New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
New York, United States

New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Outty Ranking 37 3.3 · 98 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $105
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

37/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.3/5

Based on 98 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 $105 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 98 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 (98)
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$105 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, 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 you get

    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

    New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour, photo 2New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour, photo 3New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour, photo 4New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour, photo 5New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour, photo 6New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 97 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Value for money

    3 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    97 verified traveler reviews for New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    37
    4 star
    16
    3 star
    9
    2 star
    11
    1 star
    24
    Sort
    T355YSjackm · October 2026

    Do not ride the big Bus in New York City!

    New York City was the worst experience we've had with the big bus. We have loyally used the Big Bus in close to 20 other cities as we have traveled as a go-to for a general get to know the area bus tour. In New York City we got yelled at by the bus driver for asking a question at a stoplight about a stop. I emailed and sent messages about my experience with the provider and they don't seem to care and seem to want to act like nothing happened. Our customer experience in New York City was very poor.

    via Tripadvisor

    444kreemc · September 2026

    1000/10

    Yes it was worth the price and I loved NYc

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you found value in your experience and enjoyed your time in NYC. We hope to welcome you back soon for more unforgettable moments!

    via Tripadvisor

    EZ175 · September 2026

    Big buss lower Manhattan

    The tour was great. Lots to see. We did the lower Manhattan area. On hindsight, next time we will stop at each area and checkout the area vs doing the tour route without stopping. More productive with time. Parking was nearby time square which made it easy to walk around.

    via Tripadvisor

    Michelle_A · September 2026

    A must do

    You got to see all the wonderful landmarks with this peanut of stops and buses Staff were all helpfull

    Response from the operator: Hi, Thank you for your lovely review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed seeing the wonderful landmarks with Big Bus Tours and found our stops and buses convenient for exploring the city. It is also fantastic to know that our staff were helpful and made your experience even more enjoyable. We hope to welcome you on board again for another memorable sightseeing adventure! Alexandra@BigBusTours

    via Viator

    mignonnes2024 · September 2026

    Great way to spend a morning in NYC

    The hop on hop off in NYC was a fun, relaxing way to see iconic sights.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $105 to $135
    Booked in 30 days
    34
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Big Bus Tours - USA, who run 43 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.5.

    See everything Big Bus Tours - USA runs

    Why this scores 37

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)0
    Review evidence (18% weight)59
    Booking momentum (14% weight)53
    Value for money (12% weight)24
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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?

    +

    Prices start at $105 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 98 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour?

    +

    Around 34 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour?

    +

    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; and Wi-Fi on board. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    What languages is New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour offered in?

    +

    It is offered in German, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in New York. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour?

    +

    Across 98 reviews averaging 3.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including ESB, Statue of Liberty, & Bus, Empire State & 48hr Bus Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for New York: Empire State Building & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour.

    Pick your date