Tour · Hudson Yards
New York Top Tour
Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
The New York Top Tour offers a convenient way to see the city's most famous landmarks in a single outing. Starting from Hudson Yards, the tour typically covers Midtown Manhattan highlights such as Times Square, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park. The open-top double-decker bus provides excellent photo opportunities, while a live guide shares anecdotes about the city's history and culture. The tour is a good choice for first-time visitors who want an orientation to New York's layout and major attractions without navigating the subway. While the pace can feel rushed, it efficiently covers ground and allows for brief stops at key points. The Hudson Yards departure point is itself a modern architectural marvel, with the Vessel and The Shops at Hudson Yards nearby.
Don't miss
- See Times Square's neon lights and bustling crowds
- Pass by the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center
- Enjoy panoramic views from the open-top deck
- Learn about NYC history from a live guide
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit New York Top Tour
You can visit on your own (paid entry, check official site for pricing and availability. book online to skip lines). A tour adds transport and a guide, or combines nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inBar, Lounge and Rooftop Tour NYC4.5★ · 92 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$36 per personSee dates →
Best full dayNew York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour4.8★ · 13,612 travelers~6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$99 per personSee dates →
Top ratedGarbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour5★ · 126 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$45 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Arrive 15 minutes early to secure a good seat on the upper deck.
- Bring a jacket even in summer, the open top can be windy and cool.
- Keep your camera ready; views change quickly.
- Bring water, as stops are brief and drinks can be pricey.
A bit of history
New York City has long been a top tourist destination, and bus tours have been a staple since the mid-20th century. Hudson Yards, the departure point, is one of the newest neighborhoods, developed on a former rail yard and opened in 2019.
Common questions
Does the tour include entrance fees to attractions?
No, the tour is primarily a sightseeing ride. You'll pass by landmarks but not enter them unless you opt for a hop-on-hop-off version.
Can I hop on and off?
That depends on the specific ticket. Some New York Top Tour tickets are hop-on-hop-off, while others are continuous loops. Check when booking.
Is the tour available in multiple languages?
Typically, the live guide speaks English. Some tours offer audio guides in other languages via headphones.
What happens if it rains?
The bus has a covered lower deck, but the open top may be closed. Umbrellas are allowed. Check the operator's weather policy.
Where does the tour end?
It returns to the starting point at Hudson Yards.
Is there a bathroom on board?
No, but there are restroom breaks at designated stops.
More attractions in New York City
