NYC: Sightseeing Day Trip with Statue of Liberty Visit

NYC: Sightseeing Day Trip with Statue of Liberty Visit
Location: New York (State), United States
Country: United States
Rating: 3.3 / 5 (based on 4 reviews)
Price: $90 per person
Supplier: New York Luxury Travel Inc

Planning a day to see the highlights of New York City can be both exciting and overwhelming. This particular tour offers a bus-based sightseeing experience with a visit to the Statue of Liberty, starting at around $90 per person. The tour is offered in English and Spanish, and it promises a full day of exploring some of NYC’s most famous sights. It’s designed for travelers who want to pack a lot into a short time, without worrying about the logistics of transportation or tickets.

What we like about this experience is that it’s cost-effective and convenient—you’re paying for a guided day out that covers the basics, and the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip. Plus, there’s an option to reserve and pay later, giving you the flexibility to plan on your schedule. The courtesy and availability of staff seem to be appreciated, especially by those who value friendly service during their busy day.

However, some red flags are worth considering. One traveler, Eva, had a very disappointing experience, finding no bus or guide at the designated location and feeling scammed. This highlights the importance of reliable providers and accurate information—something to keep in mind before booking. Another aspect to consider is that the visit to the Statue of Liberty may not be as close or immersive as some travelers expect, since it involves a boat to Staten Island, where the statue can only be seen from afar.

This tour might best suit budget-conscious travelers who want a quick overview of NYC’s major sights and are comfortable with potential uncertainties. It may not be ideal for those seeking a more personalized or in-depth experience of the Statue of Liberty or NYC in general.

Key Points

• Affordable price point for a city sightseeing day trip with Statue of Liberty access.
• Flexible booking options and full refund policy up to 24 hours before the trip.
• Mixed reviews highlight both friendly staff and serious issues with organization.
• The Statue of Liberty visit involves a boat to Staten Island and only offers a distant view, not close-up access.
• Tour language options include English and Spanish, catering to diverse groups.
• Suitable for travelers looking for a quick overview rather than an in-depth exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

This particular NYC sightseeing day trip is designed to give you a broad overview of the city’s highlights. For around $90, you’ll get on a bus that ferries you around major neighborhoods and landmarks. While the exact stops aren’t listed here, typical NYC tours include places like Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and Downtown Manhattan. The real highlight, of course, is visiting the Statue of Liberty.

The Statue of Liberty experience involves a boat ride to Staten Island, where the statue can be observed from a distance. It’s important to understand that this isn’t a cruise with close-up access or a pedestal tour, but rather a sightseeing boat that passes by the iconic monument. Reviewers note that the view is from afar, which might be disappointing if you’re expecting to step onto Liberty Island or see the statue up close.

The Transportation and Group Size

The tour operates by bus, which offers a comfortable way to move between sights. However, one reviewer’s experience was troubling—they arrived and found no bus or guide, leading to accusations of scam. This underscores the importance of verifying your booking and reliable providers.

Group sizes can vary, but generally, bus tours are more social and bustling than private excursions. The benefit is that you don’t have to worry about navigating public transportation or paying separate entrance fees—though, for Liberty Island visits, there may be additional costs if you want to get closer or go inside.

The Duration and Pacing

At just one day, this tour packs quite a bit into a limited time frame. Expect long hours, with a packed schedule that might include waiting times, especially at the Statue of Liberty. The tour’s duration isn’t specified, but typical NYC bus tours last around 6-8 hours.

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What We Like and What to Watch Out For

We appreciate that the tour offers a convenient way to see multiple sites without the hassle of planning individual tickets or transportation. The availability of multiple languages means it’s accessible to a broader audience. Also, the option to book now and pay later provides extra flexibility.

That said, one of the tour’s main drawbacks is the quality and reliability—as Eva’s experience showed, there’s a risk of arriving and finding no guide or bus at all. The statue visit might also leave you feeling underwhelmed if your expectation was to get up close, as the boat ride to Staten Island only offers a distant view.

Who Would This Tour Suit?

This experience is best suited for budget travelers or those who want a quick snapshot of NYC. If you’re not expecting an up-close Statue of Liberty experience or a personalized guide, this could fit your needs. However, if reliability and in-depth visits are priorities, you may want to consider other options or private tours.

The Value Proposition

At $90, this tour is cost-effective for a full-day city outing, especially for those who don’t want to deal with planning logistics. You gain an overall impression of Manhattan’s most famous neighborhoods, and the Statue of Liberty, even if only from afar, remains a memorable sight. But be aware of the potential variability in quality, and double-check reviews and provider feedback before booking.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Confirm your booking and check your meeting location to avoid surprises.
• Consider whether you want a close-up Statue of Liberty experience—this tour offers a distant view via boat.
• Arrive early to maximize your day and avoid missing the bus, especially given past concerns about organization.
• Bring water, comfortable shoes, and a sense of humor—long day, lots of sights, and sometimes unpredictable experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable if I want to go inside the Statue of Liberty?
No, this tour involves a boat to Staten Island, where you can see the statue from afar. For inside access, you’d need a different ticket or tour specifically for Liberty Island.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers some peace of mind if your plans are flexible.

Is the tour offered in multiple languages?
Yes, it’s available in both English and Spanish, making it accessible for a diverse range of travelers.

What are the main drawbacks of this tour?
The biggest concern is reliability—there’s a report of no bus or guide arriving at the meeting point. The Statue of Liberty visit may also be less immersive than expected, as it’s only seen from afar.

How long does the tour last?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, similar tours typically run 6-8 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and the Statue of Liberty boat ride.

Is the price of $90 worth it?
It depends on your expectations. For a budget-friendly overview of NYC with some iconic sights, it offers reasonable value. But if you want a more personalized or in-depth experience, you might find other options more satisfying.

What should I bring along?
Comfortable shoes, water, a hat or sunglasses, and a camera for photos. Also, prepare for a long day with potentially crowded buses and waiting times.

Final Thoughts

This NYC: Sightseeing Day Trip with Statue of Liberty Visit can be a good choice for those seeking a budget-friendly, no-fuss overview of Manhattan’s big attractions. It’s especially appealing if you want a guided experience that includes transportation and basic commentary, without the hassle of planning each step.

However, the mixed reviews highlight the importance of verifying the provider’s reliability and understanding what exactly you’re signing up for. If you’re expecting an up-close Statue of Liberty experience or a highly organized tour, you might be disappointed. Nevertheless, for first-timers who want a quick, affordable snapshot of New York City, this tour provides a practical, if somewhat unpredictable, solution.

In summary, weigh your priorities—cost, reliability, in-depth experience—and decide if this tour aligns with your NYC adventure. It’s a great way to get a taste of the city but consider your expectations carefully.

You can check availability for your dates here: