NY: Statue of Liberty, Empire State, and Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Traveling through New York City can be an exhilarating experience, but with so many iconic sights, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to see it all. This 2-day combo tour offers an organized way to hit the major landmarks — from soaring skyscrapers to historic islands — while giving you some flexibility. It’s perfect for first-timers or anyone wanting a structured itinerary that still leaves room for spontaneous exploration.

What we especially like about this experience is how it combines convenience and value: for around $135 per person, you get a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket, entry to the Empire State Building, and a ferry ride to Liberty and Ellis Islands — all in one package. The ability to craft your own schedule, hopping on and off at your favorite sites, makes it a flexible choice.

However, one point to consider is that the Statue of Liberty monument entrance isn’t included, only the ferry ride is. If you’re eager to explore Lady Liberty up close and go inside, you’ll need to arrange additional tickets.

This experience suits travelers who want a rundown of NYC’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple tickets or navigating public transportation alone. It’s ideal for those who prefer guided convenience, are on a tight schedule, or want to maximize their sightseeing in a short period.

Key Points

• Flexible 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour allows you to explore at your own pace.
• Includes iconic attractions like the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty ferry.
• Creative itinerary: you can visit attractions in any order within the 2 days.
• Additional costs: monument entry to Statue of Liberty is not included.
• Good value for bundling multiple major sights.
• Accessible for wheelchair users and offers multilingual commentary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction to the Tour

This package offers a practical way to see many of New York City’s most famous sights over two days. It’s designed to give visitors a comprehensive yet flexible experience, combining a hop-on hop-off bus tour, access to the Empire State Building, and a ferry ride to Liberty and Ellis Islands.

One of the real perks is the ability to hop on and off the bus at various stops, from Times Square to Brooklyn Bridge, giving you a personalized tour of neighborhoods at your own pace. Plus, the view from the Empire State Building’s observation deck is nothing short of spectacular, offering a bird’s-eye view of the city skyline. The ferry ride to Liberty and Ellis Islands is equally memorable, allowing visitors to get close to Lady Liberty and learn about her significance.

That said, the tour isn’t without a few considerations. Notably, entry to the Statue of Liberty monument itself is not included, which might be disappointing for those wanting an inside look. Also, timing can be tight if you want to spend significant time at each site, so planning ahead is key.

This tour is well-suited to travelers who want a balanced mix of guided and independent exploration, with enough flexibility to tailor their experience.

What You’ll Experience

The Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

The core of this experience is the 48-hour open-top bus, which covers two routes: Downtown and Uptown. This means you can explore many neighborhoods and landmarks such as Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building. The buses are equipped with digital commentary in multiple languages, allowing for an educational experience even when you’re on the go.

The unlimited access for 48 hours means you can stop at any location, visit at your leisure, and hop back on the next bus. This flexibility is perfect if you want to linger at Central Park or snap photos from high viewpoints like the Top of the Rock or the Empire State.

Empire State Building

No visit to NYC is complete without seeing the Empire State Building. This tour includes a pre-booked ticket, so you avoid long lines at the ticket office. Once inside, it’s the ascent to the top that makes the visit worthwhile. The view from the observation deck offers a sweeping panorama of Manhattan, with famous landmarks clearly visible and photo opportunities galore.

The reviews highlight how spectacular the views are, with one traveler calling it “breathtaking” and a perfect way to get a sense of the city’s scale. Keep in mind, you’ll need to pre-book your time slot, so plan accordingly to avoid missing out.

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Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The ferry ride is the highlight of the day for many. It departs from Battery Park and provides the chance to get close to Lady Liberty. The ferry ticket included in the package is round-trip, giving you the flexibility to explore Liberty Island and Ellis Island at your own pace.

One traveler noted, “Visiting the Statue of Liberty was a highlight — it’s incredible to see up close and learn about its history.” However, since the actual monument entry isn’t included, you can’t go inside unless you purchase separate tickets.

The ferry also offers excellent views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge, making it a scenic journey. The ferry operates from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, so timing your visit is important if you want to avoid the crowds or ensure sufficient time at each site.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: Starting with the Bus Tour and Empire State

Most travelers begin with the hop-on hop-off bus, which allows them to take in sights like Times Square, the Flatiron Building, and the South Street Seaport. The buses run on two main routes, ensuring coverage of both downtown sights and uptown neighborhoods.

Once you hop off at the Empire State Building stop, you’ll use your included ticket to head inside. The queue tends to be shorter with pre-booked tickets, saving precious time. Climbing to the observation deck offers stunning panoramic views and opportunities for fantastic photos. Expect to spend about 1-2 hours here, including some time to appreciate the displays and take in the skyline.

Day 2: Ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands

The second day is dedicated to the ferry ride. The ferry operates from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM from Battery Park, so plan accordingly. After boarding, you’ll cruise past the Statue of Liberty, which is a wonderful way to see it from a different perspective.

On Liberty Island, you can walk around the grounds, take photos, and learn about the statue’s history. Many reviews praise the experience, with one saying, “You get close enough to truly appreciate its grandeur.”

The ferry then takes you to Ellis Island, where you can explore the Immigration Museum, learning about the millions who passed through during the early 20th century. The ferry ride offers some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline, especially if the weather is clear.

Flexibility and Personalization

One of the biggest advantages is that you can choose the order of visiting these sites. For example, some may prefer to start with the ferry and end with the skyscraper, depending on weather or crowds. The digital guide and live bus tracking help you plan your day efficiently.

Accessibility and Extras

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which makes it a good option for travelers with mobility needs. Plus, the package includes a discount on bike rentals, giving further options for exploring the city.

Value Analysis: Is It Worth It?

At $135, this package offers a lot of bang for your buck. The combination of transportation, entry tickets, and flexible scheduling makes it a practical choice for those wanting to maximize their time.

Compared to purchasing individual tickets for each attraction, bundling saves approximately 25%, which adds up when you’re on a budget. The 48-hour hop-on hop-off ticket provides ample time to revisit favorite spots or explore neighborhoods more deeply.

The guided commentary in multiple languages enhances the experience, especially for international travelers who appreciate learning as they go. Plus, the app with real-time bus tracking helps you avoid long waits, making your day more efficient.

Limitations

A key limitation is that the Statue of Liberty monument itself is not included in the ticket, so if you’re eager to go inside Lady Liberty, you’ll need additional tickets. Also, the ferry schedule is somewhat limited (operating only until 3:00 PM), so early planning is advisable to avoid missing out.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

One reviewer from Germany mentioned that they loved “the views from the Empire State Building,” describing it as “breathtaking.” Another from the UK called the overall experience “brilliant” and appreciated the easy access to major sights facilitated by the hop-on hop-off bus.

However, there was a notable remark from Hungary about confusion over transfer locations, which highlights the importance of paying attention to meeting points and instructions. Clear communication and pre-planning can prevent such issues.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This combined package is best suited for first-time visitors to New York City or those with limited time who want a comprehensive snapshot of the Big Apple. It’s great for travelers who value convenience and flexibility, allowing them to customize their experience without the stress of navigating complex public transit or buying multiple tickets separately.

It’s especially good for those eager to see the city’s skyline views, iconic landmarks, and historic islands without spending a fortune or wasting precious time waiting in lines. The inclusion of audio guides and the ability to hop off at any stop makes it accessible and engaging for a wide range of travelers.

However, if you’re set on inside visits to the Statue of Liberty or specific, detailed tours, you’ll need to consider additional arrangements. For travelers who want a quick, well-rounded overview of NYC’s top sights, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Does the tour include entry to the Statue of Liberty monument?
No, the ferry ride to Liberty Island is included, but the actual monument entry is not. You’ll see the statue from the ferry and on the island grounds, but inside access requires separate tickets.

Can I hop on and off the bus at any stop?
Yes, your 48-hour ticket allows unlimited hopping on and off at designated stops along the Downtown and Uptown routes, giving you flexibility to visit different neighborhoods.

How do I activate my tickets?
You can activate your tickets via the Big Bus app by entering your booking reference and pressing “Activate” on the day of your tour. Alternatively, you can redeem the voucher with Big Bus staff at the main meeting point outside M&Ms World or with the driver at any stop.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

What time does the ferry to Liberty Island operate?
The ferry runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM from Stop 9 in Battery Park.

Do I need to pre-book Empire State Building tickets?
Yes, you must pre-book your preferred time slot through the booking management link provided on your voucher to avoid long lines.

Is there a guided tour, or is it self-guided?
The bus tour includes digital commentary in multiple languages, providing an informative experience during your ride. You can explore attractions independently once you hop off.

What if I want to cancel or change my booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserving now and paying later keeps your plans flexible.

To sum it up, this tour offers a practical, budget-friendly way to see many of NYC’s highlights over two packed days. The combination of flexible transportation, iconic landmarks, and stunning city views makes it particularly appealing for first-time visitors who want a good overview without the hassle. Just remember, if inside access to the Statue of Liberty is a must, you’ll need to arrange those tickets separately. For those seeking a straightforward, enjoyable introduction to New York City, this package delivers solid value and memorable sights.

You can check availability for your dates here: