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

If you’re planning a trip to New York and want a practical way to see the city’s highlights without the stress of navigating public transport or hailing cabs constantly, a hop-on hop-off bus tour could be just what you need. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, plenty of travellers have and offer insights into what makes it a worthwhile experience — or not.

What we love about this tour is its flexibility, the high quality of guides, and stunning views from the open-top deck. Plus, the ability to hop off at your leisure to explore museums, landmarks, or grab a bite adds a layer of convenience many other tours lack.

One thing to keep in mind is that the full day’s itinerary can be quite packed, so it’s best suited for those with good stamina and a desire to see as much as possible. If you’re seeking a relaxed, in-depth experience or want to avoid bus crowds, this may not be your perfect fit.

This tour suits first-time visitors wanting a broad overview, as well as seasoned travellers eager to hit multiple highlights efficiently. It’s especially good for those who appreciate storytelling, lively commentary, and the chance to explore at their own pace.

• Flexible sightseeing: Hop on and off at iconic attractions like Times Square, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and museums.
• Engaging guides: Tour guides like Miguel, JR, Manny, and Harry are praised for their knowledge and personality.
• Stunning panoramic views: The open-top bus provides excellent photo opportunities, especially at landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline.
• Great value: For around $60, you get up to 3 days of access, digital commentary, and extras like free Butterbeer ice cream.
• Ideal for first-timers: Perfect for orienting yourself and planning further sightseeing.
• Consider the timing: With buses every 10-15 minutes on the downtown route and every 30 on uptown, you won’t wait long, but be aware of early close times.

The New York Hop-on Hop-off Bus offers a practical, efficient way to absorb the city’s vastness without feeling overwhelmed. It’s particularly appealing if you’re short on time, want a good overview, or prefer to see the sights from a comfortable seat while listening to informative commentary. The fact that the tour is wheelchair accessible and includes multiple languages makes it accessible for a wide range of travelers.

The routes are thoughtfully planned, with the Downtown Loop covering neighborhoods like the Flatiron District, Battery Park, SoHo, Greenwich Village, and the Financial District. You can walk through Wall Street, explore Little Italy and Chinatown, or shop in SoHo. The Uptown Loop takes you through Midtown, with stops at Grand Central Terminal, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Met.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Downtown Loop (90 minutes):

This circuit is the heart of New York’s history and commerce. Starting from Stop #1 at M&M World or a nearby point, you’ll cruise past key sites like the One World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial, and the historic Financial District. Reviewers note that buses run from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, so plan accordingly.

Insights from reviews suggest that the guides, especially Harry, make a real difference—”Harry was the best, with a big smile and great insights,” a guest shared. The commentary covers both landmarks and hidden gems, enriching your understanding of the city’s past and present.

Uptown Loop (75 minutes):

This route covers Midtown and uptown neighborhoods. You’ll see Grand Central Terminal, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, among others. Many guests find this loop perfect for orienting themselves before visiting specific attractions or museums.

Special features: The tour offers the option to include self-guided digital walking tours, with four different themes, which is a smart addition for those wanting to extend their exploration beyond the bus route.

Transport and Timing:

Buses arrive frequently — every 10-15 minutes on the downtown route and every 30 minutes uptown — so you don’t wait long for the next ride. Many travelers recommend riding a full loop at first to get a sense of the city, then hopping off at the spots that catch their interest.

Duration and flexibility:

You can buy a ticket valid for 1 to 3 days, giving you ample time to revisit favorite spots or explore more leisurely. The 24, 48, or 72-hour options cater to different trip lengths, with many reviewers noting that two days with multiple loops strikes a good balance.

Extras and convenience:

The tour includes digital audio commentary in several languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese) and souvenir earbuds. For added fun, there’s a free Butterbeer ice cream at The Harry Potter Store, which delights Harry Potter fans. The Big Bus app allows real-time bus tracking, helping you plan your next move.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Authentic Insights from Tour Reviewers

Many reviews highlight the guides’ personalities and knowledge as a standout feature. Miguel, JR, and Manny have been praised for their enthusiasm and information, with one saying, “they were super knowledgeable — Brooklyn tour was AMAZING.”

Others mention the stunning views from the open top as a major plus. “Such great views from the bus, especially from the top deck,” a traveler notes, emphasizing how the outdoor vantage point enhances the sightseeing experience.

Flexibility and ease of use are also common themes. “The option to get on and off as many times as you like makes this a perfect way to see NYC,” states a reviewer. The frequent buses and well-planned stops help maximize your sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Value for money is another recurring compliment. For about $60, you get multiple days of access, insightful commentary, and extras, making it a budget-friendly way to see many of NYC’s top spots.

However, some mention that the audio commentary can feel a bit dated, and the last rides on some routes close early (around 4-5 PM), so plan your day accordingly. A reviewer also pointed out that “the last ride is at 5:00 pm, which might be early for some visitors wanting to see the city at night,” so consider timing when booking.

What We Think: The Practicality and Value

This tour is a smart choice for those who want to cover a lot of ground quickly. The open-top buses are perfect for photos, and the commentary adds context to landmarks you might not otherwise appreciate. The multiple stops and flexible schedule suit travelers who want control over their day.

While the price of $60 might seem steep to some, considering the length of the tour, the variety of routes, and the included extras, it offers good value. It’s especially useful for first-time visitors who need a broad overview to orient themselves before exploring further on foot or by subway.

The guides’ reputation for being personable and knowledgeable adds to the experience, making the ride informative and fun. Many guests praise Harry, who is known for his friendly attitude and insightful commentary.

It’s also a practical option for those with mobility needs, as the tour is wheelchair accessible and includes frequent stops to rest and explore. Plus, the multilingual commentary broadens its appeal for international visitors.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This sightseeing option works best for first-time visitors wanting a rundown, especially if you’re short on time. If you’re traveling with family or friends, the open-top bus is a fun way to see the city from a different perspective.

Those interested in photo opportunities, learning about landmarks, and exploring at their own pace will find this a great fit. It’s also excellent for travelers who enjoy guided commentary but want the flexibility to choose where to hop off.

It might be less ideal for visitors seeking a very relaxed experience or those wanting to avoid the crowds. If your focus is on in-depth museum visits or walking tours, this should be combined with other activities.

The New York Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour offers a practical, lively, and flexible way to navigate the Big Apple. From the knowledgeable guides to the fantastic city views, it provides a well-rounded introduction to NYC.

For around $60, you gain access to multiple routes over several days, plenty of photo opportunities, and the chance to customize your sightseeing. The inclusion of extras like free ice cream from The Harry Potter Store and digital walking tours adds value.

It’s an especially good choice for first-timers or those with limited time, looking to maximize their NYC experience with minimal hassle. The combination of good guides, scenic routes, and the freedom to explore makes it a solid investment in your trip.

Whether you want to get your bearings, hit the main attractions efficiently, or simply enjoy a fun sightseeing ride, this tour can be tailored to fit your needs, making it a worthwhile addition to your New York itinerary.

How long is the tour valid? The ticket is valid for 1 to 3 days, so you can choose what suits your schedule best.

What stops are included in the routes? The tour includes stops at landmark sites like Times Square, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, and major museums.

Are the buses wheelchair accessible? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for all travelers to enjoy the experience.

How often do the buses arrive? Downtown Loop buses arrive every 10-15 minutes, while Uptown Loop buses come roughly every 30 minutes.

Can I buy tickets in advance? Yes, booking online in advance is possible, and many find it easier and sometimes cheaper than buying on the street.

What languages are available for the audio commentary? The commentary is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.

Does the tour include hotel pickup? No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to meet at the designated stops.

What’s the best way to use this tour for my visit? Start with a full loop to get oriented, then hop off at your preferred attractions.

Are there any extras included? Yes, you get digital walking tours (if selected), souvenir earbuds, and a free Butterbeer ice cream from The Harry Potter Store.

What should I keep in mind regarding timing? The last rides on the routes typically close around 4-5 PM, so plan your day accordingly if you want to see the city at night.

You can check availability for your dates here: