If you’re considering a quick but comprehensive way to see New York City’s most iconic sights, this combo tour offers a practical approach. It combines guided flexibility with the chance to stand atop the Empire State Building and get close to Lady Liberty—all while exploring NYC’s diverse neighborhoods from an open-top bus.
What we appreciate most about this package is the value of convenience—a ticket that covers multiple highlights, saving you both time and money. Plus, the unlimited hop-on hop-off feature means you can tailor your day around your interests, rather than sticking to a rigid schedule.
That said, the tour isn’t perfect. Some travelers have noted issues like confusing transfer points or the need to pre-book certain attractions separately. It’s best suited for first-time visitors eager to tick off the city’s big landmarks without the hassle of planning every detail. If you’re after a flexible, scenic overview with the chance to explore at your own pace, this tour could be a strong match.
Key Points
- Flexible exploration with unlimited hop-on hop-off access for 48 hours
- Stunning panoramic views from the Empire State Building’s observation deck
- Close-up visits to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island via ferry
- Multiple routes covering downtown and uptown neighborhoods
- Includes tickets for major attractions, offering good value
- Accessible and family-friendly with multilingual audio guides
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Contents
- Key Points
- An Overview of the Tour: What’s in Store?
- The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Exploring NYC at Your Pace
- The Empire State Building: A Classic Viewpoint
- The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: A Patriot’s Dream
- Creating Your Own Experience
- What’s Really Included and What’s Not?
- Meeting and Activation
- The Experience on the Ground: What to Expect
- Visiting the Empire State
- The Ferry Ride to Liberty Island
- The Neighborhood Stops
- Authenticity and Overall Value
- Who Is This Tour Best For?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in New York City
- More Tours in New York City
- More Tour Reviews in New York City
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in New York City we have recnetly reviewed
An Overview of the Tour: What’s in Store?
This two-day experience is crafted to give you a broad yet flexible introduction to New York City. For first-timers and seasoned travelers alike, it’s a chance to see and do a lot without the stress of individual bookings. Here’s how it breaks down.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New York City.
The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Exploring NYC at Your Pace
The core of this tour is the 48-hour Big Bus hop-on hop-off system, which operates on two main routes—Downtown and Uptown. This means you can freely hop off at any stop, explore on foot, and hop back on when ready. This is especially handy for visiting areas like Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State.
The buses are open-top, so you’ll get plenty of opportunities for picture-perfect views. The digital commentary available in multiple languages, plus souvenir earbuds, enrich your experience without distracting from the scenery. The real-time bus tracking app helps plan your next move, reducing waiting time.
The Empire State Building: A Classic Viewpoint
Included with your ticket is a priority entry to the Empire State Building, which is a huge perk. You’ll need to pre-book your visiting time via the provided link or with staff at the departure point. Once inside, ascending to the observation deck offers a breathtaking perspective of Manhattan’s sprawling skyline.
Expect to spend enough time to capture photos and take in sights like Central Park, the Chrysler Building, and the distant Statue of Liberty. The views are especially stunning at sunset or during clear weather—a moment you won’t forget.
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: A Patriot’s Dream
The highlight for many is the ferry ride to Liberty Island, which is part of this package. The ferry operates from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, so timing your visit is key. Once on Liberty Island, you’re free to explore the grounds and get a real sense of the monument’s grandeur.
Many reviews mention how close-up visits make a difference. As one traveler put it, visiting the Statue of Liberty “made our holiday easy” and was a major highlight. The ferry also takes you to Ellis Island, where you can learn about the immigrant experience, although this particular tour does not specify access to the museum, so plan accordingly.
More Great Tours NearbyCreating Your Own Experience
One of the biggest advantages of this combo is flexibility. You can decide whether to visit the Empire State first, then hop onto the ferry, or vice versa. If you prefer a relaxed pace, you might spend more time at a certain neighborhood or landmark.
However, keep in mind that the ferry operates within a limited window (9 AM to 3 PM), so plan accordingly if you want to avoid rushed visits. Plus, the ferry ticket doesn’t include entry to the Statue of Liberty monument itself—just the ferry ride.
What’s Really Included and What’s Not?
The package offers great value—you save about 25% compared to buying components separately. Included are:
- 48-hour Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour
- Empire State Building entry (with pre-booking)
- Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island ferry (if selected at purchase)
- Digital commentary and multilingual audio guides
- Souvenir earbuds
- Bike rental discount (if you’re into cycling)
Not included are entry tickets for the Statue of Liberty monument itself, which isn’t part of this package. If you’re eager to go inside Lady Liberty, you’ll need an additional ticket.
Meeting and Activation
Getting started is straightforward. You can activate your tickets by downloading the Big Bus app and adding your booking reference, then showing your ticket at any stop. Alternatively, you can redeem your voucher in person at 7th Ave & W 48th St outside M&M’s World or directly with a driver.
This flexibility helps reduce stress, but be aware that pre-booking your Empire State visit is a must, as it doesn’t automatically come with the bus ticket.
The Experience on the Ground: What to Expect
Traveling with a group usually feels lively, with the open-air buses providing ample opportunity to enjoy the bustling energy of NYC. The driver and guide (available in English and other languages) aim to offer useful commentary, but reviews suggest experiences can vary—some find it informative and friendly, while others note confusing transfer points.
One review pointed out an issue where the driver gave a different transfer location for the Liberty Ferry, which could lead to some confusion. So, it’s advisable to double-check transfer details and arrive a little early if possible.
Visiting the Empire State
Climbing the Empire State is a highlight, offering panoramic views that span across Manhattan and beyond. Be prepared for some lines, especially during peak hours, and pre-book your time slot to avoid disappointment. The experience is quite streamlined, and the view from the top can make you realize just how vast and dynamic NYC is.
The Ferry Ride to Liberty Island
The ferry ride itself is smooth and offers gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty from afar. Once on Liberty Island, you can get close enough for some memorable photos, and learn about the statue’s significance.
The ferry is a beloved part of the experience, and many reviews highlight how standing close to Lady Liberty creates a strong emotional connection.
The Neighborhood Stops
Stops along the routes include famous sights like Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square, which you can explore on foot. The buses run frequently enough that you won’t be waiting long, but it’s wise to plan your stops to optimize your time.
Authenticity and Overall Value
This tour offers a balanced mix of guided highlights and free exploration. For a $135 price tag, you’re getting access to major landmarks without the hassle of individual tickets or complicated planning. The 48-hour window allows for a relaxed pace, making it suitable for travelers who want to avoid rushing.
Some travelers mentioned the value of the combination, especially with the discounted package, making it a practical option for first-time visitors wanting a rundown. The attention to comfort and accessibility—including wheelchair access and multilingual audio guides—adds to its appeal.
However, the limitations—like the ferry’s operating window and the need for separate monument tickets—are worth noting. It’s not an all-in-one ticket for inside Liberty, so if that’s your priority, additional planning will be necessary.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of NYC’s highlights without the complexity of booking multiple tickets. It’s perfect for families or groups who prefer a flexible schedule, allowing for spontaneous detours and relaxed sightseeing.
If you’re after stunning views, especially from the Empire State Building’s observation deck, and want to get close to the Statue of Liberty, this package hits all those marks. It’s also suitable for limited time visitors who want to maximize their sightseeing in just two days.
Travelers who value convenience and efficiency will appreciate the ability to hop on and off at many prime locations, but those seeking inside access or in-depth museum visits will need to supplement this experience.
Final Thoughts
The NY: Statue of Liberty, Empire State, and Hop-on Hop-off Tour provides a well-rounded introduction to New York City’s most famous sights. The combination of scenic bus routes, impressive skyline views, and convenient access to major landmarks offers good value for money, especially when bundled with discounts.
While it’s not a perfect all-in-one solution, the flexibility and variety make it a popular choice for travelers keen on seeing a lot without the stress. You’ll leave with plenty of photo memories, some impressive skyline perspectives, and a sense of the city’s vibrant energy.
This tour is especially suited for those who want to maximize their limited time in New York, enjoy panoramic vistas, and appreciate a self-directed approach to sightseeing. It’s a practical, enjoyable way to experience the essence of NYC without breaking the bank.
NY: Statue of Liberty, Empire State, and Hop-on Hop-off Tour
“Empire State Building was ok. As for the Statue of Liberty I was unable to go as it said it was all sold out by the time I was given to book a slot…”
FAQ
Does the ferry to Liberty Island include a visit inside the Statue of Liberty?
No, the ferry ride is included, but access to the interior of the Statue of Liberty monument requires an additional ticket, which is not part of this package.
Can I activate my ticket at any time during the 48-hour window?
Yes, you can activate your tickets using the app or in person, and your 48 hours begins from that first activation—giving you flexibility.
Do I need to pre-book my Empire State Building visit?
Yes, pre-booking your time slot is necessary to avoid long lines and ensure entry on your preferred day.
Is there assistance for non-English speakers?
Yes, audio guides are available in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, German, and Italian.
Are there wheelchair-accessible options?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.
What if I want to visit additional attractions?
You’ll need to purchase tickets separately for attractions like the Statue of Liberty monument or other city sites, as they’re not included in the basic package.
In sum, this combo tour offers a practical, scenic, and flexible way to experience New York City’s highlights. Perfect for first-time visitors or those wanting a convenient overview, it promises memorable views and a taste of the Big Apple’s vibrant energy—all within a well-structured, budget-friendly package.
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