If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple, chances are you want a way to see the city’s most famous sights without feeling overwhelmed by options. The package combining Madame Tussauds in Times Square with a Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off tour offers an appealing way to enjoy both star-studded fun and the city’s iconic landmarks.
What attracted us to this experience are two things: first, the chance to walk among some of the most realistic wax figures of celebrities, politicians, and Marvel superheroes—perfect for Instagram moments. Second, the flexibility of exploring the city from an open-top double-decker bus, which allows you to customize your sightseeing at your own pace.
A possible consideration is the price point; at $100 per person, it’s a fair deal, but it’s worth noting that it covers just one day of activity, and there’s no included hotel transfer. This tour suits travelers who value a mix of entertainment and sightseeing, especially those who prefer skipping the rigid schedules of traditional tours.
Key Points
- Flexibility & Convenience: Enjoy unlimited hop-on hop-off access to see NYC on your own schedule.
- Star-Studded Fun: Experience over 85,000 sq. ft. of wax figures and interactive exhibits at Madame Tussauds.
- Iconic Landmarks: Get panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and more from the open-top bus.
- Authentic & Entertaining: Commentary available in multiple languages enhances the sightseeing experience.
- Cost & Value: The combo offers a 10% discount when bundled, making it a reasonable investment.
- Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers skip-the-line options, making it inclusive for many travelers.
👉 See our pick of the The 15 Top Workshops & Classes In New York City: Which Is Best?
Madame Tussauds: A Star-Studded World in Times Square
Located right in the heart of Times Square, Madame Tussauds spans four floors filled with incredibly lifelike wax figures. We loved how the figures appear almost alive, from music icons like Lady Gaga and Whitney Houston to political leaders and world-famous sports stars like Lionel Messi. The Marvel Superheroes 4D Experience adds an immersive dimension, where you might find yourself caught up in a superhero adventure with Spider-Man or Black Panther.
The interactive elements are plentiful. Want to sit on Jimmy Fallon’s talk show set? You can. Fancy walking the runway during New York Fashion Week? That’s an option too. Whether you’re a pop culture enthusiast or just looking for fun photo ops, Madame Tussauds provides plenty of moments to capture.
One reviewer mentioned, “It was fun to see the figures so detailed and lifelike. Perfect for photos,” which is a common sentiment. The museum’s size—over 85,000 sq. ft.—means you can spend a solid amount of time exploring without feeling rushed.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New York City.
The Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour: An Open-Top Panorama of NYC
The Big Bus provides a flexible way to see New York’s most famous neighborhoods and landmarks. The Downtown Loop takes approximately 90 minutes, covering neighborhoods like SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown, and Battery Park, as well as key sights such as the Statue of Liberty and Wall Street.
The open-top design allows you to enjoy unobstructed views of the city while listening to the engaging commentary, which is available in multiple languages. Buses run every 10-15 minutes, minimizing wait times and giving you the flexibility to hop on and off as you wish. The app makes it easy to track buses in real time, which means fewer uncertainties about when the next bus arrives.
We appreciated how the tour hits major landmarks like the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the 9/11 Memorial. Plus, you can take some time to stroll through the surrounding areas, such as Wall Street or Brooklyn Bridge, after hopping off.
How the Itinerary Breaks Down
Your day begins with activation of your Big Bus ticket, either via the app or at the designated meeting point outside M&Ms World at 7th Ave & W 48th St. Once activated, you can start exploring at your own pace. The unlimited hop-on hop-off feature means you can spend time at Madame Tussauds first, then hop on the bus afterward, or vice versa.
While at Madame Tussauds, expect four floors of figures, including celebrities, sports icons, and political figures. The museum also offers additional experiences like the Marvel 4D show, which adds cinematic fun. Reviewers often mention the lifelike appearance of the figures and the fun photo opportunities, making it a hit for social media.
For the bus tour, the main advantage is the panoramic views from the open top, perfect for photos. The commentary enriches the experience, but you can also just enjoy the sights without listening if you prefer. The buses are accessible, and the digital commentary is available in several languages, catering to diverse visitors.
Value and Practical Tips
At $100 per person, this combo is quite reasonable, considering it includes general admission to Madame Tussauds, the Marvel 4D experience, and a full day of flexible city sightseeing with the bus. The 10% discount when bundling these activities enhances the value, especially if you plan to visit other attractions later.
To maximize your day, plan your visits around bus schedules and Madame Tussauds opening hours. Remember that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point. The skip-the-line feature ensures you won’t waste precious time waiting at ticket counters.
New York: Madame Tussauds and Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Traveler Reviews and Insights
Many travelers have expressed satisfaction with the ease of use and the scope of sights covered. One noted, “The bus routes are frequent enough that I could easily hop off at a landmark, explore, then hop back on later.” Others appreciated the entertainment value of Madame Tussauds: “It’s a fun, interactive place that’s worth a visit, especially if you love pop culture.”
However, some have pointed out that the tour doesn’t include hotel transfers, so planning your transport to the meeting point is essential. Also, while the bus route covers most major sights, some travelers might want to add other tours or experiences if they’re looking for a deeper dive.
This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a quick, rundown of New York. The combination of entertainment and sightseeing appeals to families, couples, and solo travelers alike. If you love taking photos, the wax figures provide countless memorable moments.
It’s also perfect for those who prefer flexibility that allows you to design your own day rather than follow a rigid schedule. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the bundle discount, especially if they plan to visit other attractions later.
However, it might not suit travelers seeking a guided, in-depth tour of specific neighborhoods or attractions, as the bus is primarily a sightseeing vehicle with commentary rather than a detailed tour.
This combo of Madame Tussauds and the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour provides a balanced mix of entertainment and practical sightseeing. The ticket offers good value, especially with the bundled discount, and the flexibility of hopping on and off allows you to tailor your experience.
While it doesn’t include hotel transfers or in-depth guided tours, it’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to see many of New York’s most famous sights and indulge in some star-gazing fun. If your goal is to get a broad overview of the city, enjoy some iconic photo ops, and have the freedom to explore at your own pace, this experience is hard to beat for the price.
Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, the combination of interactive wax figures and a flexible bus tour makes it a good option for families. Kids will enjoy the Marvel 4D experience and the open-top bus rides.
How do I activate my ticket?
You can activate your ticket by downloading the Big Bus app, entering your booking reference, and pressing “Activate.” Alternatively, you can activate it with Big Bus staff at the designated meeting point or with the driver at any stop.
Are there multiple language options for commentary?
Yes, the digital commentary is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, and Italian.
Does the tour include hotel pick-up?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in this package. You must meet at the designated point to activate your ticket.
Can I hop off the bus at any stop?
Absolutely. The ticket is valid for 24 hours from the first activation, and you can hop on and off at 13 stops along the Downtown Loop.
Is Madame Tussauds wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour provider states that the experience is wheelchair accessible.
What’s the best way to plan my day?
Decide whether to visit Madame Tussauds first or explore the city from the bus. The flexible hop-on hop-off feature allows you to customize your day based on your interests and timing.
What is the overall rating of this experience?
The provider has a rating of 4.1, indicating generally positive reviews from travelers.
How long does the Madame Tussauds visit take?
While not explicitly specified, most visitors spend about an hour or two exploring the four floors of wax figures and interactive exhibits.
This tour offers a practical way to experience the best of New York City in a single day—combining fun, iconic sights, and the chance to look like a star for a moment. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, you’ll likely find this a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.
You can check availability for your dates here:
