Exploring the Big Apple with Big Bus Tours New York

New York City is a place like no other—a vibrant, bustling metropolis filled with iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and a rich tapestry of cultures. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, navigating this sprawling city can be overwhelming. That’s where Big Bus Tours New York comes in. Offering an easy, fun, and informative way to explore the city, Big Bus Tours is the perfect way to see all that New York has to offer.

Why Choose Big Bus Tours New York?

Big Bus Tours New York provides a hop-on, hop-off service that allows you to explore the city at your own pace. With multiple routes covering all the major attractions, you can easily customise your journey to suit your interests. Whether you’re eager to see the Statue of Liberty, stroll through Central Park, or take in the bright lights of Times Square, Big Bus Tours has you covered.

The Routes: Something for Everyone

Big Bus Tours offers several routes that cover different parts of the city:

1. Downtown Loop (red route): This route takes you through the heart of Manhattan, covering must-see landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and the 9/11 Memorial. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the iconic sites that make New York City famous. This is the option we went for. We were staying at VOCO Hotel Times Square so armed with our CityPASS we joined at the Times Square stop, from there we hopped on and off at China Town, Brooklyn Bridge,  Wall Street and the 9/11 Memorial. We found it a really good way to see  the city at our leisure. You can track the bus real time and the information on stops is really clear and concise, making it very easy to follow. We found it a great option with kids who didn’t fancy doing as much walking as we did!
2. Uptown Loop (blue route): Discover the cultural richness of New York on this route, which passes by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and the lush green spaces of Central Park. This loop is ideal for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

What to Expect on the Tour

Each Big Bus tour is accompanied by either a live guide or a recorded commentary (ours on the downtown loop was pre-recorded), available in multiple languages, giving you fascinating insights into the history and culture of New York City. The buses themselves are comfortable, with open-top decks that provide excellent views and photo opportunities.

One of the best features of Big Bus Tours New York is the flexibility. The hop-on, hop-off model allows you to get off the bus at any stop that interests you and explore the area on foot. When you’re ready to move on, simply hop back on the next bus and continue your journey. Travelling with kids we really found this was very beneficial and towards the afternoon of our day touring the rain started so we were able to continue our tour in the comfort of the bus.

Mama F Top Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

• Start Early: To see as much of the city as possible, start your tour early in the day. This gives you plenty of time to explore different stops.
• Plan Your Stops: Before you begin, take a look at the route maps and decide which attractions you most want to visit. This way, you can make the most of your time. The real time information on the stops is really useful for planning and we found it was very accurate as we “hopped on and off” a lot throughout the day! You can also put in your location and it will pick up the nearest stop to you. I really feel this is a huge bonus for this service.
• Dress Comfortably: New York City is a place where you’ll want to be comfortable as you walk around and explore. Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly.
• Bring a Camera: You’ll want to capture the stunning views from the open-top bus, so don’t forget your camera!

Conclusion: A New York Adventure You Won’t Forget

Big Bus Tours New York offers an unforgettable way to experience the city. With the freedom to explore at your own pace, informative guides, and access to all the major attractions, it’s the perfect way to get to know the Big Apple. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering the city, a Big Bus Tour is an adventure you won’t want to miss. So hop on, and let the magic of New York City unfold before your eyes!

Note: Thanks to Big Bus Tours for our family tickets for the Downtown Loop. We were not asked nor expected to write this review. All views are our own.