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Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

The 10 best bus tours in NYC

From superhero movie sets to a Sex and the City excursion, these are the best NYC bus tours for sightseeing

Want to take in all that NYC has to offer but with maximum comfort and convenience? Book yourself an NYC bus tour — these stellar sightseeing options are a visitor's best friend. While you could get your steps in on a walking tour or eat your way through NYC on a foodie jaunt, you’ll see more sights in a smaller amount of time on one of the city’s top bus tours. Whether you’re looking for the classic hop-on hop-off experience that stops at all the major attractions, a themed TV and movie route spotlighting popular filming locations or a spirited excursion to the outer boroughs, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the best bus tours in NYC. Read on, then hop on!

RECOMMENDED: Find more New York City tours .

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Best NYC bus tours

Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

1.  Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

First time exploring the wonderful city that is New York? This comprehensive, fully narrated tour allows you to customize your itinerary to just how you want it, boarding and leaving whenever it’s convenient for you. Vouchers can be redeemed in Times Square, where the tour begins. Choose from two circuits: the 90-minute Downtown Loop, which visits neighborhoods such as Little Italy and Chinatown and attractions like the Stock Exchange and the World Trade Center; and the 75-minute Uptown Loop, which includes classic New York spots like Lincoln Center, Rockefeller Center and the Apollo Theatre. Think of it as a handy little passport to discovering all the best of this fascinating city. 

THE RIDE New York City

2.  THE RIDE New York City

Double-decker bus tour not your thing? Amp up your usual sightseeing excursion with this dynamic part-show, part-city tour. Yes, it’s as wild and wonderful as it sounds. The multi-million-dollar bus (yep, you heard that right) offers outward-facing stadium seating with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Billed as a “traveling theater,” the uniquely designed bus allows riders to take photos of top attractions ( the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal) and interact with street performers during the 75-minute ride. It's a blast.

New York Bus Night Tour

3.  New York Bus Night Tour

If New York is the city that never sleeps (which it totally is, btw), it makes sense to experience it in all its nighttime glory. This after-hours tour starts in midtown Manhattan, then drives past iconic and illuminated landmarks like the Empire State Building, Times Square and Chinatown, with expert commentary on the city’s history and celebrity residents along the way. There will also be time to stretch your legs during the four-hour excursion, with guided walks in High Line Park and Grand Central Station. And trust us, all those glittering, gleaming views of Manhattan at night are just as glorious as billed. 

Sex and the City Hotspots Tour

4.  Sex and the City Hotspots Tour

Has there been a better unofficial NYC spokesperson than Carrie Bradshaw herself? This bus tour pays homage to the New York-loving sex columnist by spotlighting all of the hotspots from the original stint of the hit HBO show. (Alas, locations from the  And Just Like That  reboot aren’t featured, so no Che Diaz sightings here!) B oard the bus and get reacquainted with some of your favorite Sex and the City settings, like Steve and Aidan's bar Scout — where you can stop to sip a Cosmo, of course — the Pleasure Chest, where Charlotte bought her 'Rabbit' vibrator, and Carrie’s iconic stoop. Jimmy Choos optional!

Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens Coach Tour

5.  Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens Coach Tour

Manhattan may get a lot of the glory, but this comprehensive tour (it lasts for four-and-a-half hours) takes you through three equally deserving boroughs that made New York, well, New York. (Sorry, Staten Island!) Board in midtown and drive north through the Upper East Side to Spanish Harlem and the Bronx. Check out Yankee Stadium and the Italian enclave on Arthur Avenue before crossing into Queens. You’ll drive through Astoria and Long Island City before entering Brooklyn, where you’ll explore trendy ‘hoods including Greenpoint and Williamsburg. There’s just enough time left to drive over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge for one last look at the New York City skyline. Lush .

Birthplace of Hip Hop Tour - Harlem & The Bronx

6.  Birthplace of Hip Hop Tour - Harlem & The Bronx

Like R euben sandwiches, eggs Benedict and Martin Scorsese, hip-hop was born right here in New York City. Discover the origins of the groundbreaking musical genre on this bus tour of Manhattan, Harlem and the Boogie Down Bronx . Led by a grandmaster —no, not Flash, but similarly legendary emcees like Kurtis Blow, Johnny Famous, Roxanne Shante and Reggie Reg — the excursion starts at the location of the first hip-hop party in Manhattan before heading uptown to iconic spots like the Apollo Theater, the Graffiti Hall of Fame and Yankee Stadium. You’ll get to watch a real b-boy and b-girl dance session, snap photos in front of famous murals dedicated to Big L and Kool Herc, and even learn how to freestyle!

Superhero Film Tour of New York

7.  Superhero Film Tour of New York

From Spider-Man to Batman to Jessica Jones , New York City has played home to many a superhero. On this sightseeing tour, you’ll see around 40 locations featured in your favorite super-powered TV shows and movies, from the setting of the Battle of New York in The Avengers to The Daily Planet building from the Superman franchise to the exact spot where Danny Rand flips over a cab in Iron Fist . This is one fascinating exploration that will make superhero fans and comic-book buffs very happy indeed.

Sunday Harlem Gospel Guided Tour

8.  Sunday Harlem Gospel Guided Tour

Explore the culture of Harlem, one of the meccas of Black-American identity, on this guided tour. The tour visits both iconic and lesser-known attractions, such as  Columbia University, the Cotton Club and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. After visiting the Apollo Theater, where Michael Jackson once performed, and the famous stretch of 125th Street, where Duke Ellington lived, guests will be welcomed by a local congregation to participate in a Gospel mass. 

Gossip Girl Bus Sites Tour

9.  Gossip Girl Bus Sites Tour

“Spotted at Grand Central, bags in hand” is the opening line of the New York-centric hit show Gossip Girl . And this is a big “XOXO” to the city and its super-elite, showcasing a number of memorable locations from the hit teen drama. Follow in the footsteps of Blair Waldorf , Serena van der Woodsen and the rest of the Constance Billard crew and explore many of the show’s glamorous locations on this three-hour bus tour, including The Empire Hotel (where Chuck Bass lived and worked), the Vera Wang boutique where Blair tried on her wedding gown and, of course, those iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where you can take a photo op.

The Sopranos Filming Locations Bus Tour

10.  The Sopranos Filming Locations Bus Tour

First thing’s first: yes, we know that The Sopranos largely takes place in New Jersey. But just like Jersey residents proudly tout “NJ/NYC” in their Instagram bios, we’re going to lovingly co-opt the crime drama as our own. Starting in midtown Manhattan and crossing over into the Garden State, this Jersey-set tour will feature key locations from the Mafia-inspired HBO series, including the diner where Chris was shot, the spot where Big Pussy spoke with the FBI and the booth in Tony’s restaurant where the final episode was filmed. You’ll also catch a glimpse of Satin Dolls (the Bada Bing bar).

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one day bus tour nyc

With the NYC Big Bus Essential 1 Day Ticket you can explore the best of NYC hassle-free aboard Big Bus Tours.

Hop on and off at top attractions, including Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty, at your own pace. Our narrated tours provide fascinating insights into the city's history, culture, and landmarks, making it an essential experience for visitors and locals alike.

If you’re looking for an overview of Manhattan, the Classic Tour is the perfect choice. This tour gives you access to the Downtown and Uptown Loops allowing you to explore all the highlights that Manhattan has to offer. Heading downtown you will see New York’s famous landmarks; from Times Square to the Empire State Building and the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge. On the Uptown Loop, you will see parts of Midtown, including Bryant Park and Grand Central Station, before heading north to catch views of Central Park and Museum Mile. Hop on or hop off at your leisure to create your own customized journey around the city. These unique loops stop at major key points of interest all around spectacular New York. Big Bus Tours really is the best way to discover all that New York has to offer.

Heading downtown you will see New York’s famous landmarks; from Times Square to the Empire State Building and the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge. On the Uptown Loop, you will see parts of Midtown, including Bryant Park and Grand Central Station, before heading north to catch views of Central Park and Museum Mile.

Check the schedule to find stops based upon your route. Choose the Red Route for exploring downtown or the Blue Route for exploring uptown. Bus schedule: https://www.bigbustours.com/en/new-york/service-information

The tour starts at Stop 1 across the street from M&M World at the intersection of 48th Street and 7th Avenue.

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NYC Big Bus Essential 1 Day Ticket

Location: Across the street from M&M World - 48th Street and 7th Avenue

Downtown loop (red) hourly from 9:30am to 4:30pm, Uptown loop (blue) depart from stop one at 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm.

Please note that starting Sunday, March 10th, 2024: The last regularly scheduled bus will be at 5:00 pm instead of 4:00 pm.

Present your e-ticket to one of the agents across the street from M&M world at 48th street and 7th avenue (stop 1)

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Big Bus Holiday Schedule: November 23rd, 2023, Thanksgiving Day – CLOSED December 24th, 2023, Christmas Eve – OPENED Regular Day December 25th, 2023, Christmas Day – OPENED Regular Day December 31st, 2023, New Year’s Eve – CLOSED January 1st, 2023, New Year’s Day – OPENED Regular Day

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Embarking on a USA Guided Tour isn’t just a ride around the city – it’s a vibrant journey through the beating heart of New York City. From mesmerizing skyline vistas to the invigorating city streets, get ready to see the city in a whole new light!

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Tyler Marie was our wonderful guide on this small bus tour of NYC. She was upbeat and so knowledgeable and happily answered our questions. Would definitely recommend this 6 hour tour. Frequent stops at highlights broke up the time nicely. We had fewer than 30 people on our bus. Our tour never felt rushed! Great experience.

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Gil was an amazing tour guide. We booked the 6 hour NYC tour and I can not imagine a better way to see all that we saw in half a day. We started in Times Square, we were educated on history and architecture throughout our day. We made stops in Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Madison Square, the 911 Memorial, Ferry to Staten Island w views of The Statue of Liberty, & so much more. Worth every penny!

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The 5 Best NYC Bus Tours for 2024

Let a trained driver worry about the traffic while you enjoy the Big Apple's best sights.

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As one of the largest cities in the world, New York City has so much to see and do. That's why many visitors start their trip off with a bus tour to see iconic sights and neighborhoods and get the lay of the land. To help you find the tour that's best for you, U.S. News reviewed traveler sentiment and expert input to determine the top New York bus tours. Read our suggestions below for some of the best bus tours you can book for your next trip to the City That Never Sleeps.

Big Bus Tours

Price: Adults from $80; kids from $70 Duration: 75 to 90 minutes

Big Bus New York offers a hop-on, hop-off tour that features 18 stops at major attractions like Bryant Park, Broadway and St. Patrick's Cathedral, with prerecorded commentary provided along the way. Double-decker buses frequent stops every 20 minutes on the Red Line (which runs through downtown) and every 30 minutes on uptown's Blue Line. The Essential Ticket, which is valid for one day, grants you access to the 90-minute downtown and 75-minute uptown routes and lets you add on extras like tickets for Madame Tussauds, the Empire State Building or a harbor cruise. Big Bus New York is a hit with travelers who appreciate the ability to tailor tours to their interests. Others bemoaned the overcrowded buses and long wait times.

You can also book a Discover Ticket, which explores famous landmarks downtown, or an Explore Ticket, which is a two-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour experience. Big Bus Tours also operates a seasonal night tour.

Check prices & availability on:

A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours – The Original Brooklyn Pizza Tour

Price: Adults from $105; kids from $95 Duration: 4.5 hours

Brooklyn has so much to see and do – and eat! The Original Brooklyn Pizza Tour, which reviewers describe as a great experience with even better pizza, lasts 4.5 hours and takes travelers throughout the borough to sample delicious slices from places like Grimaldi's and L&B Spumoni Gardens. You'll also see filming locations for movies like "Saturday Night Fever" and "Goodfellas."

Ticket prices include lunch. Tours are available Friday through Monday and Wednesday at 11 a.m. A Slice of Brooklyn also leads a seasonal tour exploring Dyker Heights' Christmas lights , among other options.

On Location Tours – "Sex and the City" Hotspots Tour

Price: From $66 Duration: 3.5 hours

Fans of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda can relive all their favorite "Sex and the City" moments during this New York bus tour, which features more than 40 popular locations from the show and movies. During the tour, you'll view iconic filming locations, walk past Carrie Bradshaw's brownstone apartment, sample cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery, drink a cosmopolitan (if you wish) and shop in Greenwich Village. Plus, you'll visit stops from the reboot "And Just Like That," including Bergdorf Goodman and Chelsea Market. Reviewers peg this tour as fun and fabulous.

Tourgoers can pay another $10 for priority seating. Participants must be 18 or older. Tours generally depart Thursday to Sunday at 2 p.m., though additional days may be available during the summer months. On Location Tours operates other filming locations tours for shows and movies, including "Gossip Girl," "The Sopranos" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," among others.

USA Guided Tours – Discover NY Tour

Price: Adults from $99; kids from $89 Duration: 6 hours

On this full-day tour, you'll drive through some of the city's most famous neighborhoods and most-visited areas. You'll have your choice of a traditional bus or a bus with either a glass top or a convertible top. Regardless of the vehicle, enjoy the expert commentary and a history lesson from your tour guide as you cruise past Times Square, Madison Square Park, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and more. A 15-minute stroll through each of the main stops is included, as is a boat cruise that takes you to see the famous NYC skyline. Many travelers call this tour fantastic and a must-do in New York.

Tours depart at 9 and 10 a.m. daily. USA Guided Tours also offers a night tour of the Big Apple.

Hush Hip Hop Tours – Birthplace of Hip Hop

Price: Adults from $79.99; kids from $58 Duration: 3 hours

Travelers routinely praise the Birthplace of Hip Hop tour not only for its cultural lessons about Harlem, but also for the informative guides who explain the history of hip-hop music. During this tour, you'll see famous clubs, murals dedicated to artists and the Apollo Theater. Plus, you'll get to observe a dance session and show off your moves.

Outings run Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Hush Hip Hop Tours also operates walking tours of Harlem and Brooklyn, among others.

Check prices & availability on:  

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NYC Double-Decker Bus Tour Maps & Routes

Our New York bus tour map charts the amazing adventures you can have in NYC when you travel with TopView Sightseeing ® . Our NYC double-decker bus tours options include Harlem, and Brooklyn tours. Choose one route or buy 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day passes to make sure that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Take a look at our tours and NYC tour bus routes to see what exciting destinations await!

Top New York Bus Tour Stops

Some of the most popular places where people like to hop off of our buses to explore include:

  • Rockefeller Center
  • Times Square
  • The Empire State Building
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • Canal Street
  • The Central Park Zoo
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Rockefeller center: A top NYC attraction

Where will your double-decker adventure take you?

Downtown Route

Is there anywhere more exciting than downtown Manhattan? This route will stop at some of the most iconic sites. Our New York double-decker bus tour map includes the Empire State Building and Radio City Music Hall . You’ll also experience cultural hubs like Chinatown and Little Italy before stopping at Battery Park to enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty.

Uptown Route

On this tour, you’ll get to enjoy the natural beauty of Central Park along with Harlem’s thriving African-American cultural community. Sample the art, music, and cuisine of Harlem and take a refreshing walk or bike through Central Park. You’ll want to take the opportunity to hop off the bus and explore Museum Mile as well.

Brooklyn Tour Route

This New York tour bus route includes one of the hippest boroughs in the city. You’ll get one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline from our double-decker bus and visit famous destinations like Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park, and the Barclays Center.

Night Tour Route

There is no better way to experience the city that never sleeps than at night. This bus tour will bring you through Times Square, Greenwich Village, Chinatown, and Little Italy so you can enjoy the incredible display of lights and architecture.

Liberty Cruise

This tour includes a cruise to Liberty Island so you can see the Statue of Liberty up close, and it also passes by Governors Island and Ellis Island. We’ll also give you a chance to explore South Street Seaport, where you’ll see an amazing collection of antique ships. With our NYC double-decker bus tours map, destinations like the Statue of Liberty are easily accessible. Whether you take advantage of just one of these options or choose all of them in a multi-day package, you’ll see the best that the Big Apple has to offer when you book with us. And when you book your flexible tour admission now, you’ll also get the best prices we have to offer. See all of the sights of the city and save with TopView Sightseeing ® today!

Helpful NYC Tips

New york city packages.

  • NYC Night Tour By Bus
  • New York attraction pass ™
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  • New York Travel Tour Packages
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Places to Go in NYC

  • Places to Go Around New York
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  • Northern Thai Food NYC
  • Best NYC Attractions
  • NYC in a Day Tour
  • Best Music Venues in Brooklyn
  • Sunrise New York NY
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New York Attractions

  • Madame Tussauds New York Ny
  • Believe It Or Not Times Square
  • Top of the Rock New York
  • Manhattan Attractions
  • Empire State Building Observation Deck Tickets
  • World Trade Center Memorial Tickets
  • Bloomingdale's 59th Street NYC
  • Madison Square Garden Visit
  • Strawberry Fields Memorial New York USA
  • Soho Sightseeing

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One Day in NYC Itinerary

one day bus tour nyc

If you are visiting NYC for the first time or are still a relative newbie and you are short on time, then you've come to the right place.

This one-day itinerary takes you to many of the sites, historic landmarks, and attractions that make the Big Apple the exciting place that it is.

You will see historic buildings and beautiful parks all while getting amazing views of the New York skyline from different vantage points. 

We've included time for lunch, a snack, and dinner.

There is a section for night activities if you have enough energy to keep going! 

A big bonus: This itinerary is practically free. You only need to spend about $10 for transportation and the cost of food. 

In the video below, Katie, a tour guide with us, Free Tours by Foot - NYC , runs through this itinerary for you, but we've added more details in the content below.

As local tour guides, we compiled this list based on our own experiences, but also answering your questions.

We lead thousands of people each month through the streets of NYC and we know a thing or two about crafting an itinerary.

We also grabbed ideas from the roughly 200k members of our popular NYC Travel Tips Facebook group.

one day bus tour nyc

The group consists of locals, like our tour guides, veteran travelers, as well as newbies to NYC.

You don't need to join to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

Check out the group once you are finished reading this post. A link to the group is at the end of this post.

  • Itineraries by Neighborhood
  • Guided Tours
  • How to Use the Subway
  • Things to Do in NYC
  • Free Tours by Foot

Central Park

Enter at 59th Street and Central Park South  

You've seen it in movies and pictures and now you can see for yourself that it is every bit as lovely as you expected.

Make your way to the Pond and Gapstow Bridge for a great photo op. Wander a bit around the southwest area.

If you are big on photography, head north for Bethesda Terrace and The Mall, both iconic locales in the park.

If you want to explore more of the park, it's best to have a map with you as it is quite large.

Use our self-guided tour  and or our  GPS-enabled audio tour to find your way around.

We also offer pay-what-you-wish guided  Central Park tours .

Backtrack and exit the park the same way you entered, at 59th Street and Central Park South.

Walk south on 5th Avenue in the same direction as the cars are going.

  • Rockefeller Center

As you walk down 5th Avenue 51st Street, look out for famous shops, like Tiffany's and Saks Fifth Avenue.

You'll pass by Trump Tower  on your way to Rockefeller Center. Explore this complex of 1920s buildings using our self-guided tour .

See the famous Channel Gardens   and the Lower Level Concourse where, in the Christmas Season, you can ice-skate and see the iconic  Rockefeller Christmas Tree .

The Prometheus Fountain in front of Rockefeller Center. Image source: Pixabay user Herve Borg.

Pose for a photo in front of Radio City Music Hall .

You may also want to look into visiting the  Top of the Rock , one of the five observation decks in NYC.

Walk south on 5th Avenue until 42nd Street.

Cross 42nd Street and walk halfway down the block until you see the big beautiful building with two lion statues on either side of the grand set of stairs. 

New York Public Library 

On the corner of 42 nd Street and 5 th Avenue is the main branch of the New York Public Library built in 1913.

Walk inside to see the grand Beaux-Arts lobby and the cavernous Reading Room, where a scene from the 1984 film  Ghostbusters was filmed.

one day bus tour nyc

Learn more about the daily tours and what to see inside this building.

From the library, walk back to 42nd Street and turn right onto 42nd Street. Walk two long blocks to Park Avenue.

Enter the station (officially named Grand Central Terminal) through the doors at the intersection of 42 nd Street and Park Avenue.

Grand Central Station

It's actually a train terminal, the largest in the world, with 44 tracks of trains leading out of New York City. Several main subway lines pass through as well.

Grand Central is a special spot in New York. Even lifelong New Yorkers who pass through every day enjoy the beauty and design of this terminal.

The Main Concourse is dazzling, from the celestial ceiling to the chandeliers and the tiled archways and regal staircases, Grand Central is a beauty.

If you’d like to learn more about Grand Central’s history and its secrets, check out our self-guided tour or our GPS-enabled audio tour .

Be sure to visit the Whispering Gallery on the lower level just outside of the Oyster Bar.

Click here for a  very short video demonstration of how to enjoy the Whispering Gallery .

Lunch in the Lower Level Dining Concourse

After visiting the Whispering Gallery, grab lunch from over 35 food stalls.

There are tables to sit at as well as public restrooms. (Click here to see the listings and hours).

There is something for everyone, from pizza, burgers, sushi, sandwiches, soups, and two classic New York desserts:

  • Junior's Cheesecake , the best cheesecake in NYC
  • Magnolia Bakery, where you can get the famous cupcakes from  Sex and the City.  (Find out about where the original Magnolia is from our post about SATC sites in NYC .)

When you are ready to move on to the next activity, it's time to take the subway.

Read below for all the information you need on how to use the subway.

You will be taking the DOWNTOWN 4/5/6 subway line. The line is represented by green circles. 

There are a few different ways from inside Grand Central to get to the subway platform. They all involve going down one level via stairs or escalators.

Your destination is the Brooklyn Bridge- City Hall station . You can take either the 4, 5, or 6 trains as long as they say DOWNTOWN. 

At the Brooklyn Bridge City Hall Station, there will be several different exits. No matter which exit you use, you will be able to see the pedestrian entrance to the bridge. 

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge and visit DUMBO 

Taking a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge is an absolute must-do on a trip to New York City.

For a more in-depth experience, be sure to download our GPS-enabled audio tour . 

This is an unforgettable walk with sweeping views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the harbor.

You can use our visitor's guide to walking the Brooklyn Bridge  to help find the entrance to the walkway as well as how to find your way to DUMBO (District Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), an artsy, waterfront neighborhood with traces of the American Revolution.

There is also incredible ice cream at the Ample Hills Creamery. You can find out where with our post on  things to do in DUMBO .

After spending some time in DUMBO, it's time to head back to Manhattan.

Walk to the East River Ferry landing at Pier 1 in Brooklyn Bridge Park ( Stop 17 on this map ) to take the ferry to Wall Street. 

Take the East River Ferry back to Manhattan 

Buy your ticket from DUMBO to Wall Street and have your camera ready to go to get fantastic, unobstructed photos of the Manhattan skyline and the harbor.

For information read our post about the  East River Ferry .

The ride costs $4 but the view is priceless. The ride is approximately 4 minutes. Be sure to check the schedule to plan your afternoon. 

Disembark from the ferry and leave the dock. You will be at the intersection of Gouverneur Lane and South Street.

Cross South Street and turn right and walk one block up South Street until you come to Wall Street. Make a left and begin walking along Wall Street.

At this point, you can take a look at our self-guided tour map .

Wall Street 

Our self-guided tour of Wall Street  will take you to 13 of the most important sites along Wall Street with background information on each locale.

one day bus tour nyc

These are three buildings not to be missed:

  • New York Stock Exchange
  • Federal Hall National Memorial  
  • Trinity Church

Walk south on Broadway for approximately 5 minutes.

The Charging Bull 

This 7,000-pound bronze sculpture is one of the most photographed sculptures in New York City.

It was created by the Italian sculptor Arturo Di Modica in 1989, who gifted it to New York City as a symbol of encouragement for a strong stock market year, known as a "Bull Market".

Charging Bull Broadway Wall Street

Click here to read the fascinating history of the Charging Bull.

Keep walking south on Broadway and ahead of you, you will see a huge and beautiful white ornate   building.

National Museum of the American Indian

This stunning Beaux-Arts building next to Battery Park was built in 1907 as the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House. (Photo 2 below)

It is now home to the National Museum of the American Indian Museum. It's one of NYC's free museums , so pop in and have a look.

The four monumental sculptures on the building's front side symbolize international commerce with each of the four female figures representing a continent: Asia, America, Europe, and Africa.

Read more about the Museum of the American Indian .

Continue south on Whitehall Street until you reach the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.

Staten Island Ferry

During the boat ride, you get a good view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and stunning views of the Lower Manhattan skyline.

The ride there and back is about 50 minutes and doesn’t require a ticket and it's free. The ferry runs frequently during the week and slightly less often on weekends.

Read our post on how to take the ferry .  (Photo 4 below)

From the ferry terminal, walk back up Whitehall St. until you reach Broadway (back by the Charging Bull).

Walk north on Broadway against the traffic. At Rector St. (about 2 long blocks past the Charging Bull) turn left.

Walk on Rector St. two blocks to Greenwich St. and make a right turn.

You will be walking north, against the traffic. Continue on Greenwich St. for about 4 minutes and you will arrive at the massive 9/11 Memorial Plaza.

National September 11th Memorial and Museum 

Plan your visit to the Memorial with our detailed guide, Visiting the 911 Memorial and Museum . 

The centerpiece of the memorial is the Reflecting Pools , two massive cascading fountains set in the exact location where the Twin Towers stood.

911-Memorial

Inscribed around the bronze edges of the pools are the names of those who died on 9/11.

For details on the other sites within the Memorial, we have a short, self-guided tour  and a  GPS audio tour .

Oculus

Dinner Downtown 

Since you will be downtown already, check out the Food Hall at The Oculus next to the World Trade Center.

Not only are there plenty of food options like Eataly, Shakeshack, and Wasabi Sushi, but there are also fast food options and upscale restaurants.

The space-age-looking Oculus is a shopping center, transportation, and also an incredible example of architecture that honors the victims of 9/11.

Even if you plan to dine somewhere else, check out The Oculus -- and have your camera ready!

The Oculus is open Monday - Friday 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm.

If your night ends here, you can hop on one of the many subway lines you can enter from The Oculus including the 2/3/4/5/A/C/J/Z.

See a Broadway Show

No reason you can't fit a Broadway show into a whirlwind one-day itinerary.

If your budget allows, you can buy tickets in advance and head straight to your show.

Click here to see what's playing on StubHub when you are in town.

Staten Island Ferry Ride

Instead of taking this amazing free ride during the day, you can have a fabulous experience at night as well, and you won't feel so rushed trying to squeeze in everything before sunset.

See above for a description of the ferry.

Brooklyn-Bridge-at-night

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge at night 

Though it's included in the daytime activities above, a nighttime stroll is also a great way to enjoy the bridge.

If you walk the bridge at night, your daytime pace will be slowed down and you have more time to explore a bit more on your own. 

We offer a  night tour of the Brooklyn Bridge and 9/11 Memorial several evenings each week as well as a GPS-enabled audio tour of the bridge .

You could also  walk the bridge yourself . Either way, it's a lovely evening activity.

Take a  pay-what-you-like  night tour

We offer a Midtown Manhattan Night Tour , a  Dark Side of the High Line  tour, and several ghost tours , and in December for the holidays, we offer festive tours such as the New York Holiday Lights Tour .

For more ideas about how to spend your night after your one-day itinerary, see our post,  Top 10 Things to Do in New York City at Night .

Traveling with kids? No problem!

This one-day itinerary is appropriate for kids and we think they will get quite a lot out of the day.

If you would like to check out some alternatives, we have an itinerary specifically for families .

SEE NEW YORK BY NEIGHBORHOOD

New York is known for its diverse neighborhoods. Just wandering around one or two neighborhoods could easily fill up one day.

For a more authentic New York experience choose a few neighborhoods to visit.

Use our self-guided tours and GPS-enabled audio tours that include maps, suggestions for things to do, itineraries, where to eat, and how to have fun just like the locals do. 

The list below is only 1/2 of the neighborhoods we cover! 

See our full list of NYC neighborhood overviews to see each neighborhood in relation to the others.

  • Lower Manhattan and Wall Street  
  • SoHo   
  • Little Italy  
  • Lower East Side
  • East Village   
  • Greenwich Village  
  • Chelsea and the High Line  
  • Times Square  
  • Midtown Manhattan  
  • Central Park  
  • Harlem  
  • Brooklyn Heights  
  • DUMBO  

See our full list of NYC neighborhood overviews .

GUIDED TOURS IN ONE DAY

If you would rather have a real New Yorker show you around, or you would like to meet other fellow travelers, then consider an all-day tour.

We have several pay-what-you-wish tours to choose from including our 6-Hour Downtown Manhattan Tour (see details below). 

In reality, you could put together any of a number of our shorter neighborhood tours (see our tour calendar ) as well as our GPS-audio tours .

We also have just over 40 free, self-guided tours . 

Below is the description of our tour and a daily calendar of other all-day tours offered by other companies.

Of course, many bus tour companies can guide you around for the day, and we rate and compare them all

Nuno Tiago Pires dos Santos P.

All-in-One Downtown Tour

Our tour utilizes your feet and the New York City Subway to transport you from the Financial District (the birthplace of New York) through Wall St and the World Trade Center and then on to Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown, Little Italy, Chelsea Market, and the High Line Park.  

**We do not visit Midtown Manhattan or Central Park on this tour.**

There will be ample opportunities for memorable pictures. You'll also get to savor NY's best pizza, cannoli, and other treats. 

Free New York Tours

You may also have the chance to learn how to play NY handball, bargain with a shopkeeper in Chinatown, observe a game of street chess in Greenwich Village, or people-watch and window shop in SoHo.

Along the way, you'll master the subway and learn about New York's Finest!

View our tour calendar  for the most up-to-date availability.

The All-in-One (AIO) Tour covers about 75% of the material covered in several of our separate walking tours, including Lower Manhattan , SoHo, Little Italy Chinatown , Greenwich Village , and the High Line .

Sites we cover on the New York City One-Day Tour:

New York in a Day

  • Financial District
  • World Trade Center
  • 911 Memorial
  • Woolworth Building
  • Greenwich Village
  • Washington Square Park
  • SoHo's Cast Iron District
  • Little Italy
  • Chelsea Market
  • The High Line Park
  • and much more...

*Guests will need to purchase an MTA MetroCard worth at least $8.25, though a card worth $12.50 would cover subway rides to and from the tour.

Be sure to read our post on which MetroCard to buy as well as tips for navigating the subway system .

Tour information

Reservations:  REQUIRED.  Click here to reserve . Groups of 10 or more should visit our  group page .

Where:  The tour meets at the George Washington Statue at Federal Hall on the corner of Broad St. and Wall St. ( map ). Look for your guides with the Free Tour by Foot logo.

Duration:  Approximately 6 hours. There will be a break for lunch and a short refreshment break in the afternoon.

When:  @10am Tuesdays & Fridays.  View our full calendar .

If you can't reserve on the above days of the week, consider our  Lower Manhattan  tour, the  SoHo, Little Italy Chinatown  tour, the  Greenwich Village  tour, and the  High Line  tour individually.

Cost:  This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done. A  name-your-own-price tour  is a tour for anyone's budget.

  • Does this tour cover Midtown, Harlem, Upper West Side, or Central Park? No, this is a downtown-only tour.
  • Does this tour go into buildings? A few, but you will mostly hear about the history and stories from outside the buildings. If you would like to tour inside the buildings, like the One World Trade Center Observatory, 9/11 Memorial Museum, or the Woolworth Building, you will need to make separate plans. 
  • Is this tour suitable for children and strollers? This is a fast-paced tour, and not recommended for those with walking issues, small children or strollers.

View our tour calendar  for the most up-to-date availability. 

OTHER TOURS + ITINERARIES

Here for multiple days? Check out our 3 days in NYC post. 

Here are a few of our favorite paid tours offered by partners:

New York City Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

  • Ticket Prices: $74 for Adults | $64 for Children
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Availability: Daily at 9:30 am

This tour is very well-reviewed ( read the reviews ) and includes:

  • Statue of Liberty Ferry Ride
  • 9/11 Memorial
  • Wall Street
  • Times Square

New York City Day Tour with the One World Observatory

  • Ticket Prices: $109 for Adults | $99 for Children
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Availability: Daily at 9:30 AM
  • Everything from their 6-hour tour
  • Plus admission to One World Observatory

Statue of Liberty and 9/11 Memorial Tour

  • Ticket Prices: $59 for Adults | $49 for Children
  • Duration: 2 Hours guided; 3-5 hours self-guided
  • Availability: Daily at 9 am.

This tour is also well-reviewed ( read the reviews ) and includes:

  • Entrance to Liberty Island Museum

USA Guided Bus Tour

This 5 1/2-hour bus package includes a ride around the city where professional tour guides will provide commentary about each stop.

The tour is very well-reviewed ( read the reviews ) and tickets are reasonable considering it includes all this:

  • Ticket Prices: $89 for Adults | $79 for Children
  • Duration: 5 ½ hours
  • Availability: Daily at 10 am
  • Click Here to get your tickets

Foods of New York

Foodie? Then this tour is for you; You'll visit neighborhoods like West Village, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Dumbo as you discover NY-style pizza, juicy kielbasa, and more.

This trip is somewhat expensive, but it includes a lot of food tastings and they currently have a full 5 /5-star  rating on TripAdvisor and Viator ( read the reviews ). 

  • Ticket Prices: $125 for Adults | $95 for Children
  • Duration: 4 ½ hours
  • Availability: Daily at 11 AM
  • Food tastings included

Tourist Passes

If you are considering purchasing a tourist discount pass, which allows you to bundle tickets for attractions and tours into one discounted price, you may be interested in taking a look at their itineraries. 

We have the definitive post on tourist passes . We analyze each one and compare them for you. 

Each of these tourist pass companies offers sample itineraries to help you plan to get the most savings possible. 

USING THE SUBWAY TO GET AROUND

You will only be taking two subway rides if you follow our one-day itinerary.

The subway system is a very efficient way to get around the city. It's easy to use once you know how.

Read our post on everything you need to know about riding the subway .

In the past, you had to purchase a MetroCard to enter the subway, but now you can also use the OMNY contactless payment system at the turnstile.

Read more about NYC Subway MetroCards and OMNY .

If you have a smartphone, you can download a free subway app to make your day in NYC go more smoothly

TIP:  Anytime you are on the subway, look out for great musicians, buskers, and performers.

Our post about  Where to find New York City Street Performers and Subway Music  will lead you right to them!

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one day bus tour nyc

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!

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In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

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The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

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Buying Tickets

  • Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
  • You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
  • There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
  • Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
  • If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
  • You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
  • You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

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Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

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Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

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Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

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One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

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Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

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Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

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Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

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Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

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Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

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Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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21 Things to Know Before You Go to Moscow

Featured city guides.

Explore Smolensk on a Private Day tour (from Moscow)

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  • Transfer to and from train station
  • Transportation by fast train to Smolensk and back to Moscow
  • Transportation in Smolensk by car
  • Museum entrance fees
  • Should your hotel not be listed, You have to provide us with your hotel location so that we can arrange your pick up. Otherwise, we can not guarantee your timely pickup Pickup from your hotel at 6:15 am
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
  • You'll get picked up See departure details
  • 1 Cathedral of the Assumption (Uspensky Sobor) Stop: 45 minutes See details
  • 2 Smolensk Fortress Stop: 60 minutes See details
  • You'll return to the starting point

one day bus tour nyc

  • TravelSomeMore24 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unique Authentic Russian Experience We had such an incredible experience. It felt like we were transformed into a different time. Our guide was so informative and gracious. We are so grateful for a unique experience and would absolutely recommend it to everyone. Read more Written July 21, 2021
  • JulieArquette 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great day 😘 in Moscow We booked a one day your and were able to change the itinerary as we wanted to visit WW2 memoreal. Our guide was very knowledgeable and passionate and explained us a lot about Moscow life now and back to Soviet times. Loved our day, thank you, Mariya and all Read more Written March 5, 2020
  • creitzy 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Guide Have used Anton 2 times now for different friends when they have visited Moscow.he is very knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and speaks very good English.i would recommend the metro tour and WW II museum. Thanks again Read more Written February 11, 2020
  • JeffKuptchuck 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles This is definitely a unique experience After looking at all of the big cathedrals in Moscow and being rather overwhelmed this was a much more intimate and personal experience. It was great to be able to be there by ourselves and the monk that showed us around and Anton both were obviously very passionate about the monastery so you were able to understand much better what the various churches and icons meant to them The view from the bell tower was awesome even if the climb up took some faith! Dinner was very good except for my wife who doesn't like fish and that is all they eat at the monastery besides vegetables, but still very unique dinner. Read more Written February 9, 2020
  • justinbM9877MC 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sightseeing in Moscow over New Year’s Anton was great, very friendly, knowledgeable about local history as well as general Russian history, and had good recommendations for day trips that didn’t over-schedule. He was easy to work with and an excellent English-language speaker. Would highly recommend. Read more Written January 26, 2020
  • TanechkaVas 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The whole day tour to Zvenigorod, the country side of Moscow, with Anton. We organized that tour from Australia well ahead of time, planning to visit Zvenigorod with big group of extended family and friends with teens as part of our New Year trip to Moscow. The communication with Anton, our guide, was excellent during the time since booking till the excursion day. The actual day was organized very good, taken into account mixed group of adults, born in USSR and kids, born in Australia. Anton organized our activities to be suitable for all of us. As adults, we were enjoyed country side during winter and Monastery's quietness and ability to jump to the cold "holy" water at one of the oldest Monasteries of Russia - Savva Storoghevskiy Man Monastery. That was the most amazing and nearly magical experience! Kids were enjoyed of snow and treats Anton provide for us, including buisquits and Sbiten'. We also visited very interesting Museum of Russian desserts and learn a lot about ancient russian sweets; have a look on our past in the Museum of USSR and bought some yammie things to enjoy later. In general we all agree that our tour to Zvenigorod with Anton was enjoyable and educational; well organized and unforgettable. We wish we would have more time there! We would recommend such trip to everyone wishing to see Russia's country side. Read more Written January 17, 2020
  • GuidesAndGuides 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Loved this experience. Especially the hidden gems! Anton brought us around places which we couldn't have done it alone. I went with the family, my husband and two daughters and they enjoyed every minute. Anton was very attentive to our needs and have good connections with the local communities. We tasted delicious Russian lunch on this tour. We had a fun time painting our Russian dolls (matryoshka) and finished the trip with a great feeling of connection to Russian culture, tasty food, fantastic people and magnificent architecture.   Do not hesitate to book this tour. It is worth your money and time. It was a great day, Thank you Anton! Read more Written January 14, 2020
  • 161sinemg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles It was a very interesting experience This tour was the most exciting activity on our trip to Moscow. I would strongly recommend but climbing stairs was a bit hard. I will not forget all my life. Many thanks to our guide Hektor and Anton Read more Written January 7, 2020
  • Mustafa19890 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour was amazing We had exceptional experience 45 meters deep underground. You really feel how it was to be in Soviet Union during the Cold War era, what were their fears Read more Written December 27, 2019
  • yeatharhiu 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unique Experience Victor is our English speaking guide. It's a small group tour so you dont have to worry about being left out. He took us down the bunker 43 meter down the surface, explained about the heavy doors and let us open them, kept us informed about its functions and introduced us whatever exhibits were left there. Very patient guide and informative tour. Sign up for it if you are in Moscow. Read more Written December 26, 2019
  • NickRobson101 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles WOW. We absolutely recommend this tour! This is a tour for the senses and truly exceeded our expectations. There is an interesting balance of history, access you would not expect around a monastery, the visuals of the architecture and decoration, unique chance to observe the inner workings of the monastery, views from vantage points and the towers. Favourite parts included climbing the bell tower for the bell ringing and an exceptionally good meal. For something interestingly different that will add unique memories and experiences Read more Written December 20, 2019
  • Loxiee 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The Highlight of our trip Elena, was very attentive and knowledgeable. She took us through the city as if she was a long lost friend. She made us not only feel comfortable in any way possible but she made the experience feel like a another day in our hometown. I am so happy to have met her, she was the highlight of our entire trip. Read more Written December 17, 2019
  • Deryabayazit 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing and delicious We had great time, Anton showed us around Moscow local food, it was jus awesome. Tasty and a lot of fun!!! Read more Written December 14, 2019
  • ShingoKamiki 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Interesting and delicious Had a tour and dinner inside the monastery with Moscow with Locals. It was a very interesting tour, a monk presented us the monastery, the temples, the bell tower with ringing bells. Amazing! And then we had delicious dinner with Russian traditional cuising, Lovely! Arigatou, Anton! Read more Written December 8, 2019
  • Hideo_Aoki78 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Moscow is marvelous Good job, Anton! We were a group of friends from Japan and Anton did a great job, showing us Moscow. The metro is so interesting and important for local citizens, Red Square is amazing, St. Basil cathedral was iconic both outside and even more interesting inside. It was both interesting and educational seeing central Moscow streets. Anton managed to book us a table for lunch with delicious local food and he helped us with recommendations for dinner (booked is a table as well). Brilliant job, Moscow with locals! Read more Written December 1, 2019

Explore Smolensk on a Private Day tour (from Moscow) provided by Moscow With Locals

Advertisement

How the Key Bridge Collapsed in Baltimore: Maps and Photos

By Weiyi Cai ,  Agnes Chang ,  Lauren Leatherby ,  Lazaro Gamio ,  Leanne Abraham and Scott Reinhard

On Tuesday, a major bridge in Baltimore collapsed into the water seconds after it was struck by a cargo ship, sending vehicles on the bridge into the river below. The ship lost power and issued a mayday call shortly before it hit the bridge.

A video shows the cargo ship striking the bridge and the resulting collapse of the bridge.

The ship, a 948-foot-long cargo vessel called Dali, was about a half hour into its journey toward Colombo, Sri Lanka, when it hit a main pillar of the bridge. All crew members are safe, according to the ship’s owners.

Follow our live coverage .

A mayday call from the ship gave officials enough time to stop traffic at both ends of the bridge. The waters where the bridge collapsed are about 50 feet deep. By Tuesday morning, six construction workers who had been fixing potholes on the bridge remained missing as divers and other emergency workers on boats and helicopters continued to search for them. Two others had been rescued, and one was in the hospital.

Francis Scott

Patapsco River

The ship left the Port

of Baltimore around

1 a.m. on Tuesday.

Where impact occurred

Direction of the ship

The ship hit the

bridge at 1:28 a.m.

The ship hit the bridge at 1:28 a.m.

Where impact

Source: Spire Global

The New York Times; satellite image by Google Earth

The lights of the ship flickered on and off as it lost power in the minutes before the ship changed bearing and hit the bridge.

Ship approached from

the Port of Baltimore

Road repair crews

Ship changed heading

as it neared pillar

Ship hit pillar

Southern and central spans

of bridge began to collapse within

seconds of impact

Northern span began to

collapse seconds later

Within 30 seconds of impact,

the central part of bridge had

entirely collapsed.

Source: StreamTime Live via YouTube

Timestamps are from StreamTime Live video.

The New York Times

The Francis Scott Key Bridge was opened in 1977 and carried more than 12.4 million vehicles last year. The bridge was one of the three major ways to cross the Patapsco River and formed part of Baltimore’s beltway.

The Port of Baltimore is a major trade hub that handled a record amount of foreign cargo last year. It is an especially important destination — the nation’s largest by volume last year — for deliveries of cars and light trucks.

Ship impact

To Chesapeake Bay

Sources: Maryland Port Administration, OpenStreetMap, MarineTraffic

Note: Ship positions are as of 2:46 p.m. Eastern time.

Overall, Baltimore was the 17th biggest port in the United States in 2021, ranked by total tons, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The bridge collapse brought marine traffic there to a standstill, with seven cargo or tanker ships stranded in the harbor as of Tuesday afternoon.

Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency for Maryland and said that his office was in close communication with Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. transportation secretary. The White House issued a statement saying that President Biden had been briefed on the collapse.

A photo shows the cargo ship with the collapsed bridge.

Erin Schaff/The New York Times

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    American Museum of Natural History Circle Line Best of NY Cruise (2.5 Hours) The Deluxe Helicopter Tour (25-30 Minute Tour) Rockefeller Center Tour Arts and Architecture tour GO Airlink - SUV Land and Sea Package Brooklyn Bridge All Day Bike Rental by Fancy Apple Museum at Eldridge Street The Sightseeing Day Pass New York SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Central Park TV and Movie Sites Tour Big Bus ...

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    Big Bus Tours: TopView NYC: 1-Day Hop-on, Hop-off Tour covering Downtown route Price: $54 per person: 1-Day Hop-on, Hop-off Tour covering Downtown route ... NYC Bus Tour for 1-10 days; One World Observatory; 9/11 Memorial & Museum; Night Bus Tour; Admission to 90+ Attractions such as: Madame Tussauds; American Museum of Natural History;

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    Our New York bus tour map charts the amazing adventures you can have in NYC when you travel with TopView Sightseeing ®. Our NYC double-decker bus tours options include Harlem, and Brooklyn tours. Choose one route or buy 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day passes to make sure that you can explore everything that the city has to offer.

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    Day trips. Guided NYC Premium Bus Tour. View all 3 images. From 109.00. ... New York City. Valid for 30 days from the time of first scan. Free Cancelation. From 109.00. Cities in United States Niagara Falls San Francisco Orlando Las Vegas New York. Home > United States > New York City > Guided NYC Premium Bus Tour . Gray Line Corporation ...

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    The Oculus is open Monday - Friday 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm. If your night ends here, you can hop on one of the many subway lines you can enter from The Oculus including the 2/3/4/5/A/C/J/Z. See a Broadway Show. No reason you can't fit a Broadway show into a whirlwind one-day itinerary.

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  19. One Day Bus Tours to Casinos, Zoo, Shopping, Boston, NYC

    Wade Tours offers One Day Bus Tours to Turning Stone & Mohegan Sun Casinos, Bronx Zoo, Shopping trips to Boston & Manhattan, Statue of Liberty and more. 2024 Tours: April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December 2025 Tours: January |February | March ... April 3, 2024 Bronx, New York 1 Day $ 90.00 View Details ...

  20. Olivia Rodrigo GUTS World Tour Bus Experience

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  21. Inexpensive private tour guide needed for 1 day

    Answer 1 of 3: Am off to Moscow next week for work, but have allowed myself one day (I know not long enough) to do a whislte stop tour of the city. Does anyone know of an English speaking guide who isn't too expensive? Moscow. Moscow Tourism Moscow Hotels Moscow Bed and Breakfast

  22. How to get around Moscow using the underground metro

    There is also a 90-minute ticket, which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes. Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830

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  25. Suzdal & Vladimir one day tour 2022

    Leave Moscow behind for a day, and explore the Golden Ring: a collection of cities northeast of Moscow that are famed for their beauty and heritage. Following pickup directly from your Moscow hotel, travel into the storybook Russian countryside. You'll be visiting Suzdal and Vladimir: two UNESCO World Heritage sites that are renowned for their bucolic landscapes, scenic white-stone buildings ...