New York: Madame Tussauds and Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Experience the Best of New York in One Day: Madame Tussauds and Big Bus Tour

If you’re heading to New York and want a way to see the city’s most iconic sights while also rubbing elbows with the stars, this package offers a practical and enjoyable option. For around $100 per person, you’ll spend a day exploring from atop a double-decker bus and then walk through the famous halls of Madame Tussauds, all in one well-paced itinerary. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a balance of sightseeing and fun, especially if your time in the city is limited.

What we love about this experience is how it combines the convenience of a hop-on hop-off bus—which allows you to customize your route and pace—with the interactive fun of the wax museum. The bus provides panoramic views of NYC’s skyline and neighborhoods, while Madame Tussauds offers plenty of Instagrammable moments with lifelike figures of celebrities, world leaders, and Marvel heroes.

One potential downside is that this is a one-day experience, so if you’re hoping to explore more in-depth or visit landmarks outside the included sites, you’ll need to plan additional time. Also, the ticket itself is quite focused on these two attractions, so if your interests are more diverse or you prefer guided tours, you might want to look elsewhere.

This tour is best suited for first-timers wanting a fun, comprehensive introduction to NYC’s highlights—especially those who enjoy pop culture and are looking for a flexible way to see the city without the hassle of multiple tickets.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing: Unlimited hop-on hop-off options give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
• Iconic landmarks: The bus route covers major sights like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and 9/11 Memorial.
• Star-studded fun: Madame Tussauds features over 5 floors of wax figures, perfect for selfies and entertainment.
• Cost-effective bundle: Save 10% when combining the two attractions, making it a good value.
• Accessible and multilingual: The bus commentary is available in multiple languages, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.
• No hotel pickup: You need to meet at designated stops, so plan your arrival accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Full Review of the Madame Tussauds and Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Starting Point and Overall Experience

The tour begins with your ticket activation, either through the Big Bus app or at a designated stop outside M&Ms World on 7th Ave & W 48th St. This initial step is straightforward but requires some planning—especially if you’re eager to start sightseeing right away. The general admission to Madame Tussauds is included, along with a 4D Marvel experience, and the 24-hour Big Bus hop-on hop-off ticket provides a full day of exploring.

The experience is designed for flexibility. Buses run every 10-15 minutes, so you won’t wait long for the next ride, and the open-top double-decker buses offer great vantage points of the city. The digital commentary in multiple languages and the Big Bus app with real-time updates make navigation easier, especially for those unfamiliar with NYC.

Madame Tussauds: Closer Look at the Celebrity Clones

Located in Times Square, Madame Tussauds is a highlight. Spanning five floors, it offers an extensive collection of wax figures depicting music icons like Lady Gaga and Whitney Houston, movie stars like Audrey Hepburn, and even sports legends such as Lionel Messi.

The figures are remarkably lifelike, and many reviews mention how “you can really get close enough to see the details”—from costumes to facial expressions. For pop culture fans, it’s a playground. You can step into the Marvel Universe, join superheroes, or take a seat on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show set. There’s also ample opportunity for fun photos on the Glow Gala runway or walking the fashion runway during New York Fashion Week.

Most visitors appreciate the interactive nature of the museum, with some quoting that “the wax figures are so realistic, it’s almost like meeting celebrities in real life.” Yet, for those less into selfies, it’s worth noting that the crowds can be busy, especially during peak hours.

The Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off: Navigating the City

The Downtown Loop is about 90 minutes long and includes stops at major neighborhoods such as SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown, and Battery Park. You’ll pass by or stop near landmarks like Wall Street, the Charging Bull, and the 9/11 Memorial. The buses run frequently, so you can hop off to explore an area, then catch the next ride.

The unlimited hop-on hop-off feature is one of the key benefits. We loved the panoramic views from the open upper deck, which give a sense of New York’s scale and diversity. The commentary is informative, offering insights into the city’s neighborhoods, history, and culture—if you pay attention, you’ll come away with more than just photos.

A common comment from travelers is that the buses are a convenient way to orient yourself and get around without the stress of navigating subway lines or hailing cabs. However, since the buses follow a set loop, they are less ideal if you’re looking to go directly to a specific site without some waiting.

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Combining the Attractions for Value

Buying the combination ticket not only saves you 10% but also simplifies your day—no need to buy separate tickets or worry about late arrivals. This is especially helpful if your time is tight. You get to enjoy the immersive experience of Madame Tussauds at your own pace, then hop on the bus for a scenic tour of the city’s must-see sights.

The price of $100 per person is reasonable considering the two attractions and the convenience included. But keep in mind, this doesn’t cover meals, souvenirs, or additional visits outside the two main sights.

Practical Tips for Your Day

• Arrive early to beat the crowds at Madame Tussauds, especially if you want to avoid long lines.
• Download the Big Bus app beforehand for real-time bus locations and route info.
• Activate your ticket at least 30 minutes before your preferred Madame Tussauds entry time.
• Plan your bus route around the landmarks you most want to see, but allow flexibility.
• Remember that the tour does not include hotel pickup, so plan your transportation to the meeting point.
• If you’re mobility-challenged or traveling with young children, the wheelchair accessibility and multilingual commentary** make it easier to enjoy the experience.

Authentic Insights from Other Travelers

One review mentions how “the bus tour was a great way to see the city without walking too much,” while another notes that “Madame Tussauds is a must-see for any pop culture fan,” with some saying they “spent a couple of hours just taking photos with the figures.” A common theme is that the combo provides a good overview and entertainment—if you’re a first-time visitor, it’s a nice sampler of NYC.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of Manhattan’s highlights combined with fun photo opportunities at Madame Tussauds. It’s perfect if you prefer flexible sightseeing rather than rigid guided tours. Families, pop culture fans, and travelers with limited time will find this combo especially appealing.

It’s less suited for those seeking deep dives into history or personalized guided experiences. Also, if you prefer small group tours or walking explorations, you might want to look elsewhere.

The Sum Up

This combo tour of Madame Tussauds and the Big Bus hop-on hop-off is a smart way to maximize a day in New York City. It offers a balanced mix of entertainment, sightseeing, and flexibility, all at a reasonable price. The self-guided nature and panoramic bus views make it easy to get a feel for NYC’s neighborhoods without feeling rushed, while the wax museum provides plenty of fun and memorable photo moments.

It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors or families wanting to get a taste of the city’s iconic sights and celebrity culture with minimal hassle. The cost, combined with the convenience of ticket bundling, makes this a value-packed choice—especially if you prioritize fun and flexibility over in-depth guided commentary.

If you’re after a light, fun day that hits all the major highlights, this tour hits the mark. Just remember to arrive prepared, plan your route, and enjoy the city from its best angles.

FAQ

How do I activate my ticket?
You can activate your ticket via the Big Bus app by entering your booking reference and pressing “Activate,” or at the designated stop outside M&Ms World. Make sure to activate before visiting Madame Tussauds.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for travelers with mobility challenges to enjoy both the bus and Madame Tussauds.

How do I hop on and off the bus?
Buses arrive every 10-15 minutes at each stop. You simply show your activated ticket to the driver or staff, then hop off at any stop along the route to explore, and hop back on when you’re ready.

Does the ticket include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup is not included. You need to meet at the designated stops for the tour.

What languages are available for the commentary?
The digital commentary is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, and Italian.

Can I buy the ticket on the day of the tour?
Yes, but it’s recommended to book in advance to secure your spot and avoid missing out, especially during busy seasons.

How long is the bus tour?
The Downtown Loop takes about 90 minutes, but you can spend as much time as you like at each stop before catching the next bus.

What is included at Madame Tussauds?
Your entry includes general admission and the Marvel Superheroes 4D Experience. You can explore five floors of wax figures and participate in interactive areas.

Are there any discounts or bundles?
Yes, you save 10% when buying this combo ticket, which bundles Madame Tussauds with the Big Bus tour, offering excellent value.

Set out on a day of discovery and fun in New York with this practical and lively combo. It’s a great way to see the city, snap some stars, and enjoy the sights at your own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: