New York is full of attractions and offers many things to see and do. Since it is big and spread out, trying to see its places on foot might not be the most sensible idea. Rather, a bus tour is the perfect way to get around the city with ease while exploring the city in a breezy and hassle-free manner.
For first timers, a bus tour is a necessity as it helps them conveniently familiarize themselves with the city while taking them around some of the best known landmarks. A Downtown bus tour is a great way to experience the visually stunning and culturally rich side of New York.
Here are some of the top attractions of a Downtown bus tour of NY:
Rockefeller Center
Take a tour around famous Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan and get a first-hand feel of the history and culture of the city. Opened in 1939, this must-see attraction is an Art Deco landmark with several famous statues and beautiful art nouveau murals.
Times Square
Visit world renowned Times Square, a symbol of the American spirit. It’s here that the Times first posted news using digital boards. It’s been a popular New York attraction for over a century and it’s a must visit place in the city. When you’re here, you can really feel the pulse of New York.
The Empire State Building
Visit one of the tallest buildings in New York and feel awestruck! This iconic landmark is a true architectural gem that holds a place of pride in the consciousness of New Yorkers. This landmark is a centerpiece of the NYC Skyline and you should not miss checking it out!
Flatiron District
This neighborhood has much more than just the quirky yet iconic Flatiron Building. From trendy boutiques to hip restaurants, a trip here throws you into the fast-paced life of New York.
Greenwich Village
Head straight to Greenwich Village if you want to feel the quintessential village vibes against the backdrop of a mega city. T small place with its cozy, tree-lined streets and charming brick houses makes you feel calm and serene– just blocks off the chaos of the big city.
NoHo
Drive around NoHo and feel funky and chic at the same time. Shopping is fun here as is exploring the architecture. More recently, the neighborhood was home to artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol, and where the hole-in-the wall dive bar known as CBGB & OMFUG (“Country, Bluegrass, Blues and Other Music for Uplifting Gourmandizers”) became headquarters for one of the greatest underground music scenes in American history. Without CBGB, the world might never have heard of Blondie, the Ramones, Talking Heads or Sonic Youth.
SoHo
The area south of Houston Street is much more than just shopping. It’s an area filled with many art galleries, bars and restaurants Here you can enjoy some of the best of New York’s contemporary art scene.
Little Italy
Take a trip to Little Italy and imagine you’ve stepped foot in Italy! This little area is much more than just food. Here, you’ll come across some of the trendiest clothing stores and hip bars. Don’t forget, the authentic pasta here remains a major draw!
St. Paul’s Chapel
Visit this 250-year old Church,the oldest surviving church building in Manhattan and one of the few buildings near the World Trade Center not to have suffered any damage at all, not even a broken window, during the 9/11 attacks. Be part of a variety of arts events that take place throughout the year..Take part in a music festival, enjoy a historical lecture series or take a special tour here.
One World Trade Center
A trip to New York is incomplete without visiting the new One World Trade Center. It is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the sixth-tallest in the world. The supertall structure has the same name as the North Tower of the original World Trade Center, which was completely destroyed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The building’s architect was David Childs, whose firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill also designed the Burj Khalifa and the Willis Tower. One World Trade Center became the tallest structure in New York City on April 30, 2012, when it surpassed the height of the Empire State Building. On May 10, 2013, the final component of the skyscraper’s spire was installed, making the building, including its spire, reach a total height of 1,776 feet. Its height in feet is a deliberate reference to the year when the United States Declaration of Independence was signed. The building opened on November 3, 2014.
Wall Street
Wall Street is the epicenter of world financial markets: The New York Stock Exchange, nicknamed “The Big Board”, located at 11 Wall Street, is the world’s largest stock exchange by market capitalization. Across from it is the rebuilt Federal Hall. Originally built in 1700 as New York’s City Hall, it later served as the first capitol building of the United States of America under the Constitution, as well as the site of George Washington’s inauguration as the first President of the United States. It was also where the United States Bill of Rights was introduced in the First Congress.
Battery Park
Be sure to visit Battery Park, so named because of the artillery batteries that were positioned there in the city’s early years to protect the settlement behind them. The park contains a fort built for the defense of the city during the war of 1812 with the British. From here you can take a boat to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island or the Staten Island Ferry.
So, plan accordingly and prepare yourself for an exciting, multi-stop hop on hop off New York tour to make your outing truly special.