New York: Small Group Bus & Staten Island Ferry Tour

Summary

Statue of Liberty views, Brooklyn Bridge walks and NYC’s stories in one day

You’ll see New York City through local eyes: cruise past the Statue of Liberty on the Staten Island Ferry, walk Brooklyn Bridge with your guide, pause at the 9/11 Memorial for reflection and stories, and explore icons like Grand Central Terminal—all in one day with transport included.

What’s the experience like?

I woke up thinking I knew New York, but standing there at 9:30am on Broadway, I realized I’d only ever skimmed the surface. Our guide — Tony, born-and-bred Queens — had this way of pointing out things you’d miss if you blinked. He cracked a joke about Times Square’s costumed Elmos (I still can’t unsee that) as we rolled past neon and honking cabs. The bus was small enough that people actually talked; a couple from Madrid tried to pronounce “SoHo” and we all laughed when they made it sound fancy.

The Staten Island Ferry was colder than I expected — wind off the water sharp against my cheeks. But then the Statue of Liberty came into view, not through a screen or behind a fence, just right there. Kids pressed noses to the glass, and even Tony got quiet for a second. I tried to snap a photo but ended up just watching the skyline shift behind her. On deck, there was this smell of river and pretzels from someone’s bag. We didn’t get off at Liberty Island (it’s not that kind of tour), but honestly, seeing her from the boat felt more real somehow.

Back on land, we walked partway onto Brooklyn Bridge — those cables really do look like giant spiderwebs up close. Someone played saxophone near the entrance, notes drifting over car horns below. Lunch near the 9/11 Memorial was quieter; people spoke softer here. Our guide shared his own memory of that day — not rehearsed or dramatic, just… honest. Grand Central Terminal felt like stepping into an old movie: marble floors echoing footsteps, sunlight slanting through windows so high you have to crane your neck.

We covered so much ground — Chinatown’s red lanterns swinging in the breeze, Washington Square Park with chess players eyeing us like we might be their next opponent. By late afternoon my feet were tired but my head was buzzing with new details about New York City I’d never noticed before. I guess that’s what happens when you let someone else show you their city for once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bus and boat tour of New York City

• Depart 9:30am from 1651 Broadway
• Drive by Times Square and Macy's
• Pass through Chelsea
• Stop at Washington Square Park for walk
• Pass by Empire State Building
• Pass through Greenwich Village
• Pass through Chinatown
• Pass through SoHo and NoHo
• Stop for walk on Brooklyn Bridge
• Take Staten Island Ferry past Statue of Liberty
• Stop at 911 Memorial for lunch and walk
• Walk into Grand Central Terminal
• Pass by Central Park

Top questions

How long is this New York bus & ferry tour?

The tour lasts around 6 hours plus a 1-hour boat ride by the Statue of Liberty.

Does this tour include entry to the Empire State Building?

No, you’ll see it from Washington Square Park but do not enter.

Is lunch included in this NYC tour?

You’ll have a 40-minute lunch break near the 9/11 Memorial; lunch is not provided.

Do we get off at Liberty Island on this tour?

No, you pass by the Statue of Liberty on the Staten Island Ferry but don’t disembark there.

Are children allowed on this group tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is 1651 Broadway NY 10019; you return to this spot at tour’s end.

Is there a local guide during both bus & boat parts?

Yes, your expert New Yorker guide is with you throughout—on bus walks and ferry ride.

What neighborhoods do we pass through?

You’ll pass or stop in Chelsea, SoHo, NoHo, Chinatown, Greenwich Village and more.

What’s included

Your day includes travel by luxury bus with free water onboard and an expert native New Yorker as your guide all day. You’ll enjoy skip-the-line access for boarding the Staten Island Ferry to pass by Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. Guided walks take you onto Brooklyn Bridge and into Grand Central Terminal; there’s also time for photos at Washington Square Park and reflection at the 9/11 Memorial during your lunch break before returning to your starting point in Midtown Manhattan.