New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
Description
See New York City from every angle with this flexible sightseeing combo. Ride an open-top hop-on hop-off bus with unlimited access for 48 hours, covering Midtown, Downtown, and Uptown. Jump off at must-see spots like Times Square, Wall Street, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and world-famous museums whenever you want to explore more. The experience also includes entry to the Empire State Building’s observation deck, where sweeping views stretch across Manhattan, the Hudson River, and beyond. It’s a classic NYC moment you won’t forget. With engaging digital audio commentary and dozens of convenient stops, this all-in-one ticket lets you plan your own route, move at your own pace, and enjoy major savings while experiencing the city’s most iconic sights.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Hop-on Hop-off tour ticket is valid during operating hours for 48 hours after first use.
- Guests may activate ticket in two ways: 1. Download and open the Big Bus app. Tap "Add Booking" and enter your booking reference. On the day of travel, open your ticket and press "Activate" then show your activated ticket to the driver at any stop along the route. Plus, use the app for route information and live bus tracking. 2. Redeem voucher and activate with Big Bus staff at 7th Ave & W 48th St (Outside M&Ms World), or with a driver at any stop along the route.
Reviews(91)
We loved our Big Bus Tour and felt it was such a great way to see the sights, rest legs and use as a transport option getting around and on and off at the sites we wanted to see up close. We visited on 4th July weekend so it was super busy, buses were very full but we didn’t wait at all and despite the heat staff were really friendly. Thanks to Wanda for being helpful and answering all our questions.
We had a very poor experience on your NYC tour. My husband and I had downtown + uptown tickets and were asked to transfer buses just before Stop 14. On the new bus (no. 340 or 380), as we were moving to the back and settling in, the driver suddenly started the bus, causing a jolt. Instead of giving us a moment to sit, he turned and yelled loudly at us multiple times in a very disrespectful tone—no courtesy, just shouting. It was also a very rainy day and the bus was in poor condition, with water coming in—passengers were joking it felt like a boat. Please check your dashcam for this incident. This has left a very negative impression—we won’t be using Big Bus again.
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re very sorry to hear this. What you described is not the standard we aim to provide, and we take your concerns seriously. We’d like to investigate further, including reviewing the dashcam footage. Please reach out to our Big Bus Tours live chat through our app with additional details such as the date and time, and our team will look into this as a priority.
Scam can’t get on as much as you like ends a 4pm wasted of money. I wouldn’t do it if I was you. Sucks
Hello Tara_C! Thank you so much for your feedback. We're sorry to learn that the tour didn't meet your expectations. We strive to provide all the necessary details about the tour to help you make an informed decision, and we're here to assist you with any questions through live chat. We believe that the tour offers a fantastic experience to truly explore New York. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best regards, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
Honestly this was a waste of money! The buses only run every 1/2 hour or so, and are slow to complete the circut - not at all as advertised! They're also NOT heated, which made riding in the winter time during our visit miserable. At one point our bus driver got in a standoff with a city bus driver, where she wasn't allowing him to move out of the way so I could comfortably board. She was stopped next to him and expected passengers to squeeze on and off the bus through a gap about 1-1.5ft wide. At 7 months pregnant, I unfortunately wasn't fitting through that gap and had to stand there awkwardly before finally just begging them to stop the contest so we could all move on with our day. Overall, we barely used our 2 day pass to hop on and off, rather rode the entire circuit back around to get home after walking most of the day. Unless you really plan to travel all over the city for quick 30 minute stops, save your money and take the subway.
No heat in the bus. It was 28 degrees. Froze!! And the advertising print on the windows made it difficult to look out. The empire state building tour was great and we appreciated purchasing tickets earlier.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We’re very sorry to hear that you were uncomfortable during your ride. Our fleet consists only of open-top double-decker buses, which means the lower deck can still be affected by outdoor temperatures. We do install canopies during the winter season which protect passengers from wind, but still encourage passengers to dress warm for a comfortable ride. We also appreciate your note about the window advertising and how it impacted visibility. Feedback like yours helps us identify ways to improve the overall experience. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the Empire State Building tour and benefited from purchasing tickets in advance. Thank you again for bringing this to our attention.
This was awful. The drivers were rude. Missed boat cruise because we waited over an hour at the Empire State stop. The employee at the stop had no clue as to why no buses showed up.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We’re very sorry to hear about the long wait time and the missed boat cruise. Additionally, the interactions you described with our drivers and staff are disappointing, and we sincerely apologize. We want to look into what caused the delay at the Empire State stop and ensure our team receives the proper guidance and support. If you’re open to it, please contact our live chat on our Big Bus Tours app or website with your tour date and time and any additional details so we can investigate and work toward a resolution. We appreciate your feedback and the chance to make things right.
It was a wonderful experience! I'll tell everyone to be. The photos you make are beautiful and of excellent quality. The guide who showed us the city was very friendly!
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful experience with us. Our team takes pride in providing beautiful and high-quality photos, along with friendly and knowledgeable guides. We appreciate your recommendation and can't wait to see you again!
Had a 48 Hour ticket & decided to do the red route first day & tried the blue on the next. Tried to find the stop at the Met, which tied up with the location on the app. Bus finally appeared & drove straight past. We were not the only people waiting. The information about stops is either wrong or so confusing you can’t rely on it. The buses are not frequent, so gave up & took a taxi.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We're truly sorry to hear about the confusion and frustration you encountered while trying to use our service. This is far from the smooth, enjoyable experience we aim to provide. We understand how disappointing it must have been to wait for the bus, only to have it pass without stopping, especially when relying on our app for accurate location information. Your feedback has been shared with our operations so they can address any inconsistencies.
Great company! My mother left her wallet on the bus and BIG Bus Tours promptly mailed it back to her. We also very much enjoyed our tour.
Hi Allison_C, thank you so much for your feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your mom's lost wallet was located and returned to her. It's also wonderful to know you enjoyed the tour, and we can't wait to welcome you again in the future!- Best wishes, Mara from Big Bus
A great way to see NYC. Was able to see many sites that I would not made with the bus. And it included the Empire State Building for a few extra dollars. A very good deal.
Hi Thomas_D. We wish to thank you for your feedback. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour in New York. We hope to have you back soon. Best, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
