Big City Tourism — Local services in New York

Beware deceptive business practices.

So let me preface this review by saying that the tour itself was really good and the tour guide Michael was very knowledgeable.

The problem that I had was that company representatives were very dishonest when marketing and selling the product. If you look at the negative reviews they all pretty much say the same thing. These representatives (identifying themselves as working for big city tourism and wearing branded attire) intercepted my wife and I on our way to battery park. The supervisor that was there told us that the ferry to the statue of liberty was not running today and that we should save our city pass ticket for something else and he would give us a discount on tickets to their tour. He explained that normally it is a 4-7 hour wait to get onto the ferry and even if we came back we would likely not be able to go to the island. I told him that we also had tickets to another cruise service to which he replied that big city cruises was the only service in the area and we would have to go to the other side of the city to use our tickets.

Ultimately we decided to take the tour based on the information that he told us and we were promptly charged $93 which was not a discounted rate. Not wanting to waste my time arguing over $20 we got in line at 11:47am and were told the tour started at 12:30. At 1:40 our tour finally started after being bussed across the city, made to stand outside for a half hour and then sitting in the boat for another 25 minutes while the tour guide kept apologizing that he didn't know what was going on.

Several people that were on the tour with us complained about the same issues. When I spoke with the supervisor letting them know we just wanted to get off and get a refund we were told that we could get off but they would not refund us for anything since the tour had started (even though we hadnt left yet). While we were waiting I decided to call around and low and behold the ferry for the statue of liberty was running and on time. I also called the other tour company we had city pass tickets for and they indicated they were at battery park as well.

Like I said at the beginning, the tour itself is good, but beware of the deception. I should have taken time to read the reviews before buying tickets. Won't make that...

Warning: Misleading Sales Tactics – Don’t Fall for It Near Battery Park!

We were visiting New York and walked all the way to Battery Park with the clear goal of taking the official Statue of Liberty ferry (operated by Statue City Cruises). Just as we reached the area, we were approached by a group of people from Big City INC promoting a package that included a “boat tour to the Statue of Liberty” and a ride back to Times Square. It sounded convenient, so we went for it — big mistake.

After paying, they casually mentioned that you don't actually get off at Liberty Island, which is the whole point of going. What’s worse, they then drove us 30+ minutes in the opposite direction, away from Battery Park, to Pier 78 in Midtown — nowhere near the official ferry launch site.

We ended up on a generic sightseeing boat that just circled near the Statue of Liberty. No chance to explore the island, visit the museum, or experience Ellis Island. The whole thing felt like a tourist trap — cleverly staged right next to the real ferry entrance to lure confused or overwhelmed visitors.

If you're reading this and planning to visit the Statue of Liberty: 🚨 IGNORE street promoters near Battery Park. 🛳️ Go directly to Castle Clinton in Battery Park and buy tickets from Statue City Cruises — the only official operator that actually takes you to Liberty and Ellis Islands.

We lost both time and money. Please don’t make the same mistake. Keep walking and stick to the official ferry — it’s easy, cheaper, and a much...

🚫 Misleading & Disappointing Experience – Do Not Book with Big City INC

We were completely misled by Big City INC right outside Battery Park, just steps away from the official Statue of Liberty ferry entrance. They approached us claiming they were offering a tour that includes a boat ride to the Statue and back, along with a bus ride to Times Square. It sounded convenient, so we went for it — huge mistake.

Only after we paid did they mention we wouldn’t actually be stopping at Liberty Island. That was the entire reason we came. Worse, they put us on a bus and drove us over 30 minutes away to Pier 78 — nowhere near where we were, and far from where the actual ferry leaves. By the time we realized what was happening, it was too late to cancel.

Now we’re stuck on a generic sightseeing boat that just circles near the Statue — no chance to get off, explore Liberty Island, or visit the museum. It’s basically a glorified boat ride that offers what the free Staten Island Ferry could give you.

They purposely camp out right where the official ferries leave to confuse tourists, and it’s very dishonest. We feel completely scammed.

If you're planning to visit the Statue of Liberty: ➡️ Go directly to Castle Clinton at Battery Park and use Statue City Cruises, the official and only authorized provider. 🚫 Avoid Big City INC and anyone trying to sell you packages on the street — it’s not worth the money or the...