NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, & Hop-on Hop-off (Save 25%)

Experience the Heart of New York City with a Flexible Tour Package

If you’re looking to make the most of your time in New York City, this tour offers a practical way to see many of the Big Apple’s top sights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. At $135 per person, you get access to two hop-on hop-off bus routes (downtown and uptown), tickets to the Empire State Building observation deck, and roundtrip ferry tickets to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The total experience lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes for the ferry, with plenty of opportunities to explore on your own via the bus routes.

We love the flexibility this package offers—being able to hop on and off at your own pace to see landmarks like Times Square, the Flatiron Building, or Wall Street. The Empire State Building view from the observation deck is another highlight, providing a stunning panoramic of Manhattan. Plus, the ferry ride to Liberty Island is a quintessential New York experience, granting sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.

That said, a few considerations exist. Some travelers have expressed frustration with the timing and organization, especially for the ferry departure and the bus stops, which are not always clearly announced. If you’re prone to expecting guided commentary or specific inside access to the Statue of Liberty’s interior, this package might fall short. It’s best suited for those who want a broad overview and the ability to customize their sightseeing rather than a guided, detailed tour.

This experience tends to suit first-time visitors or those with limited time who want an affordable, efficient way to see NYC’s most iconic sights without breaking the bank. If you’re comfortable navigating on your own and don’t mind some logistical details, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing with hop-on hop-off buses across downtown and uptown areas.
• Includes tickets to the Empire State Building observation deck for city views.
• Roundtrip ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands, offering iconic photo opportunities.
• Mixed reviews highlight both convenience and potential logistical frustrations.
• Great value for a bundled experience, but some users find organization lacking.
• Ideal for first-timers looking for a broad overview rather than in-depth guided tours.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

When we first consider what this tour package offers, it’s clear that the core appeal lies in convenience. You get a multi-transport ticket that combines a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus ride with access to key landmarks—perfect if you want to see a lot without wasting time figuring out transportation or ticketing.

The Bus Routes: Downtown and Uptown Loops

The biggest draw here is the dual bus routes, allowing you to choose your own adventure. The downtown route takes you past the M&M’s World, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the Flatiron Building. The uptown route covers iconic neighborhoods like Chinatown, Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, and Central Park.

Travelers have appreciated the regular flow of buses, which means less waiting and more sightseeing. The audio commentary (offered in multiple languages) helps fill in the historical and cultural context — a nice touch, especially if you’re traveling solo and want to learn more as you go. However, some reviews note that the stops are not always announced clearly, which can lead to missing your desired stop unless you’re paying close attention or using the app’s live tracking.

The Ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island

The ferry ride is a highlight of this package. It departs from Battery Park, with the roundtrip tickets included—a real money saver considering separate ferry tickets can be pricey. The ferry provides stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, especially if you get there early or during good weather, and the audio tour on the islands adds historical context.

That said, the ferry operates from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, so timing your visit is crucial. You must redeem your voucher with a staff member before heading to the ferry, which some reviewers found a bit confusing or stressful, especially if in a rush. Notably, the ticket does not include access to the interior monument or museum, which is a common expectation but important to remember.

The Empire State Building

Access to the observation deck at the Empire State Building is included, but you’ll need to pre-book a time and date — a step that’s straightforward but vital to avoid disappointment. Many travelers appreciated the breathtaking views, especially on a clear day, but some mentioned that the experience felt somewhat rushed or that they wished for more guidance on the best times to visit.

Authenticity and Practicality

What we love about this tour is how it balances authenticity and practicality. You can see the famous landmarks while maintaining the flexibility to explore on your own. For instance, stopping at Wall Street allows for a quick photo or a walk around, while the Empire State offers a spectacular cityscape from above.

The reviews reveal a mix of experiences: one traveler mentions the regular bus flow as a definite plus, while another criticizes the disorganization at ferry terminals. That’s a reminder that, in a city as chaotic as NYC, patience and planning are your friends.

Considerations for Travelers

While most reviews seem to point to good value, a few common issues surface. Some found the timing confusing, especially when trying to coordinate the ferry and bus schedules. Others felt the audio commentary was lackluster or that staff was inconsistent in helpfulness, with some passengers feeling they had a less-than-smooth experience.

For the cost, this package offers solid value—especially when compared to buying each attraction separately. But if you’re craving interior access or guided tours, you might want to look elsewhere or add an extra tour.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This package is best suited for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of NYC’s highlights without the stress of navigating on their own. If you’re comfortable with self-guided exploration and don’t mind some organizational hiccups, you’ll find this a convenient way to see a lot quickly.

It’s also ideal if your priority is value—getting multiple attractions for a reasonable price—rather than a fully guided or intimate experience. Keep in mind, if you’re visiting during hot summer months, the open-top buses might be less comfortable, as some reviewers noted the buses lack air conditioning.

Final Thoughts on the Tour

In sum, this tour provides a cost-effective, flexible way to see some of New York City’s most iconic sights. It’s great for those who want to maximize their sightseeing while maintaining independence, as the hop-on hop-off buses allow for spontaneous exploration. The access to the Empire State Building and ferry ride rounds out the experience nicely, offering memorable views and photo ops.

However, it’s not without its flaws—organization issues, timing concerns, and mixed commentary quality mean you should approach with patience. It’s less suited if you’re expecting guided commentary throughout or interior access to landmarks.

If you’re prepared to navigate the logistics and want a broad, budget-friendly overview of NYC, this could be a smart choice. For those seeking more detailed, guided insights or exclusive access, consider supplementing this with a specialized tour.

FAQ

Do I need to pre-book a time for the Empire State Building?
Yes, you must pre-book a specific time and date through the provided link or with staff at Stop #1 to visit the observation deck.

Does the package include entry to the Statue of Liberty interior?
No, it only includes a round-trip ferry ticket to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Inside monument or museum access is not included.

Can I redeem my ferry or Empire State tickets at any bus stop?
Yes, you can redeem your tickets at any of the bus stops, making it flexible and convenient.

How often do the buses run?
During peak times, a bus arrives approximately every hour on both routes, giving a decent balance of independence and scheduled service.

Are the buses accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped with lifts that accommodate up to 650 pounds.

What if I miss a stop or want to go back?
The bus stops are not always announced clearly, and once you ride past a stop, you generally cannot reboard that route without riding the full circle again.

What should I do if I encounter issues or need assistance?
The staff and audio commentary are available on the bus, but some reviews mention inconsistent helpfulness. It’s wise to keep your tour documents handy and plan for some patience.

To sum it up, this multi-attraction package in NYC offers a good deal for travelers eager to see the city’s core sights at their own pace. While organization and commentary may sometimes leave room for improvement, the combination of bus routes, ferry rides, and observation decks provides a practical foundation for a memorable New York trip—particularly for first-timers, budget-conscious visitors, or those wanting a flexible overview of the city’s most famous landmarks.