Tour operator
Big Onion Walking Tours
Founded in 1991, Big Onion runs history-focused walking tours led by historians and graduate students across around 20 New York neighbourhoods.
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
A long-running sightseeing cruise company sailing from Pier 83 on West 42nd Street and Pier 16 at South Street Seaport, with full-island, half-island, Statue of Liberty and evening cruises.
At a glance
- Type
- Sightseeing boat cruise
- Area
- Hell's Kitchen / Midtown West, New York, United States
- Official site
- circleline.com
Good to know
- Live commentary
- Indoor and outdoor decks
- Onboard bar
- Two departure piers
- Open 364 days a year
Why we recommend it
Circle Line has been taking visitors around Manhattan by boat for more than 80 years, and a cruise remains one of the easiest ways to see the city's skyline, bridges and waterfront in a single outing. From the water, the scale of the island and the way its neighbourhoods fit together make much more sense than they do at street level, which makes a cruise a good introduction early in a trip.
The company runs a range of trips. Best of NYC is the full-island tour, sailing down the Hudson River, around the southern tip of Manhattan and up the East River and the Harlem River, passing landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to Yankee Stadium. Landmarks is a half-island tour that covers the highlights of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and the East River bridges in less time. Liberty Midtown focuses on the statue, while the Liberty Super Express is a 50-minute statue cruise. After dark, Harbor Lights shows the illuminated skyline, and Statue at Sunset times the trip for golden hour.
There are two departure points. Pier 83, at West 42nd Street on the Hudson, is the main base, with the most cruises and the most daily departures. Pier 16 at South Street Seaport, downtown, is used for the Liberty Super Express and Statue at Sunset. Guides provide live commentary on board, and the boats have indoor areas as well as open decks, plus a bar for drinks and snacks. Seating is guaranteed with your ticket, and Circle Line operates 364 days a year.
Book online in advance, especially in summer and at weekends, and arrive in good time before departure to queue for boarding, as the best outdoor seats go to those who board first. Sit on the outside deck on the side facing Manhattan for photographs, and bring a layer, as it is always cooler on the water. The full-island cruise suits first-time visitors with time to spare; the shorter cruises suit families with young children or anyone on a tight schedule. Accessibility information is published on the company's website.
Pier 83 is at the western end of 42nd Street, about 15 minutes' walk from Times Square, or take the M42 crosstown bus. The Intrepid Museum is just to the north on Pier 86. Pier 16 is at South Street Seaport, near Fulton Street station.
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises FAQs
Where do Circle Line cruises depart?
Mainly from Pier 83 at West 42nd Street, with some cruises from Pier 16 at South Street Seaport.
Which cruise goes all the way around Manhattan?
Best of NYC, the full-island tour.
Is there a shorter option?
Yes. Landmarks is a half-island tour, and the Liberty Super Express is a 50-minute Statue of Liberty cruise.
Are there evening cruises?
Yes. Harbor Lights is a night-time tour, and Statue at Sunset runs at sunset from Pier 16.
Is there commentary on board?
Yes. Guides provide live narration.
Do you need to book in advance?
It is recommended, especially in summer and at weekends; seating is guaranteed with a ticket.
How do you get to Pier 83?
Walk west along 42nd Street from Times Square, about 15 minutes, or take the M42 crosstown bus.
How often does Circle Line operate?
It runs 364 days a year from its two locations.