NYC Bundle: Empire State, Big Bus Tour, and Circle Line Cruise

If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple, chances are you want to see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed or breaking the bank. This NYC Bundle combines three iconic experiences—the Empire State Building, a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and a Circle Line cruise—for just $99 per person. From panoramic city views to exploring neighborhoods at your own pace, this package aims to give visitors a well-rounded taste of New York.

What makes this bundle particularly appealing? First, you get express access to the Empire State’s 86th-floor observation deck, skipping lines and maximizing your sightseeing time. Second, the flexible 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus allows you to explore neighborhoods like Times Square, Wall Street, and SoHo at your leisure, with the added bonus of live audio commentary in multiple languages. The Circle Line cruise offers a relaxing way to view the city’s most famous landmarks from the water, gliding past the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center.

A potential consideration? While the bundled price is excellent value, the experience’s success depends on your timing and weather—especially for outdoor activities like the bus and cruise. If you’re looking for an ultra-personalized or in-depth tour, you might find some limitations in the flexibility and depth of guided commentary. This package is best suited for first-time visitors eager to tick off major sights efficiently without fuss.

This experience is well-suited for first-time visitors, budget-conscious travelers, and families who want a rundown of the city in a single, cost-effective package.

Key Points

• Great Value: Save over 40% compared to booking each experience separately.
• Flexible Schedule: 48 hours of hop-on hop-off travel allows ample time to explore at your own pace.
• Stunning Views: Both the Empire State and Circle Line cruises offer panoramic vistas of NYC’s skyline.
• Convenient Ticketing: Mobile tickets make check-in simple and contactless.
• Expert Narration: Audio guides available in multiple languages enhance understanding.
• Weather Dependency: Outdoor activities depend on good weather; plan accordingly.

The Experience: A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Starting at the Empire State Building

Your journey begins with express entry to the 86th-floor observation deck of the Empire State Building. This classic Art Deco masterpiece is a must-see, offering 360-degree views that stretch from Central Park to the distant Statue of Liberty. On a clear day, you’ll see the skyline in all its glory—clouds permitting, of course. The skip-the-line access is a big perk, saving you the hassle of queues, especially during peak hours.

As one reviewer noted, the views are “stunning, and the experience is worth the price.” The deck is spacious, with plenty of outdoor viewing areas and indoor terminals, making it comfortable regardless of weather. Be prepared for a bit of crowding during busy times, but the quick entry helps keep the experience smooth.

Exploring with the Big Bus Tour

Next up, the 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus lets you navigate Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn on two routes. You can choose to stay onboard for a narrated tour or hop off at popular spots like Times Square, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chinatown, or Brooklyn Bridge.

Riding top deck offers open-air views, which are especially memorable when crossing bridges or passing through iconic neighborhoods. The audio commentary is available in multiple languages, providing context and fun facts about sights along the route. As one reviewer mentioned, “we loved the way the bus made it easy to see all major sights without exhaustion.”

The real-time tracking feature in the Big Bus app is a nice touch, letting you plan your stops better and avoid long waits at stops. The flexibility means you can tailor your day—perhaps hopping off at Central Park for a stroll, then jumping back on to continue your tour.

The Circle Line Cruise: Water Views that Captivate

Your adventure culminates with a 60- or 90-minute Circle Line cruise. Departing from Pier 83 in Hudson River Park, you’ll glide past the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center. The cruise features indoor seating, outdoor decks, restrooms, and an onboard café and bar, making it comfortable regardless of weather.

The Landmarks Cruise (90 minutes) is more comprehensive than the Midtown version and allows a more relaxed viewing experience. The large windows and outdoor deck space let you snap photos of the skyline, bridges, and Statue of Liberty without the crowds or stress of a busy tour bus.

One traveler described it as “a peaceful way to see the city’s skyline from the water, with excellent commentary and stunning views.” The cruise’s outdoor seating is ideal for photo ops, and the air-conditioned indoor area makes it comfortable if it’s a hot or rainy day.

Transportation and Logistics

The package’s mobile ticket system makes it easy to access all three experiences—just activate your tickets via the Big Bus app or with staff at designated stops. The Empire State Building access is included in the package, and for the bus and cruise, you can activate your tickets either in advance or on the day of use.

The nearest public transportation options include the stop at Circle Line Sightseeing (Stop 13), which is conveniently located near the cruise departure point. The bus stops are well-placed throughout Manhattan, allowing you to connect easily to other transit lines.

Duration and Group Size

The Empire State visit typically takes about an hour and a half, including waiting time. The bus tour is flexible—your 48 hours give you plenty of leeway—and the cruise lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. Group sizes vary, but the open-top buses and outdoor decks can accommodate large groups, making it a lively experience. Expect to share with other travelers, but the wide spaces prevent feeling crowded.

Price and Value

At $99 per person, this bundled experience offers excellent value, especially considering individual tickets for each activity are typically more expensive. The convenience of having everything booked and combined saves you time and potential confusion.

One reviewer summed it up well, stating that it was “a great value and included all the main highlights” for a first-time visitor. The package suits those who want a rundown without making multiple bookings or spending extra time planning.

Authentic Traveler Perspectives

From reviews, it’s clear that guides and staff are knowledgeable, often adding to the enjoyment with their commentary. The stunning views from both the Empire State and the cruise are consistently praised, with comments about how these perspectives help you grasp NYC’s scale and beauty.

A reviewer noted, “We loved the way the bus made it easy to see all major sights without exhaustion,” highlighting the practicality of this approach. Another appreciated the flexibility of the hop-on hop-off system, enabling spontaneous detours or extended visits at favorite spots.

Some travelers mention weather considerations, especially for outdoor decks and water activities. It’s advisable to check the forecast and dress appropriately, particularly if you plan to spend time on the outdoor parts of the cruise or bus.

Who Will Love This Bundle?

This combination pack is ideal for first-time visitors who want to get a broad overview of NYC’s top attractions quickly and efficiently. Families, couples, or solo travelers on a budget will find it offers value for money and flexibility.

It’s also perfect for those who prefer to avoid long lines and want a seamless experience—from skipping the queues at Empire State to enjoying a relaxing water cruise. The multi-language audio guides cater well to international visitors, making the experience more enriching.

However, if you’re after an in-depth, guided tour of specific neighborhoods or historical contexts, you might want to supplement this with more specialized experiences. Still, for a first-time overview, it hits most of the major highlights efficiently.

Final Thoughts

This NYC Bundle delivers a well-rounded, cost-effective way to see the city’s most recognizable sights. Combining sky-high views, city exploration via bus, and a water cruise, it offers diverse perspectives on the urban landscape. The value is hard to beat, especially for travelers eager to cover a lot of ground without fuss.

The experience is best suited for newcomers who want a broad introduction to Manhattan and NYC’s waterfront, with enough flexibility to customize their day. The easy mobile ticketing and professional guides make it a smooth, enjoyable start to a memorable trip.

If you’re looking for a convenient, affordable, and scenic overview, this bundle is a smart choice that maximizes your time and highlights the city’s best.

FAQ

How do I receive my tickets for this experience?
Your tickets are delivered as a mobile ticket. You can activate them via the Big Bus app or with staff at the designated stop outside M&Ms World.

Are the cruises available every day?
Yes, the Circle Line cruises operate daily from Pier 83 in Hudson River Park, offering 60-minute or 90-minute options depending on your choice.

Can I hop on and off the bus at any stop?
Yes, the 48-hour hop-on hop-off ticket allows you to leave and rejoin the bus at any designated stop, giving you the freedom to explore specific neighborhoods longer.

Is there audio commentary available?
Absolutely. The Big Bus provides audio guides in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and more. The Circle Line also offers commentary in several languages.

Is this experience suitable for all ages?
Yes, the package is designed for most travelers, including families and seniors, as long as they’re comfortable with outdoor and water activities.

Can I visit the Empire State Building on a different day?
Yes, the Empire State Building and the Circle Line cruise can be booked on separate days, allowing more flexibility.

What should I wear?
Bring layers for outdoor activities—comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are advisable. For the cruise, dress for the weather, especially if you want to enjoy the outdoor decks.