CM in Biloxi

Has anyone out there ever taken one of those double decker tours? If so, what is your opinion of them?

Also, is the NYSE open to the public at all?

Thanks!

lenleigh

I took one in New York probably about 4 years ago.It was kind of nice.Not a lot of people rent cars since its so expensive for parking.It started at times square and went to the statue of liberty.Then by WTC and NYSE in the Wallstreet area.Also went by emprie state building,through Harlem,Soho.Just about all sides of New York City.I think it was a pretty long trip but worth it in my opionion. Did that in London as well and its a good way to get familiar with a city. As far as I know, I think the NYSE may be open to Public, at least a portion of it. Check out www.visitnyc.com, they may have info there.

carole

I've taken a double-decker tour a few times. If you're new to the city it's a good way to orient yourself and see the various distinctive areas of the city (the Village, Harlem, Soho, etc.). But the quality really depends on your tour guide; I've had one (and only one) who was very interesting and instructive and also had one who did nothing but point out places to shop ("this is Soho and coming up around the corner is Banana Republic...).

My experiences were all on "hop-on, hop-off" buses - so I suppose if you got a bad guide you could get off and hope the next bus has a better one. If you're mostly interested in learning about the history of the city, then you may want to find a tour that is not also used to drop people off at various sites.

Hope this helps.

sue

I have taken these bus tours in NYC twice. It is a great way to get around town and learn about the city. In the winter the bus is cold especially on the top level. Some are closed in on top(these are cold too) others are open air. If it's a nice day the open air seating is fun and you get a great view of the city. The people on board are friendly and mostly all tourists so a great source of information exchange. The 2 tours I was on (they have other options)make 2 loops one toward Battery Park (and I'm not sure if that will be running now) and the other is toward Harlem. I have done both trips I have learned alot about the city's history and also have seen sites that I wouldn't have seen if not for the bus. The buses have a hop-on-hop-off system that you can get off at any stop and when ready catch the next bus when you are ready to move on. This works great if it isn't a super busy weekend, if so no one gets off the buses they use it as a site seeing only trip, so you can't catch the next for a very long time. We took the trip last year with someone who couldn't walk very far and it was perfect for him - he saw all of sites but had very little actual walking time. It is pretty expensive but the pass is for 2 days so buy it early in your trip so you can use the service as much as possible. Also at Christmas time they had a lights of the city tour in the evenings - I always wondered it that one would be worth taking.

thereuare

If you are youthful and not traveling with very young children, i recommend planning a route yourself and getting an unlimited metrocard ($4/day, ~$17/week). This card will enable to use all of the city's public subways and busses. It's a nice/cheaper alternative in which you can do things at your own pace and go where you want. The subway is EXTREMELY effecient and can often get you from one point to another MUCH faster than by bus/taxi.

Teresa

We visited NYC for the first time over Labor Day with our two kids--we loved the double decker bus tours. I would buy the two day pass your first or second day in the city--this way you can get a quick overview of New York and then go back to places that you enjoy or want to see more of. We did a lot of hopping on/off on certain parts of the loop. Other posters are right--some tourguides are great, some not so great but overall we New York newbies thought it was well worth it. Not sure if the downtown loop is up and running now--I read that it was closed following 9/11 since the route went right by the WTC and through Battery Park.

Janie

NYSE is closed to the public indefinitely.
As far as double decker bus tours go, I notice that New Yorkers like myself always say don't bother (ny first inclination) but tourists seem to be more positive. If you're most interested in going from specific place to place (and we, or your hotel staff will gladly give you explicit instructions), skip it, especially if cost is a factor.But, you may find the on and off setup a good excuse to go places you might not have thought of, so it's up to you!

CM in Biloxi

Thanks everyone for the great ideas and experiences.

Janie -- I'm like you...anytime anyone asks me about New Orleans, I say "don't bother with Bourbon Street". I find NYers extremely friendly and helpful. Had someone come up to me in the Village one time and asked me if I needed help. What a great ambassador for the city!!!! We don't even do that down here in the south!

Thanks again, y'all.

Janie

CM , hope you have a great time here.
Funny about New Orleans, because when I was there, I hated Bourbon Street , and much preferred the art Museum, and a trolley ride through the Garden District, so I guess we think somewhat alike!