One of the most popular ways to explore New York is from the vantage point of a bus and there are a number of organised bus tours on offer across the city.
(Photo: GetYourGuide)
Whether it’s on foot, on two wheels or four, New York is a magical place to discover, offering a sensory experience unlike anywhere else on earth. Its soaring skyscrapers – our modern temples – compel you to arch your neck and admire them in all their glory, while the bright lights and rattling fast-paced conversation of its residents add to the intensity. If you like the idea of traversing the city by bus, then here’s our pick of the best NYC bus tours currently available.
Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn Bus Tour
Venture beyond Manhattan and visitors to the Big Apple soon discover boroughs and districts steeped in history. Among them are the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn, all of which can be explored during this guided bus tour. Over 5-6 hours, you’ll travel by bus, first to the neighbourhood of Harlem before crossing into the Bronx to visit the Yankee Stadium, home of the legendary baseball team, before checking out graffiti and street art masterpieces in the South Bronx. Next, you’ll head to Queens to visit Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and Mets’ Stadium, before your final stop in Brooklyn where you’ll explore the Jewish Quarters in Williamsburg to bring the tour to a close. From $49 per person.
City of Contrasts Guided Bus Tour
(Photo: Interviajes NY / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
New York has often been described as a city of contrasts that changes from one borough to the next, and visitors can discover why on this 4.5-hour tour. During the trip, you’ll visit 4 out of the 5 boroughs, taking in notable sites and landmarks including the Yankee Stadium, the famous police Precinct 42 in the Bronx, and Queens on Roosevelt Avenue, one of the borough’s main streets, where you can witness first-hand how immigration and culture prevail in a neighbourhood replete with multicultural stores and restaurants. Finally, you’ll head to the Manhattan Bridge where you can decide where to end the tour. From $48 per person.
New York City at Night Bus Tour
Experience New York magically lit up after dark during this guided evening bus tour. The nocturnal adventure begins with a short star-lit stroll along the city’s famous High Line Park, before hopping on a bus for a ride past illuminated landmarks like Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and the neighbourhoods of SoHo and Chinatown. Next, you’ll take a short walk through Grand Central Terminal and High Line Park as your guide delivers commentary before hopping back aboard to continue your journey around the city. Guests can select between either a closed-top (standard) or glass-top/open-top bus (extra charge). From $59 per person.
Sex and the City Sites Bus Tour
(Photo: On Location Tours / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Hit TV series Sex and the City continues to have a huge fan base and lovers of the New York-based show can follow in its footsteps on this special themed bus tour. Over 3.5 hours, you’ll visit more than 40 New York locations from the sassy series, including the bar owned by Steve and Aidan, the church where Samantha meets “The Friar”, the store where Charlotte bought her Rabbit, and the venue where Carrie and Big’s wedding rehearsal dinner took place. To help get into the spirit of the show, guests are encouraged to dress up as their favourite Sex and the City character for the tour. From $65 per person.
New York Tour by Subway and Bus with Private Guide
If you like the idea of exploring New York in a more exclusive and intimate way, then you can avoid group excursions packed with tourists by booking on to this private tour. Combining subway and bus travel, you and your small group of family or friends will navigate the city, accompanied the whole while by an expert guide who can customise the trip to suit your specific tastes and interests. Tours can either run over a half-day or a full-day and includes pick up and drop off at a location of your choosing. From $505 per group (max 12 people).