1-Day Bus Trips and Tours to New York City: A Great Way to Explore the Big Apple
If you’re planning a day trip to New York City and want to make the most of your time in the “Big Apple,” a 1-day bus tour is a great option. With a variety of companies to choose from and a wide range of routes and attractions, you can customize your tour to suit your interests and schedule.
Some of the top companies offering 1-day bus tours of New York City include Gray Line New York, Big Bus Tours, CitySights NY, On Location Tours, New York Sightseeing, TopView Sightseeing, New York Tour1, and Best Tours.
Many of these companies offer hop-on hop-off options, which allow you to get off at various points of interest and explore at your own pace before hopping back on the bus to continue the tour.
One of the major perks of taking a bus tour is the convenience of having a professional tour guide to narrate the sights and provide information about the city’s history and culture. You’ll also have the comfort and ease of being transported from place to place rather than having to navigate the city’s complex public transportation system.
Brief History Of New York
New York City has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century when it was founded by the Dutch as a trading post called New Amsterdam. In 1664, the British took control of the colony and renamed it New York after the Duke of York.
Over the next few centuries, New York City grew and developed into a major cultural, financial, and economic hub. It played a key role in the American Revolution and became the capital of the United States from 1785 to 1790.
Throughout its history, New York City has been a melting pot of cultures and influences, attracting immigrants worldwide. This diversity has played a significant role in shaping the city’s culture and identity.
Today, New York City is the largest city in the United States and is known around the world as the “Big Apple.” It is home to iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building and is a major cultural, financial, and tourism center.
The United States has played a significant role in the development and growth of New York City and continues to be an important part of its identity and culture.
10 Facts About New York
- New York City is the largest city in the United States, with a population of over 8.3 million people.
- The city was founded in 1624 by the Dutch as a trading post called New Amsterdam.
- New York City served as the capital of the United States from 1785 to 1790.
- The city is known for its iconic skyline, home to some of the world’s most famous skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building and the One World Trade Center.
- New York City is a major cultural and financial center, home to world-renowned institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Wall Street.
- The city is a melting pot of cultures, with over 800 languages spoken within its borders.
- New York City is home to some of the world’s most famous sports teams, including the Yankees and the Giants.
- The city is known for its vibrant theater scene and is home to numerous Broadway shows and theaters.
- The city’s Central Park is the largest public park in the United States, covering 843 acres.
- New York City is home to many iconic landmarks and tourist attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
16 Of New York’s Top Attractions
Here are some of the top attractions you can expect to see on a 1-day bus tour of New York City:
Times Square
Known as the “Crossroads of the World,” Times Square is a bustling hub of entertainment and commerce. With its giant neon billboards, street performers, and crowds of tourists and locals, Times Square is a must-see destination for any New York trip.
Empire State Building
Another iconic New York City landmark, the Empire State Building, offers breathtaking views of the city from its observatory on the 86th floor. Be sure to take a trip up to the top for the city’s best views.
Rockefeller Center
This iconic complex in midtown Manhattan is home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the towering GE Building, Radio City Music Hall, and the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Broadway Show
No trip to New York City is complete without experiencing the magic of a Broadway show. From classic musicals to contemporary plays, there’s something for everyone on the Great White Way.
Greenwich Village
This bohemian neighborhood is known for its charming streets, funky shops, and vibrant nightlife. Take a stroll through the winding streets and discover some of the city’s hidden gems.
Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty
A trip to New York City wouldn’t be complete without a visit to these two iconic symbols of freedom and opportunity. Take a boat tour to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty for a glimpse into the city’s rich immigrant history.
Wall Street
As the world’s financial capital, Wall Street is a must-see destination for anyone interested in business and economics. Take a tour of the New York Stock Exchange and learn about the inner workings of the global financial system.
Flatiron Building
This iconic New York City skyscraper is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts. Located at Fifth Avenue and Broadway intersection, the Flatiron Building is a popular photo spot and a symbol of the city’s rapid development in the early 20th century.
Chelsea Market
Located in the trendy neighborhood of Chelsea, this foodie paradise is home to a wide variety of specialty food shops, restaurants, and artisanal vendors. Stroll through the market and sample some of the city’s best culinary delights.
The High Line
This unique park is built on an abandoned elevated railroad track and offers stunning views of the city and the Hudson River. Take a leisurely stroll along the High Line and discover some of the city’s hidden green spaces.
Coney Island
Located on the south shore of Brooklyn, Coney Island is home to the world-famous Cyclone roller coaster and a wide variety of carnival games and rides. It’s a great place to spend a summer afternoon and soak up the atmosphere of this classic American beach resort.
Trinity Church
This stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture is a must-see for history and architecture buffs. In the Financial District’s heart, Trinity Church is one of the city’s oldest and most beautiful religious landmarks.
Carnegie Hall
As one of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, Carnegie Hall is a must-see destination for music lovers. Take a tour of the hall and learn about its rich history and impressive acoustics.
Brooklyn Bridge
As one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-see destination on any trip to New York. Take a walk or bike ride across the bridge and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the harbor.
Little Italy
Little Italy is a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City, known for its rich Italian-American history and culture. Located in the heart of downtown, Little Italy is home to a vibrant Italian-American community and a popular destination for tourists and foodies.
The neighborhood is known for its narrow, cobblestone streets, colorful storefronts, and numerous Italian restaurants, cafes, and specialty food shops. Visitors can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, including pizza, pasta, and gelato, and browse the neighborhood’s various markets and shops.
Little Italy is also home to several iconic landmarks and cultural institutions, including the Church of the Most Precious Blood, the Museum of Chinese in America, and St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral.
Throughout the year, Little Italy hosts various events and festivals, including the Feast of San Gennaro, a popular street fair and celebration of Italian culture, and the Little Italy Street Fair, which features live music, food, and crafts.
Little Italy is a vibrant and lively neighborhood that offers a taste of Italian culture and cuisine in the heart of New York City. It is a must-see destination for tourists and foodies alike.
New York Harbor
The New York Harbor is a natural harbor located at the mouth of the Hudson River in New York City. It is one of the busiest harbors in the world. It is home to various iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Lower Manhattan skyline.
The New York Harbor has a rich history, playing a key role in the city’s development and growth. It was an important center of trade and commerce and served as a gateway for immigrants arriving in the United States. Today, the harbor is a major tourist destination, offering a variety of activities and attractions, including boat tours, cruises, and waterfront parks.
One of the top attractions in the New York Harbor is the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy that was a gift from France to the United States. Visitors can take a ferry from Lower Manhattan to Liberty Island to see the statue up close and learn about its history and significance.
Other popular attractions in the New York Harbor include the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, which honors the victims of the September 11th attacks and tells the story of the event, and the Hudson River Park, a 550-acre park along the river’s edge that offers a variety of recreational activities and stunning views of the city.
New York Harbor is a vibrant and iconic part of the city, offering a rich history and a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.
There are many more attractions to see and things to do in New York City, and a 1-day bus tour is a great way to experience as much as possible in a short amount of time. With various companies to choose from, including Gray Line New York, Big Bus Tours, CitySights NY, On Location Tours, New York Sightseeing, and more, you can customize your tour to suit your interests and schedule.
In addition to bus tours, there are other options for exploring the city, such as the New York Pass, the New York City Explorer Pass, and the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours. These passes offer discounts and flexible options for visiting multiple attractions and are a great way to save money and make the most of your time in the city.
Other exciting options for touring New York City include boat tours, such as those offered by New York Water Taxi and Statue Cruises, and Liberty Helicopter Tours, which offer breathtaking aerial views of the city.
No matter how you choose to explore New York City, a 1-day bus tour is a great way to experience the best of the “Big Apple” and all it has to offer. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in this vibrant and diverse city.
17 Of The Best 1 Day Bus Trips to New York City
NYC Bus Tours
NYC bus tours are a popular choice for sightseeing in New York City. These tours offer a convenient and flexible way to explore the city, with various routes covering all of the major landmarks and neighborhoods.
One of the top attractions offered by NYC bus tours is the “Empire State Building Observatory” tour, which includes a visit to the top of the iconic skyscraper for breathtaking views of the city. Other popular tours include the “Downtown Tour,” which covers the Financial District and Lower Manhattan, and the “Uptown Tour,” which covers Midtown and Harlem.
Many NYC bus tour companies also offer combo packages, including tickets to popular attractions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center. These packages offer great value and convenience for travelers looking to experience as much of the city as possible.
There are a variety of NYC bus tour companies to choose from, including Gray Line New York, Big Bus Tours, CitySights NY, and New York Sightseeing. These companies offer a range of tour options, including hop-on hop-off tours, night tours, and day trips to popular destinations outside of the city.
Overall, NYC bus tours are a great way to see the city and its famous landmarks and offer a convenient and flexible option for travelers of all ages.
Gray Line New York: A Trusted Name in Bus Tours
Gray Line New York is a leading provider of city bus tours and sightseeing experiences. With a wide range of options to choose from, including hop-on hop-off bus tours, night tours, and day trips to popular destinations outside of the city, Gray Line has something for everyone.
One of the top attractions offered by Gray Line is the Empire State Building Observatory tour, which includes a visit to the top of the iconic skyscraper for breathtaking views of the city. Other popular tours include the “All Around Town” tour, which covers all of the major landmarks and neighborhoods of New York City, and the “Brooklyn Bridge and Beyond” tour, which explores the city’s rich history and diverse neighborhoods.
Gray Line also offers a variety of combo packages, including tickets to popular attractions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center. These packages offer great value and convenience for travelers looking to experience as much of the city as possible.
Big Bus Tours: A Fun and Flexible Way to Explore New York City
Big Bus Tours is another popular choice for sightseeing in New York City. With hop-on hop-off options and a variety of routes covering all of the major landmarks and neighborhoods, Big Bus offers a fun and flexible way to explore the city at your own pace.
One of the top attractions offered by Big Bus is the “Empire State Building Experience,” which includes a visit to the observatory and a guided tour of the iconic skyscraper. Other popular tours include the “Downtown Tour,” which covers the Financial District and Lower Manhattan, and the “Uptown Tour,” which covers Midtown and Harlem.
In addition to bus tours, Big Bus also offers boat tours of the city’s waterways, including a tour of the Statue of Liberty and a sunset cruise on the Hudson River. These tours offer a unique perspective on the city and are a great way to relax and take in the sights and sounds of New York.
CitySights NY: Your One-Stop Shop for Sightseeing in New York City
CitySights NY is a comprehensive sightseeing company that offers a wide range of tours and activities in New York City. From hop-on, hop-off bus tours to boat tours, walking tours, and even helicopter rides, CitySights has something for everyone.
One of the top attractions offered by CitySights is the “Empire State Building Observatory and 9/11 Memorial Museum” package, which includes a visit to the top of the iconic skyscraper and a tour of the memorial dedicated to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Other popular tours include the “NYC Night Tour,” which covers the city’s famous landmarks and neighborhoods, and the “Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island” tour, which includes a boat ride to the iconic symbols of freedom.
In addition to tours, CitySights also offers a variety of combo packages, including tickets to popular attractions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center. These packages offer great value and convenience for travelers looking to experience as much of the city as possible.
On Location Tours: Behind-the-Scenes Access to the City’s Most Famous Filming Locations
On Location Tours is a unique sightseeing company that offers tours of the city’s most famous filming locations from popular TV shows and movies. From the “Sex and the City” hotspots to the “Ghostbusters” firehouse, On Location Tours offers a fun and immersive way to experience the city through the lens of your favorite films and TV shows.
One of the top tours offered by On Location is the “Gossip Girl” tour, which takes fans behind the scenes of the hit TV show and visits iconic locations such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Upper East Side.
Other popular tours include the “When Harry Met Seinfeld” tour, which covers the city’s famous landmarks and neighborhoods, and the “Lights, Camera, Action!” tour, which visits the city’s most famous film and TV locations.
In addition to its themed tours, On Location also offers a variety of combo packages, including tickets to popular attractions such as the Empire State Building Observatory and the 9/11 Memorial Museum. These packages offer great value and convenience for travelers looking to experience the city’s film and TV history.
New York Sightseeing: A Wide Range of Options for Exploring the City
New York Sightseeing is a comprehensive sightseeing company that offers a wide range of tours and activities in the city. From hop-on hop-off bus tours to boat tours, walking tours, and even helicopter rides, New York Sightseeing has something for everyone.
One of the top attractions offered by New York Sightseeing is the “Empire State Building Observatory” tour, which includes a visit to the top of the iconic skyscraper for breathtaking views of the city. Other popular tours include the “Downtown Tour,” which covers the Financial District and Lower Manhattan, and the “Uptown Tour,” which covers Midtown and Harlem.
In addition to its bus and boat tours, New York Sightseeing offers various combo packages, including tickets to popular attractions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center. These packages offer great value and convenience for travelers looking to experience as much of the city as possible.
Empire State Building Observatory: Unforgettable Views of the City
The Empire State Building Observatory is a must-see on any New York City trip. Located on the 86th floor of the iconic skyscraper, the observatory offers breathtaking views of the city, including landmarks such as Central Park, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty.
In addition to the observatory, the Empire State Building also offers a variety of tours and experiences, including a guided tour of the building’s history and architecture and a virtual reality experience that takes visitors on a journey through the city’s past and present.
TopView Sightseeing: A Wide Range of Options for Exploring the City
TopView Sightseeing is a comprehensive sightseeing company that offers a wide range of tours and activities in New York City. From hop-on and hop-off bus tours to boat tours, walking tours, and even helicopter rides, TopView has something for everyone.
One of the top attractions offered by TopView is the “Empire State Building Observatory” tour, which includes a visit to the top of the iconic skyscraper for breathtaking views of the city. Other popular tours include the “Downtown Tour,” which covers the Financial District and Lower Manhattan, and the “Uptown Tour,” which covers Midtown and Harlem.
In addition to its bus and boat tours, TopView also offers a variety of combo packages, including tickets to popular attractions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center. These packages offer great value and convenience for travelers looking to experience as much of the city as possible.
New York Tour1: A Personalized Approach to Sightseeing
New York Tour1 is a small, family-owned sightseeing company that offers a personalized approach to exploring the city. With a variety of tours and activities to choose from, including hop-on hop-off bus tours, walking tours, and boat tours, New York Tour1 allows travelers to customize their experience and focus on the attractions and neighborhoods that interest them most.
One of the top attractions offered by New York Tour1 is the “Empire State Building Observatory” tour, which includes a visit to the top of the iconic skyscraper for breathtaking views of the city. Other popular tours include the “Downtown Tour,” which covers the Financial District and Lower Manhattan, and the “Uptown Tour,” which covers Midtown and Harlem.
In addition to its regular tours, New York Tour1 also offers private and corporate tour options, allowing travelers to create a customized tour experience for themselves or their group.
Best Tours: A Wide Range of Options for Exploring the City
Best Tours is a comprehensive sightseeing company that offers a wide range of tours and activities in New York City. Best Tours has something for everyone, from hop-on hop-off bus tours to boat tours, walking tours, and even helicopter rides.
One of the top attractions offered by Best Tours is the “Empire State Building Observatory” tour, which includes a visit to the top of the iconic skyscraper for breathtaking views of the city. Other popular tours include the “Downtown Tour,” which covers the Financial District and Lower Manhattan, and the “Uptown Tour,” which covers Midtown and Harlem.
In addition to its regular tours, Best Tours also offers combo packages, including tickets to popular attractions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center. These packages offer great value and convenience for travelers looking to experience as much of the city as possible.
New York Pass: Save Money and Time with a Sightseeing Pass
The New York Pass is a popular sightseeing pass that offers discounts and perks at a variety of attractions and activities in the city. With options for a 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, and 7-day pass, the New York Pass allows travelers to customize their sightseeing experience and save money on admission costs.
Some of the top attractions included with the New York Pass are the Empire State Building Observatory, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The pass also includes discounts on dining, shopping, and other activities in the city.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours: A Flexible Way to Explore the City
Hop-on hop-off bus tours are popular for sightseeing in New York City. With various routes covering all of the major landmarks and neighborhoods, these tours offer a flexible and convenient way to explore the city at your own pace.
One of the top attractions offered by hop-on hop-off bus tours is the “Empire State Building Observatory” tour, which includes a visit to the top of the iconic skyscraper for breathtaking views of the city. Other popular tours include the “Downtown Tour,” which covers the Financial District and Lower Manhattan, and the “Uptown Tour,” which covers Midtown and Harlem.
In addition to its regular tours, many hop-on hop-off bus tour companies offer combo packages, including tickets to popular attractions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center. These packages offer great value and convenience for travelers looking to experience as much of the city as possible.
New York City Explorer Pass: Customize Your Sightseeing Experience with a Flexible Pass
The New York City Explorer Pass is a flexible sightseeing pass that allows travelers to customize their sightseeing experience in the city. With options for 3, 4, 5, 7, or 10 attractions, the Explorer Pass allows travelers to choose the attractions and activities that interest them most and save money on admission costs.
Some of the top attractions included with the New York City Explorer Pass are the Empire State Building Observatory, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The pass also includes discounts on dining, shopping, and other activities in the city.
New York Water Taxi: A Unique Way to Explore the City’s Waterways
New York Water Taxi is a popular sightseeing company that offers boat tours of the city’s waterways. From the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge, New York Water Taxi offers a unique perspective on the city and its famous landmarks.
One of the top tours offered by New York Water Taxi is the “Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise,” which takes visitors on a three-hour tour of the city’s harbor and its iconic landmarks. Other popular tours include the “Statue of Liberty Express,” which includes a visit to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, and the “Harbor Lights Cruise,” which offers a sunset view of the city.
Liberty Helicopter Tours: Experience the City from the Sky
Liberty Helicopter Tours is a popular sightseeing company that offers helicopter tours of the city. With various routes covering all major landmarks and neighborhoods, Liberty Helicopter Tours offers a unique and exciting way to experience the city from the sky.
One of the top tours offered by Liberty Helicopter Tours is the “Big Apple Tour,” which takes visitors on a 12-minute flight over the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.
Other popular tours include the “Harlem and Hudson Tour,” which covers the city’s diverse neighborhoods and landmarks, and the “Private Charter” tour, which allows travelers to customize their flight and create their own itinerary.
Statue Cruises: Experience the City’s Iconic Symbols of Freedom
Statue Cruises is a popular sightseeing company that offers boat tours to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. With a variety of tour options, including guided tours and audio tours, Statue Cruises offers a unique and immersive way to experience the city’s iconic symbols of freedom.
One of the top tours offered by Statue Cruises is the “Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island” tour, which includes a visit to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island and a tour of the immigration museum on Ellis Island.
Other popular tours include the “Liberty Island Express,” which offers a quick visit to the statue, and the “Ellis Island Only” tour, which focuses on the history and significance of Ellis Island.
Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is a popular attraction in New York City, offering free boat rides between the boroughs of Manhattan and Staten Island. The ferry operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is a popular choice for both tourists and locals looking to experience the city’s waterways.
The Staten Island Ferry offers stunning views of the New York Harbor and its iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Lower Manhattan skyline. The ferry is also popular for watching sunsets and the city’s fireworks displays.
In addition to its regular schedule, the Staten Island Ferry also offers special events and cruises, including holiday lights tours, jazz cruises, and fireworks cruises. These events are a great way to experience the city uniquely and memorably.
Overall, the Staten Island Ferry is the best way to experience the city’s waterways and iconic landmarks and is a must-see attraction on any trip to New York City.
New York City is a vibrant and exciting destination with a wealth of attractions and activities to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, experiencing its rich cultural history, or just enjoying a slice of pizza in Little Italy, there is something for everyone in the “Big Apple.”
Resources
New York City Department of Parks & Recreation: This website is a great resource for visitors looking to explore the city’s parks and waterfronts, including the Hudson River Park. The site provides information on park locations, amenities, events, and tips on getting involved in park activities.
NYC’s Guide | NYCgo.com | Explore the Top Things to Do in New York: NYCgo.com is the official tourism website for New York City. It is a comprehensive resource for visitors planning a trip to the city, providing information on local attractions, events, dining options, and more.
The site includes a variety of resources for planning a trip, including a trip planner and a list of recommended itineraries. It also includes a directory of hotels, restaurants, and shops and information on getting around the city and navigating the public transportation system.
In addition to its practical resources, NYCgo.com also offers a wealth of information on the city’s culture, history, and neighborhoods. It includes profiles of local artists and cultural institutions and guides to the city’s various neighborhoods, including Little Italy, Chinatown, and Greenwich Village.
Overall, NYCgo.com is a valuable resource for visitors planning a trip to New York City, offering a wealth of information and resources to help make the most of your visit.
