NYC Bundle: Empire State, Big Bus Tour, & Circle Line Cruise

If you’re planning a trip to New York City and want to make the most of your limited time, a bundled experience like this one might be just what you need. We’re looking at a package that combines the Empire State Building, a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour, and a Circle Line cruise along the Hudson River—offering a flexible, multi-sensory way to see the Big Apple.

What we really appreciate about this bundle is its value for money—it’s priced at just $99 per person, with a saving of over 40% compared to buying each experience separately. Plus, the flexibility of a 2-day pass allows you to explore at your own pace. The highlights—towering views from the Empire State, a scenic boat ride, and a hop-on hop-off tour—are all pretty iconic, making this a good choice whether you’re a first-timer or someone wanting a structured yet adaptable way to see NYC.

One consideration to keep in mind is that the tickets for some attractions, like the Empire State Building, might encounter issues, as some users reported needing to buy new tickets or facing difficulty with their passes. Also, the bus drivers sometimes aren’t familiar with online tickets, which could cause confusion. So, staying on top of your reservations and confirmations is key.

This experience appeals most to travelers who want a rundown of NYC without the hassle of booking each component separately. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a mix of land, sky, and water sightseeing. If you like having flexibility and appreciate good value, this bundle might just check all your boxes.

Key Points

• Great value: Over 40% savings compared to buying each experience individually.
• Flexibility: The 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus lets you explore NYC at your own pace.
• Iconic sights: From the Empire State Building views to Statue of Liberty cruise, top landmarks are covered.
• Convenience: You can activate tickets in multiple ways, including via an app or on-site.
• Accessibility: The entire fleet is wheelchair accessible, and the cruise offers options for different durations.
• Potential hiccups: Some users have experienced issues with ticket validation and finding cruise departure points, so double-check your arrangements.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Tour Bundle

This combination is designed to give you a balanced experience of New York’s diverse sights and environments—up high, around the city streets, and on the water. You’ll start with a visit to the Empire State Building, where the 86th-floor observation deck offers sweeping 360° views of Manhattan and beyond. It’s an iconic photo op and a way to grasp the city’s scale. Expect to be awestruck by the cityscape from this vantage point, especially if the weather cooperates.

Next, you’ll hop onto the Big Bus for the 48-hour tour. This open-top bus is a flexible way to cover a lot of ground quickly. You get to explore neighborhoods like Times Square, Central Park, and SoHo, with the freedom to hop off and explore on foot. The digital commentary adds context, and the live bus tracking via app ensures you’re never left waiting too long.

Finally, the Circle Line cruise adds a relaxing, scenic element. Depending on your choice—60-minute Liberty Midtown Cruise or 90-minute Landmarks Cruise—you’ll see the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and other waterfront icons from the water. The boats are equipped with amenities like full bars, restrooms, and outdoor decks, so you can enjoy the views comfortably.

Breaking Down the Experience

Empire State Building

Starting at the iconic art deco skyscraper, you’ll gain entry to the 86th-floor observation deck. The views here are the quintessential NYC experience—wider than you might expect, stretching across Manhattan, Brooklyn, New Jersey, and even parts of Connecticut on a clear day. The experience is straightforward, but be prepared for crowds, especially during peak hours. Some reviews mention that tickets sometimes don’t work smoothly, leading to extra purchases or refunds. Planning your visit during off-peak hours can help avoid the worst of the lines.

Big Bus 48-Hour Tour

This hop-on hop-off bus is the backbone of your land-based sightseeing. The downtown and uptown loops cover the major highlights and give you the freedom to explore specific neighborhoods at your own pace. The open-top design makes for great photo opportunities, and the audio commentary provides interesting tidbits about each location.

One user commented that not all drivers are familiar with online tickets, which could cause some confusion—so, it’s wise to have your tickets ready and confirm your activation. The app makes tracking buses in real-time easy, meaning you rarely have to wait long for the next bus.

You can hop off at spots like Times Square, Central Park, or SoHo, then hop back on when you’re ready. This flexibility is ideal—particularly for first-time visitors who want to see the city’s highlights without rushing.

More Great Tours Nearby

Circle Line Cruise

The scenic boat ride gives you a different perspective of NYC—water views that are hard to beat. The 60-minute Liberty Cruise offers close-up looks at the Statue of Liberty, while the 90-minute Landmarks Cruise takes in more sites along the waterfront. Both are operated daily, with live guides and audio options available in multiple languages.

The boats feature amenities like a café, full bar, restrooms, and outdoor deck space. You’ll want to arrive at least 30 minutes early to find your seat, especially during busy times. Some reviewers mentioned that the cruise departure point might be tricky to find if you’re unfamiliar with the area, but once aboard, it’s a relaxing way to see NYC from the water.

The Real Experience: Pros and Cons

What we love: The cost savings are significant, especially for a first trip or a quick visit. The combo format allows you to see multiple sides of NYC—skyline views, city streets, and water scenes—without feeling overwhelmed. The flexible scheduling means you can tailor your day, which is a big plus when traveling with a packed itinerary.

What might be less ideal: The ticket issues reported by some users are worth noting. You might need to be proactive in confirming your bookings or purchasing new tickets on-site. Also, the bus drivers’ familiarity with online tickets varies, so having your confirmation ready is wise. During peak hours, attractions like the Empire State Building can get very crowded, which may slow you down.

Accessibility and convenience are generally well-handled, with wheelchair access and multiple booking options, but keep in mind that seats on the cruise are first-come, first-serve, so arrive early.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, budget-friendly way to see NYC’s top sights in a short time, this package works well. It’s particularly suitable for first-time visitors who want a structured but flexible plan, or travelers who enjoy a mix of land, sky, and water experiences.

It’s also ideal if you value saving money and don’t mind some minor logistical quirks, like ticket validation or navigating busy tourist spots. While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the experience is straightforward enough for most ages, especially with some planning.

Final Thoughts

For just $99, this bundle offers a well-rounded introduction to New York City—covering the essentials from towering skyline views to scenic water vistas, with plenty of opportunities to explore on your own. The combination of land, sky, and water provides a richer experience than any single attraction could offer, making it perfect for travelers who want to see the city from different angles without the hassle of booking separate tickets.

While there are some potential hiccups, such as ticket validation issues and busy crowds, overall, this experience offers great value and flexibility. Whether you’re on a tight schedule or want a mix of guided and independent sightseeing, it’s a solid choice.

If you appreciate convenience, savings, and a taste of everything NYC has to offer, this bundle could be just the ticket. It’s a good way to get a well-rounded, memorable visit to the Big Apple without breaking the bank or over-complicating your plans.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for first-time visitors to NYC?
Absolutely. It covers many of the city’s most famous sights and gives you a flexible way to explore at your own pace, making it perfect for newcomers.

Can I take the Empire State Building and the Circle Line cruise on separate days?
Yes, both the Empire State Building and the cruise can be experienced on different days, offering even more flexibility.

What if the tickets for the Empire State Building don’t work?
Some reviews mention that tickets didn’t work initially, requiring buyers to purchase new tickets. It’s wise to plan your visit during less busy times and keep confirmation handy.

Will I need to arrive early for the cruise?
Yes, arriving about 30 minutes early is recommended, as seats are first-come, first-serve and the cruise operates daily.

Is the Big Bus accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, 100% of the fleet is wheelchair accessible, making this experience inclusive.

How do I activate my tickets?
You can activate via the Big Bus app by entering your booking reference and pressing “Activate” on the day of your tour, or redeem your voucher at a designated spot.

Are there audio guides available during the cruise?
Yes, the cruise offers live guides and audio commentary in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

If you’re after a practical, enjoyable way to see New York without a lot of fuss, this combo covers the bases nicely. Just remember to double-check your tickets and arrive a bit early for the best experience. Happy exploring!

You can check availability for your dates here: