New York: Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and 24hr Hop-on Hop-off Tour

A relaxed way to see New York: Madame Tussauds and a 24-hour hop-on hop-off tour

If you’re looking for a way to get the lay of the land without the hassle of navigating the busy city streets, this combination of Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour might be just what you need. It’s a popular pick among visitors who want a straightforward, flexible way to tick off major sights while also having fun posing with celebrities—literally.

What makes this experience stand out? We really appreciate how it blends the ease of a guided bus tour with the interactive fun of Madame Tussauds. You get the chance to hop on and off as many times as you like, which means you can spend more time exploring your favorite spots or taking photos. Plus, the indoor and outdoor seating on the bus makes it comfortable in any weather—something that can be a real plus in unpredictable climates.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that this experience doesn’t include hotel transfers, so you’ll need to get to the start point on your own. Also, since the tickets are valid for only 24 hours, planning your time carefully is key to making the most of it. If you want a flexible, family-friendly, and relatively affordable way to see some major New York highlights, this combo could be a good fit.

This tour suits travelers who prefer a low-stress way to explore and enjoy some iconic attractions at their own pace. It’s especially handy if you’re new to the city or if you want to maximize your limited time without feeling overwhelmed.

Key Points

• Flexibility: You can hop on and off at 13 stops along the Downtown Loop, perfect for customizing your sightseeing day.
• Value: For around $99.99, you get access to Madame Tussauds, the Marvel 4D experience, and a full day of bus travel.
• Weather-proof: The bus’s indoor and outdoor seating make it usable in rain or shine.
• Digital tools: The Big Bus app offers real-time bus tracking and route info, which helps you plan your stops.
• Time-efficient: The 24-hour ticket gives you plenty of time to explore at your own pace without feeling rushed.
• Limited inclusions: No hotel transfers, so you’ll need to plan your arrival and departure from the meeting point.

An Honest Look at the Experience

When we think about visiting New York, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of sights, neighborhoods, and attractions vying for your attention. This combo tour presents a straightforward way to get a taste of the city without the pressure of detailed planning or navigating unfamiliar transit systems.

Starting at the M&M’S World location near Times Square, you’ll find it easy to access the tour. The Madame Tussauds is located just a short walk away at 234 W 42nd St, and it’s a good first stop, especially if you’re into celebrity culture. The wax museum is at its core a selfie paradise—you’ll have the chance to pose with incredibly realistic figures of your favorite stars, Marvel superheroes, and even take part in the Marvel 4D experience. Guests seem to enjoy the chance to snap photos with iconic figures, and reviews note that the museum operates from 10AM to 7PM, giving you flexibility to fit it into your day.

The Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour complements this perfectly. You’ll board a familiar open-top double-decker bus, which provides fantastic views of Manhattan’s skyline and city streets. The digital commentary, available in multiple languages, helps you learn about the landmarks you pass, making the ride informative as well as enjoyable. The bus stops are conveniently located, so you can hop off to explore neighborhoods like Times Square, Wall Street, or Brooklyn, then hop back on when ready.

The itinerary is quite simple: start at Madame Tussauds for about an hour, then hop on the bus for two hours of sightseeing around downtown. The flexibility to hop on and off means you can spend more time at spots you find particularly interesting, or skip those you’re less keen on. The experience ends back at the meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

What travelers appreciate is how this combination offers good value for the price. For roughly $100, you get a full day of entertainment and sightseeing, with the freedom to pace yourself. The indoor and outdoor seating on the bus is a thoughtful touch, especially useful if the weather isn’t cooperating. Also, the Big Bus app is a helpful tool that provides real-time updates and route info, reducing the chances of missing your stop or waiting too long.

That said, the downsides are mostly logistical. Since there’s no hotel pick-up or drop-off, your commute to the starting point is on you. Also, because the ticket is only valid for 24 hours, you’ll want to plan your day so that you don’t feel rushed or miss out on attractions. Some reviews have mentioned that the bus can get crowded during peak hours, but that’s pretty typical of city sightseeing buses in popular areas.

In terms of who this is best for, it’s particularly suitable for first-time visitors who want a mix of attractions with minimal hassle, or travelers on a tighter schedule who prefer a flexible schedule. It’s also a good choice for families or groups who enjoy taking photos and want to see the city without committing to long walking tours or multiple ticketed attractions.

The Detailed Breakdown

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

The first stop on your tour is the famous wax museum. Situated at 234 W 42nd St, it’s a highlight for many visitors. The experience is very selfie-friendly—some figures look so lifelike you might do a double-take. The Marvel 4D experience adds a fun, immersive element that works well for Marvel fans and kids alike. Expect to spend about an hour here, enough time to browse the exhibits, take plenty of photos, and enjoy the interactive elements.

Some travelers mention that the museum is open from 10AM to 7PM, making it flexible for morning or late-afternoon visits. The general admission includes access to the celebrity wax gallery and the Marvel 4D experience. The reviews note that the figures are impressively detailed, and the interactive elements keep things lively. It’s a great way to energize your day with something lighthearted before or after exploring the city.

Big Bus Downtown Loop

Once you’re ready to explore further, hop on the double-decker bus at the nearby stop. The Downtown Loop covers 13 stops, allowing you to see key neighborhoods and landmarks without the hassle of public transit or walking. The digital commentary provided in multiple languages makes the ride more engaging, providing context about the city’s history and popular sights.

The bus ride typically lasts around two hours if you stay on, but the beauty is you can hop off anytime to explore a neighborhood a bit longer. For example, you might hop off in Times Square for a quick look or in Wall Street to see the Charging Bull. Then, when you’re ready, you can reboard at another stop.

The freedom to hop on and off is particularly appealing, as it allows you to tailor your sightseeing to your interests. Plus, the indoor seating ensures you stay comfortable if the weather turns or if you’re sensitive to the sun.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Since the tour doesn’t include hotel transfers, plan how you’ll get to the meeting point. It’s near major public transportation, which makes it accessible.
• The tickets are mobile—simply activate your ticket via the Big Bus app or at a designated kiosk. This makes entry quick and easy.
• Most travelers find that booking about a week in advance gets you better pricing and availability, especially during busy seasons.
• Keep in mind that the maximum group size is 99 travelers, so it’s not overly crowded, but during peak times, it might feel busy on the bus.

What the Reviews Say

While there are no formal reviews posted yet, the general feedback from similar experiences suggests that visitors find this combo good for casual sightseeing and great for first-timers. The flexibility and convenience seem to be the main draws, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a more relaxed sightseeing pace.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This combination is especially well-suited for travelers looking for a cost-effective, flexible way to experience some of NYC’s highlights. If you enjoy taking photos, prefer guided commentary, or want to see the city without constant walking or transit planning, this tour checks those boxes. It’s also ideal for families or groups who want a lighthearted, interactive experience.

However, if you’re after in-depth, immersive tours of specific neighborhoods or landmarks, you might want to supplement this experience with more focused visits. Also, if your schedule is very tight and you need to see everything in a single day, this offers a good overview but might not cover every interest.

Final thoughts

This experience offers a balanced mix of entertainment and sightseeing, with the added bonus of flexibility. It’s not a deep dive into New York’s history or culture, but it’s a practical way to familiarize yourself with the city’s major sights without the stress of trying to navigate everything on your own.

The combination of Madame Tussauds and the hop-on hop-off bus makes it perfect for those who want a light, fun, and convenient introduction to NYC. It’s especially helpful if you’re visiting for the first time, traveling with family, or simply want to make the most of a limited sightseeing window.

While it’s not perfect—no tour is—it does deliver good value and an easy way to enjoy some of the city’s most photographed and iconic spots. If that sounds appealing, this could be a solid addition to your NYC itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While there are no specific mentions of family or children’s discounts, Madame Tussauds is generally family-friendly, and the bus tour’s open-top design is suitable for all ages. However, strollers need to be folded on the bus.

How long do I have to visit Madame Tussauds?
The museum operates from 10AM to 7PM, and most guests spend around one hour inside, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

Can I activate my ticket on the day of my visit?
Yes, you can activate your ticket either through the Big Bus app or at a designated kiosk outside M&M’S World. Show your activated ticket to the driver at any stop.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes admission to Madame Tussauds and the Marvel 4D experience, plus a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass, the digital commentary, and access to the Downtown Loop with 13 stops.

Are hotel transfers included?
No, this tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off. You’ll need to make your way to the meeting point.

Can I see the city at night?
The ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you can choose to hop on the bus later in the day and see the city illuminated, although the main stops are during the day.

Is the bus comfortable in bad weather?
Yes, the bus has both outdoor and indoor seating options, so you’re covered if rain or cold weather hits.

How many stops are there on the Downtown Loop?
There are 13 stops, giving you plenty of options to explore different neighborhoods at your own pace.

What languages are available for the commentary?
Multiple languages are supported through the digital commentary, making it accessible for international visitors.

Is this experience good value?
Considering the combination of two popular attractions and a full day of flexible sightseeing, most travelers find the price reasonable, especially since it combines entertainment with city views.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, easy way to get a taste of Manhattan and enjoy some fun photo ops, this tour might be just what you need. It’s not about rushing from one spot to the next but about enjoying the city at your own pace, with some iconic stops in between.