Empire State Building against a blue sky in New York City.
View of New York City skyline and Hudson River from Empire State Building.
Big Bus New York tour bus on a city street with skyscrapers in the background.
Cruise ship sailing near Manhattan skyline on Circle Line tour, New York City.
new york combo essential + esb + circle line-5

Best of NYC: Hop-on Hop-off Tour + Empire State Building Tickets + Circle Line Cruise, New York

New York
HOHO
Google Verified Seller

Duration: 2 hours

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Audio guide

Access to multilingual audio guide

Get your booking confirmed instantly

Explore New York City's highlights with ease using this Best of NYC package, which includes hop-on hop-off bus tours, Empire State Building access, and a Circle Line cruise. Enjoy unlimited rides on both Downtown (Red) Loop and Uptown (Blue) Loop for two days to see Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks on your own schedule. This 48-hour ticket offers the flexibility of exploring New York from land, sky, and water with convenient stops throughout the city.

From one convenient 48-hour pass, explore New York City by bus, building, and boat. This Best of NYC: Hop-on Hop-off Tour + Empire State Building Tickets + Circle Line Cruise offers an all-in-one experience.

With open-top deck access on both Uptown and Downtown routes via the Big Bus Get On & Go Ticket, enjoy unlimited hop-ons with pre-recorded multilingual audio for a complete tour through New York.

The 86th-floor of the Empire State Building provides timed entry to its exhibits followed by expansive skyline views from an open-air deck. This iconic visit is part of your package experience.

For Statue of Liberty enthusiasts, opt for the 60-minute Liberty Midtown Cruise; alternatively, a broader exploration awaits on the 90-minute Landmarks Cruise along New York's waterfront.

Use of a 48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass

Entry to Downtown Red & Uptown Blue routes

Audio guide in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish & Portuguese

Complimentary headphones

Admission timed for the 86th-floor observation deck at Empire State Building

Access to engaging exhibits on the 2nd & 80th floors

Free Wi-Fi access

Downloadable multimedia app

60-minute cruise duration

Live narration by a local guide (on the cruise)

Dedicated time for close-up view of Statue of Liberty

Spacious outdoor decks to take in stunning views

Comfortable interiors with heating and air conditioning

Audio guide available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Japanese (based on option selected)

90-minute cruise duration

Cruise under iconic NYC bridges

Live narration by a local guide (on the cruise)

Dedicated time for close-up view of Statue of Liberty

Spacious outdoor decks to take in stunning views

Comfortable interiors with heating and air conditioning

Audio guide available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Japanese (based on option selected)

Catering costs

Accommodation transfer

Empire State Building against a blue sky in New York City.

Empire State Building against a blue sky in New York City.

Your Experience: Best of NYC Tour

This 48-hour adventure allows you to explore New York’s highlights from land, sky, and water. With access to the Empire State Building and a Circle Line cruise included in your ticket, plus hop-on-hop-off buses, this experience is complete.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Begin by activating your 48-hour bus pass at any Big Bus stop—show it to the driver. Choose between Downtown (Red) or Uptown (Blue) loops for a flexible exploration of Manhattan’s iconic neighborhoods and landmarks.

  • Infinite rides on both routes over two days, offering flexibility in your itinerary.
  • Enjoy pre-recorded multilingual audio commentary while traveling.
  • Use the Big Bus mobile app for live tracking and route information.

Empire State Building (86th Floor)

To start, redeem your ticket at the Empire State Building’s main observatory deck. Present your confirmation at the entrance where standard entry is included with this package.

This visit offers stunning 360° views of New York City from one of its most famous Art Deco skyscrapers.

  • Timed entry ensures a smooth experience inside the building.
  • Access to an open-air observation deck on the 86th floor for panoramic vistas.
  • Explore views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond with high-powered binoculars.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise

Board at your specified Circle Line pier as instructed on the ticket. Arrive early for varied cruise times; you can select either a 60-minute Liberty Midtown Cruise or a 90-minute Landmarks Cruise according to this bundle.

Sit back and relax aboard while cruising past New York’s greatest landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and downtown skyline.

  • Choose between a 60-minute Liberty Cruise or a 90-minute Landmarks Cruise for your adventure.
  • Enjoy an English live guide along with audio narration in multiple languages.
  • The cruise offers indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms, and a café/bar on board.
View of New York City skyline and Hudson River from Empire State Building.

View of New York City skyline and Hudson River from Empire State Building.

Big Bus New York tour bus on a city street with skyscrapers in the background.

Big Bus New York tour bus on a city street with skyscrapers in the background.

Cruise ship sailing near Manhattan skyline on Circle Line tour, New York City.

Cruise ship sailing near Manhattan skyline on Circle Line tour, New York City.

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off: What’s not allowed

  • Luggage or suitcases that are large and could block aisles should be left behind as they're not permitted.
  • No food is allowed on board; however, non-alcoholic drinks in screw-cap bottles are acceptable.

Only service animals defined by ADA regulations can accompany you. Pets for companionship aren't allowed.

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off: Accessibility

  • The majority of buses accommodate wheelchairs, equipped with lifts that handle up to 650 lbs.
  • Note that seating on the upper deck might not be accessible for all guests facing mobility challenges.

Strollers should be folded and stored in designated areas below decks.

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off: Additional information

  • Your pass becomes active once you board the first time, maintaining its validity for 48 hours thereafter.
  • The Big Bus app provides real-time GPS tracking and details about each stop.
  • Show your valid ticket to receive a complimentary ice cream at the Harry Potter Store.

Service is unavailable on Nov 24 (Thanksgiving) or Dec 31 (New Year’s Eve); schedules may also be affected by severe weather conditions or major events.

Empire State Building: What to bring

  • Your timed entry ticket, whether digital or printed, is required for access.
  • A government-issued ID may be requested at security checkpoints.

Carry a light bag that fits in your hand; larger bags are not allowed inside the building.

Empire State Building: What’s not allowed

  • No weapons of any kind, including knives and firearms, are permitted on premises.
  • Glass bottles or alcoholic beverages must be left behind before entering the landmark.
  • Tripods, monopods, or camera stands cannot be brought inside.
  • Items such as sports equipment, large packages, or luggage of any kind are prohibited.

Consumption of outside food and drinks is not allowed within the observatory areas or on any deck levels.

Empire State Building: Accessibility

  • The building complies fully with ADA standards, featuring ramps, elevators, as well as lowered viewing platforms and binoculars available on the 86th-floor deck for those who need them.
  • Service dogs are welcome throughout the landmark's premises.

Folded strollers can be brought onto observatory levels but must not obstruct pathways.

Empire State Building: Additional information

  • All visitors will undergo airport-style security screening before entering.
  • No luggage storage or coat check services are available on-site.

Tickets are only valid for the specific date and time they were purchased, with no option for re-entry once you leave.

Circle Line Cruise: What to bring

  • Your cruise ticket should be on hand in either digital or printed form when boarding.
  • A photo ID may need to be presented during the boarding process.

Clothing like a jacket or windbreaker is advisable due to breezy conditions on outdoor decks.

Circle Line Cruise: What’s not allowed

  • No weapons of any kind, including pocket knives and pepper spray, are permitted onboard the cruise.
  • Luggage that's large or bulky must be left behind as it won't fit on board.

Consuming outside food or beverages during the cruise is prohibited.

Circle Line Cruise: Accessibility

  • The first level of most vessels can accommodate standard wheelchairs for easy access.

An accessible restroom facility is available on board to cater to all guests' needs.

Circle Line Cruise: Additional information

  • To ensure a smooth boarding process, it's recommended to arrive 30–45 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

The cruise offers both indoor and outdoor seating options for guests' comfort, along with an on-board café/bar serving refreshments.

new york combo essential + esb + circle line-5

new york combo essential + esb + circle line-5

Book your visit during off-peak hours if possible; this can help you avoid long lines and crowds at popular attractions like the Empire State Building.

If planning to explore several sites, start with those farther away from each other to maximize time efficiency on both bus routes.

Check accessibility options in advance as most buses are wheelchair accessible; ensure lifts meet your specific needs if you're traveling with a wheelchair or mobility aid.

Customer Reviews

Discover what our customers are saying about their experiences

4.3

Loading reviews...

5
-
4
-
3
-
2
-
1
-

Operating hours

Empire State Building

Monday
10:00am - 11:30pm • last entry 10:45pm
Tuesday
10:00am - 11:30pm • last entry 10:45pm
Wednesday
10:00am - 11:30pm • last entry 10:45pm
Thursday
10:00am - 11:30pm • last entry 10:45pm
Friday
10:00am - 11:30pm • last entry 10:45pm
Saturday
10:00am - 11:30pm • last entry 10:45pm
Sunday
10:00am - 11:30pm • last entry 10:45pm
  • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

FAQs

You'll explore Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks at your own pace. The buses offer a pre-recorded multilingual audio commentary, enhancing your sightseeing adventure across both Downtown Red and Uptown Blue routes.
You can choose between the Liberty Midtown Cruise, which lasts 60 minutes with close-up views of the Statue of Liberty, or the Landmarks Cruise that spans 90 minutes and covers a broader waterfront route.
Once you activate your ticket by showing it to a driver at any Big Bus stop, your hop-on hop-off pass is valid for 48 hours on both Downtown and Uptown routes.
The pre-recorded multilingual audio commentary onboard offers guidance in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, and Portuguese to enhance your sightseeing experience.
Most of the buses have lifts rated up to 650 lbs for accessibility, but upper-deck seating may not be suitable for guests with mobility limitations.
Food is not allowed on board, but non-alcoholic drinks in screw-cap bottles are permitted. Additionally, hotel pick-up and drop-off services are excluded from the package.
The experience includes timed entry to the building where you can explore exhibits on the 2nd & 80th floors. You'll also have access to the open-air observation deck on the 86th floor for spectacular skyline views.
The tour includes a 48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass, access to Downtown Red & Uptown Blue routes with an audio guide in multiple languages and complimentary headphones, timed admission to the Empire State Building's 86th-floor observation deck, and entry to immersive exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors.
Activate your 48-hour bus pass by showing it to the driver at any Big Bus stop. You can choose between Downtown (Red) or Uptown (Blue) loops.
Large luggage that could block aisles is not permitted on the buses, but non-alcoholic drinks in screw-cap bottles are allowed. Only ADA-defined service animals can accompany you; pets other than service animals are prohibited.

You might also like ...

Explore more experiences in New York.

From
9,417per person
1

Were Online

How may

Why travellers trust Staybook

We've served 50 million+ guests and are here to serve you better

Premium support, curated experiences, and trusted reviews so every trip feels effortless.

Guests hosted
50 million+

Happy travellers across 12,000+ carefully curated experiences worldwide.

In the media
Featured brands

Recognised and recommended by leading travel and lifestyle publishers.

Support
24×7 help center

Live chat with local experts before, during, and after your experience.