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Find the perfect itinerary for you
New York City is the perfect destination for every traveler, and a hop-on hop-off tour makes exploring it effortless. Whether you're a solo traveler in New York, a history buff, or traveling with family, these routes take you to iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and hidden gems – ensuring you experience the city's best at your own pace.
For solo travelers
For families
For history buffs
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Buvette, a cozy Parisian-style café serves buttery croissants and rich espresso, perfect for a quiet solo start. Enjoy the intimate ambiance and people-watch from a charming corner table.
Attraction: Empire State Building
Description:
This Art Deco masterpiece stands 1,454 feet tall, and its 86th-floor observatory provides sweeping views of NYC and landmarks like Central Park and the Statue of Liberty.
Nearest stop:
- Big Bus New York: Empire State Building / Koreatown, 5th Ave & W 32nd St (Red route)
- TopView: Empire State Building (Downtown route)
Highlights:
- Admire intricate Art Deco details in the grand lobby, a step back into 1930s elegance.
- Capture stunning 360° views of NYC, from the Hudson River to the Brooklyn Bridge.
- Explore exhibits featuring historic photos, engineering feats, and King Kong-inspired installations.
Pro tip: The main deck is great, but for an even more breathtaking (and less crowded) view, visit the 102nd-floor observatory.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 30 minutes by bus.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Head to Shake Shack and savor a juicy ShackBurger with perfectly crispy crinkle-cut fries at this NYC staple. Grab a seat in Madison Square Park for a classic New York lunch experience.
Attraction: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Description:
A treasure trove of global art, the Met boasts over two million pieces spanning 5,000 years, from Egyptian mummies to Renaissance masterpieces.
Nearest stop:
- Big Bus New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 5th Ave & E 83rd St (Blue route)
- TopView: Metropolitan Museum of Art (Uptown route)
Highlights:
- Stand before ancient Egyptian sarcophagi and hieroglyphs, then explore the towering Temple of Dendur, set against floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Admire Van Gogh’s self-portraits, Monet’s water lilies, and Rembrandt’s dramatic scenes in the European painting galleries.
- Wander through the rooftop garden (seasonal) for stunning skyline views and site-specific art installations.
Pro tip: Head to the Charles Engelhard Court early – it’s a peaceful, sunlit atrium filled with sculptures, perfect for solo travelers to reflect and soak in the ambiance.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Central Park
Description:
A lush 843-acre retreat in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park blends nature, history, and culture.
Nearest stop:
- Big Bus New York: Central Park Zoo, 5th Ave & E 66th St (Blue route)
- TopView: Times Square North (Downtown route)
Highlights:
- Walk through the grand Bethesda Terrace, where intricate carvings and a lakeside fountain create a perfect setting for street performers and quiet reflection.
- Cross the Bow Bridge, is a cast-iron masterpiece offering postcard-worthy views of the park and the Manhattan skyline.
- Lounge on the Great Lawn, a vast green expanse where locals picnic, sunbathe, and enjoy impromptu musical performances.
Pro tip: Rent a bike to explore more of Central Park’s hidden corners, from the secluded North Woods to the scenic views of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Head over to Joe's Pizza, a no-frills NYC institution serving up thin, foldable slices with the perfect cheese-to-sauce ratio. Grab a fresh slice straight from the oven and enjoy it like a true New Yorker.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Start your morning at Ess-a-Bagel with a hand-rolled, perfectly chewy New York bagel piled high with cream cheese or lox. This local favorite is a must-try for an authentic NYC breakfast experience.
Attraction: Statue of Liberty
Description:
A towering symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty has welcomed immigrants and visitors since 1886. Standing 305 feet tall on Liberty Island, it offers history and stunning views.
Nearest stop:
- Big Bus New York: Statue of Liberty / Battery Park (Red route)
- TopView: Battery Park (Downtown route)
Highlights:
- Ride the ferry past Ellis Island, enjoying breathtaking skyline views before stepping onto Liberty Island for a close-up look at Lady Liberty.
- Visit the Statue of Liberty Museum to see the original torch and interactive exhibits on the statue’s construction and significance.
- Climb the pedestal for sweeping views of New York Harbor, with the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge in the distance.
Pro tip: Bring binoculars to spot hidden details, like the broken chains at Lady Liberty’s feet, symbolizing freedom.
Suggested time to spend: 3 hours
Time to next stop: 30 minutes by bus.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Take a break for lunch at Katz's Delicatessen, a legendary NYC restaurant from 1888. It serves towering pastrami on rye, hand-carved to perfection. Grab a ticket at the door, soak in the old-school deli vibe, and enjoy a bite of history.
Attraction: Brooklyn Bridge
Description:
Spanning the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge blends history and beauty, offering walkers and cyclists a breathtaking journey between Manhattan and Brooklyn with unparalleled city views.
Nearest stop:
- Big Bus New York: Brooklyn Bridge (Red route)
- TopView: City Hall (Downtown route)
Highlights:
- Stroll along the wooden pedestrian walkway, taking in sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and the Brooklyn skyline.
- Snap the perfect photo under the neo-Gothic stone arches, framed by the bridge’s intricate steel cables.
- Stop by the Brooklyn Bridge Museum nearby to explore exhibits on its groundbreaking construction and lasting cultural impact.
Pro tip: Along the walkway, stop to read historical plaques detailing the bridge’s construction, and find the engraving honoring Emily Roebling, the unsung hero behind its completion.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: One World Observatory
Description:
Perched atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, One World Observatory offers a breathtaking 360° view of NYC, blending immersive technology with unforgettable skyline vistas.
Nearest stop:
- Big Bus New York: Brooklyn Bridge (Red route)
- TopView: City Hall (Downtown route)
Highlights:
- Step onto the Sky Portal, a 14-foot glass disc, and look straight down at real-time footage of the bustling streets below.
- Ride the SkyPod Elevator, which ascends 102 floors in just 47 seconds, showcasing NYC’s evolution through a dynamic time-lapse display.
- Sip a cocktail at ONE Dine, a bar and restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for enjoying sweeping views of the Hudson River.
Pro tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to watch the city glow in golden light, then transform into a sea of twinkling lights.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: The Spotted Pig, a Michelin-starred gastropub offers a cozy, lively atmosphere with rustic decor and a menu packed with bold flavors. Try their legendary char-grilled burger with Roquefort cheese and crispy shoestring fries, a local favorite.
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Visit Alice's Tea Cup, a whimsical tea house with fairy-tale decor, offering an extensive selection of teas, freshly baked scones, and delightful breakfast options – perfect for a charming, storybook start to the day.
Attraction: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Description:
A legendary aircraft carrier-turned-museum showcasing military history, aviation, and space exploration, featuring real fighter jets, a submarine, and the Space Shuttle Enterprise.
Nearest stop:
- Big Bus New York: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (Red route)
- TopView: The Intrepid/West 42nd St (Downtown route)
Highlights:
- Stroll the vast deck of the Intrepid, where legendary jets, helicopters, and the sleek Concorde stand proudly.
- Step inside the USS Growler, a Cold War-era submarine with its original control room.
- Experience the Space Shuttle Pavilion, featuring the Enterprise and interactive space exhibits.
Pro tip: Try the G-Force Simulator for a thrilling pilot experience, then head to the bridge for a hands-on look at how the carrier was commanded.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 10 minutes by bus.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Visit Junior's Restaurant, a beloved New York institution serving hearty deli sandwiches, comforting diner classics, and its world-famous, ultra-creamy cheesecake.
Attraction: Madame Tussauds New York
Description:
An immersive wax museum where visitors can get up close with eerily lifelike figures of A-list celebrities, sports legends, and historical icons, set in interactive and themed displays.
Nearest stop:
- Big Bus New York: Times Square, East 42nd and Broadway (Red route)
- TopView: Times Square North (Downtown route)
Highlights:
- Stand side-by-side with Hollywood stars, world leaders, and music legends for picture-perfect moments.
- Step into the themed zones, from a Broadway set to a political summit, and interact with the lifelike figures.
- Feel the action in the Marvel 4D Cinema, where superheroes leap off the screen with special effects.
Pro tip: Catch a Marvel 4D show near the end of your visit so you can rest your feet and end on a high note.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 10 minutes
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Coney Island
Description:
A legendary seaside escape blending classic amusements, a lively boardwalk, and a scenic beach, offering a nostalgic yet thrilling taste of New York’s coastal charm.
Nearest stop:
- Opt for public transport or drive down to Coney Island.
Highlights:
- Ride the iconic Cyclone roller coaster, a wooden thrill ride dating back to 1927, delivering intense drops and sharp turns.
- Savor Nathan’s Famous hot dog at the original 1916 stand, home to the annual July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest.
- Unwind on the sandy beach, soaking up ocean breezes, or take a dip in the refreshing Atlantic waters.
Pro tip: Stay after sunset to see the Wonder Wheel and boardwalk lights come alive, creating a dreamy, carnival-like glow.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Stop by Carmine’s, a legendary Italian restaurant known for its family-style dining, serving heaping plates of pasta, chicken parm, and seafood in a warm, bustling atmosphere.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: At Ellen's Stardust Diner, kickstart your morning with a side of Broadway at this retro-themed diner, where aspiring performers belt out show tunes as your family enjoys fluffy pancakes, omelets, and bottomless coffee in a lively setting.
Attraction: American Museum of Natural History
Description:
A world-renowned museum showcasing everything from towering dinosaur fossils to dazzling gems, immersive dioramas, and the breathtaking Hayden Planetarium.
Nearest stop:
- Big Bus New York: Central Park West (Blue route)
- TopView: Times Square North (Downtown route)
Highlights:
- Stand beneath the towering Tyrannosaurus rex and the massive Titanosaur in the Fossil Halls.
- Watch a space show narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson in the Hayden Planetarium’s Sphere.
- Marvel at the Blue Whale model, a 94-foot-long replica suspended from the ceiling.
Pro tip: Head to the Hall of Gems and Minerals early – its dazzling specimens and the massive Star of India sapphire draw big crowds later in the day.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 20 minutes by bus.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Head over to Serendipity 3 Famous for its over-the-top frozen hot chocolate, Tiffany lamps, and whimsical decor, this quirky café has been a beloved NYC institution since the 1950s. Kids will love this place!
Attraction: Central Park Zoo
Description:
A charming, compact zoo nestled in Central Park, home to snow leopards, grizzly bears, and playful sea lions, offering an intimate wildlife experience in the heart of Manhattan.
Nearest stop:
- Big Bus New York: Central Park Zoo, 5th Ave & E 66th St (Blue route)
- TopView: Times Square North (Downtown route)
Highlights:
- Watch the sea lions showcase their acrobatic skills during their lively feeding sessions.
- Step into the lush tropical rainforest exhibit, where exotic birds and monkeys roam freely.
- Let kids climb, pet, and interact with gentle animals at the Tisch Children's Zoo.
Pro tip: Book a Wild Encounters experience in advance to get up close with penguins or snow leopards for a truly unique, hands-on visit.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 30 minutes by bus.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: The High Line
Description:
A repurposed elevated rail line transformed into a vibrant greenway with gardens, art, and sweeping city views, offering a unique perspective of Manhattan’s west side.
Nearest stop:
- Big Bus New York: Chelsea Market (Red route)
- TopView: Brookfield Place (Downtown route)
Highlights:
- Wander through The High Line’s gardens, a lush, living masterpiece, blending wildflowers, grasses, and trees that change with the seasons.
- From its elevated perch, the High Line offers uninterrupted vistas of the Hudson, where boats glide past and sunsets paint the water gold.
- Stop at the 10th Avenue Overlook. This stepped seating area feels like an open-air cinema, with the bustling streets of Chelsea framed like a live-action movie.
Pro tip: Start at Hudson Yards and walk south to Chelsea Market – grab a snack and enjoy it in one of the scenic seating areas along the way.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Drop into Grimaldi's Pizzeria – Savor legendary coal-fired pizza with a perfectly charred crust, fresh mozzarella, and tangy sauce, all served with a side of skyline views under the Brooklyn Bridge.
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Head over to Russ & Daughters Cafe, a Lower East Side institution serving silky smoked salmon, hand-rolled bagels, and classic Jewish deli favorites in a charming, old-school setting.
Attraction: 9/11 Memorial & Museum
A powerful tribute honoring the victims of 9/11, featuring twin reflecting pools, preserved artifacts, and immersive exhibits that capture the resilience and remembrance of that day.
Nearest stop:
- Big Bus New York: World Trade Center (Red route)
- TopView: Brookfield Place (Downtown route)
Highlights:
- Stand beside the cascading twin reflecting pools, engraved with victims' names.
- Witness preserved artifacts, including the Last Column and FDNY Ladder 3 truck.
- Experience the "Voices of 9/11" exhibit, featuring firsthand survivor accounts.
Pro tip: Bring a white flower to place on a victim’s name; the staff does this on their birthdays, but visitors can as well.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Take a lunch break at the Fraunces Tavern, a landmark where revolutionaries once gathered, savoring Scotch Eggs, Slow Roasted Chicken Pot Pie and colonial-era ambiance.
Attraction: Federal Hall National Memorial
The birthplace of the American government, where George Washington took the first presidential oath, is now a museum showcasing pivotal moments in early U.S. history.
Nearest stop:
- Big Bus New York: World Trade Center (Red route)
- TopView: Brookfield Place (Downtown route)
Highlights:
- Step onto the balcony where history was made as George Washington took the first presidential oath in 1789.
- See important artifacts like the Bill of Rights, colonial currency, and George Washington’s handwritten letters.
- Marvel at the grand rotunda and its towering Greek Revival columns that make this hall a breathtaking tribute to democracy.
Pro tip: Ask a ranger about the building’s hidden vaults – there’s a fascinating backstory about its time as a U.S. Treasury and the gold once stored there.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 40 minutes by bus.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
Once the gateway for millions seeking the American dream, this museum brings immigration stories to life through artifacts, exhibits, and personal histories inside the historic Great Hall.
Nearest stop:
- Big Bus New York: Statue of Liberty / Battery Park (Red route)
- TopView: Battery Park (Downtown route)
Highlights:
- Walk through the Great Hall, where hopeful immigrants stood in long lines for health inspections and questioning before entering America.
- Hear firsthand immigrant stories through emotional audio recordings, personal belongings, and interactive displays detailing the struggles.
- Explore the restored dormitories, baggage room, and medical inspection areas, which showcase the journey immigrants faced before being allowed to start their new lives.
Pro tip: Head to the outdoor terrace for panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Have your supper at Keens Steakhouse, a legendary NYC institution, famous for its perfectly cooked mutton chops and old-school charm. The walls are lined with historic memorabilia, and the ceiling holds a collection of vintage smoking pipes.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Stop by Balthazar, a classic French brasserie offering breakfast favorites like eggs Benedict and pastries.
Attraction: The Cloisters
The Cloisters is a museum devoted to medieval art, designed like a European monastery. It showcases stained glass, intricate tapestries, and centuries-old sculptures.
Nearest stop:
- Big Bus New York: Circle Line Sightseeing (Red route)
- TopView: The Intrepid/West 42nd St (Downtown route)
Highlights:
- Wander through tranquil cloisters framed by centuries-old stone, where fragrant herbs and flowers bloom in gardens designed using medieval texts.
- Marvel at the famous Unicorn Tapestries, woven with intricate details and hidden symbolism.
- From the museum’s terraces and windows, take in sweeping views of the Hudson, with rolling greenery and cliffs.
Pro tip: Don’t rush through the Unicorn Tapestries! Look for hidden details, like the tiny birds and plants, each with symbolic meaning tied to medieval legends.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 30 minutes by bus.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: A vibrant American brasserie, The Smith is a local favorite for mac and cheese, a juicy burger, or fresh seafood – the menu is packed with crowd-pleasers.
Attraction: New York Historical Society
This museum and library bring New York’s past to life from early Dutch settlers to the city's role in civil rights and pop culture – every gallery tells a piece of the city’s story.
Nearest stop:
- Big Bus New York: Central Park Zoo (Blue route)
- TopView: Times Square North (Downtown route)
Highlights:
- Explore rotating exhibits featuring everything from the city's immigrant roots to its impact on fashion, finance, and the arts.
- The museum houses works by celebrated artists like Thomas Cole and John Singer Sargent, alongside political cartoons and historic photography.
- From Alexander Hamilton to 9/11 memorials, this museum captures key moments that shaped both New York and the country.
Pro tip: The Tiffany Lamps Gallery is a hidden gem. Don’t miss its dazzling collection of stained glass masterpieces.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 30 minutes by bus.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central is an architectural masterpiece and a New York City icon. Its Beaux-Arts design, soaring windows, and bustling energy make it a must-visit!
Nearest stop:
- Big Bus New York: Empire State Building / KoreaTown (Red route)
- TopView: Empire State Building (Downtown route)
Highlights:
- Look up to see a mesmerizing astronomical mural, painted in gold leaf and twinkling with fiber-optic stars.
- Visit the Whispering Gallery, stand at opposite corners of this unmarked archway, and speak softly for a unique acoustic experience.
- Explore the station's shops and dining options, from classic New York bagels to gourmet chocolates.
Pro tip: Stop by the Campbell Bar – once a 1920s tycoon’s private office, now a stylish cocktail lounge hidden within the terminal
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: The Oyster Bar, an iconic seafood restaurant located in Grand Central Terminal, is a must-visit for fresh oysters, classic seafood dishes, and its historic, vaulted-tile dining room. Try the clam chowder or a seafood platter for the full experience.
