New York open top bus

CitySightseing NYC vs. Big Bus New York

Comparing the differences between the two hop-on hop-off bus tours
By Casey Makovich

It can be tricky to know where to start when navigating New York, so why not get a great overview with one of these open-top bus sightseeing tours? This way, you can hop off wherever you'd like to explore at your convenience. Read on for our rundown on two main bus operators.

What's the best Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour in New York City? Depends on what you're looking for. There are several tour bus companies in NYC - we've compared the two most popular hop-on hop-off bus tours to highlight the differences and help you choose the one that's right for you.

We'll tell you about the major differences between Big Bus New York vs. City Sightseeing, so you can choose one that is right for your New York trip, depending on what you want to see and do - and a few other factors.

The basics and what's included with your ticket

Big Bus New York

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  • Ranked #1 on TripAdvisor! Big Bus consistently ranks highest for customer satisfaction.
  • Live narration: Big Bus is the only New York hop-on hop-off bus tour company with live, licensed tour guides on every bus who provide an interactive tour experience and point out all of the sights along the way, making sure you don't miss a thing.
  • Languages available: All buses offer pre-recorded commentary in 10 languages.
  • Trip-planning tools: All Big Bus hop-on hop-off tours come with access to a free mobile app that includes customizable maps, bus timetables, and information about the city's top sights.
  • Ticket duration: Bus tour tickets are valid for one calendar day unless activated after 3:00 pm, in which case they would be valid for a 24-hour period.
  • Tour routes: Big Bus tours feature 3 routes with their standard tickets (Uptown, Downtown, and Midtown) with the opportunity to add the Brooklyn Tour or Night Tour at highly discounted rates.
  • WiFi: Each bus features FREE WiFi onboard.
  • Hours of operation: Buses run from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm every day.

City Sightseeing Tickets:
 

  • Languages available: All buses offer pre-recorded commentary in 12 languages.
  • Ticket duration: Standard City Sightseeing tickets are valid for 48 hours.
  • Tour routes: Standard City Sightseeing tours feature 2 routes with their standard tickets (Uptown and Downtown).
  • Extras: Each ticket includes a free 90-minute night tour on the bus, access to a 4-stop hop-on hop-off ferry tour, and a ticket to your choice of either the NYC Museum or the New York Historic Society.
  • Hours of operation: Buses run from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm every day.

New York bus route comparison

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Big Bus:

A Big Bus New York ticket gets you access to 2 routes

  • Uptown: includes stops at Theater District, Columbus Circle, American Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Center Plaza, Guggenheim, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, The Frick Museum, and more.
  • Downtown: includes stops at Times Square, Fifth Avenue, Empire State Building, Flat Iron District, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown, Little Italy, Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall, Lower East Side, United Nations, Rockefeller Plaza, Central Park, Battery Park (where you can get a ferry to the Statue of Liberty), and more.

City Sightseeing:

A City Sightseeing ticket gets you access to 2 routes (+ a nighttime tour):

  • Uptown: includes stops at Hell's Kitchen, Theater District, Columbus Circle, American Museum of Natural History, Upper West Side, Guggenheim, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, and more.
  • Downtown: includes stops at Times Square, Empire State Building, Flat Iron District, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown/Little Italy, Battery Park, Lower East Side, Rockefeller Plaza, Central Park, and more.
  • Night Tour: the night tour is not a hop-on hop-off tour but a way to see the sights at night.

Let's recap our NYC bus tour comparison:

Bus tour of New York

Overview: Both New York City hop-on hop-off bus tours provide an easy and convenient way to get a feel for the city, see some of the top sights, and learn a bit about the city's important history and culture. You'll get a comprehensive overview of the city and get a feel for the city layout.

Both run on fairly frequent intervals, so hopping on or off is easy. 

Routes included: Big Bus includes a Midtown route, which covers Midtown Manhattan to the western side of the Manhattan peninsula, which City Sightseeing bus routes do not, while City Sightseeing bus routes include a route through Brooklyn, which Big Bus does not (though a Brooklyn route is available as an add-on at a significant discount for ticket holders).

Hours of operation: City Sightseeing standard tickets allow you to hop on and off for 48 hours while Big Bus standard tickets are 1 calendar day (unless you redeem your ticket after 3:00 pm, in which case it will be valid for 24 hours), but Big Bus' hours of operation are significantly longer than those of City Sightseeing's bus. 

Customer preference: Big Bus is the #1 ranked bus tour on both Viator and TripAdvisor. 

Ways to save on New York bus tour tickets: 

Both Big Bus and City Sightseeing New York bus tours are available attraction choices on New York sightseeing passes.

Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour tickets are available on:

City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour tickets are available on:

  • New York City Sightseeing Pass: an all-inclusive pass that includes tickets to the City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tour and admission to other local attractions.

See how you can save up to 50% on New York attractions

Discover our full line-up of New York attractions including The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and more.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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New York skyline at dawn, featuring Empire State Building in centre
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Observation Decks in New York

The city that never sleeps? You bet! Day or night there’s always something going on in New York City. But for a whole new perspective - or when you tire of the crowded sidewalks - one of the best ways to take in all that action is from above. You’ll be dizzy with delight gazing down on the blocks and the buildings, the scurrying people and the yellow taxis. But which is the best observation deck in New York? Each of the New York sky decks offers a different view and a different experience from a different height. Here’s the low down (sorry, had to be done) on five (or so) of the city’s high spots... Empire State Building Where: Midtown Manhattan When: Opened 1931 Height of Observation deck: 1050 ft, 320 mtrs (86th floor) or 1,250 ft, 381 mtrs (102nd floor) Time to get yourself in an Empire state of mind...at New York’s most Instagrammed landmark! 443.2 meters tall and built during the Great Depression as a soaring symbol of hope and prosperity, for 40 years the Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world. Even though it's not even in the top 20 these days, it’s still one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks and guarantees you a spectacular 360o view of New York City. You’ll find not one but two observation decks - the outdoor one on the 86th floor and (at an extra cost) the indoor one on the very top (102nd) floor. Begin your visit in the newly restored Art Deco lobby and check out the interactive museum to learn about the building’s rich history. Maybe even grab a selfie with King Kong?! Then zoom up to the 86th floor and drink in a view so impressive that, on a clear day, you can see 5 states. Telescopes give you an even better view of other looming landmarks including the Chrysler Building, One Vanderbilt and the Rockefeller Center - and further beyond, Central Park, Brooklyn, the East River and the Hudson River. If you download the official Empire State Building multi-media tour you can get details of the view from every vantage point. There are even heaters to keep you cosy whatever the time of year. Top of the Rock Where: Midtown Manhattan When: Opened 1933 (Observation deck 2005) Height of Observation deck: 850 ft (67, 69 and 70th floors) The only problem with being up the Empire State Building is that you can’t see the Empire State Building! To capture that iconic landmark in your photos you could instead consider taking the elevator to one of three - yes three - observation decks at the Rockefeller Center - known as the Top of the Rock. Hold tight as you’re whisked to the 67th floor in just 42 seconds, to an indoor deck with views of the Empire State. Or choose floor 69 for an outdoor deck with glass walls and 270o views. From the 70th floor you have 360o views of Manhattan without having to shoot through glass. Once you’ve seen some of the best sights in New York from above - you can see them again from below, since the Rockefeller Center is just a hop and a skip away from Times Square, 5th Avenue, MOMA, Central Park and loads more hot spots. One World Observatory Where: Lower Manhattan When: Opened 2014 (Observation deck 2015) Height of Observation deck: 1,268 ft (102nd floor) Could the best birds-eye view of New York City be from the One World Observatory, the breath-taking observation deck at One World Trade Center (the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere)? Be enthralled by its exciting elevator where all four walls are digital screens. There’s more impressive tech as you ascend to the 102nd floor, with a time-lapse transformation of New York from the 17th century to today. Check out another cool video of life in New York in the See Forever Theatre, then cameras at the ready to capture the scene as you gaze through the glass at Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty spread below. Maybe you’ll even treat yourself to a speciality cocktail - or the full a la carte menu - at ONE dine restaurant and bar? Edge Where: Hudson Yards When: Opened 2020 Height of Observation deck: 1,131 ft, 345 meters (100th floor) The Apex (part of the City Climb Experience): 1,271 ft, 387 meters Take it to the top! The Apex is not only the highest observation deck in New York City - but in the whole of the Western hemisphere! Opened in 2020 Edge is a new kid among the observation decks - but super cool since, if you dare, you can grab the very best views of Manhattan through its glass floor. It’s right in the heart of Hudson Yards, New York’s newest neighbourhood where residents, tourists - and you! - can enjoy over 100 shops, food stops, public art and public gardens. Soar up to the 100th floor to visit the champagne bar, stake out the sky deck or walk upstairs to the 101st floor, for flawless 360o views of New York and New Jersey. The Vessel Whilst we’re in Hudson Yards, can we give a quick honorary mention to The Vessel? Whilst not an observation deck, this bronze honey-comb of stair-cases is certainly worth the climb if you’re looking for a new perspective on the city. Soaring 150ft, it cost an eye-watering $200million and is the centerpiece of this shiny new district where former industrial properties have been transformed into the most expensive real-estate development in US history! The High Line It’s also a great spot to take a stroll on the High Line, around 2km of stunning green walkway following the course of a former elevated railroad. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city streets and see New York from a new angle, whilst enjoying art, sculpture and landscaped planting. When you’ve taken all your pics, don’t forget to drop off at Chelsea Market in the Meatpacking District, renowned as one of the world’s best indoor markets, for foodie treats and quirky independent retailers.
Jo Cooke
empire states
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Empire State Building Vs One World Observatory: Which NYC View Rules?

Two sky-high views, one ultimate NYC decision—how will you rise?
View of the Empire State Building from Top of the Rock, New York
Blog

Top of the Rock vs Empire State Building: Comparing the Differences Between the Two Observation Decks

So, what's the difference between the Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building?  Both are historically and culturally important buildings and offer some of the best skyline views New York City has to offer, but the two experiences can be very different.  Although the Empire State Building might be the most iconic building on the New York City skyline, keep in mind you don't have much of a view of it from the building itself (the same goes for Top of the Rock). We've put together a list of the key similarities and differences between the two attractions to help you decide which one best fits your New York itinerary, we're talking...  What's included with general admission  The different locations  The difference between the views  Top tips for visiting both  How to save on entry to both  Both observation decks feature educational exhibits and experiences included in the general admission price. Think modern displays and historical explanations, and of course, fantastic views. Here's a summary of what you can expect at each experience.  Empire State Building general admission includes:    Access to the Main Observation Deck, a 360-degree, open-air 86th-floor Observation Deck.  Admission to The Empire State Building Experience, including 12 interactive displays on the 2nd and 80th floors.  Access to a self-guided multimedia tour that helps identify the landmarks you can see in the skyline.  Please note: Access to the 102nd floor is not included with general admission tickets, other add-ons like express passes can also be bought for an extra charge.  Top of the Rock general admission includes:   Access to three floors of indoor and outdoor observation decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors.  Sky shuttle elevator ride up to the top with a light show.  Admission to exhibits that feature Top of the Rock and Rockefeller Center history and the interactive Beam Walk, which simulates what it's like to walk on a construction beam 69 floors above Manhattan.  Comparing locations The biggest difference between the views from each building's observation deck is the view of the actual buildings themselves. If you're interested in the best views of the Empire State Building, head up to the Top of the Rock. If you want one of the best views of Rockefeller Plaza, get yourself to the top of the Empire State Building.  View from the Empire State Building  The observation deck in the Empire State Building is slightly higher than the Top of the Rock's deck, which stands at 1,050 feet above the ground. The building is located further south in Manhattan, so offers better views of the cluster of skyscrapers near the water in the Financial District. Landmarks you can see from the Empire State Building:  Rockefeller Plaza Center, Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center (closer views than at Top of the Rock), Central Park (further away views than from Top of the Rock), Times Square, Statue of Liberty (closer views than at Top of the Rock), the Brooklyn Bridge and more.  View from the Top of the Rock  Slightly lower than the Empire State Building observation deck, the deck at Top of the Rock is 800 feet above the ground. The building is located further north in Manhattan, so it offers better views of Central Park. Landmarks you can see from the Top of the Rock:  Empire State Building, Chrysler Building (partially obscured), One World Trade Center (further away than at the Empire State Building), Central Park (closer than from the Empire State Building), Bank of America Tower, Flatiron Building, and more.  Tips for visiting the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock  Empire State Building tips:    To beat the crowds, it's best to visit early in the morning or late in the evening.  Plan to spend 2-3 hours visiting the Empire State Building.  If you want to catch the sunset, plan to get to the top well before - the hour before sunset is excellent for pictures, too! (Leave extra time to wait in line, sunset is a popular time to visit.)  Kids under six can visit for free with an accompanying adult. Strollers are allowed, but you must be able to fold it before taking the elevator ride up.  Prepare for the security line and help speed up the process by making sure you don't have any prohibited items.  Dress for the weather and remember it's colder and windier up there.  Bring a camera to capture the best views.  Top of the Rock tips:    To avoid the largest crowds, plan to visit Top of the Rock early in the morning. Weekday visits tend to be less busy.  Plan to spend at least one hour visiting the Top of the Rock and take your time at the exhibits. Once you pass through, you can't return to the exhibits.  If you want to catch the sunset, plan to get to the top well before. Those golden hour pictures can come out even nicer than ones of the actual sunset!  Download the Top of the Rock app for a skyline guide that identifies the buildings you're looking at. It's also got audio tours you can listen to as well.  As with the Empire State Building, it's colder and windier at the top, so make sure to bring some spare layers.  Don't forget your camera, portable chargers, and binoculars to guarantee the best views and best pics. So, which New York observation deck should you choose? Both attractions are extremely popular and offer unique experiences. The main difference is genuinely the view. So if you can only fit in one, pick the view you'd prefer to see. If you want the most iconic picture of New York's skyline, go to Top of the Rock because then your pictures will have the Empire State Building in them.   But if you're more keen to tick the Empire State off your bucket list, you can capture stunning views featuring the water and Rockefeller Plaza instead. It'll be a winner, whichever you choose.  Can't choose? No need, see both with Go City® Now for the best bit, how to visit both observation decks without breaking the bank!  With a pass, you can save up to 50% on entry compared to buying individual admission tickets at each destination. Take a Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour or visit the American Museum of Natural History. Or, (if you haven't had your fill of stunning views yet) head up to the Edge or One World Observatory for even more thrilling city panoramas.  Discover our full line-up of New York attractions including landmarks, museums, tours, and more. 🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.   😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.  So grab a New York pass and save while you sightsee!
Casey Makovich

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