Best of · HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS TOURS IN NEW YORK CITY
The good hop-on hop-off bus tours in New York City sell their front seats first and the great ones sell out entirely. Below: the 4 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Use Big Bus New York for a first look at Manhattan from an open-top double-decker. Choose a half-day, 24, 48, or 72-hour ticket, hear commentary in six languages, and hop off near the 9/11 Memorial, Battery Park, Broadway, Museum Mile, and more. The app tracks buses in real time.
“It was great to hear about the city as we drive through each section.”
Ride an open-top double-decker bus through Midtown, Downtown, and Uptown Manhattan with recorded commentary, live tracking, and flexible hop-on hop-off access. A 24-hour ticket covers Downtown, while 48- and 72-hour options add Uptown, Brooklyn, and self-guided walks.
“My sister and I spent the weekend in NYC, and since it was her first time visiting, we decided to try the hop‑on hop‑off bus tour. It turned out to be such a wonderful experience. We both absolutely loved it. We learned so much about the city—insights and stories we never would have discovered on our own. It truly made our trip even more memorable.”
Spend about six hours touring New York with a native guide such as Bryant, Martin, or Frank. Ride a small luxury bus through Midtown, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown, and Central Park, then take the Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty. Short walks include Brooklyn Bridge, Washington Square, Grand Central, and the 9/11 Memorial.
“Highlight of the day World Trade Center. Bryant gave a somber and thorough explanation of where we were and what it means to New Yorkers.”
Ride an open-top Big Bus from Times Square after dark, passing major New York sights while a live English-speaking guide such as Shelley, Jennifer, or Rick shares city stories and tips. Seats are first-come, first-served, and the night route is one continuous ride, not a hop-on hop-off tour.
“Jen was fantastic! Had such a fun time on the bus getting to see the city lights at night with some fun people.”
A loop, an open deck, a night run or a whole day on the coach.
