I have received lots of helpful info from this forum for my upcoming NY trip. It seems most agree that the double-decker bus is a great way to see the city for first time visitors. My concern is that I will be there Nov. 22-28 with lots of other holiday tourist. Can anyone tell me if it is harder at peak tourist times to do the gray line tours? Do you have to wait longer to get a seat on a bus? Do they increase the number of buses during the holidays to accommodate more people? Any thoughts or input would be great!

Expect Midtown to be completely mobbed during Thanksgiving.

Don't worry about getting a seat on the bus. They add buses as the need increases. Dress warmly because you can't see anything on the inside and the outside will be cold.

Bring a thermos of hot toddies, hot chocolate, tea or coffee.

Thanks! Bringing a thermos is a great idea. I am from the Deep South so I know the weather will be quite a change for us.

We love the Grayline double decker hop on/hop off tours - but only when the weather is nice - when they are truly a terrific way to enjoy the scenery (with open air upper decks) and tall buildings (whereupon you can lean back on your seat and see the tops).

November, however, due to the weather, is just NOT the time to do those tours. The buses travel in only one direction (so render them NOT the best way to "get around"). For much less, you can taxi all about to your destinations.

Hey there! I am from the deep south also and will be in NYC the same time as you...we have a big group of mothers and daughters going. We were there for Thanksgiving 2 years ago and it really was not that bad. It was cold in the morning and at night but georgeous during the day, wore a light jacket most of the day. The crowds were not that bad either. You are going to love this place...being from the south where everything we do is laid back and relaxed...all i will say is hold on to your socks...lol. Maybe we will talk again soon...if not have a great trip.

The thing about November is that it can be 40 degrees and damp and raw out -- OR 60 degrees and sunny and pleasant. Just pay attention to the weather report in the morning, and perhaps you'll get a day that's just right for that upper deck.

The Grayline double decker buses are a great way to see the city. Definitely bundle up if you sit on the top of the us. As oters have said, it should not bee to much of a problem getting a seat. The busses run about every 15 minutes, and in my experience, as already mentioned, they do add busses when they are needed.