Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC with Empire State Building Access

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4 to 5 hours (approx.)

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Overview

Experience the best of New York City in just half a day—perfectly planned for your comfort and convenience. Ride in a luxury bus as you explore iconic landmarks like Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building, with observatory tickets included for a seamless visit to the top. Capture stunning photos of the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty, and hear captivating stories from your expert local guide as you visit the 9/11 Memorial and drive through NYC’s most famous neighborhoods.

- Includes timed-entry tickets to the Empire State Building observatory.
- Travel in comfort aboard a luxury bus with panoramic views.
- Explore iconic neighborhoods like SoHo, Greenwich Village, Chinatown, and the Financial District.
- Enjoy multiple photo stops at NYC’s top attractions.
- Learn from expert guides who share insider stories and local history.
- Perfect for first-time visitors seeking a complete NYC overview.

What's Included

4 Photo Stops at Top Landmarks
Empire State Observatory Tickets
Luxury Bus
Professional Local NYC Tour Guide

Hotel Pickup/Drop-off

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Meeting Location

Meeting point

West 39th Street
New York, NY 10018, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001, USA

The tour concludes at the iconic Empire State Building, right in the heart of Midtown with easy access to dining, shopping, and transit. For guests who select the option with observation tickets, enjoy timed entry at 3:00 PM.

What To Expect

Midtown (Pass By)

After pickup, you'll head through Midtown Manhattan along 6th Avenue, passing iconic sights like Radio City Music Hall—home of the Rockettes—and NBC Studios, where The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon is filmed.

Central Park (Pass By)

Next, you’ll pass through Central Park—the world’s most famous urban oasis. Your guide will share fascinating stories about its creation, massive scale, and its impact on the city’s development. You'll also hear about the iconic movies filmed here and legendary concerts held over the years, making Central Park a true cultural landmark in the heart of New York.

Lincoln Center Theater (Pass By)

See the famous Lincoln Center, home to the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, and the New York Philharmonic—three pillars of the city’s vibrant performing arts scene.

The Dakota (Pass By)

Next, you’ll visit the historic Dakota Building, known for its striking architecture and legendary residents—including John Lennon. Your guide will share its rich history and point out nearby Strawberry Fields, the memorial in Central Park dedicated to Lennon. Learn about the significance of this peaceful tribute and the iconic “Imagine” mosaic at its heart.

Upper East Side (Pass By)

Next, your tour continues through the Upper East Side and along Fifth Avenue, where you'll see some of New York City’s most luxurious and exclusive residences—home to celebrities, business moguls, and the city’s elite.

St. Patrick's Cathedral (Pass By)

Continuing along Fifth Avenue, you'll pass the magnificent St. Patrick’s Cathedral—a breathtaking Neo-Gothic masterpiece and one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks.

Rockefeller Center

Your first stop is Rockefeller Center, where you'll have 15 minutes to explore, take photos with your guide, and enjoy one of NYC’s most iconic landmarks. This break also includes time for restrooms before the tour continues.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Flatiron Building (Pass By)

Next, you’ll see the iconic Flatiron Building—one of NYC’s first skyscrapers—famous for its unique triangular shape. Your guide will share insights into its architecture and role in shaping the city’s skyline.

Washington Square Arch (Pass By)

As the tour heads downtown, you’ll catch a view of the iconic Washington Square Arch— the centerpiece of Washington Square Park. Your guide will share the story behind its creation, commemorating the 100th anniversary of George Washington’s inauguration, and highlight the park’s vibrant role as a cultural hub in Greenwich Village.

SoHo (Pass By)

Next, explore the trendy neighborhood of SoHo, known for its iconic cast-iron buildings that define its distinctive charm. Your guide will share how this former industrial district evolved into a world-famous hub for art, fashion, and upscale shopping, with designer boutiques, galleries, and vibrant restaurants lining its streets.

Chinatown (Pass By)

Your tour continues through the vibrant streets of Chinatown, one of the oldest and largest Chinese communities in the U.S. Your guide will share the neighborhood’s rich history, cultural traditions, and highlight its colorful storefronts and renowned authentic cuisine.

Trinity Church Wall Street (Pass By)

You'll also pass the historic Trinity Church, one of New York City’s oldest and most iconic churches. Your guide will share its rich history—from its founding in 1697 to its role in the American Revolution—along with insights into its striking Gothic Revival architecture and the famous graveyard where Alexander Hamilton and other notable figures are buried.

Financial District (Pass By)

As the tour enters the Financial District, you'll explore the core of NYC’s business world, where towering skyscrapers host some of the world’s most powerful financial institutions. Your guide will delve into the history of Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and the district’s impact on global finance.

Charging Bull (Wall Street Bull) (Pass By)

As you continue through the Financial District, you’ll see the iconic Charging Bull statue—a powerful symbol of Wall Street’s optimism, strength, and prosperity.

Brooklyn Bridge

Next, the tour stops at Pier 17, where you’ll have 10–15 minutes to take photos and enjoy panoramic views of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and the East River skyline.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Battery Park (Pass By)

As the tour passes Battery Park at Manhattan’s southern tip, your guide will share its rich history—from a former military stronghold to a gateway for ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This scenic waterfront park is one of NYC’s oldest public spaces and offers beautiful views along with deep historical significance.

Statue of Liberty

Your next stop offers one of the best land views of the Statue of Liberty—perfect for photos without boarding a ferry. Your guide will share the monument’s powerful history as a global symbol of freedom, its significance to generations of immigrants, and its place among the world’s most iconic landmarks.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

9/11 Memorial Pools

Next, you'll visit the 9/11 Memorial, a powerful tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks. The site features two reflecting pools set in the footprints of the Twin Towers, surrounded by the engraved names of those who lost their lives—offering a solemn and moving moment of reflection.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Little Island (Pass By)

The tour then passes Little Island, a one-of-a-kind public park built on the Hudson River. Your guide will share the story behind this innovative floating oasis, known for its striking design, lush landscaping, and stunning views of the city and waterfront.

Hudson Yards (Pass By)

Next, you'll pass through Hudson Yards—NYC’s largest and most ambitious new development, reshaping Manhattan’s west side. Your guide will highlight its striking architecture, including the Vessel, a futuristic honeycomb-like landmark, and the Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.

Empire State Building

The tour ends at the iconic Empire State Building, right in the heart of Midtown. For guests who selected the observation deck option, you’ll receive timed entry to the observatory immediately after the tour—offering a chance to cap off your experience with breathtaking views of the New York City skyline.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 38 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC with Empire State Building Access?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT). Read more Apr 2025