New York: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

While I haven’t personally taken this tour, the New York Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus consistently earns praise for its convenience, engaging commentary, and the unbeatable view from the top deck. It’s an excellent way to orient yourself in a sprawling city like NYC, especially if time is tight or you want a flexible way to see the highlights.

What I love about this experience is how it combines ease with immersion — you sit back, enjoy the sights, and hop off whenever something catches your eye. The digital commentary adds context without the pressure of a guided tour, and the routes cover both iconic landmarks and hidden gems. One potential consideration is the weather; since a significant part of the experience is outdoors, rain or strong sun might affect your comfort.

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors, travelers with limited time, or those who prefer a relaxed, scenic way to explore the city’s essence. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or friends, it offers a solid, memorable introduction to New York.

Good To Know

• Flexible hop-on hop-off system allows you to explore at your own pace
• Engaging digital commentary enriches the sightseeing experience
• Iconic stops include Times Square, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and Statue of Liberty
• Multiple loops (Downtown and Uptown) cover different neighborhoods, with options for full or half-day tickets
• Good value for the price, especially with 24, 48, or 72-hour access
• Accessibility and multilingual options make it inclusive for various travelers

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Route and What to Expect

The Big Bus Tours in NYC offer two main circuits: the Downtown Loop and the Uptown Loop. Each provides a different slice of the city, with buses arriving every 10-15 minutes on the Downtown route and every 30 on the Uptown. This frequency means you won’t wait long, even during peak times, which is a big plus when you’re eager to maximize sightseeing.

Downtown Loop – 90 Minutes

This circuit takes you through Lower Manhattan, including the Flatiron District, Battery Park, SoHo, Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and the Financial District. Here, you get to see Wall Street, the Stock Exchange, and the iconic Charging Bull — perfect for that classic NYC photo. You’ll also pass the 9/11 Memorial, which many reviewers noted as a poignant stop to pay respects and reflect on the city’s resilience.

Travelers often rave about the convenience of hopping off at Little Italy or Chinatown for a quick authentic snack or to explore the vibrant neighborhoods. The route also includes a chance to view the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park, or even cruise around Liberty Island if you add that option.

Uptown Loop – 75 Minutes

The Uptown loop covers Midtown to the Upper East Side, passing by landmarks like Grand Central Terminal, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Many reviews mention how this route offers excellent views of the city’s impressive skyline and a chance to see The Edge at Hudson Yards — a modern attraction offering stunning views from an open-air platform.

Travelers who use the Uptown Loop appreciate how it’s an easy way to visit some of the city’s top museums and cultural spots. The double-decker offers great vantage points for photos, especially from the open-top deck, which many say is the best way to really take in the cityscape.

The Experience on Board

The buses are described as clean and comfortable, with digital audio commentary available in multiple languages including Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. The onboard guides, like “Libni” and others, are frequently praised for their helpfulness and enthusiasm, making the journey more engaging.

Many reviewers highlight how helpful street staff are at stops, assisting with ticketing and hopping-on procedures. The souvenir earbuds ensure you catch all the details without disturbance, and the Big Bus app allows real-time tracking, so you know exactly when your next bus will arrive — a huge convenience when you’re trying to stick to a schedule.

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Ticket Options and Value

The tour offers 24, 48, or 72-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off access, giving you plenty of flexibility. Many travelers, including one reviewer who bought a 72-hour pass, find this ideal for fitting in multiple stops and seeing the city at a relaxed pace. The full loop typically takes about 90 minutes for Downtown and 75 minutes for Uptown, but riding the entire circuit is a good way to get your bearings before deciding where to hop off.

An interesting bonus is the self-guided digital walking tours included with certain options, which help extend your exploration beyond the bus. For those concerned about cost, reviews point out that booking through GetYourGuide can be cheaper than direct purchase, and the service is seamless — your ticket is scanned onboard, and the staff ensures a smooth process.

What’s Not Included

The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to plan how to get to your first stop — typically at Stop #1, M&M World. Also, while it covers many iconic sights, the tour might not delve deeply into each location’s history, which is worth considering if you’re after an in-depth understanding.

Real-World Insights from Reviewers

Multiple reviews mention how efficient and organized the experience is. One traveler appreciated the helpful staff at stops who answered questions and guided them, while others loved the stunning views from the open deck, especially during clear weather.

A few noted that the audio commentary can sometimes feel a bit dated or cheesy, but overall, it adds good context without overwhelming. Several users recommend riding the full loop initially to decide where to hop off, especially since the buses run frequently.

Some travelers mentioned minor inconveniences, like buses leaving before they could board, or the headphone plugs not working perfectly. But these seem to be rare exceptions and don’t detract significantly from the overall positive impression.

The Practical Side

Transportation: The open-top double-decker buses seat large groups comfortably and are a fun way to see the city. Since buses run every 10-15 minutes during peak hours, you’ll rarely wait long, but you should plan for potential crowds during busy times.

Timing: The Downtown Loop runs from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, and the Uptown from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm — so consider your schedule when planning your day. The full loops are around 90 and 75 minutes respectively, which means you can do a quick circuit or spend several hours hopping on and off.

Price: At $44 per person for a single ticket, the value depends on how many stops you want to visit. For a multi-day pass, many say the tour becomes a great investment, especially when combined with visiting museums or landmarks.

Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This sightseeing option is ideal for first-timers eager to see as much of NYC as possible without the hassle of navigating public transport or renting a car. It also suits families who want to explore at their own pace, hopping on and off at points of interest. If you’re on a limited schedule, this tour helps you maximize your time with quick access to key sights.

However, if you’re seeking deep historical insight, guided tours with expert narration might be a better fit. Also, travelers who prefer indoor or covered transportation might want to prepare for outdoor exposure or bring rain gear.

Final Verdict

The New York Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus offers a cost-effective, flexible way to get acquainted with the city’s most famous landmarks. From the comfort of a double-decker, you get sweeping views, engaging commentary, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.

While it’s not a substitute for in-depth tours, it’s a perfect introduction for those short on time or wanting to orient themselves before venturing further. The positive reviews underline its dependability, friendly staff, and the stunning vistas from the open deck — all at a reasonable price point.

For first-time visitors, families, or travelers with limited time, this tour is a practical, enjoyable way to experience NYC’s highlights without the stress of planning every step. Just pack your patience and a raincoat, and you’ll be set for a memorable, scenic introduction to the Big Apple.

FAQs

How long is each circuit?
The Downtown Loop takes about 90 minutes, and the Uptown Loop lasts around 75 minutes.

Can I hop off and explore?
Yes, your ticket grants you unlimited hop-on hop-off access during the valid period, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

What landmarks are included?
Key stops include Times Square, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty from Battery Park, 9/11 Memorial, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Are the buses accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

What languages is the commentary available in?
Audio commentary is available in Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.

How often do buses arrive?
On the Downtown Loop, buses arrive every 10-15 minutes; on the Uptown Loop, every 30 minutes.

Is there a mobile app?
Yes, the Big Bus app provides real-time bus tracking and additional city information, enhancing your overall experience.

Can I buy tickets on the street?
Yes, vouchers can be redeemed at Stop #1, M&M World, and many travelers find it easier and cheaper to purchase on the street or online through third-party sites like GetYourGuide.

You can check if your dates are available here: