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Big Bus Tours

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Big Bus Rome Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour

Pantheon Skip-the-line Ticket & Big Bus Rome Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Transfer from Civitavecchia Port

Rome: Catacombs Guided Tour with Panoramic Transfer

Big Bus Panoramic Night Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Big Bus Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Free cancellation 24 hours prior to the departure

Big Bus Rome: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus + Free Walking Tours

Activity schedule, key highlights.

• Inclusions & Exclusions

24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours (take your pick)

1 loop takes 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Buses run from 9am to 6pm, ev ery 15-20 minutes 

You may board the bus at any of the designated stops. The first stop is Termini Railway Station.

You can hop off at any of the stops

• Feast your eyes on the historic beauty of Rome from an open-air double decker bus with top-deck view
• Explore Rome for 24, 48 or 72 hours on a lively Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour
• Hop off at attractions like the Roman Forum, Spanish Steps and the Vatican Museums
• Choose from 4 free digital walking tours included with the ticket
• Savour an immersive experience with riveting audio commentary and free WiFi
• Enjoy convenient, flexible and budget-friendly sightseeing
• You may take Omnia Vatican Hop-on, Hop-off routes with Big Bus ticket!
• Both smartphone and printed vouchers accepted!

Seize the perfect chance to delve into the imperial grandeur of Rome with this Big Bus Rome Hop-On Hop-Off tour ticket. The carefully designed routes take you through Rome’s most famous landmarks, while the ticket additionally includes four walking tours covering the major points of interests in Rome.

Hop on and off at any bus stop during the ride and spend as much time as you want to discover any and every Roman attraction of your liking at your own pace. Learn about Rome and its many delights with the help of the onboard informative recorded commentary available in multiple languages.

Some of the attractions covered:

• Piazza Venezia
• Trevi Fountain
• Piazza Barberini
• Santa Maria Maggiore
• Porta San Sebastiano – Museo Delle Mura
• Baths of Caracalla
• Circus Maximus

Walking Tours: Choose from   four digitally guided walking tours included with the ticket:

• Rome of the emperors: Stop 3 and 5
• Secret Rome: Stop 6
• Squares and fountains: Stop 5 and 8
• La Dolce Vita: Stop 7

This ticket is valid for Big Bus and Omnia Vatican Hop-on, Hop-off Bus .

• Big Bus Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Ticket (24 hours/ 48 hours/ 72 hours- as per option chosen)
• Access to City Sightseeing and Omnia Vatican Hop-on, Hop-off buses
• Pre-recorded commentary in English, Italian, Spanish, French, German
• Free digital self-guided walking tours (English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, Chinese and Russian)
• Free WiFi onboard
• Entrance fees, unless specified

Useful downloads

Please note.

Voucher information: You can show your voucher on your smartphone (But if you’d rather print a copy – that’s fine too!)

Validity:  14 days from or before the date chosen at the time of booking

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes

Rome is a functioning city and weather, traffic and events may occasionally cause disruption.

Download a free walking tour from the Vox Popguide App. 

This ticket is valid for Big Bus and Omnia Vatican Hop-on, Hop-off Buses.

Stops and timings are subject to change.

Please always check with staff members for updated communication in case of daily changes.

Customer Reviews

Martin fisher.

Very easy to use and pay online

julian frame

Good value and friendly service

Raoufeh ABEDINI

During one day we could see one or 2 place. The cheaper is the best.

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Hop-On, Hop-Off Big Bus Tours Rome Sightseeing

Although I usually explore new destinations on foot, a hop-on, hop-off bus tour is another great way to sightsee Rome. During my recent trip to Rome, I joined Big Bus Tours Rome, the flexible bus tour that allows you to explore places of interest in Rome for a day or two. If you’re into photography, the double-decker bus tour offers a unique vantage point and shares interesting facts about Rome’s history. If you’re visiting Rome during the summer months, take it from me, join the Rome tours to avoid the scorching heat – you’ll thank me later!

Since Big Bus Tours Rome provides a general overview of the city, this tour is perfect if you’re short on time. The tour lasts two hours (if you don’t hop off) and along the way, you’ll drive past landmarks like the Colosseum, the Vatican, and Circus Maximus. You’ll also discover lots of hidden gems scattered throughout the city.

Touring With Big Bus Tours Rome

Table of Contents

Tour Amenities 

Rome routes, basilica santa maria maggiore, circus maximus, bus tour pricing: .

Onboard you’re given free headphones and rain ponchos when it’s raining. Available in nine languages, the pre-recorded commentary provides lots of historical insight. I also enjoyed the Italian-inspired instrumentals that played in between segments.

Wi-Fi is complimentary so feel free to share your favorite memories from the tour with your family and friends via email or social media.

With a focus on flexibility and convenience, Big Bus Tours Rome operates Monday to Sunday and runs every twenty minutes. There are two routes, the Red Route on weekdays and the Blue Route on weekends and holidays.

The Red Route (City Centre Loop) had eight stops many of which were right in front of popular landmarks or within walking distance. We started the Rome bus tour at Termini Railway Station (Stop 1) and we later hopped off near Trevi Fountain (Stop 7).

As a bonus, Big Bus Tours Rome also offers exclusive guided walking tours for customers who want to explore Rome’s narrow cobblestone streets. Although I didn’t get to join any of the free walking tours, here are my favorite highlights from Big Bus Tours Rome as well as some fun facts!

Big Bus Tours Rome Highlights

As one of the oldest and largest churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary, The Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore is a stunning basilica that captivates the eyes and hearts of anyone lucky enough to see it for themselves.

The Baroque-style basilica dates back to the 5th-century with plans formulated as early as 431 A.D. The basilica is known for being one of the most ornate early Christian churches.

Fun Fact: The Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore is home to the manger of Jesus. Underneath the high altar, the manger is concealed in a crystal shrine.

Theatre Marcello in Rome. 

The Colosseum, also known as the “Flavian Amphitheatre”, is the world’s largest amphitheater. You might remember the Colosseum from history class (years ago) or, if you weren’t one for paying attention, then think of the movie “Gladiator”.

Emperor Vespasian gifted the people of Rome a new stadium designed to satisfy the city’s passion for entertainment.

Only taking ten years to complete, this mega-arena held up to 80,000 enthused spectators.

Back in the day, the Colosseum was Rome’s premier venue for public spectacles, such as comedies, dramas, and tragedies based on Roman mythology. Enactments of famous battles, animal hunts, and even mock naval battles were also showcased here.

Circus Maximus was the third stop on our bus route. It was the largest stadium in ancient Rome and the main venue for chariot racing. Right next to the Palatine Hill, it held up to 250,000 people (about ¼ of Rome’s population).

Rumored to have been first introduced to Rome by the first king of Rome, it was the fifth king of Rome, Tarquinius Priscus, who ordered a track be built between the Palatine and Aventine hills during the mid-6th century B.C.

Throughout history, the Circus Maximus endured three fires. Although the fires damaged the stadium, each fire led to a new, more refined Circus Maximus. The last of the fires resulted in what you see today, a three-story high stone stadium.

Today the Circus Maximus is a public park and another great place to run in Rome .

Fun Fact: The last chariot race at the Circus Maximus was held in 549 A.D., almost 1,000 years after the stadium was built.

Trevi Fountain

The Fontana di Trevi or Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque-style fountain in Rome. The Fontana di Trevi has experienced centuries of construction dating back to as early as 19 B.C.!

Trevi Fountain was originally one of the main aqueducts in Rome, however by the 6th century A.D, the Ostrogoths destroyed many of the aqueducts.

During the Renaissance, the aqueducts were transformed into something spectacular for the people of Rome to enjoy. The Trevi Fountain was finally completed in 1762.

At night, LED lights illuminate the fountain and capture its incredible beauty. Although packed with tourist, squeeze through to take your obligatory selfie.

Fun Fact: If you want to return to Rome, tradition says stand with your back facing away from the fountain and throw a coin into Trevi with your right hand over your left shoulder. Every day the city collects the coins to help the needy.

I tossed my first coin into Trevi Fountain last summer so I’m looking forward to my return back to Rome soon!

For more highlights in Rome, check out Rudderless’ video about how he spent two fun-filled days in Rome – doesn’t his pasta dish look heavenly?

Classic Big Bus Tours Rome: 27,00 € online or 30,00 € on the street.

Money Tip:  Save 10% by booking online.

This is a collaborative post with Big Bus Tours Rome, all onions are my own.

Danielle Desir Corbett paid off $63,000 of student loan debt in 4 years, bought a house at 27, and has traveled to 27 countries, including her favorites, Iceland, China, and Bermuda. Go here to learn Danielle’s incredible story, from struggling financially and in debt to finding creative ways to earn more and live on her terms. Listen to The Thought Card Podcast , where Danielle shares how you can creatively travel more and build wealth regardless of your current financial situation. Reach out to Danielle by contacting: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.

Amazing work, Danielle!! Thanks for the depth of knowledge and experience you provide on your site!❤️❤️

I have never been to Rome and I really want to go. As you said here, there are many sights to see and I would want to try and see them all. Do you think it would be a good idea to get a tour guide while I am there or just try stuff out by myself?

I think getting a tour guide vs. doing it on your own depends on your budget and interest in really diving deep into the culture and history. Free walking tours is a great alternative for those on a budget.

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• About this activity

Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Freedom to explore the Eternal City at your own pace
• Frequent & convenient service, buses every 20 minutes
• Multilingual audio commentary on board
• VOX Digital Walking Tours included with all tickets
• 1 Central Route with multiple convenient stops

Activity location

• Viale Enrico De Nicola
• 00185, Roma, Lazio, Italy

Meeting/Redemption Point

• Piazzale Ugo la Malfa
• Roma, Lazio, Italy

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

• Thu, Apr 18 -
• Fri, Apr 19 $33
• Sat, Apr 20 $33
• Sun, Apr 21 $33
• Mon, Apr 22 $33
• Tue, Apr 23 $33
• Wed, Apr 24 $33
• Thu, Apr 25 $33
• Fri, Apr 26 $33
• Sat, Apr 27 $33
• Sun, Apr 28 $33
• Mon, Apr 29 $33
• Tue, Apr 30 $33
• Wed, May 1 $33
• Thu, May 2 $33

24 Hour Ticket

• Activity duration is 1 day 1d 1d

Unlimited use valid for 24 hours from time of first use.

Unlimited Hop on Hop off access for the duration of your ticket.

Includes a VOX Digital Walking Tours

48 Hour Ticket

• Activity duration is 2 days 2d 2d

Unlimited use valid for 48 hours from the time of first use.

72 Hour Ticket

• Activity duration is 3 days 3d 3d

Unlimited use valid for 72 hours from the time of first use.

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Hop-on hop-off bus pass of Rome for 24, 48, or 72 hours (depending on option selected)
• What's included What's included Unlimited rides within the duration of your pass
• What's included What's included Digital commentary in multiple languages (headphones provided)
• What's included What's included Free Wi-Fi on board
• What's included What's included VOX Digital Walking Tours included, please ask a member of Big Bus Staff for full details on arrival
• What's included What's included Mobile Free App "Big Bus Tours" for bus position in real time
• What's excluded What's excluded Admission to museums, attractions, and sites along the tour route

Know before you book

• Children 4 and younger are complimentary.
• Complimentary walking tour App, please ask a member of Big Bus Staff for full details on arrival
• Buses depart every 20 minutes. Each loop lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
• Hours of operation are from 9.00 AM – 5.50 PM.
• Multilingual audio commentary - English, Italian, Spanish, French, German

What you can expect

Explore all the major sights of Rome on a double-decker, hop-on hop-off bus that gives you 360-degree views of the Italian capital's ancient charms. Enjoy unlimited rides within the validity of your pass, stopping at world-famous attractions including the Colosseum, the Vatican, St Peter's Basilica, and the Trevi Fountain.

With the ultimate freedom to take in the city at your own pace, stroll through the magnificent Pantheon, taste authentic Italian spaghetti near the Spanish Steps, or just sit back and enjoy people-watching at the bustling Piazza Navona.

Take in the Colosseum's arcaded façade, do some window shopping at the chic fashion boutiques of Via Veneto, or investigate traditional cafe culture in the many piazzas. Along the way, listen to informative commentary that brings each sight within the Eternal City to life.

Red route stops are:

• Termini Railway Station
• Santa Maria Maggiore
• Circus Maximumus
• Piazza Venezia
• Ludovisi / Spanish Steps / Trevi Fountain
• Piazza Barberini / Trevi Fountain

Customers are advised to visit the Big Bus website or to download the Big Bus app to see the most up to date bus stop locations and timings. For live bus tracking on the day of travel - please download the Big Bus App in advance of arrival.

• Via Ludovisi
• 00187, Roma, Lazio, Italy
• 42 Via del Teatro di Marcello
• 00186, Roma, Lazio, Italy
• 15 Piazza dell'Esquilino
• Lungotevere Tor di Nona
• Via di San Gregorio
• 12 Via Barberini
• 00184, Roma, Lazio, Italy

Big Bus Rome Tours: The Best Way To Explore The Eternal City

Things to do in Rome Rome Tours Hop On Hop Off Rome Big Bus Rome Tours

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy's timeless capital aboard our iconic open-top double-decker buses. With the freedom to hop on and off at your leisure, you'll experience Rome's most renowned landmarks, from the grandeur of the Colosseum and the majesty of St. Peter's Basilica to the charm of the Trevi Fountain and the bustling streets of Trastevere. Our expertly crafted routes and engaging multilingual audio commentary ensure a seamless exploration of the city's rich history and culture. Get ready to immerse yourself in the splendor of Rome with Big Bus Tours.

Why take a Big Bus Rome tour?

#1 flexibility.

Big Bus Rome offers hop-on-hop-off tours, allowing you to explore Rome at your own pace. Hop off at any stop that catches your interest, and hop back on when you're ready to move on to the next attraction.

#2 Comprehensive Routes

The bus covers multiple routes, encompassing all of Rome's must-see landmarks, ensuring you won't miss any iconic sights during your visit.

#3 Informative Commentary

You can enjoy insightful and entertaining audio commentary available in multiple languages, providing fascinating historical and cultural insights about the city's landmarks and neighborhoods.

#4 Top-Deck Views

The open-top double-decker bus provides unparalleled panoramic views of Rome's attractions, perfect for capturing stunning photographs and creating lasting memories.

#5 Easy Transportation

Big Bus Rome eliminates the hassle of navigating public transportation or finding parking, making it an ideal option for tourists looking for a stress-free way to explore the city.

#6 Accessible Stops

The bus stops at all major attractions and landmarks, making it convenient to access Rome's renowned historical sites without wasting time searching for parking or walking long distances.

Big Bus Rome Tickets

Big bus rome routes.

Big Bus offers 2 primary routes for its hop-on-hop-off tours in Rome - Red Route & Purple Route.

Number of Stops : 8 Tour Duration : 1 hour, 40 minutes Frequency : Every 10-20 minutes

The Red Route has 8 stops on its way where you can hop on or off. These stops are:

• Termini Station
• Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore
• Circo Massimo
• Piazza Venezia
• Vatican City & Castel Sant’Angelo
• Ludovisi/Spanish Steps
• Piazza Barberini/Spanish Steps

The first tour from Termini begins at 8:30 AM and the last tour at 7:10 PM.

Purple Route - Catacombs and Caracalla Circuit

Number of Stops : 10 Tour Duration : 1 hour Frequency : Every 60 minutes

The Purple Route has 10 stops on its way where you can hop on or off. These stops are:

• Porta San Sebastiano
• Catacombs and Church of San Sebastiano
• Caffarella Park
• Domine Quo Vadis
• Terme di Caracalla

The first tour from Termini begins at 9:00 AM and the last tour at 5:00 PM.

Big Bus Rome also operates a night tour that will take you past all the major landmarks of Rome lit beautifully at night under the dark Roman sky. The route is the same as the Red Route mentioned above. The only difference being that the night tour is a non-stop tour and not one where you can hop on and off at the various stops.

Timing : 7:30 PM Tour Duration : 1 hour

Use Big Bus Rome Discount Code and save €6 on your first booking

Advantages of using Big Bus Rome

• Big Bus Tours are the most well established and reputed tours of Rome, hence providing great service.
• Their large fleet of buses running over different routes cover all major attractions of Rome.
• The average waiting time is hardly 15-20 minutes because of their high frequency of buses. You end up wasting less time giving you more time at your places of interest.
• Their ultra modern air-conditioned double decker buses are very well maintained and equipped with the latest facilities.
• Most of the tours include free exclusive guided walking tours and 1 hour night tour which are hugely popular.

What is Big Bus Rome, and what does it offer?

Big Bus Rome is a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour that takes you to Rome's most iconic landmarks aboard an open-top double-decker bus. It offers flexible tour options, informative audio commentary, and the chance to explore the city's attractions at your own pace.

How do I start my Big Bus Rome tour?

Simply present your e-ticket or voucher at any designated Big Bus stop in Rome, and our staff will provide you with a physical ticket. Then, hop on the next available bus and begin your adventure.

How long is the validity of my Big Bus Rome ticket?

he validity of your ticket depends on the ticket type you purchased. Tickets are available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, giving you the flexibility to explore Rome over one, two, or three consecutive days.

Are the tickets for Big Bus Rome inclusive of all attractions?

While the ticket includes access to all Big Bus Rome routes and attractions, some specific attractions may require separate entry fees. Refer to the ticket details or inquire with our staff for more information.

How often do the Big Bus Rome buses operate?

Buses typically run every 10-20 minutes, depending on the season and traffic conditions. Please check the timetable or inquire with our staff for the most up-to-date information.

Sachin Kumar

Having lived and worked in Bangalore and Singapore before moving to Dubai, Sachin is one of the many expatriates who've come together over the years to knit the fabric of Dubai’s global culture. An avid urban explorer and photographer, he has spent countless hours uncovering hidden gems in these cities - eating in ramshackled establishments that only the cab drivers frequent, discovering underground markets, exploring abandoned buildings and staying with families that may or may not like him.

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Review: The Big Bus Tour in New York City

I absolutely loved the Big Bus Tour in New York City. It’s the best way to go sightseeing in an open-top, hop-on hop-off, top-rated tour and explore the best New York attractions !

If this is your first-time visiting New York and you want to see all the top landmarks, this double-decker tour bus will take you there.

The Big Bus Tour in New York

You may be wondering if a hop-on hop-off bus is worth it. Absolutely, yes!

If you consider the time and money spent on transportation costs, waiting for buses, navigating the subway (which can be confusing for visitors), and getting from one point of interest to another, it is worth every dollar!

I had a great visit to New York City on Big Bus Tour. My goal was to show the city to some friends from Italy who were visiting the US for the first time.

Since we only had about two days to spend together, the hop-on hop-off was undoubtedly the best decision.

From our experience, we’ll answer commonly asked questions about the Hop-on Hop-off bus while visiting New York City.

Google Reviews

Why take the big bus tour in new york.

While seeing New York from the open-top deck of the double-decker bus, the city unfolded block by block with panoramic views from every angle.

As we traveled through the streets, the sights were unobstructed and new visual backdrops were revealed.

The towering skyscrapers and colorful billboards filled the air with excitement and as the cityscape continued to change, it gave a grand feeling to the experience.

I especially enjoyed being able to relax from the upper deck of the bus while taking in the energy of city scenes.

Because I also live in a large city, the rhythm felt familiar from the elevated vantage point .

Car horns were honking, crowds traversed through the streets and there was an endless hum of activity.

Best of all, the tour gave me the chance to interact with other travelers who were seeing New York while waiting for the tour to began.

We struck up conversations and exchanged stories, insights, and recommendations during our stay in New York.

How Much is the Big Bus Tour in New York

The regular price of an adult and child ticket is $60.00 and $50.00, respectively. However, you can use the link below for discounted fares.

Get discounts for the Big Bus Tour NYC  here .

How Long is the Big Bus Tour in New York

The round-trip New York City Big Bus Tour takes about two hours from start to finish.

The bus is the perfect solution for visitors worldwide because they offer pre-recorded audio narratives and translations in five languages — French, German, Spanish, Italian, and English.

Are There Toilets on the Big Bus

No. Unlike charter buses, you won’t travel long between stops. So the best thing to do is exit at a stop, find a public restroom, see an attraction, if desired, and then catch the next bus.

If you are not sure where to find one, ask a Big Bus guide on the street. The driver may also have some suggestions.

Charter buses come equipped with a bathroom because travel is expected to be for a much longer period.

How Does the Big Bus Tour Work in New York City

The tour offers three options for purchase — 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day.

When you decide the number of days of your tour and purchase your ticket, the clock starts when your ticket is scanned while boarding the bus for the first time.

The ticket is good for 24, 48, or 72 hours. So, if you have a 1-day ticket and board the bus at 11:00 AM on Monday, it can still be used until 11:00 AM on Tuesday.

We found a ton of touring options for sightseeing in New York.

Aside from the extended period, the 2 and 3-day tickets also offer discounted bike rentals.

The buses run every 20 minutes on average. However, the first stop at the M&M store can be a long wait during peak season.

You can exit or board at any of the designated stops as much as you want.

The only exclusion is the one-loop tour Night Tour which is a panoramic non-stop tour.

Where to Catch the Big Bus Tour in New York City

During the tour, the buses only stop at designated stops.

Your ticket is good for as long as the buses operate during the day and it may be used on both the red and blue routes.

When you board, make sure you get a hop-on hop-off New York bus route map!

Big Bus NYC Red Route

The red route sightseeing tour covers lower Manhattan and you’ll see many landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Wall Street, the Chrysler Building, and General Grant’s Tomb.

You can catch a tour at any one of the following bus stops and you can get your tickets in advance of boarding.

1 – M&M’s World – 7th Ave & W 48th St (Outside M&M World & Majestic Deli)

2 – Times Square East – W 42nd St & Broadway (at Knickerbocker Hotel)

3 – Empire State Building / Korea Town – 5th Ave & W 32nd St (at CVS Pharmacy)

4 – Flatiron District – 5th Ave & W 23rd St (at Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop)

5 – SoHo – Broadway and Spring Street (at Nike Store)

6 – Chinatown / Little Italy – 100 Lafayette Street (near the corner at Walker St)

7 – Brooklyn Bridge – Park Row & Beekman St (across from 33 Park Row)

8 – Wall Street / Charging Bull – Broadway & Wall St (Southwest corner near Rector St)

9 – Statue of Liberty / Battery Park – State St and Bridge St (at Subway Entrance)

10 – Circle Line Sightseeing – 12th Ave & 40th St (opposite Pier 81)

11 – Times Square North – 7th Ave & W 50th St (at Majestic Deli)

Big Bus NYC Blue Route

The blue route covers upper Manhattan, and half of the ride is mostly views of Central Park. You can switch to the blue route at red stop #2.

We recommend changing routes at stop #11 (the Majestic Deli) where you can take a break and have a nice lunch.

12 – The Metropolitan Museum of Art – 5th Ave & E 83rd St (near 83rd St)

13 – Central Park Zoo – 5th Ave & E 66th St (opposite 845 5th Ave)

14 – Columbus Circle – Central Park & Columbus Circle (SW corner of Central Park)

Tips and Things to Know Before You Go

The bus has two levels, the upper level offers panoramic views of the city but be careful of overhanging traffic lights and trees. Don’t stand while the bus is in motion.

• After you find a seat, check the audio to confirm it is working.
• Snacks are allowed. Bring a frozen bottle of water and protein bites to keep you energized.
• When on the upper deck, cover up with sunscreen to protect your skin on hot sunny days.
• If you are a family of 3 or more, take seats across from one another so you’ll have views and photos from both sides of the bus.

Tourists were lined up at stop #1 at least an hour before departure and the line extended the entire block and rounded the corner.

We decided to see other points of interest and returned around 11:00 AM.

The wait to board the bus was about 20 minutes. It was a relaxing ride and there we saw so much!

By the time we reached stop #9, we were pumped and ready to exit the bus so that we could explore the city! And you probably will be too.

Here’s the secret sauce that really made the experience memorable. Exit at stop #9 and take a FREE ferry to Staten Island.

To see the Statue of Liberty, stand on the left side of the boat. When returning, stand on the right side.

Traveling on a budget? Read my review of the Westside YMCA Hotel !

Final Thoughts About the Big Bus Tour in New York City

Overall, the tour was a pleasant way to see New York city and when you are on the upper deck, you hardly notice the traffic.

Some other advantages of seeing the city by bus include:

• Avoiding parking hassles. I mean, who actually drives in New York?!
• Photo opportunities. With the open-top or large windows, you have excellent photo opportunities as you pass by iconic landmarks and cityscapes.
• Comprehensive sightseeing of major landmarks and attractions within two hours.
• You can get local recommendations from the guides who operate the bus.

I usually opt for a hop-on hop-off bus when I am short on time or to get my bearings in the city before deciding what to do.

Either way, when you take the tour bus, it doesn’t appear impossible to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

Happy Travels!