Iconic New York City Highlights Tour by Bus

Madison Square Park is the next stop on your itinerary, followed by a drive through Wall Street and a visit to the World Trade Center Memorial. After lunch at Gansevoort Liberty Market and a boat ride on the Staten Island Ferry, your bus tour ends back in Times Square.

Iconic New York City Highlights Tour by Bus Description

Your New York City bus tour includes the following: 

• Drive through Times Square

• Guided walk in Central Park

• Visit Rockefeller Center for views of St. Patrick's Cathedral

• Tour Madison Square Park

• Drive along Wall Street

• Time at the 9/11 Memorial

• Lunch break at Gansevoort Liberty

• Boat ride on the Staten Island Ferry

Meet Your Group in Times Square

Your half-day bus tour begins in the energetic Times Square, where you'll meet your group at 9 am or 10 am on 7th Ave between 51st and 52nd Streets. Hop aboard your spacious bus for the day, and settle in for a short but scenic drive to Central Park. Along the way, watch pedestrians navigate busy sidewalks and keep your eye out for iconic Times Square buildings.

Guided Central Park Walk

Your first stop brings you to Central Park West. Disembark from the bus and join a short guided walk into the park to visit Strawberry Fields–a memorial to John Lennon. Those interested can pay their tributes to the British rock legend at the Imagine mosaic; then, see if you can spot any celebrities at the nearby luxury condominiums. Your guide will also point out other note-worthy sites in the area, including the Central Park Zoo, the famous Plaza Hotel, and Carnegie Hall.

Stop by the Rockefeller Center

Back on the bus, another short drive brings you to the Rockefeller Center, aNew York City landmark, where you'll also have time to take in the grandeur of St. Patrick's Cathedral. If you're visiting in winter, experience the holiday magic by watching skaters glide along the ice skating rink and snap a picture-perfect moment with the Christmas Tree as your backdrop. Regardless of the time of year, you can admire the mighty Atlas Statue, which stands proudly in front of the International Building.

Tour Madison Square Park

Continue your New York City bus tour with a transfer to Madison Square Park–the original location of Madison Square Garden Arena. Listen closely as your guide details the dramatic architecture featured in numerous books and films. Fans of Godzilla and Spider-Man are sure to recognize the Flatiron Building, while King Kong and Independence Day fanatics will delight in views of the Empire State Building. You'll also notice the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower, which was featured in numerous films and tv shows.

9/11 Memorial Visit

While driving to the World Trade Center Memorial you will take in the sights of the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall, Trinity Church, and the renowned Charging Bull sculpture. Once you arrive at the 9/11 Memorial, make the most of your free time by paying homage and learning about the devastating events of 9/11.

Keep in mind that this tour does not include entry into the 9/11 Museum; however, you'll find plenty to see on the ground of the Memorial. Visit the waterfalls of "Reflecting Absence" to reflect on where the original twin towers stood, and stop by the inspiring Survivor Tree that stood up to the destruction of 9/11.

Lunch at Gansevoort Liberty Market

You'll pause for lunch at Gansevoort Liberty Market. Although lunch is not part of the tour package, the market offers plenty of choices to suit any budget. From sushi to smoothies, you're bound to find just the thing to fuel up before embarking on the next phase of your tour.

Staten Island Ferry Ride

Well-fed and ready for more exploring, you'll switch gears and board the Staten Island Ferry. Take in sweeping views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan skyline from the water, and keep your camera handy as you pass by the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Staten Island.

Then, after docking at the Whitehall Terminal in downtown Manhattan, you'll board the bus for the last time for an enjoyable drive to Times Square. Hop off in the same location your NYC bus tour began either at 3 pm or 4 pm, and the rest of the day is yours to keep on exploring or head back to your hotel to refresh. Either way, this tour is a great way to see some of NYC's most iconic sites in just a half-day!