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Experience the Best of Downtown NYC on a Bus Tour

Unlike Upper Manhattan, Lower Manhattan, also known as the Downtown, offers a dramatic contrast between the new and the old. The experiences you will get there span from the 17th century, and the best way to savor every moment is by using a bus tour service.

Basically, there are so many things to do and see in Lower Manhattan, and what tour you choose depends on the time you have to spend in the area. Keep in mind that Manhattan is the mother of New York City, thanks to the contribution of the Dutch and the British.

Read on to learn more about touring Downtown NYC on a tour bus.

1. Take a Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour

Are you interested in visiting some of the popular sites in Lower Manhattan? If so, a hop-on, hop-off tour is a great way to quench your thirst for the city.

A full tour on a 24-hour ticket usually has over ten designated stops at some of the best sights in the area. You can begin your tour at the Times Square and pass some of the impressive features along the way, including the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center.

Taking a hop-on, hop-off tour bus offers the convenience and flexibility of visiting Lower Manhattan in the style you actually want.

Times Square Crossing

Attribution Some rights reserved by MsSaraKelly

2. Have a Things-to-See List

If you’re going to take snaps in some of the famous areas, then it’s advisable to create a list of all those things. Some of the exciting highlights of the Downtown include the Manhattan Municipal Building, City Hall Park, City Hall, Woolworth Building, St. Paul’s Chapel, 9/11 Memorial Plaza, Liberty Park, The Sphere, One World Trade Center, and the Federal Reserve Bank.

Naturally, the list can go on forever. Your choices will depend on the routes that your tour bus offers. Make sure you know the route when booking your ticket, so you can plan accordingly.

3. Know the Itinerary

Most tour services usually provide a stop for about 30 minutes at every popular site that is on their itinerary. Knowing the departure locations and times of the tour bus will help you to plan well for the 30 minutes at each stop.

Most services usually operate daily and offer connections from other tours, such as the Brooklyn tour. Make sure you have a copy of the itinerary for the day you plan to take the tour.

This will allow you to make the most of the day and experience as much as possible within the validity period of your ticket.

Brooklyn Bridge NYC

Photo by Daniel X. O’Neil

4. Double Decker Tours Are Great

If you want to have an unobstructed view of the downtown, then consider using a service that offers double-decker buses. These buses offer a better sense of the city, and you can see things from a whole different perspective.

They are higher than anything else on the road, so you get eye-catching views of Lower Manhattan even if there’s traffic congestion on the road.

5. Book In Advance

The great thing about touring New York City is that bus services allow you to get your ticket in advance. If you’re visiting during peak seasons, then early booking makes sense in order to avoid delays.

With a 24-hour ticket, you can use up your 24 hours on any calendar day until they’re no longer valid. Keep in mind that you can also get 25% off bus tour tickets for booking online instead of walking to their offices to buy a ticket.

One Tour Is Never Enough!

Lower Manhattan has so many things to do and see, so you can’t exhaust everything with just one tour. Whenever your visit New York City, don’t forget to get yourself a ticket for a bus tour.

Take the time to plan your visit and know all the things you’re interested in seeing. If you have any special requests, such as ADA-accessible bus, be sure to inform the tour service early enough.

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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; a website dedicated to opening your eyes to the wild & natural world.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

If you enjoy getting social, you can follow their journey on FacebookTwitterYouTubePinterest and Instagram.

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