If you love people-watching, sightseeing and sitting down while doing both, I have excellent news: New York’s open-top bus tours are made for you.
I recently hopped on a Big Bus New York tour, headphones in, camera ready, wind doing whatever it wanted to my hair – and somewhere between Midtown and Lower Manhattan, I realised I was accidentally playing a game. So naturally, I leaned in.
Welcome to Big Bus Bingo: New York edition. Here’s what to look out for from the top deck as the city rolls past…
1. First up, an NYC stereotype, e.g. a yellow taxi, a hot dog cart, a steam pipe etc.
The holy trinity of New York street scenes. You’ll spot all three within minutes of boarding – bonus points if the steam is dramatically billowing while a cab honks in the background.
Extra bonus points if someone is aggressively deciding between mustard and sauerkraut.
2. The Empire State Building (still stealing the show)
You’ll catch multiple glimpses of the Empire State Building as you move through Midtown and yes, it somehow looks impressive from every angle.
Fun fact I learned on the Big Bus commentary: in 1932, the building attempted a seance to contact Thomas Edison as a publicity stunt. You okay hun?
Those Empire State glimpses are really "pinch me moments"
3. Someone late for something
You’ll know them instantly: walking at Olympic speed, whisper-shouting “we’re going to miss it” while powerwalking through the crowds, elbows most likely pointed at angles to clear their path.
Timeless. Relatable. Very New York.
4. Times Square (whether you’re ready or not)
Suddenly: lights, screens, characters in questionable costumes and a man trying to sell people mixtapes from 2014.
You don’t really spot Times Square – you’re simply inside it now.
5. The Flatiron Building showing off its best angle
This triangular icon loves a dramatic pose. Whether it’s partially wrapped or fully visible, it still manages to steal attention, especially from the top deck, where you really get its unusual shape.
Architectural main character energy? Check.
See what I mean about architectural main character energy?
6. A film location you definitely recognise
New York has starred in everything. As you roll past streets and buildings, there will be at least one moment of “Wait… wasn’t that in a movie?”
(Answer: yes. Probably several.)
The New York Library alone has starred in more movies than Meryl Streep (, yes, really), and that’s only the beginning of the loop!
7. Brown street signs = historic district
One of my favourite commentary nuggets: brown street signs mean you’re in a protected historic district.
Once you know this, you’ll start spotting them everywhere – and suddenly you’ll feel like a culture expert as you point them out to people.
8. A very New York soundscape
Okay, this is one to spot with your ears, not your eyes!
Listen out for that perfect overlap of sirens, traffic honking, street vendors mid-shout and snippets of half a dozen languages! It’s pure classic New York white noise.
From the top deck, it all blends into a strangely satisfying soundtrack. Chaotic? Yes. Weirdly enjoyable? Also yes.
9. Someone confidently giving directions…
Pointing. Nodding. Absolute certainty.
Whether they’re right is a mystery.
This is true New York.
Those lions will probably have their own IMDB profile soon!
10. The Brooklyn Bridge
Seeing the Brooklyn Bridge from the top deck never gets old. While the bus doesn’t go over the bridge, you drive passed the end of it so you get a great view and a perfect photo op.
Bonus fun fact from the commentary: to prove it was safe after opening, P.T. Barnum marched a group of elephants across it. If it’s good enough for elephants, it’s good enough for us.
11. Wall Street, taking itself very seriously
Sharp suits, historic buildings, and an air of importance – Lower Manhattan has a very different vibe, and it’s fascinating to glide through without the rush.
Keep an eye out for the Charging Bull statue nearby, usually surrounded by enthusiastic photographers.
12. Lady’s Mile (the oddly coordinated bit of Manhattan)
This protected historic area features buildings all from the same period (predominantly the 1860s), which explains why everything suddenly looks… cohesive.
In New York, that’s genuinely impressive.
13. A rooftop you wish you were on
Every few blocks, there’s another rooftop bar or terrace that makes you reconsider your life choices.
Mental note for later.
Remember to spot the brown street signs
14. A park that feels like a pause button
Whether it’s a glimpse of Central Park or a smaller green space, spotting a patch of calm amid the chaos always feels like a small win.
Proof that New York does occasionally take a breath.
15. Someone waving back at the bus
It happens more than you’d think.
Always wave back. It’s the rules.
Bonus points if it's someone you really wouldn’t expect to be waving at the bus!
The lowdown on Big Bus New York
If you’re wondering whether Big Bus is worth it – trust me, it is.
I stayed on for a full loop, which took a few hours (although this is dependent on traffic), and genuinely loved the ride. The commentary mixes history, fun facts and light humour, and the routes pass just about every major sight you’d want to see.
Pro tip: top deck, front row, if you can. Maximum views, maximum drama.
You can hop on and off, or do what I did – settle in, snack in hand, and let the city come to you.
On your marks… get set… go!
New York already feels like a movie set – seeing it from an open-top bus turns it into a full-blown game board.
Whether you’re spotting icons, hunting film locations, or just enjoying the joy of sightseeing without sore feet, Big Bus Bingo is one of the most fun ways to experience the city at a gloriously relaxing pace.
So eyes up, camera ready – your game of New York Big Bus Bingo starts now. Good luck!
When you’ve completed this one, why not try our London edition too?!
Enjoyed this little slice of New York?
Take your trip to the next level with our complete guide to the Big Bus or check out what our local expert recommends for NYC, all filled with visitor hacks and money-saving tips.
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