New York in 1 Day for Couples - 5-course gourmet dinner aboard a glass-roofed panoramic double-decker bus
In Collaboration with BUSTRONOME NYC. Updated on February 1, 2026.
An intimate 2.5-hour gourmet, multi-course dinner aboard the panoramic Bustronome double-decker bus. Glide past New York icons (Times Square, Empire State, Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street and more) while enjoying a curated 5-course dinner — perfect for a romantic date night and golden-hour city views.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with BUSTRONOME NYC, inspired by the tour NYC Bustronome Gourmet Sightseeing Dinner tour Panoramic Bus. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- 5-course gourmet dinner aboard a glass-roofed panoramic double-decker bus
- Pass New York landmarks at sunset and after-dark: Times Square, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, 9/11 Memorial
- Optional rooftop cocktail to finish the night with skyline views
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening schedule built around the Bustronome gourmet sightseeing dinner. Meet at 40 W 57th St for check-in, enjoy a relaxed pre-board stroll/photo at Bryant Park, then board the panoramic dining bus at 19:15. The bus passes NYC landmarks (listed below) while the 5-course dinner is served. Optional rooftop cocktail after the tour.
Meet & pre-board (check-in) — 40 W 57th St / short stroll to Bryant Park
Arrival and check-in for the Bustronome dinner. Use this 30-minute window to drop coats, use restrooms and step across for a quick Bryant Park photo before boarding. Meeting point is outside the Bustronome boarding curb at 40 W 57th St.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 30 minutes early to complete check-in, let staff store bulky items, and get seated by the crew — it keeps the boarding smooth and romantic.
- Bryant Park is a 6–8 minute walk; bring a light scarf in October — golden-hour photos are lovely there behind the New York Public Library.
- If you have a preferred seating (window/upper deck), mention it at check-in — upper-deck corner seats give the best skyline photos at dusk.
Bustronome NYC — Boarding & Gourmet Sightseeing Dinner (5-course)
Board the glass-roofed Bustronome double-decker bus for a moving gourmet restaurant experience. Enjoy a curated 5-course dinner served while the bus drives a panoramic route through Manhattan's highlights. Headphones/reading material available in multiple languages on request.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the upper level for the panoramic views at sunset; on cool October evenings the upper deck is heated but bring a light layer for comfort.
- Courses are timed to let you enjoy sights between plates — tell staff about dietary needs at check-in so the kitchen can adjust the menu.
- For a private romantic touch, ask the crew in advance if they can help arrange a small celebration moment (song dedication or photo) — they sometimes accommodate special requests.
Onboard view — Times Square (pass-by and evening lights)
Take in the iconic neon spectacle of Times Square as the bus slows for views and photos from the comfort of your seat — perfect for a dazzling romantic snapshot.
Tips from local experts:
- Window seats facing the north side of the bus show the best line-up of billboards and lights — plan your camera angle before the bus reaches the square.
- If you want a quick on-bus selfie, wait until the bus pauses — staff will announce key photo moments so you don't miss the timing.
- Crowds can be loud; remain onboard for a quieter perspective and better views without jostling.
Onboard view — Empire State Building (dusk illumination)
The bus will pass the Empire State Building — watch the tower light up as the evening progresses and enjoy skyline silhouettes with your dinner course.
Tips from local experts:
- Golden-hour light around October makes for flattering skyline photos — time your dessert shot for memory cards to capture the tower lights.
- If you're celebrating, a short toast here (non-alcoholic or with sparkling water) pairs nicely with the illuminated backdrop.
- Upper-deck window seats on the starboard side often have the clearest view of the tower as the bus approaches 34th Street.
Onboard view — Flatiron Building (classic NYC photo moment)
A quick pass by the Flatiron Building — admire one of Manhattan’s most photographed façades while enjoying another course.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your server which course will coincide with the Flatiron pass so you can keep your camera ready between plating.
- This location is ideal for moody, architectural night photos — frame the building with the warm bus interior lights for a romantic contrast.
- Upper deck views capture the wedge-shaped façade best; seat requests made at check-in help secure a good angle.
Onboard view — Hudson Yards (modern skyline & The Vessel area)
Pass the contemporary towers of Hudson Yards; look for reflective facades and the modern architecture that contrasts with classic Manhattan vistas.
Tips from local experts:
- Hudson Yards lights and glass can be reflective — position yourselves to capture both interior dining mood and outside lights without window glare.
- If you like a quieter skyline vibe, watch this section: it often feels more modern and intimate compared with busy Midtown.
- Bring a small lens cloth — window reflections appear at night; quickly wipe the glass inside (if allowed) to get cleaner shots.
Onboard views — Little Italy & Chinatown (flavors of downtown)
Cruise past the atmospheric streets of Little Italy and neighboring Chinatown — feel the change in neighborhood character as you head downtown.
Tips from local experts:
- These neighborhoods are romantic for their narrow streets and old-world lights — a quick glance from the bus gives a charming contrast to Midtown.
- If a future date idea appeals, note any restaurants or pastry shops you spot for a follow-up casual night or daytime visit.
- Keep an eye out for street-level signage and lanterns in Chinatown — they make for evocative night photographs from the bus.
Onboard view — Brooklyn Bridge (pass near, skyline & bridge lights)
The bus will pass near the Brooklyn Bridge — enjoy sweeping views of the bridge and the lower Manhattan skyline lighting up over the East River.
Tips from local experts:
- This is one of the most cinematic views — be ready with a wide-angle mode on your phone/camera to capture the span and skyline together.
- If the bus pauses near a viewing point, lean slightly forward for unobstructed shots; staff often slow for the best photo moments.
- A shared selfie with the bridge softly lit in the background makes a lasting romantic keepsake — coordinate with your partner for timed shots.
Onboard view — Financial District: Woolworth Building, Wall Street & Battery Park (nighttime skyline)
The route through Lower Manhattan passes the Woolworth Building, Wall Street and Battery Park — the bus offers a compact ‘tour of the financial district’ view at night.
Tips from local experts:
- The 9/11 Memorial and Battery Park area are quiet and atmospheric at night; use low-light camera settings to capture reflections and memorial pools.
- If you’d like a more reflective moment, ask the staff when the bus will slow in this area — it’s an ideal pause for a whispered toast.
- Keep valuables out of sight when shooting at night; use a wrist strap or small bag to feel secure while taking photos.
Disembark — Return to 40 W 57th St
The bus returns to the original boarding point for disembarkation. Take a moment to collect belongings and step outside for a final skyline view if weather permits.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow staff a few minutes to help guests disembark gracefully — take your time and enjoy the last photo opportunity.
- If you plan to continue the evening, ask the Bustronome team for nearby recommendations (they often suggest intimate spots in Midtown).
- October evenings can be crisp — have a wrap or jacket ready as you step outside, especially if you plan to walk to a rooftop afterward.
Optional — Rooftop cocktail to cap the night (The Skylark)
Finish with an optional rooftop cocktail at The Skylark for sweeping skyline views and a quiet lounge atmosphere — ideal as a romantic special moment after the bus.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table in advance if possible; rooftops are popular on weekend evenings in October and indoor seating may be limited.
- Bring a light coat — rooftop terraces chill quickly after sunset in autumn. Choose a window table indoors if you prefer warmth with views.
- Order an espresso-based cocktail or non-alcoholic mocktail if you plan to walk home; their glass-front seating gives panoramic views without braving the open terrace.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 10 |
| Total Places | 10 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Experience, Attraction, Transfer, Nightlife |
