NY: Statue of Liberty, Empire State, and Hop-on Hop-off Tour

If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple, a comprehensive tour that combines iconic sights like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and a flexible hop-on hop-off bus ride might just be your best bet to see the city efficiently. This kind of combination allows you to enjoy the city’s highlights at your own pace, with the convenience of bundled tickets that save you money and hassle.

What we love about this package is how it balances stunning views with the flexibility of choosing your own itinerary. Riding a hop-on hop-off bus means you can linger at favorite spots or skip the ones that don’t excite you, all while getting a good overview of the city’s neighborhoods. Plus, visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island adds that once-in-a-lifetime touch, offering a close-up encounter with a symbol of freedom that’s hard to match.

Of course, one thing to keep in mind is that the ferry to Liberty Island operates only from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, so timing your visit is essential to avoid missing out. This tour is best suited for first-timers or visitors who want a broad, flexible overview of NYC without the hassle of booking individual tickets or navigating multiple lines.

Key Points

• Flexible Itinerary: Hop-on hop-off allows you to customize your day and visit attractions at your own pace.
• Iconic Views: From the Empire State Building’s observation deck to the ferry rides, you’ll encounter some of the most recognizable sights in New York.
• Cost Savings: The bundle offers about a 25% discount compared to buying individual tickets, making it good value.
• Practical Access: Includes digital commentary, souvenir earbuds, and an app for real-time bus tracking—making your experience smoother.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sights.
• Timing Matters: Be mindful of operating hours for the ferry and Empire State Building reservations to maximize your visit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Booking

The tour is organized by Big Bus Tours, a reputable provider with a solid reputation for city sightseeing. You have two options to activate your tickets: using their app or redeeming a voucher in person. The recommended meeting point is in front of M&Ms World on 7th Ave & W 48th St, a central and easy-to-find location. Once activated, the 48-hour validity begins, giving you plenty of time to explore.

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

The main attraction of this package is the double-route open-top bus—the Downtown and Uptown routes. These buses are designed to give you a panoramic view of Manhattan’s most famous landmarks. We liked the way the open-top design offers unobstructed views, especially in good weather, making sightseeing both practical and enjoyable.

The buses run with audio commentary available in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian, enhancing your understanding of the city’s history and sights. The buses are also equipped with real-time tracking via the app, so you won’t have to guess wait times or search for the next bus.

Stops and Highlights

You can hop off at any of the designated stops, which include major sights like Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, and of course, the Empire State Building. This flexibility is ideal for spending more time at spots that catch your interest or grabbing some photos without the rush.

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Empire State Building Experience

Included in the package is a ticket to the Empire State Building. To ensure smooth entry, you’ll need to pre-book your preferred time slot—something to do in advance as it’s not automatically scheduled. Once at the top, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Manhattan, with a 360-degree perspective that’s particularly striking at sunset or on clear days. As one reviewer mentioned, the views are truly spectacular, making that extra effort worthwhile.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

The ferry ride to Liberty Island is a standout. It operates from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM, and the roundtrip ferry takes you close enough to see Lady Liberty’s torch and explore her grounds. You can learn about her significance and enjoy the skyline from a different angle—certainly a highlight for many visitors.

A key point from one review notes that “the ferry transfer was a bit confusing due to differing stop locations,” so paying close attention to the meeting instructions can save you some hassle.

Combining the Elements

What makes this tour appealing is the ability to arrange your day in any order. You might choose to visit the Empire State Building first, then hop on the bus to explore neighborhoods, and finally end with the ferry ride. This flexibility appeals to travelers who want a tailored experience, rather than a rigid schedule.

Practical Considerations and Value

Pricing and Value

At $135 per person, this package offers a significant discount—about 25% off retail prices—when you bundle the attractions together. For first-time visitors, this can be a cost-effective way to see many highlights without buying separate tickets or waiting in multiple lines.

What’s Included and Not

The package includes 48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off access, the Empire State Building entry ticket, and the ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island if selected. The ferry and observation deck are separate from the basic ferry ticket, so ensure you select the right option if you wish to access the Liberty Island grounds.

A notable missing element is the entry to the Statue of Liberty monument itself—the ferry lands at Liberty Island, but access to the statue’s interior is not included. If you want to go inside, you’ll need to book separate tickets.

Accessibility and Convenience

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a big plus for travelers with mobility needs. The digital commentary and the app for real-time updates make navigation easier, especially in a city like New York where delays and crowds are common.

Reviews and Real-World Feedback

The overall rating is 3.8 out of 5 based on 153 reviews, with some travelers praising the “brilliant” experience and the “fantastic views”. One visitor from the UK called the tour “brilliant,” highlighting how it made their holiday easy and enjoyable.

However, some reviews point out issues, such as a driver giving incorrect transfer locations, which underscores the importance of paying attention to instructions and planning ahead.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This package is perfect for first-time visitors or those who want a broad overview of New York’s most famous sights without the hassle of booking individual tickets. It’s also ideal for travelers who prefer flexibility—you can hop off and explore or stay on to enjoy the city’s skyline from multiple vantage points.

It suits those who enjoy scenic views and want to learn about the city’s landmarks with audio commentary. The inclusion of a famous observation deck and ferry rides makes it especially appealing for photo lovers and those eager to experience NYC from different angles.

In summary, if you want a cost-effective, flexible way to see New York’s highlights with the convenience of bundled tickets, this tour provides good value. Just keep in mind the timing of ferry operations and the need to pre-book certain attractions to make the most of your day.

FAQs

Does the ferry to Liberty Island operate every day?
Yes, the ferry runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to ensure you don’t miss it.

Is entry to the Statue of Liberty monument included?
No, the ferry ticket gets you to Liberty Island, but access inside the statue itself is not covered by this tour.

How do I activate my tickets?
You can activate via the Big Bus app by entering your booking reference or by redeeming a voucher at the designated meeting point, usually in front of M&Ms World on 7th Ave & W 48th St.

Can I use the tour on multiple days?
The 48-hour validity begins from your first activation, and the tickets are valid on separate days within that window.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to pre-book my Empire State Building visit?
Yes, you should pre-book your preferred time slot through the booking link to ensure smooth entry.

What is the main benefit of the hop-on hop-off bus?
It allows you to explore at your own pace, hopping off at sights that interest you and reboarding as you please, with the added benefit of informative commentary.

Final Thoughts

This combined tour offers a practical way to see some of New York City’s most iconic sights without spending a fortune or juggling multiple tickets. The scenic views from the Empire State Building, combined with the experience of the Statue of Liberty, make for memorable moments, especially when paired with the convenience of a hop-on hop-off bus.

It’s well-suited for those who value flexibility, panoramic vistas, and iconic landmarks. The inclusion of digital tools and accessibility options adds to its appeal, making it a solid choice for a first visit or a quick overview of the city’s highlights.

While some critics mention logistical hiccups, most seem pleased with the overall experience, especially when timing and planning are carefully managed. For travelers seeking a comprehensive, flexible, and value-minded tour, this package delivers a well-rounded introduction to New York’s bustling streets and towering monuments.

To sum it up, if your goal is to get a broad sense of New York’s most recognizable sights with the convenience of bundled tickets, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for first-timers eager to tick off key landmarks without the stress of planning each detail. Just remember to check operating hours and book ahead for popular attractions like the Empire State Building to make your visit as smooth as possible.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby