Exploring New York City in just a few days can feel overwhelming, but this combo experience aims to make it manageable and memorable. It pairs a flexible, two-day hop-on hop-off bus tour with a ticket to the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observation deck, giving you a chance to see the city from two iconic perspectives.
What we really like about this experience is how it balances convenience, value, and authentic city views. The open-top double-decker buses make sightseeing feel fun and relaxed, while the Empire State Building offers that classic, panoramic photo op. Plus, the digital audio commentary enriches your understanding of NYC’s landmarks. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour doesn’t include access to the Empire State Building’s 102nd floor or the Statue of Liberty — so if those are top priorities, you might want a different pass.
This tour suits travelers who want a hassle-free way to cover a lot of ground in a short time, especially those who enjoy self-paced exploration with expert commentary. It’s also great for first-timers eager to tick off major sights while enjoying flexible transportation options.
Good To Know
Flexible 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus: Explore over 40 stops at your own pace, with routes covering both Downtown and Uptown NYC.
Stunning views from the Empire State Building: Ascend to the 86th floor for panoramic city vistas, ideal for photos and soaking in the skyline.
Expert digital audio commentary: Learn about NYC’s history, neighborhoods, and landmarks in multiple languages during your bus ride.
All-in-one value package: Save up to 30% by bundling these popular experiences, including entry to the Empire State Building and the hop-on hop-off tour.
Easy activation and access: Use the app or redeem at a central location, with options to show your ticket on your phone for convenience.
Wheelchair accessible: The tour accommodates mobility needs, making it more inclusive.
Discovering NYC with the Combo Tour
This experience offers a practical way to see New York’s highlights without the hassle of navigating public transit or booking multiple tickets separately. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a quick revisit, you’ll appreciate the broad coverage and flexibility.
The Hop-on Hop-off Bus Experience
The 48-hour ticket means you can truly take your time. The buses run on two loops — Downtown and Uptown — covering major sights like Times Square, Central Park, Wall Street, Chinatown, SoHo, and Brooklyn Bridge. This setup is particularly useful if you want to linger at certain stops or re-visit favorites without rushing.
The buses themselves are open-top double-deckers, which are great for photo opportunities, especially on a clear day. The digital audio guide enhances the experience, with commentary available in several languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. This means you won’t miss out on interesting facts and stories about the city’s history and landmarks as you cruise along.
Authentic City Views and Stops
We loved the way the route allows you to hop off and wander through neighborhoods like the Flatiron District or Bryant Park, or simply stay on to enjoy the sweeping views from the top deck. Reviewers mention how the live bus tracking via the Big Bus app is useful for planning when to hop off or catch the next bus, minimizing wait times.
Highlights of the Stops
Some of the most popular landmarks include:
- Times Square: The bright lights and billboards are a must-see, especially at night.
- Brooklyn Bridge: Stops near the bridge let you walk across or take photos from the Manhattan side.
- Chinatown & Little Italy: Perfect for grabbing a quick bite or just soaking in the cultural atmosphere.
- Statue of Liberty & Battery Park: If you select the optional ferry, you can enjoy views of Lady Liberty from the water.
Reviewers mention the commentary’s engaging style and the knowledge of guides, which enriches what could otherwise be a generic bus ride. One comment from a traveler from Germany called the experience “fantastisch,” praising the organization and friendly staff.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyEmpire State Building: A Classic Viewpoint
The ticket included grants access to the 86th-floor observation deck, which provides some of the most breathtaking views of NYC’s skyline. From this vantage point, you can spot landmarks like Central Park, the Hudson River, and, on clear days, even the Statue of Liberty in the distance.
While the ticket does not include access to the 102nd floor, the 86th offers ample space and spectacular vistas. Reviewers confirm that the views are stunning, and some mention it’s a highlight of their trip. One reviewer praised the “marvelous cityscape,” noting how worthwhile the ticket was for the price.
Additional Extras and Practical Details
If you opt for the ferry option to see the Statue of Liberty, you’ll gain a lovely water perspective of the monument, though it’s not included by default. The tour’s flexibility means you can choose to hop off at Battery Park or stay on the bus for the full loops.
The entire ticketing process is straightforward: you can activate your ticket via the Big Bus app or redeem in person at a designated location outside M&Ms World. The app offers live bus tracking, which is a big plus for planning your day.
Price and Value
At $105 per person, this package provides good value, especially considering the discounted bundle pricing. When you factor in the cost of individual tickets for the Empire State Building and separate hop-on hop-off tickets, the savings are clear. Travelers appreciate how this combo makes city sightseeing more straightforward and economical.
Practical Aspects and Tips
- Timing: The tour operates for 48 hours after first activation, giving you plenty of flexibility.
- Weather: Remember to bring weather-appropriate clothing — NYC can be quite hot in summer or chilly in winter.
- Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is essential for some travelers.
- Children: Kids under 3 travel free but must be accompanied by an adult, and seats are limited for fare-paying passengers.
- Luggage: Large bags or luggage are not permitted on the buses, so plan accordingly.
- Cancellation: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting an overview of NYC’s main sights without the stress of planning multiple tickets. It’s also suitable for travelers who prefer a relaxed, flexible schedule and enjoy learning from commentary during their ride.
Those with limited time will find that the mixture of bus sightseeing and the Empire State Building’s panoramic views packs a lot into just two days. However, if you’re after in-depth access to places like the Statue of Liberty or the 102nd-floor observation deck, you might want to explore other options.
The Sum Up
This combo tour balances convenience, value, and authentic sightseeing. It’s especially good for visitors who want to maximize their limited time without sacrificing quality or experience. The open-top buses make exploring enjoyable, and the Empire State Building ticket ensures you’ll get that classic skyline shot.
While it doesn’t cover every icon — like the Statue of Liberty or the 102nd-floor observatory — it hits the highlights and offers stunning views that will leave a lasting impression. The flexibility, digital guides, and strategic stops make it a practical choice for those who want a manageable and memorable NYC adventure.
For travelers seeking a comprehensive, budget-friendly way to discover New York City with built-in flexibility and iconic views, this tour is a solid pick.
FAQ
Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in this experience.
Can I activate my ticket on the day I plan to start?
Yes, you can activate your ticket either via the Big Bus app or in person at the designated location outside M&Ms World before starting your tour.
Is the 48-hour ticket valid during the entire two days?
Yes, the ticket is valid for 48 hours from the first time you activate it, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own pace.
Does the ticket include access to the Empire State Building’s 102nd floor?
No, the ticket grants access only up to the 86th-floor viewing deck.
Are there audio guides available during the bus tour?
Yes, expert digital audio commentary is available in multiple languages, making it informative and engaging.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is accessible for wheelchair users.
Can I hop off at any stop and rejoin later?
Absolutely. The flexible hop-on hop-off system allows you to get off at any stop and catch the next bus to continue your sightseeing.
What sights are included in the bus route?
Major sights include Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Wall Street, Chinatown, Little Italy, Battery Park, and more.
Is the ferry to the Statue of Liberty included?
The ferry option is available if selected, but it is not included by default in the package.
What should I bring for the tour?
Weather-appropriate clothing, a fully charged phone or device for the app, and any personal essentials.
This comprehensive tour offers a balanced mix of iconic views, flexible exploration, and good value — perfect for making the most of a short visit to the Big Apple.
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