NYC Bundle: Empire State, Big Bus Tour, and Circle Line Cruise

Traveling to New York City can be overwhelming — so many sights, neighborhoods, and experiences, all packed into a city that never sleeps. This NYC Bundle offers a practical way to see many highlights in one go, combining three iconic experiences for just $99 per person. With express entry to the Empire State’s observation deck, a flexible hop-on-hop-off bus tour, and a cruising adventure past famous landmarks, this package aims to give you a taste of the Big Apple’s best.

What we love about this bundle is the convenience and value — it’s a bundled deal that saves you over 40% compared to buying each experience separately. The 48-hour bus hop-on-hop-off allows you to explore at your own pace, hopping off at must-see spots like Times Square and the MET. And, if you’re a fan of water views, the Circle Line cruise offers a relaxing way to see landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge from the water.

One possible consideration is that, depending on your schedule, you might want to spread out these experiences over a couple of days to fully enjoy each without feeling rushed. Also, some travelers note that the duration of the cruise — either 60 or 90 minutes — might be on the shorter side if you’re craving a more in-depth water tour.

This bundle is ideal for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a rundown of NYC without juggling multiple bookings or overspending. It suits those who value stunning views, flexible touring options, and authentic city highlights in a single, budget-friendly package.

Key Points

• Great value: Saves over 40% compared to individual tickets.
• Flexible schedule: 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus allows you to explore New York at your own pace.
• Iconic views: Observation deck and cruise deliver sweeping city vistas.
• Convenient locations: Multiple stops in prime NYC neighborhoods.
• Multi-language audio: Guides available in several languages enhance understanding.
• Ideal for first-timers: Covers many must-see spots in one easy package.

An In-Depth Look at the NY Combo Experience

What’s Included and How it Works

This bundle is a smart way to maximize your time in New York City. For $99, you get three experiences: express entry to the Empire State Building, a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and a Circle Line sightseeing cruise. The entire package encourages a relaxed yet comprehensive exploration, perfect for visitors who want the highlights without the hassle of booking each part separately.

The Empire State Building

Starting with the Empire State is a classic move. You’ll gain expedited access to the 86th-floor observation deck, avoiding typical long lines. From there, expect 360° views of Manhattan, including sights like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and One World Trade Center. The Art Deco architecture itself is worth noting — a true NYC icon.

Many travelers find the experience “a must-see,” with some noting the stunning vistas and easy entry as major pluses. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the guide made it so easy to skip the lines,” emphasizing the convenience of the fast-track ticket.

The Big Bus Tour: See NYC Your Way

The 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus offers two routes with frequent stops at major neighborhoods and landmarks, including Times Square, Wall Street, and the MET. You can ride top-deck for open-air views, and the audio commentary helps you learn about each area in your preferred language, with options like English, Spanish, French, and more. The Big Bus app enhances the experience by providing real-time bus tracking and route information.

What we particularly appreciate is the freedom to hop off and explore some spots more thoroughly — like a quick visit to Chinatown or the Flatiron District. Several travelers mention that the bus’s convenience and flexibility make it a top choice, allowing them to customize their sightseeing.

Circle Line Cruise: Water Views and Landmarks

The Circle Line cruise is an excellent way to see the skyline from a different perspective. Depending on your preference, you can choose between the 60-minute Liberty Midtown Cruise or the 90-minute Landmarks Cruise. Both routes pass the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center.

The cruise features outdoor decks, indoor seating, restrooms, and a café, providing comfort as you glide past the city’s most famous waterfront spots. Many reviews highlight the beautiful scenery and informative guides, making it a relaxing yet educational experience.

Itinerary Highlights and Practicalities

The stops included in the bus route span diverse neighborhoods, from the artistic SoHo and Chinatown to the historic Wall Street district and Brooklyn Bridge area. This broad coverage ensures you see both the iconic landmarks and local neighborhoods.

The cruise departs daily from Pier 83, on the Hudson River, conveniently close to the Circle Line stop on the bus route. The cruise operates daily, with options to choose your preferred duration.

Tips for Making the Most of This Tour Bundle

• Book early for the Empire State access, especially during peak times.
• Use the Big Bus app to plan your day, especially if you want to maximize your hopping off and on at various stops.
• Schedule the cruise at a time when the weather is clear — good visibility makes a big difference.
• Spread out the experiences over more than one day if possible, to avoid feeling rushed.
• Keep your mobile ticket handy; it’s your entry point for all three experiences.

Authentic Voices from Travelers

One traveler mentioned, “Purchased the Big Bus summer sizzler tour which included a bus night tour, hop on hop off (48 hour) day bus tour and a river cruise that was 1.5 hours long. It was a great value and included all the main highlights that are a must see for a New York visitor.” This highlights the package’s value and coverage.

Another review pointed out the stunning views from the Empire State and appreciated the efficient entry process. Meanwhile, some noted that the cruise might feel a bit short if you’re craving a more in-depth water experience, but overall, the views and comfort made it worthwhile.

What This Tour Bundle Means for You

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors or those with limited time who want a comprehensive yet convenient overview of New York. The combination of a top landmark observation deck, flexible bus touring, and a scenic water cruise offers a well-rounded introduction to the city’s highlights.

If you’re someone who enjoys seeing the city from different angles — on foot, from above, and on the water — this bundle lets you do so with minimal hassle. The value for money makes it particularly appealing, especially since individual tickets for these experiences can be significantly more expensive.

While the itinerary is packed, it’s designed to be flexible. Whether you want to linger in Times Square or take a leisurely cruise, the 48-hour hop-on hop-off gives you ample time to customize your trip.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This NYC Bundle is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a broad overview of Manhattan’s most famous sights without the stress of planning multiple tickets. It’s ideal if you appreciate stunning panoramic views from the Empire State and relaxing boat cruises.

The value-oriented price combined with flexible scheduling appeals to budget-conscious travelers wanting to maximize their sightseeing. The multi-language audio guides and easy booking process make it accessible and user-friendly for international visitors as well.

However, if you’re a repeat visitor eager to explore specific neighborhoods in depth or prefer longer water excursions, you may want to supplement this package with additional tours or days.

This experience offers a balanced mix of iconic landmarks, scenic views, and practical convenience, making it a great way to get a true sense of what New York City has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I activate my tickets on the day of my tour?
Yes. You can activate your tickets either through the Big Bus app or by redeeming your voucher at the designated pickup point. It’s recommended to activate your tickets close to your planned tour time.

Are the buses and cruise wheelchair accessible?
The provided information doesn’t specify accessibility features, but since most travelers can participate, it’s best to check with the provider directly for specific needs.

Can I visit the Empire State Building at night with this ticket?
The ticket provides express entry to the 86th-floor observation deck, but it’s not specified whether night visits are included. Typically, the observation deck is open during daylight hours, so for night visits, you might need to check the operating hours separately.

How long is the cruise?
You have the choice between the 60-minute Liberty Midtown Cruise and the 90-minute Landmarks Cruise. Both offer iconic views but vary in length.

Is the hop-on hop-off bus route comprehensive?
Yes, it covers many prominent neighborhoods and landmarks, including Times Square, Wall Street, Chinatown, Brooklyn Bridge, and the MET.

Are audio guides available in multiple languages?
Absolutely. Both the Big Bus and Circle Line cruises offer audio guides in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before your experiences for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not eligible for refunds.

In all, this bundled package offers a well-organized, cost-effective, and authentic way to experience New York City’s most famous sights — perfect for those wanting a lively, scenic, and manageable adventure in the city that truly never sleeps.