especially during peak times.

This tour works best for those who want a broad overview of NYC in a relaxed way, without feeling rushed. If you’re comfortable with some waiting and are mainly interested in seeing the highlights rather than a super in-depth exploration, this could be a good fit. But if you’re after a smoother, more seamless experience, or traveling with very young kids, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons.

Key Points

• Flexible hop-on-hop-off access gives full control over your sightseeing schedule
• Audio commentary enriches your understanding of NYC’s iconic landmarks
• Multiple route options (Downtown, Uptown, Brooklyn) allow for customized experiences
• Duration options range from 24 to 72 hours, offering flexibility for different trip lengths
• Buses run approximately every hour, so patience may be needed during busy times
• No hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your start point accordingly

What to Expect from the Big Bus NYC Tour

When considering this tour, it’s important to understand how it works day-to-day. You buy a ticket (starting at $60 per person), either online or at designated stops, and then simply show your mobile or printed voucher to board. The tour is built around two main routes—Downtown and Uptown—with options to upgrade for additional routes like Brooklyn.

Once aboard, you’re treated to open-air views from the double-decker bus, which is especially enjoyable on nice days. The audio guide, available in multiple languages, shares stories about each landmark, offering a layer of context that transforms a simple ride into an educational experience.

You can choose from different ticket durations—24, 48, or 72 hours—depending on how much of the city you want to see. For example, the 24-hour Downtown-only pass might suit a quick overview, while the longer tickets unlock Brooklyn tours and extra self-guided options.

The beauty of this setup is the freedom to hop off when a spot catches your eye. Want to linger at Battery Park? No problem. Feel like skipping the Empire State Building? You can stay on or hop off elsewhere. This flexibility is a big plus, especially if you want to avoid sticking to a rigid schedule.

The Itinerary in Detail

Downtown Route Highlights

The Downtown loop takes you through the heart of Manhattan’s most famous sights. Your first stop is at M&M’S New York on 7th Ave & W 48th St, a fun, colorful start to your tour. From there, you’ll head to Times Square, where the flashing billboards and bustling energy create an electrifying atmosphere. It’s a classic spot that’s hard to miss.

Next, the Empire State Building at 5th Ave & W 32nd St offers that iconic skyline view, perfect for snapping photos or just marveling at the Art Deco architecture. The tour often mentions that the narration includes interesting bits about the building’s history.

The Flatiron District at 5th Ave & W 23rd St is a favorite for many, with its unique triangular shape and surrounding shops. It’s a great spot for photos or grabbing a quick bite. The SoHo area, with its cobblestone streets and boutique stores, is another highlight—an ideal place to hop off if you want to browse.

Moving into Chinatown and Little Italy, the vibrant street life and diverse food scene are immersive. Walking off here gives you a taste of NYC’s multicultural neighborhoods.

Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge at Park Row & Beekman St offers stunning skyline views—probably the most photographed part of the tour. It’s a moment that many reviewers have loved, emphasizing the chance to enjoy the city from a different perspective.

The Wall Street stop at the Financial District introduces you to the world of finance and historic landmarks like the New York Stock Exchange. Nearby, the Statue of Liberty stop isn’t directly at the statue but offers a convenient point for photo ops at Trinity Church and surrounding parks.

Finally, the World Trade Center area at Vesey St & Church St is both sobering and inspiring, with the 9/11 Memorial and One World Observatory nearby.

Uptown & Beyond

Up the route, the buses take you past Pier 57 and Hudson Yards, showing the newer developments in Manhattan’s west side. The Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises stop in Midtown offers options for additional boat tours, if you want to extend your exploration.

Longer Routes & Extras

The longer tickets include access to Brooklyn and DUMBO, with some options offering walking tours and self-guided Vox Tours. These extras can add depth and fun, especially if you’re keen to explore beyond the bus.

What Do Real Travelers Say?

Reviews paint a mixed picture. Many praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views, with comments like “Very interesting and made the whole trip enjoyable,” and “The narration was very informative.” Several note the ease of buying tickets and how the routes help plan their day.

However, some reviews mention frustrations—long waits (about an hour for buses during peak times), disorganized staff, and inconsistent service. One traveler shared, “Very few stops… recorded narration… last half of the downtown ride was simply a ride up the highway.” Others experienced issues with ticketing, like losing paper tickets or unexpected charges.

A recurring theme is that patience is key. If you’re willing to wait for buses, you’ll get a good overview of the city. If fast-paced, seamless transportation is your priority, this might be a bit of a challenge.

The Practical Side: Price and Value

At $60 per person for a single ticket, this tour isn’t cheap, but it can be economical considering it includes unlimited hop-on-hop-off access within your chosen time frame, plus extras if you upgrade. The value really depends on how much you plan to see and how comfortable you are with waiting times. Some travelers feel they get good value—especially if it helps them navigate the city efficiently—while others think it’s only OK given the frequency issues and occasional staff rudeness.

Remember, it’s a self-guided experience with audio commentary, so you’re in control of your pace. The ability to hop off at key landmarks makes it a flexible way to see many sights without rushing.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is a solid choice for first-time visitors who want an overview of NYC’s main attractions without the hassle of public transportation or figuring out complex routes. It’s also suitable for travelers who enjoy open-air sightseeing and are happy with some waiting time.

If you’re traveling lightly or with people who prefer a more structured, guided tour, this could work well. However, if you’re on a tight schedule, or if you dislike waiting or large crowds, look into other options or consider private tours.

Final Thoughts

The Big Bus NYC hop-on-hop-off tour offers a convenient way to see the city’s highlights while allowing you to control your own experience. Its biggest strengths are the wide coverage of routes and the informative audio guides that bring landmarks to life. It’s a flexible, relaxed way to get your bearings in Manhattan and beyond.

However, it’s not perfect. The hourly bus schedule can test your patience, and some reviews point to disorganized staff or long waits. If you’re prepared for some delays and enjoy a laid-back touring style, this could be a good addition to your NYC plans.

Ultimately, this tour suits travelers seeking flexibility and broad coverage—perfect for first-timers or those wanting a stress-free way to familiarize themselves with the city’s most famous sights. Just plan ahead for waits, and you’ll be able to enjoy this open-air adventure in the vibrant streets of New York.

FAQs

How often does a bus arrive at each stop during the Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Tour?
Buses typically arrive about once an hour on both the Downtown and Uptown routes, so you might need to wait a bit during busy periods.

Do I have to go to a central location to redeem my ticket?
No, you can redeem your mobile or paper voucher at any of the designated stops along the routes, making it quite convenient.

How long is a full circle ride without getting off?
Each route takes approximately 90 minutes for a complete loop, although this can vary depending on traffic and season.

How do I know which stops to use during the tour?
The onboard audio commentary and the Big Bus app provide details on upcoming stops. The app also tracks buses in real-time, helping you plan your day.

Is the bus accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped with lifts that can accommodate up to 650 pounds. Just let them know in advance.

Can I bring pets on the bus?
Only service animals are permitted onboard. Pets are not allowed.

Can I eat or drink on the bus?
No food or alcohol is allowed, but non-alcoholic drinks in screw-top bottles are okay.

Can I bring luggage?
Luggage isn’t permitted onboard, so plan accordingly if you’re carrying bags.

In all, the Big Bus NYC hop-on-hop-off tour is a practical, flexible way to see many of the city’s highlights, especially if you’re okay with some waiting and a bit of unpredictability. With good planning, it can serve as an excellent introduction to New York, helping you identify which neighborhoods or landmarks you want to explore more deeply later on.