People say New York is the city that never sleeps, and maybe that’s why seeing it for the first time can feel overwhelming. Between 24-hour pizzerias, iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, hidden art galleries, and charming neighborhoods spread across Uptown and Downtown, it’s easy to feel like you might miss something. That’s where the Hop-On Hop-Off New York bus comes in.
A busy road in New York City
The Hop-On Hop-Off New York bus is more than just a bus ride, it’s actually a sightseeing tour that lets you cover plenty of ground without the stress of navigating subways, hailing cabs, or getting lost on foot. To really make the most of it, though, you’ll need more than just a ticket. Here we’ll discuss the right timings, route choices, and share a little insider know-hows that can turn the Hop-On Hop-Off New York bus into one of the most efficient and fun ways to experience the city!
Which NYC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket To Get
First things first, get the ticket that works best for you! Whether you’re in New York for just a day or planning a longer stay, there’s a pass to match your schedule. All Hop-On Hop-Off tickets come with unlimited rides and stops for the duration of their validity, so once you’ve got yours, you’re free to hop on or hop off as much as you like within the length of time your ticket is valid for!
- Taster Tour (3-Hour Fixed Date): Perfect for visitors who are just passing through New York and want a quick overview of the city.
- Discover Tour (24-Hour Fixed Date): Great for those with only a day or a weekend to explore New York
- Essential Tour (48-Hour Flexible Date): Ideal for travelers who want more time to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks
- Explore Tour (72-Hour Flexible Date): Best for those spending several days in New York and looking to sightsee as much as possible at their own place and even discover hidden gems around the city
NYC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Routes
Once you’ve picked the ticket that works best for your travel plans, it’s time to choose the route that will help you get the most out of your day! The Hop-On Hop-Off New York bus isn’t just one continuous loop – it actually has multiple, but for most visitors, the two main ones you’ll use are the Downtown and Uptown loops.
Downtown Loop
The Downtown Loop is the go-to for many first-time New York visitors because it covers many of the city’s most famous sights. This route takes you past some of New York’s iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge to name a few. So if you’d like to tick off some of the city’s biggest and essential must-sees, then you should definitely take the Downtown Loop route.
Uptown Loop
On the other hand, the Upton Loop route shows you a completely different side of the city. Here you’ll drive past the greenery of Central Park, some of the most famous museums in the world along Museum Mile like The Met and the Guggenheim, and the vibrant neighborhood of Harlem. This makes the Uptown Loop perfect for those looking to experience more of New York’s cultural and artistic highlights rather than just the classic landmarks.
You can hop on both routes with a single NYC Hop-On Hop-Off bus ticket, but if your time in the city is limited, you might have to choose one over the other to make the most of your visit. So when choosing between routes, think about what excites you more! If history and iconic sights are absolute must-sees for you, stick to Downtown. If you’re more into art, culture, and exploring eclectic neighborhoods, then Uptown will be more your style. Planning your route around your interests not only saves time but also makes the whole experience feel less rushed and a lot more fun!
When To Ride The NYC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
To get the most of your Hop-On Hop-Off NYC experience, you will want to time your ride strategically especially since New York can be a very hectic and busy city. Starting early in the day is usually your best bet to avoid the heaviest crowds and get the most value of your ticket, especially if it’s a 24-hour pass.
You can also plan your ride ahead and start thinking of which stops are hopping off for. Some landmarks, like the Statue of Liberty or the Brooklyn Bridge, can be appreciated just by riding past, but others, like the Central Park or The Met, might be worth hopping off to explore more. If you want to catch the sparkling New York skyline at night, it’s worth timing your ride and hops to be in the right spot at the right time.
Klook Tip: Mid-morning or late afternoon has the best natural light and views (on a sunny day, of course), and the buses aren’t always crowded at these times, which makes snapping photos from the top-deck a lot easier and more enjoyable!
Where To Sit On The NYC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
One of the best things about the New York City Bus Hop-On Hop-Off is the open-top deck! It gives you great views of the city and plenty of chances for photos. So if you want that classic sightseeing vibe, definitely head straight to the top deck and grab your seat. But of course, if the weather isn’t great or if you just want a bit of shade (especially if you’re visiting during the summer!), the lower deck is just as enjoyable of an experience. It’s also worth remembering that New York’s weather can be pretty extreme. On sunny days, bring a hat, sunglasses, and don’t forget sunscreen if you’re planning to sit on the top deck. In winter, the ride can get really chilly, so you’ll definitely want a thick coat or stay in the lower deck if you’re hopping on the bus during the colder months.
If we’re talking about photos, the side of the bus you sit on also makes a difference. On the Downtown Loop route, the right-hand side usually gives the best views of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and some of the city’s iconic skyscrapers. And if you’re taking the Uptown loop, the left-hand side might give you better angles of the Central Park and the famous museums along Museum Mile. So keeping these little things in mind can help you get the most Instagram-worthy shots without having to move around the bus!
Neighborhoods To Explore On Foot
Another best part about the Hop-On Hop-Off New York bus is how easy it is to see the city’s iconic landmarks from aboard the ride and hop off stops that are best explored on foot! New York is a walking city at heart, and some neighborhoods are simply better experienced strolling through their streets.
SoHo (Downtown Loop)
A street in SoHo
If you’re into fashion and style, chances are you’ve already come across photos of SoHo while looking up New York online. Famous for its cobblestone streets and cast-iron buildings, this neighborhood is perfect for wandering. There you’ll find designer shops, indie boutiques, and plenty of art galleries scattered around the neighbourhood. It’s also a great spot to grab brunch or coffee, and people-watch some of the best-dressed in New York.
Chinatown/Little Italy (Downtown Loop)
Chinatown in the Downtown Loop, NYC
The Chinatown/Little Italy stop in the Downtown Loop is an absolute must for foodies. There, you can walk the bustling streets of Chinatown lined with dumpling houses, noodle shops, and bubble tea cafes. You’ll also come across colorful markets, herbal medicine shops, and other cultural gems like the Mahayana Buddhist Temple. Little Italy, on the other hand, is just a short walk from Chinatown and is a neighborhood full of Italian charm. So if you’re looking to have some of the best pasta dishes in the city, this is the neighborhood you’ll want to explore.
Central Park (Uptown Loop)
Central Park in New York City
Technically not a neighborhood, but you’ll definitely want to hop off and explore Central Park on your visit to New York. It’s the perfect spot to escape the city’s hustle and bustle (and New York can be pretty busy), where you can rent a bike, go for a walk, or simply find a quiet spot on the grass to sit with a snack. There are plenty of attractions inside the park too, like the Central Park Zoo, so this stop can also feel like a mini adventure! But spending time here gives you a little bit of a taste of the real New York life and a chance to recharge before hopping back on the bus!
Harlem (Uptown Loop)
Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City
Just a short walk from Central Park, Harlem is a neighborhood and a cultural gem with deep roots in music and art. From street art to indie cafes, there’s plenty to see, taste, and experience just by walking around this neighborhood. There you’ll also find the legendary Apollo Theater where music icons got their start (Michael Jackson with The Jackson 5!) and plenty of jazz clubs where you can catch live music. Strolling through Harlem’s streets gives you a real feel for New York’s vibrant and artistic community, historic brownstones, and colorful murals.
Hop-On Hop-Off New York Bus Tips
Download the Big Bus Tours Mobile app
To get the most of your experience, download the Big Bus Tours mobile app. The app offers live bus tracking so you can see exactly when the next bus is coming and plan your hops without waiting around. The app can also show you what’s nearby from attractions to shopping, and dining options en route, so you can make the most of your experience. So be sure to get a New York eSIM to make sure you’re always connected!
Bring essentials
The bus tour comes with an audio guide, so make sure to bring your headphones or earphones to enjoy your own personal tour guide as you ride. It’s also a good idea to check the weather before you go. Bring a light jacket or poncho if it’s cool or rainy, or sunglasses and a hat for sunny days, so you’ll be comfortable no matter what.
Check out Combo Tickets
To make the most of your New York Hop-On Hop-Off bus experience, you can check out combo tickets that will give you access to multiple attractions around the city, such as the New York City PASS or the Go City New York Explorer Pass! These passes will give you access to your choice of attractions and landmarks to check out in New York like The Empire State Building, museums, and more.
FAQs
Which hop-on hop-off is best in NYC?
Big Bus Tours is a top choice for Hop-On Hop-Off New York bus as it offers multiple routes around the city, has a free audio guide, and great reviews for other travelers!
Is it worth doing a hop-on hop-off bus in New York?
Yes, taking a Hop-On Hop-Off bus in New York is worth it especially for first-timer visitors, and if you want to see as many iconic landmarks as possible in a short amount of time.
How much is the hop on hop off bus in NYC?
Hop-On Hop-Off NYC bus tickets start at $44 USD for the 3-hour Taster Tour (fixed date) ticket and can go up to $99.75 USD for the 72-hour Explore Tour flexible date ticket!
Is it cheaper to buy hop on hop off online?
It’s usually cheaper to buy Hop-On Hop-Off bus tickets online as there are combo deals and exclusive promos that might not be available in person. Online platforms like Klook also often offer regular discounts, so it’s definitely worth checking before you book!
Can you start hop-on hop-off at any stop?
Yes! You can start your tour at any of the designated stops along the Hop-On Hop-Off NYC bus route. All you need to do is show your ticket at your preferred start and begin your journey from there!
How long does a hop-on hop-off bus tour take?
This may vary depending on traffic conditions but a single loop of the Downtown or Uptown Loop of the Hop-On Hop-Off NYC bus tour runs approximately between 75 and 90 minutes.
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