This was my 1st visit to NYC. I went with a friend, but 1st day+1/2 I was on my own. I purchased the $54 72-hour All City Super tour & was extremely happy with my experiences! Took the Downtown tour first - is good way to learn downtown areas & see places you want to go back to. Then took the Downtown Cruise & had GREAT GREAT guide, Spence! If you happen to get him on a tour, you've scored big bonus!! From this cruise you see beautiful NY skyline and goes directly in front of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. When I learned Spence was guide for the Brooklyn tour a bit later, I did that one also (all 3 in 1 day). For someone alone, this was great way to see alot! I read another review that said this was waste of money. Remember everyone's experiences are different, & each tour guide can make BIG difference. I will agree that the green buses (Go NY Tours), don't have a frequency schedule like the red buses. Since I didn't take the red buses, I can't compare the 2. But just be prepared - even tho the Green bus is a "hop-on/hop off", & can use for 72-hrs, they don't have the frequency, so may have to wait when wanting to get back on. The other thing, don't expect the buses to be quick. They're right in the middle of traffic along with all the other buses and taxis, etc. If it's nice weather, do sit up top & just sit back & enjoy the sights & sounds of NYC. Make notes of places you want to revisit. Once you know places you want to revisit, use the Subway. It will be much quicker getting around.