Brooklyn looks better from up high. This tour pairs open-air top-deck views with on-board commentary that puts landmarks into plain context. I also like the built-in rhythm of bus then walking, but plan for about an hour of street-level time in DUMBO, which may feel like too much if you prefer to stay seated.

You start at M&M’S New York (1600 Broadway) at 2:00 pm and return to the same spot by about three hours later. I like that the ticket bundles the fun extras too: chocolate tasting and professional photos, not just sightseeing from traffic windows.

Key takeaways before you go

• Open-air double-decker views give you clear angles for photos without constant re-positioning.
• On-board commentary helps you understand what you are seeing as the city rolls by.
• DUMBO’s guided walking block (about 1 hour) is the main stretch on foot.
• Brooklyn Bridge Park (about 15 minutes) is a short, photo-focused stop with admission included.
• Chocolate tasting + professional photos turn the “quick tour” into something more memorable.
• Small-batch guide support shows up in reviews, including guides like Greg and JR, plus a photographer named Aaron.

Open-Air Double Decker: Why the bus part works so well

The big win here is the ride itself. Going on an open-top, double-decker means you are not stuck craning around window frames or trying to guess what is across the street. When you are above traffic, you tend to get cleaner lines on the skyline, the waterfront, and the big iconic bridges that make Brooklyn feel like Brooklyn.

The commentary matters too. You are not just pointed at buildings and asked to figure it out. The guide voices add context while you move, which makes the views feel less random. It is a smart way to get bearings fast, especially if this is your first time in the city or your energy is limited.

There is also a practical value to “save your legs” sightseeing. This is not a day where you grind through blocks of walking right away. You get ground covered by bus first, then you do the walking when the route is already doing the heavy lifting for you.

Where the tour starts: M&M’S New York at 1600 Broadway

Meet at M&M’S New York, 1600 Broadway in Midtown. The tour begins at 2:00 pm and ends back at the same meeting spot. That out-and-back structure is one of the reasons I like this kind of format: no mid-tour drop-off that forces you to re-navigate the city afterward.

It also helps that the meeting point is near public transportation. In New York, that single detail can make your day smoother, especially if you are fitting this tour into a longer itinerary.

If you want fewer hassles, arrive a little early. With a max group size of 75, the line and boarding rhythm can take a few minutes to settle. Early arrival gives you time to locate the right side of the meeting area and get settled before the bus departs.

Dumbo on foot: the 1-hour guided walk that adds meaning

DUMBO is one of those places where photos are easy, but understanding what you are looking at makes the whole area click. That is what the guided walking portion is for. Expect about an hour on foot with a guide, plus admission included for that part of the experience.

The best way to think about this section: the walk is where you trade speed for atmosphere. You slow down enough to notice streetscape details, viewpoints, and the way the neighborhood sits between the water and the bridge lines. If you only drive through, you miss that “how did they build it like this?” feeling.

From the reviews, the guidance seems to be a real strength. One reviewer specifically praised guides Greg and JR, saying they learned a lot and enjoyed the day even with great weather. That kind of feedback usually points to clear pacing and explanations that feel useful, not performative.

One consideration: you are on the ground for about an hour. If your ideal touring style is mostly seated, this is the one part that might test your limits. Pace yourself, take short photo breaks, and don’t treat the walk like a forced march.

Brooklyn Bridge Park in 15 minutes: short stop, good payoff

After DUMBO, you get a quick stop at Brooklyn Bridge Park for about 15 minutes, with admission included. It is short by design. Instead of dragging you through a long checklist, it gives you a concentrated window to find strong photo angles and enjoy the waterfront setting.

This stop is best for two things:

• Quick orientation photos so you remember where you are in the Brooklyn-bridge-waterside story.
• A calm reset if the walking in DUMBO already warmed you up.

Because the time is limited, come in ready to choose. If you wait for the perfect angle before you even arrive, the clock can beat you. If you are the type who wants to linger, pair this tour with a longer standalone visit later in your trip.

The chocolate tasting and professional photos: small additions with big impact

Some tours are all “look but don’t touch.” This one sneaks in two touchpoints that make your experience feel more complete: chocolate tasting and professional photos.

Chocolate tasting is a simple but effective break. It gives you a chance to slow down, chat with the group, and have a small reward during the mix of bus and walking. One review called the chocolate tasting a great experience, which fits with how these kinds of add-ons usually land: not life-changing, but genuinely enjoyable.

The professional photos are the other piece. You do not have to rely entirely on shaky-phone timing at busy viewpoints. If you want keepsake images without spending time directing a friend in a crowd, this matters.

In one review, a photographer named Aaron was specifically mentioned. That detail suggests the photo portion is handled in a structured way rather than just snapping a quick picture and moving on.

Guide names you might hear: Greg, JR, Aaron, and Yanara

The experience can vary by guide team, so it is useful to know what strong support looks like here.

One reviewer praised Greg and JR as tour guides, highlighting the learning and overall enjoyment. Another mentioned Aaron as the photographer, which reinforces that the photo component is likely guided and managed.

Then there is the behind-the-scenes help story. A reviewer thanked Yanara for assisting at the beginning, fixing a pass issue, and even contacting customer service on their behalf. That kind of support can turn a stressful start into a smooth one, and it is a big deal on a tour day when timing is everything.

I can’t promise you will get the same staff every time. But reviews do show this tour can have real people who take problems seriously.

Price and value: what $69 buys you in real terms

At $69 per person, the question is not just cost. It is whether the tour compresses enough value into three hours that you feel like you used your time well.

Here is what you are buying:

• Open-top double-decker bus time with commentary.
• A guided walking tour in DUMBO (about an hour).
• A short Brooklyn Bridge Park stop (about 15 minutes) with admission included.
• Chocolate tasting.
• Professional photos.

In other words, you are paying for both motion and structure. The bus moves you efficiently between major areas, the guides add context on the ground, and the extras handle the things that usually take extra planning: snacks and photo logistics.

If you already have your own photo spots mapped and you prefer to roam without any guidance, you might get cheaper options. But if you want a one-ticket plan that bundles the core pieces and keeps the pace reasonable, this price can feel fair.

Also, the tour is offered in English. For many visitors, that removes a layer of uncertainty and makes the commentary and guide explanations more useful.

Mixed reviews: what to watch for so you feel in control

One review rated the company very poorly, criticizing things like stop accuracy, detours, and drivers. When I see complaints like that, I think: can you protect yourself with a few simple habits?

Yes. The response to that negative feedback states two practical safeguards:

• Stops are marked on MTA bus stop poles.
• There are pictures of the exact location in the Big Bus Tours app.

So here is the practical move: before you board, check the app or use the stop markings. Don’t assume all pick-up behavior is identical to what you’ve seen elsewhere in New York. Use the provided location cues and stay alert.

The brighter side is that other reviews sound genuinely positive, including praise for guides Greg and JR, the photographer Aaron, and helpful staff member Yanara. With only a few reviews, the sample size is small, but the mix tells me the experience quality depends heavily on operational smoothness and guide execution.

If you are flexible, you will likely enjoy it. If you need everything to be perfectly regimented, plan to verify your stop area and stay aware.

Who this tour fits best

This tour is a good fit if you:

• Want major Brooklyn sights in a short time window.
• Like a mix of seated and walking sightseeing, rather than all day on foot.
• Enjoy guided context, not just photo stops.
• Appreciate included add-ons like chocolate tasting and professional pictures.

It is less ideal if you:

• Have low tolerance for walking. The DUMBO segment is about an hour.
• Need a fully scripted, no-surprises route. One negative review raised concerns about stops and detours, so choose this with your eyes open.

The group size cap of 75 is also worth knowing. That’s large enough that you can’t rely on total quiet, but it is small enough that you are not lost in a football-stadium crowd.

Should you book this Brooklyn & DUMBO open-top tour?

Book it if you want a smart, time-efficient introduction to Brooklyn with great photo potential from an open-air top deck, plus a guided walking block that gives the neighborhood context. The bundled chocolate tasting and professional photos are also the kind of extras that make a short tour feel worth it.

Skip or reconsider if walking is a struggle for you, or if you expect flawless, perfectly predictable stop behavior without any operational variation. If you do book, protect your day by arriving early at the M&M’S meeting point, keeping an eye on the stop markings, and using the app location pictures so you know exactly where to stand.

For most people who like structured sightseeing without heavy planning, this is a solid way to see Brooklyn Bridge-area viewpoints and DUMBO up close, in just about three hours.

FAQ

How long is the Brooklyn & DUMBO tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

What does the tour cost?

It costs $69.00 per person.

Where is the meeting point?

The tour meets at M&M’S New York, 1600 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 2:00 pm.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How much walking is included?

The DUMBO guided walking tour is about 1 hour.

What extras are included besides the bus and walking?

The tour includes chocolate tasting and professional photos.

Are admission tickets included for stops?

Admission tickets are included for the DUMBO guided walking tour and for Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts.