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

Getting a taste of New York City’s iconic sights in just a couple of days sounds ambitious, but with this bundled experience, it’s surprisingly straightforward. The NYC Bundle offers a practical way to see the city from various angles—sky, land, and water—without feeling overwhelmed. From towering skyscrapers to waterfront views, this package combines some of the most popular attractions into one discounted deal.

What we particularly like about this experience is the balance of flexibility and coverage. You get to ascend the Empire State Building for panoramic vistas, hop on a double-decker bus to explore neighborhoods at your own pace, and unwind on a scenic cruise to see landmarks from the water. Plus, the cost is very reasonable at just $99 per person for all three activities — a smart way to maximize your NYC visit.

One thing to consider is that the tickets for Empire State Building and the cruise may be used on separate days or within your 2-day window, which offers flexibility but requires some planning. Also, the Big Bus tour can sometimes be inconsistent with driver familiarity with online tickets, as noted in reviews, so being prepared with your app or printed voucher is helpful.

This combo is perfect for first-time visitors eager to cover a lot in a short time or those wanting a flexible, no-hassle way to experience New York’s top sights. If you love a mix of land, sky, and sea adventures, this package is hard to beat for value and variety.

Good To Know

• Great value at $99 for three major attractions
• Flexible scheduling with separate days for Empire State and cruise
• Includes digital tools for real-time bus tracking and easy ticket activation
• Accessible for most with wheelchair-friendly options and strollers
• Authentic views from the 86th-floor observation deck and the cruise
• Potential minor hiccups with bus driver ticket familiarity, so stay prepared

You can check if your dates are available here:

Why We Recommend the NYC Bundle

This package provides an efficient way to see New York’s highlights without the stress of booking separate tickets or rushing between attractions. The combination of sky-high views, land-based exploration, and water-based sightseeing helps paint a full picture of the city’s energy. We loved how the flexibility allows you to customize your itinerary; for instance, you could visit the Empire State Building first thing in the morning, then hop on the bus later, and finish with an evening cruise.

The Empire State Building is a must-see with its 86th-floor observation deck offering sprawling views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond. Travelers will appreciate the art deco architecture and the fact that the ticket is included in the deal—no fussing with lines or extra costs. Some reviews mention that tickets might occasionally not work, but overall, it’s a smooth process when handled directly with staff or via the app.

The Big Bus Tour adds a layer of convenience, especially with its 48-hour validity, letting you hop on and off at your leisure. The digital commentary and live bus tracking are especially helpful for navigating busy streets and ensuring you don’t wait long for the next bus. The top-deck seats give you the best views, and routes cover landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and SoHo.

The Circle Line cruise completes the experience by providing a relaxing water-based perspective. You can choose between a 60-minute Liberty Midtown Cruise or a 90-minute Landmarks Cruise, both offering excellent views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and other waterfront icons. Reviewers note that arriving 30 minutes early is recommended, as seats are first-come, first-served, but the full bar, restrooms, and outdoor decks make it a comfortable ride.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Empire State Building

Starting the journey with access to the 86th-floor observation deck is a quintessential New York moment. The views are expansive, covering Manhattan’s skyline, Central Park, and even parts of New Jersey on clear days. The art deco style of the building adds nostalgic charm, and the accessibility features mean most visitors can enjoy the experience.

However, some reviews mention that tickets for the Empire State Building might sometimes not scan properly, prompting a refund request for some. To avoid inconvenience, it’s advisable to activate tickets either via the app or direct staff, and arrive a little early to beat any potential delays.

Big Bus 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour

This part of the package is where flexibility truly shines. The 48-hour window allows you to explore at your own pace, hopping off in neighborhoods like Times Square, Central Park, or SoHo. The digital commentary enriches your experience, giving context to sights you see from the open-top bus.

The route coverage is comprehensive, and the live tracking feature on the app means you’ll know exactly when the next bus arrives. Reviewers have highlighted how useful this feature is in busy areas or when schedules are tight. The observation from one traveler, “the well-designed BigBus app lets you track buses in real time, making your trip a breeze,” sums up the convenience well.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise

This cruise offers a scenic escape from city streets, with options for a 60-minute or 90-minute journey. The Liberty Midtown Cruise is perfect for a quick, scenic overview, while the Landmarks Cruise offers a deeper look at the city’s riverfront. The live guide and audio commentary add details about landmarks, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Ellis Island.

Reviewers mention that arriving 30 minutes early ensures a good seat and smooth boarding. The full amenities onboard — including a café, bar, restrooms, and outdoor decks — make it a relaxed experience. Seeing the Statue of Liberty from a boat makes for memorable photos, and many agree it’s a highlight of the trip.

Practical Details and Tips

• Tickets are valid for two days after first activation, giving flexibility to plan visits on separate days.
• You can experience the Empire State Building and the cruise on different days, which helps spread out your sightseeing.
• Wheelchair accessibility is comprehensive, with 100% of the fleet being wheelchair friendly; strollers should be folded.
• Arrive early for cruises to ensure a seat, and use the app for real-time updates on bus locations.
• Booking options include reserve now, pay later, offering peace of mind if your plans change.
• Language options for guides include English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, and Italian, with additional language options on the cruise.

What Reviewers Say

The overall rating of 4.6 from 39 reviews indicates high satisfaction, though some minor issues have been noted. One reviewer from Germany pointed out that some bus drivers aren’t familiar with online tickets, which can lead to brief setbacks. Another reviewer from the Netherlands experienced ticket problems for the Empire State Building, but these seem to be manageable with proper activation.

The most positive feedback highlights ease of use and variety—taking the package as a whole is appreciated for covering diverse perspectives of the city. A Norwegian traveler summed it up with, “A really cool package. Easy to get tickets, interesting experiences both on land and from the water during a boat cruise. The well-designed BigBus app makes the trip a breeze.”

In The Sum Up

This NYC Bundle offers a good balance between convenience, affordability, and memorable experiences. For those who prefer a self-directed exploration with plenty of options, it delivers a comprehensive glimpse of what makes New York City so special. The combination of skyline views, neighborhood discovery, and waterfront panoramas covers all the classic highlights without feeling rushed.

The flexibility to do attractions on separate days, combined with the included digital tools, makes this a practical choice for travelers seeking a hassle-free way to experience NYC’s most iconic sights. Whether you’re a first-timer eager to tick off the big-name attractions or a repeat visitor wanting a new perspective, this package provides good value.

Overall, if you’re looking for a well-rounded, flexible, and economical way to enjoy New York, this bundle is a smart pick. Just arrive prepared, use the apps, and enjoy the city from the heights, the streets, and the river.

FAQ

Can I take the Empire State Building and the cruise on different days? Yes, tickets for both attractions can be used on separate days or within your 2-day window, giving you flexibility to spread out your sightseeing.

How do I activate my tickets? You can activate the tickets via the Big Bus app by entering your booking reference, or you can redeem your voucher with staff at designated points like 7th Ave & W 48th St or any bus stop.

Is the Big Bus tour accessible for wheelchairs? Absolutely—100% of the fleet is wheelchair accessible, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the ride.

What should I do if my bus ticket doesn’t work? Some reviews mention driver unfamiliarity with online tickets, so ensure your app is activated beforehand, and keep a screen shot or printed version handy just in case.

How early should I arrive for the Circle Line cruise? Arriving 30 minutes early is recommended to secure a good seat, as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I customize the schedule for visits? Yes, the flexible nature of the tickets allows you to plan your visits according to your preferences, whether that’s visiting the Empire State Building first or doing the cruise later.

Are there food and drink options onboard the cruise? Yes, each boat features a café and a full bar, perfect for grabbing a snack or drink while enjoying the views.

This comprehensive NYC experience balances iconic sights, convenient transportation, and scenic cruising, making it a solid choice for travelers wanting to maximize their NYC adventure without breaking the bank.

You can check if your dates are available here: