Travel Tuesday: Big Bus (Midtown Route)

By Go City Expert

Big Bus | Smart Destinations

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Visiting New York City gives you the opportunity to see some of the world's most exciting and most popular attractions. However, there are so many great sights to see, it can often be overwhelming trying to find the time to view them all? Luckily the Big Bus provides guided tours around the city where you can see notable landmarks and even choose which sections of the city you will be touring. Passengers also can enjoy the luxury of Big Bus' "Hop-on Hop-off" service which allows them to get off the bus at one of the stops along the route and hop on to another bus from any of the stops. Today we're going to look at the Midtown Route aka the "Purple Route" which operates daily from 9am to 6pm.
Big Bus | Broadway Show Tickets

Hop-on Hop-Off

You'll find many of the city's gems peaking out at you along your journey through Midtown. The route is approximately 1.5 hours long and is led by an experienced and often entertaining tour guide who makes sure that you not only see all that New York City has to offer, but also that you enjoy every minute of it. Passengers have the choice of sitting on either the lower-interior level of the double-decker bus or the top level where you are high enough to touch the traffic lights. When the sun is out, it's hard to think of a better way to view NYC and some of the city's most popular landmarks.

Midtown Route

Along the ride you'll get to see areas that you've probably been hearing about your entire life. The world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden makes an appearance during the tour. You'll also get to see the iconic Empire State Building and Grand Central Terminal. The Midtown route proves to be quite convenient as it not only makes stops at these popular staples in NY history, but also stops at Circle Line Sightseeing where passengers can Hop-off and board a beautiful cruise of the city.
Empire State Building | TripAdvisor
New York Pass holders gain a 1-day ticket for the Big Bus and have the option of upgrading their ticket for a discounted rate at the point of redemption. You can also add specific tours to your ticket such as the Night Tour or the Brooklyn tour. For more information such as pricing or schedules on the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour and their different routes, please click here

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Holiday Markets in New York

Shopping at the holiday markets in New York should be on everyone's holiday must-do list. From soaps to stationery, they're the place to find goodies for just about everyone in your list. Holiday Shops at Winter Village in Bryant Park The holiday shops at Bryant Park are on pretty much everyone’s list of must-do holiday experiences in the city. And why not? Inspired by open-air European Crafts fairs, the market features vendors from literally around the world. The little kiosks are like tiny shops, and feature goods ranging from African baskets to one-of-a-kind-jewelry handcrafted in Brooklyn and made from materials like copper and bronze. (Through Dec. 24.) Columbus Circle Holiday Market With its festive striped booths, the Columbus Circle Market is visually one of the most appealing holiday markets. Located right across from the Time Warner Center and nestled into the entrance to Central Park, it’s also one of the most well-located (easily accessible by public transportation.) Here, you’ll be able to browse jewelry, home goods, crafts and food—ensuring that you’ll find something for just about everyone on your list. (Through Dec. 24) Renegade Crafts Fair The Renegade Crafts Fair offers up everything from jewelry to paper goods to poultry (yes, poultry)—it’s kind of one-stop shopping. The fair focuses particularly on up-and-coming makers (Dec. 21 and Dec. 22 at the Brooklyn Expo, but check for dates at other locations.) Since one of those places is Brooklyn, it’s probably not surprising that you can also expect to find live DJ sets, various food offerings, and “creative installations” -- we’ll just let you wonder about that one. Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair The holiday market at Grand Central is something of an unexpected pleasure—it’s a nice surprise to find artisan crafts nestled inside one of the country’s busiest train stations. The focus is on American and locally made products; it’s one of the longest running indoor crafts fairs in the city. Half of Vanderbilt Hall is taken over with clothing, artwork, toys, and home goods. You’ll also find holiday ornaments, jewelry, bath products, and even pet accessories. After all, Fido deserves a nice handmade holiday, too. (Through Dec. 24) Union Square Holiday Market The Union Square Market is great all year round (that produce! those jams!) but it’s especially great at the holidays. Through Dec. 24, you’ll find 150 festive artisan booths that feature works of local craftsmen and artisans. The market always has a nice community feel, which is amped up during the holidays. In addition to crafts and food, you’ll also find a Kid’s Art Studio; live music; and a warming station. It’s also got a stellar vendor selection-- check out ones like Little Brooklyn and Urbanspace Provisions. (Through Dec. 24) Crafts at St. John the Divine Cathedral From Dec. 6-8, the world’s largest Gothic Cathedral plays host to a crafts fair just in time for the holidays; it’s actually inspired by Medieval crafts fairs. You’ll find gorgeous jewelry, textiles, leather goods, ceramics, metalwork, wooden pieces, and more, all displayed in one of the world’s most magnificent buildings. You’ll be supporting both the cathedral as well as local artists; the very shopping experience will be uplifting. (Dec. 6-8) Want more tips? Check out a fun way to use the New York Pass!
Go City Expert
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New York Walking Tours

The best way to discover NYC is to do it by foot. Despite its size, New York City is easy to navigate - just think of all those iconic buildings on the horizon, you just can’t get lost! For those eager for some amazing stories, we have partnered with the best NYC tour companies to offer our passholders a great selection of free walking tours. Be it Wall Street, Central Park, Greenwich, Brooklyn Bridge, or the Bronx, wherever you are there is a walking tour available to you. Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour in Williamsburg Go see why everyone’s talking about Brooklyn! Prepare for a relaxed stroll through trendy Williamsburg, a laid-back district of boutique shops, restaurants and restored lofts. Fashion Windows Walking Tour WindowsWear’s Fashion Window Walking Tour is NYC’s premiere fashion tour. Food on Foot Tours See and taste New York like a New Yorker! To experience a culture you must experience its cuisine and since New York is the melting pot of the world, its vast array of cuisines really showcase the city's diversity. Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn Discover an exciting world of graffiti taggers and street artists while viewing some of the most visually incredible murals in New York City. Greenwich Village Walking Tour Greenwich Village earned a reputation as a magnet for bohemians and intellectuals, discover why on this walking tour. Harlem Gospel Tour Enjoy the beautiful sounds of a famous NYC Gospel choir, learn the history of Gospel music, and view gorgeous Brooklyn homes and churches during this tour. High Line-Chelsea-Meatpacking Tour Come take a walk on the High Side! Explore NYC’s only elevated park, known as the Highline. NYC Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour Learn about the dramatic history of slavery and the Underground Railroad in NYC. Secrets of Downtown: Tour Lower Manhattan Lower Manhattan has sights beyond the well-known landmarks that can be overlooked. which you'll learn all about on this tour. SoHo-­Little Italy-­Chinatown Walking Tour Ready for some authentic Big Apple? It doesn’t get more real than a visit to SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown. The Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Neighborhood Tour Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and learn the amazing and dramatic story of this world-famous New York City Landmark, while enjoying gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline. Wall Street Walking Tour On this unforgettable tour of the financial district you’ll discover the origins of Wall Street and get to know the men who built it from a street curb bazaar to the global center of wealth and power it is today.
Kirsten McCroskrie

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