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

See New York’s highlights from land, sky, and water with a single 48-hour ticket—hop-on, hop-off buses, Empire State Building access, and a Circle Line cruise.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Getting started

Activate your 48-hour bus pass by showing your ticket to the driver at any Big Bus stop. You can hop on any Downtown (Red) or Uptown (Blue) loop.

What to expect

See Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks seamlessly, with the flexibility to get off and explore at your own pace.

Features

• Unlimited rides on both Downtown and Uptown routes for two days.

• A pre-recorded multilingual audio commentary is available on board.

• Live bus tracking and route info via the Big Bus mobile app.

Empire State Building (86th Floor)

Getting started

Redeem your ticket for entry to the Empire State Building’s main observatory deck. Show your confirmation at the ticket booth / entrance. (Big Bus combo includes standard entry.)

What to expect

Get sweeping 360° views of New York City from one of its most iconic Art Deco skyscrapers.

Features

• Timed entry to the building.

• Access to the 86th-floor open-air observation deck.

• Panoramic views spanning Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond through high-powered binoculars.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise

Getting started

Board at the designated Circle Line pier (per your ticket’s instructions). Cruise times vary, so arrive early. According to the bundle, you can choose either a 60-minute Liberty Midtown Cruise or a 90-minute Landmarks Cruise.

What to expect

Relax on the water as you glide past New York’s greatest landmarks — including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and downtown skyline.

Features

• Choice between 60-minute Liberty Cruise or 90-minute Landmarks Cruise.

• Live English guide aboard, plus audio narration in multiple languages.

• Indoor and outdoor seating, with restrooms and a café/bar on board.

Know before you go

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off

What’s not allowed

• Large luggage or suitcases that could block aisles are not permitted.

• Food is not allowed; non-alcoholic drinks are okay only in screw-cap bottles.

• Only ADA-defined service animals are allowed; non-service pets are not permitted.

Accessibility

• Most buses are wheelchair accessible, with lifts rated up to 650 lbs.

• Upper-deck seating may not be accessible to all guests with mobility limitations.

• Strollers must be folded and stored on the lower deck.

Additional information

• Your pass activates the moment you first board and remains valid for 48 hours.

• Use the Big Bus app for real-time GPS tracking and stop details.

• Show your valid Big Bus ticket to receive a complimentary ice cream at the Harry Potter Store.

• Service does not operate on Nov 24 (Thanksgiving) or Dec 31 (New Year’s Eve); severe weather or major events may also impact schedules.

Empire State Building

What to bring

• Your ticket (mobile or printed) for your timed entry.

• A government-issued ID if requested at security.

• A light, carry-on–sized bag; larger items are not permitted.

What’s not allowed

• Weapons of any kind (knives, firearms, etc.) are strictly prohibited.

• Glass bottles or alcoholic beverages are not allowed inside the landmark.

• Tripods, monopods, or camera stands are not allowed.

• Sports equipment, large packages, or any form of luggage is not allowed.

• Outside food or drinks inside the observatory or on any deck is not allowed.

Accessibility

• Fully ADA compliant with ramps, elevators, and lowered viewing areas and binoculars on the 86th-floor deck.

• Service dogs are allowed throughout the landmark.

• Strollers must be folded on observatory levels.

Additional information

• All guests must pass through airport-style security screening.

• No luggage storage or coat check is available.

• Tickets are valid only for the selected date and time; no re-entry is allowed.

Circle Line Cruise

What to bring

• Carry your cruise ticket (mobile or printed).

• A photo ID, which may be requested during boarding.

• Wear/carry a jacket or windbreaker, as outdoor decks can get breezy.

What’s not allowed

• Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives and pepper spray are forbidden.

• Large luggage, suitcases, or bulky items are not allowed on the cruise.

• Outside food or beverages are not allowed on the cruise.

Accessibility

• Standard wheelchairs can access the first level of most vessels.

• Accessible restrooms are available on board.

Additional information

• Arrive 30–45 minutes early to ensure smooth boarding, especially during busy times.

• Vessels offer both indoor and outdoor seating, plus a café/bar on board.