New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.3/5
Based on 91 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour worth booking?
New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in New York, United States, from $95 per person. It scores 37 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.3/5 rating across 91 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 37 / 100
- Rating
- 3.3/5 (91)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $95 per person
See New York City from every angle with this flexible sightseeing combo. Enjoy 48 hours of unlimited hop-on, hop-off access across Midtown, Downtown, and Uptown, with stops at iconic attractions including Times Square, W
What you get
- Digital commentary aboard hop-on hop-off tour
- 2-hour Live guided Night Tour
- Big Bus Tours app (ticket storage, live tracking and ticket activation)
- Save up to 30% off full retail when you bundle
- Wi-Fi on board
- Big Bus 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour on Downtown & Uptown Loops
About this experience
See New York City from every angle with this flexible sightseeing combo. Enjoy 48 hours of unlimited hop-on, hop-off access across Midtown, Downtown, and Uptown, with stops at iconic attractions including Times Square, Wall Street, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and world-famous museums. Hop off whenever you want to explore, then hop back on when you're ready. Your ticket also includes entry to the Empire State Building Observation Deck, where you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across Manhattan and beyond. Complete your experience with a 2-hour Night Tour, led by a live English-speaking guide, showcasing New York's famous landmarks beautifully illuminated after dark. With digital audio commentary, convenient stops, and the freedom to explore at your own pace, this all-in-one ticket is the perfect way to experience the very best of New York.
What's included
Included
- Digital commentary aboard hop-on hop-off tour
- 2-hour Live guided Night Tour
- Big Bus Tours app (ticket storage, live tracking and ticket activation)
- Save up to 30% off full retail when you bundle
- Wi-Fi on board
- Big Bus 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour on Downtown & Uptown Loops
- Entry to Empire State Building 86th floor
- Statue of Liberty Ferry (if option selected)
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options you can book
ESB, Statue of Liberty, & Bus
Empire State Building Statue of Liberty Ferry 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: Hop on and off at convenient stops around New York and enjoy digital audio commentary while aboard. 2-Hour Night Tour
Empire State & 48hr Bus Tour
Empire States Building Ticket 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: Hop on and off at convenient stops along the Downtown and Uptown loops around New York and enjoy digital audio commentary. 2-Hour Night Tour : 2-hour Night Tour, featuring a live English-speaking guide. Tours depart daily from Stop #1 (M&M's World) at 7:00 PM and 8:00
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Big Bus Tours - USA
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Hop-on Hop-off tour ticket is valid during operating hours for 48 hours after first use.
- Guests may activate ticket in two ways: 1. Download and open the Big Bus app. Tap "Add Booking" and enter your booking reference. On the day of travel, open your ticket and press "Activate" then show your activated ticket to the driver at any stop along the route. Plus, use the app for route information and live bus tracking. 2. Redeem voucher and activate with Big Bus staff at 7th Ave & W 48th St (Outside M&Ms World), or with a driver at any stop along the route.
- The Night tour departs daily from Stop #1 (M&M's World) at 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 91 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
91 verified traveler reviews for New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great way to see some sites
We loved our Big Bus Tour and felt it was such a great way to see the sights, rest legs and use as a transport option getting around and on and off at the sites we wanted to see up close. We visited on 4th July weekend so it was super busy, buses were very full but we didn’t wait at all and despite the heat staff were really friendly. Thanks to Wanda for being helpful and answering all our questions.
via Tripadvisor
Never again!
We had a very poor experience on your NYC tour. My husband and I had downtown + uptown tickets and were asked to transfer buses just before Stop 14. On the new bus (no. 340 or 380), as we were moving to the back and settling in, the driver suddenly started the bus, causing a jolt. Instead of giving us a moment to sit, he turned and yelled loudly at us multiple times in a very disrespectful tone—no courtesy, just shouting. It was also a very rainy day and the bus was in poor condition, with water coming in—passengers were joking it felt like a boat. Please check your dashcam for this incident. This has left a very negative impression—we won’t be using Big Bus again.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re very sorry to hear this. What you described is not the standard we aim to provide, and we take your concerns seriously. We’d like to investigate further, including reviewing the dashcam footage. Please reach out to our Big Bus Tours live chat through our app with additional details such as the date and time, and our team will look into this as a priority.
via Tripadvisor
Sucks don’t do it
Scam can’t get on as much as you like ends a 4pm wasted of money. I wouldn’t do it if I was you. Sucks
Response from the operator: Hello Tara_C! Thank you so much for your feedback. We're sorry to learn that the tour didn't meet your expectations. We strive to provide all the necessary details about the tour to help you make an informed decision, and we're here to assist you with any questions through live chat. We believe that the tour offers a fantastic experience to truly explore New York. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best regards, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
via Viator
Not Worth the Money
Honestly this was a waste of money! The buses only run every 1/2 hour or so, and are slow to complete the circut - not at all as advertised! They're also NOT heated, which made riding in the winter time during our visit miserable. At one point our bus driver got in a standoff with a city bus driver, where she wasn't allowing him to move out of the way so I could comfortably board. She was stopped next to him and expected passengers to squeeze on and off the bus through a gap about 1-1.5ft wide. At 7 months pregnant, I unfortunately wasn't fitting through that gap and had to stand there awkwardly before finally just begging them to stop the contest so we could all move on with our day. Overall, we barely used our 2 day pass to hop on and off, rather rode the entire circuit back around to get home after walking most of the day. Unless you really plan to travel all over the city for quick 30 minute stops, save your money and take the subway.
via Viator
Froze our tail off!
No heat in the bus. It was 28 degrees. Froze!! And the advertising print on the windows made it difficult to look out. The empire state building tour was great and we appreciated purchasing tickets earlier.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We’re very sorry to hear that you were uncomfortable during your ride. Our fleet consists only of open-top double-decker buses, which means the lower deck can still be affected by outdoor temperatures. We do install canopies during the winter season which protect passengers from wind, but still encourage passengers to dress warm for a comfortable ride. We also appreciate your note about the window advertising and how it impacted visibility. Feedback like yours helps us identify ways to improve the overall experience. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the Empire State Building tour and benefited from purchasing tickets in advance. Thank you again for bringing this to our attention.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 3+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $95 to $135
- Booked in 30 days
- 32
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 37
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.
How much does New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour cost?
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Prices start at $95 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New York is not rushed.
Is New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 37 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.3/5 across 91 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 3. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 1.5-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour?
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Around 32 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New York and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in New York?
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New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Grand Canyon VIP Helicopter Tour, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit New York?
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September to early November, and late April through June. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in New York?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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