Well, my review is a little different than most. What could have been disastrous, turned into a wonderful, experience full of humor and knowledge. My niece had booked a bus tour for her family and myself to celebrate my recent retirement. The night before, we received notice that the bus had broken down and it looked like our adventure was going to be canceled. We were surprised when the owner/operator Joel, offered to salvage the experience and still meet us at the Richardson complex to give us a walking tour of both the newly renovated area as well as the spooky abandoned space. It was pretty cool as it was just the 5 of us and him. Joel is a wealth of knowledge with a humorous twist as he led us through the gorgeous reimagined hotel areas. He actually sat us down and explained how the former psyche center operated and took us through some gorgeous areas full of architectural treasures, mosaic tiled floors and some really interesting stories. Then it was on to the abandoned areas. It's incredible that the complex could get this dilapidated. It will take generations for this place to be fully restored. Joel's personal stories and desire to tell them really made the experience. He definitely turned what could have been a disappointment into a memorable experience. I easily forgot about the bus portion of the tour and will remember the fun facts and the personal touch that Joel provided for us. Even the most seasoned Buffalonian will find these tours interesting and fun. I can't wait to go again when the bus is fixed, but then again, if it's not, Joel can turn the experience around! Thank you for the extra attention! It made all the difference. read more

Took the historical tour and it was much better than expected. The guide was great and kept things on a humorous level. It was fun while learning things about the city I've never known. Booking was easy online and they have different types of tours. The level of value you get on this tour is unmatched. I'd like to do the chicken wing or tavern tour the next time I'm in town. read more

Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tours - The bus - Bus Tours Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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The owner of the business is also the tour guide, and he is one of the funniest tour guides that we have encountered in the multiple cities that we have been where we do take bus tours. He was very knowledgeable and interacted, not only with those of us on the bus, but with the people out of the street. We took the murder mystery tour And had an absolute blast. I also have to say that we were supposed to be taking the afternoon tour and the owner operator was very nice to accommodate us to skip and let us come on an earlier tour because we arrived three hours ahead of our actual tour. He was also very accommodating with my mobility scooter in that we were able to get it on the bus and out of everyone's way and I did not have to collapse it. Anytime you're in the Buffalo area. I highly recommend this company. read more

Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tours - Bus Tours Near Me - Buffalo, New York

I grew up in Buffalo, but this tour told me things I never knew. Tour guide has a great personality & will keep you entertained. First was a naval ship tour. Did not really learn much about the sips themselves, but it was fun. Highly recommend for those both new to Buffalo & those re-visiting. Well done! read more

I truly thought that I knew just about everything about Buffalo, NY but this fabulous bus tour taught me a thing or two about my hometown! Everything about Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tours is First Class, from the guide, Officer O'Connor, to the comfortable bus, and the tour itinerary. We booked a group of 13 ladies on the Silos and Canal Side tour on a spectacular summer afternoon. The walking tour of the grain elevators started just outside of Riverworks with our incredibly talented guide, Officer O'Connor. In period dress from the early 1900's, Officer O'Connor had a good grasp on Current Events as well as the historical. We were introduced to the horrendous working conditions of the immigrants who eked out a living during the glory days of Buffalo's grain milling past. As the winds blew through the open windows, someone on the tour whispered a comment about the restless spirits of those who died within these massive concrete walls. Next, we hopped on the famous double decker bus and began the driving tour. I was impressed that Officer O'Connor presented a mix of humorous improvisation along with well researched historical facts. He obviously knew his audience, and tailored his comments accordingly. I would highly recommend any of these tours, there are many to choose from. I'm looking forward to my next tour! read more

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Yelp! We double deckered on this big red bus! Thanks to our beloved Captain O'Connor! You are a wealth of knowledge. We got aboard the USS Sullivan and viewed the USS Croaker submarine. Then we jumped aboard the bus and toured every place imaginable in the city of Buffalo. Interesting tour and wealth of knowledge on this tour. And, Captain, your Improv is a hit. Y'all already know, this along way for me to come back, but I will spread the word. read more

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Friday night my two best friends and I went to The Barrel Factory in the Old First Ward to attend a Murder Mystery Dinner Performance. The characters walked around and visited us while we ate a great meal and drank. We had to figure out who killed Don Stefano. We had to use our knowledge of the characters' performance and some detective work (word searches and other puzzles) to figure out who the killer was. Joel and his crew acted very well and it was a really fun evening. This event was $57 and it was catered. It was well worth the money. My friends and I really enjoyed ourselves. In late September of 2017 my friends and I went on a Double Decker Bus Tour for a different Murder Mystery event. We started at the Flying Bison where we were introduced to some of the characters. We then went to The Barrel Factory. Our final stop was the Swannie House (some actors were at Ballyhoo.) We had to interact with the actors to figure out who killed Doug from Doug's Dive. It was quite fun and well worth the price. I think it was $35. I'm going to look into his other tours, possibly a historical one. read more

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This tour is a must do if you are anywhere near Buffalo, NY. The guid is entertaining as well as very informative. I learned a lot about the history of this area and it's importance to our daily lives. I highly recommend this excursion. I would definitely do it again. read more

"You've probably been on tours like this in other cities, but those other tours rely on something this tour does not. 'Facts.'" That's just one of the things said by the guide of this interactive, outrageous, and fun tour! In all fairness, I was warned before boarding the bus: All ye who enter must have a sense of humor! The guide's deadpan delivery sold each joke, and a few times I actually snorted because I laughed so hard. And since my girlfriends and I have agreed that 'funny equals hot,' all the ladies will swoon. (The ones on this tour did, from 13 to 73!) But that whole statement about not relying on facts is a bunch of hooey. (Yes, I used the word hooey in my review.) This guy is well-versed in Buffalo's rich history & delivers the goods all along the route. I took the Canalside tour, and before we ever got to our second stop, I was making plans in my head for one of the other tours. There are five in all (Canalside, Best of Buffalo, Murder Mystery, Drunk Buffalo, and Historic Tavern.) If you had something else in mind, and if you've got the numbers to fill the bus, Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tours will even customize something else for you. I live in Buffalo and did this tour with another local just because we wanted to try something new. I have Florida friends coming up at the end of this month, and I'll book another one for the three of us. This really is a great idea for just a couple of people (whether it's a date or two friends hanging out) or for a while group to enjoy together. One last thing, there was a downtown festival that made it impossible to meet at the regular spot. I got both an email & a personal phone call from the company to let me know the meeting point had changed. The customer service is fantastic! Book your tour online at buffalo doubledeckerbus.com. read more

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O'Conner was wonderful. So informative. So much knowledge about the history of the grains, Erie Canal and current development. Well worth the time and money!! Thank you!! read more

I have traveled this glorious country and always try to find a local bus tour to learn about an area when traveling for business. I had to go to Buffalo for the weekend and had one day to see some sights, stopped at the Teddy Roosevelt Inaugural museum first and found this tour while speaking to the staff at the museum. I am not kidding when I tell you that the owner and guided tour has to be the best and funniest tour guide I have ever encountered. If you make it to the Buffalo Downtown area make sure you take one of the Optional tours they offer! read more

So much fun, and so informative. You have to do the Murder Mystery tour. The Irish Cop is so funny and entertaining. The stories and way he tells them is terrific. Everyone was engaged and laughed (well, except maybe the girl from Amherst! ) Looking forward to other tours to do with them! read more

When I searched for what to do in buffalo..I got the usual things and in the midst of them a picture of the bright red double decker bus popped up. I read a few reviews and their website and went for it. I'm glad I did. The bus driver struck up a conversation while I waited and then the narrator/owner/tour guide, a man dressed as an old English policeman, officer O'Conner, introflduced himself, checked to make sure we were all there and started the tour in the naval park. We spent about 40 minutes exploring the boats and such while getting a significant amount of background on buffalo's bargain purchase. Then we boarded the bus, a real bonafide London relic). We went on a very informative, yet funny ride through the city. Honestly the reviews are spot on. I left with my sides hurting from laughter, a smile on my face and feeling like it was time well spent! read more

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We went on a tour of the Naval Yard and on the double decker bus for a tour around canalside, the outer harbor and the first ward. It was great! Our tour guide was so knowledgeable with a perfect amount of humor mixed in. Would highly recommend this for people with visitors in town or those who have lived in Buffalo all their lives! read more

Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tours - Bus Tours Near Me - Buffalo, New York

This is a must see in Buffalo especially if you have out of town guests and want to show them something very different. Plan on laughing your a$$ off. "Constable O'Conner" was the highlight of this wonderful tour of Buffalo. He starts with a funny, informative and sometimes sad tour of two of the ships in the Naval Yard. The whisks you away onto the Skyway (little scary on double-decker.) showing you how Buffalo is trying to improve and how it has a lot to be proud of. He joked around with my 14-year-old son, nicknaming him "Justin Bieber" for the whole ride, it was hilarious. Anyhow, I highly recommend. read more

My work booked a tour with Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tours. Our guide, "Officer" O'Conner was excellent! He told some great stories about Buffalo and mixed in just the right amount of humor to make the tour a real pleasure. You will certainly enjoy your trip! Hop on board and tour Buffalo on the only double-decker bus in the city!! read more

My family did this tour and absolutely loved it! The humor as well as the information from our tour guide held everyone's attention the entire time! I am already looking into another tour to take with a group of friends! We all loved this tour and I highly recommend it for any Buffalonian or to someone visiting the area! read more

From the moment me and my sweetheart approached Jenny the bus, "Officer" O'Connor--with his spot on Irish accent--made us feel welcome and entertained. I've lived in Buffalo all my life and I know the usual facts, but when we attended the Old and New Buffalo tour, Joel had some interesting tales to spin that I've never heard before. It was well-done, professional, and HILARIOUS. When the tour ended, my sweetheart and I discovered that our phones had gone dead! John, the driver of the bus, let us use his phone to call a cab. So the service went above and beyond what was expected. We all had a marvelous time--I highly recommend it! read more

Took parents on the tour while they were visiting us in Buffalo. The tour guide/owner is enthusiastic and his passion for Buffalo is contagious. He has a great sense of humor and there was never a full moment on the tour. read more

Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tours - Inside the Hotel Lafayette, learning about the history of the building and the work that went into the restoration. - Bus Tours Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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Terrific. Awesome. 5 stars. A+. Amazing. Officer O'Connor (the owner/operator) is really fun and also a wealth of info about Buffalo history and a lot more. I'm not really a tour person, but I would take this one again, and again, and again . . . read more

Exceptional tour! We began the tour viewing the USS Little Rock and the USS The Sullivans. We then boarded our authentic double decker bus. Our tour guide, Officer O'Connor, gave the tour a personal touch that is missing from most hop on, hop off tours I've enjoyed while traveling overseas. He has a great attitude, is both very informative and very entertaining, and makes everyone feel welcome. Definitely recommend. I definitely will check out his murder mystery tour on my next visit to Buffalo. Please check it out. You won't regret it! read more

We had an amazing time at the Buffalo Double Decker bus tour! Learned a lot and laughed even more. The guide is very knowledgeable and hilarious. Highly recommend taking this tour! The bus is awesome and you get to see some beautiful places on the two stops. Stops include the Layfayette Hotel and Hotel Henry--even a picture of a ghost!! Can't wait to come back and do the murder mystery tour soon!! read more

Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tours - Picture of our group with the guide - Bus Tours Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Was on my Navy Reunion in Buffalo for 5 days. This tour was one of the best attractions we were on. The tour guide is terrific and very knowledgeable about the history and sites in Buffalo. Highly recommended!!!! read more

Extremely entertaining and informative tour. One of the best tours we have taken ever. Locals and tourists should take this tour. Officer O'Connor does an amazing job of merging fun with history. read more

My Dad and I had so much fun on this tour. I'm originally from Tonawanda, but I moved to Texas almost seven years ago. I wanted to see Buffalo as a tourist. I'm glad we decided to do the Best of Buffalo tour. Our guide was funny and knowledgeable. He really made this an experience. I would definitely recommend this tour and not just to people from out of town. read more

We went on a bus tour with Joel as our chief fun officer and had very low expectations but it ended up being one of the highlight of our 11 day trip to New York. Joel's humor wit and storytelling was unbelievable. He had an Irish accent that sounded like he was directly off the boat. read more

Killing at Buffalo Creek Murder Mystery We had a blast doing this for my husbands birthday. Actors were great and the stops were fun. We had enough time at each bar stop to not feel rushed. We got to see places we had never been and the city views were excellent as well. Would definitely recommend to others. read more

I'm visiting my family in Buffalo and my mom scheduled us to take the 80's Murder Mystery Tour. Excited was an understatement and my expectations were definitely exceeded. We had such a great time. The actors were great, really into their characters and really threw us for a loop trying to solve the mystery! They were fun and friendly and our whole group was really having a great time. At the end of the tour they were the sweetest people who gladly took a dozen photos with us and we had some great conversations. I'm sad I have to return home so soon because I'd love to try their other tour options. Until next time! I highly recommend this tour company if you're looking for something fun to do while in Buffalo. read more

Super fun!! Our group of seven was able to go on the top deck of the bus! We did the "Best of Buffalo Tour" and Office O'Connor was hilarious, interactive and gave us a great time and lots of info about Buffalo, NY! We live near Buffalo but still learned lots of new facts. Quite windy so I recommend putting your hair up, ladies ;) Reservations must be made online and highly recommend making them in advance if you would like a seat on the top deck. Highly recommend for small groups, family friendly fun, and info on the great city of Buffalo! read more

It was informative and fun. So very much to take in in 2 hours. I would do it again for the tidbits I couldn't keep up with. I loved the stories and the detail of just how much Buffalo is really involved with the country's history. Thanks to Officer O'Conner with his cheery cheeks and hint of brogue. read more

We're Buffalo natives but took the "Old and New Buffalo" tour today. Lot of fun. Heard some things we already knew and learned some new stuff as well. "Officer O'Connor" knows his stuff and is definitely entertaining!! read more

This was a great tour! We were visiting from Virginia and were looking for an "overview" of this beautiful city and are glad that we found this tour! Would recommend to anyone visiting the fine city of Buffalo! read more

Really a lot of fun. Very entertaining guide. Everyone who comes to Buffalo should take this tour.

The tour guide Officer O'Connor was funny and very knowledgeable about the history of the Buffalo area. My women's tour group and I enjoyed the tour and would recommend it to visitors to the Buffalo area and to long time residents. You won't go away disappointed. read more

This is one of the most fun things I've ever done. My sister booked my bachelorette party of 11 girls for one of their murder mystery tours this past weekend. Not one of my girls stopped laughing the entire time, the characters were hilarious and fun and we had a great time both on and off the bus. If you embarrass easily and hate fun then you may not be interested but if you like having a great time with a ton of laughter then this is the activity for you! Can't say enough great things, I would definitely add it to your must do in Buffalo list (and if you dont have a list then make one now with this on it). read more

This 2 hour bus tour of Buffalo's waterfront was very informative and extremely hilarious. The tour guide was excellent and very funny. He was very knowledgeable of Buffalo's history and his delivery made the learning experience enjoyable. Whether you are a local or a tourist you don't want to miss this experience. read more

My wife and I vacationed at Niagara Falls and spent a day in Buffalo. About every city we visit she likes to take a bus tour, so she booked us on the Best of Buffalo Tour with Officer O'Connor. This bus tour is unlike any other you will take. Officer O'Connor immediately picked up my wife's accent and she was "Miss Lebanon" for the day. He had us and our fellow passengers laughing before we even boarded the bus. Your guide is knowledgeable and enthusiastic of Buffalo, and you will learn a lot about the city, while simultaneously laughing hysterically over the two hours. Surprisingly, there were several locals on our tour which should tell you that it is that good. We cannot say enough wonderful things about this tour, other than TAKE IT! read more

I contacted the company through their website to inquire about booking a private tour for a work event. I never received a call or any information back, so two weeks later I gave them a call. I spoke with someone who took my information down and told me that someone would call me back to work with me. It's been a month and I have yet to receive a call. What terribly poor customer service. read more

We did the Double Decker Bus Tour of Niagara Falls and wow was Joel great! He's informative, funny, entertaining and knows a ton! He did not waste our time with cheesy souvenir stands. He made sure we saw everything we wanted to see. Included in the tour was the Maid of the Mist, the observation tower and much more. A great value for the price. Would highly recommend! read more

Attended the tour with a bunch of my office mates. What a great experience. Leaned quite a bit about the history of the City of Buffalo. Our tour guide was fantastic!! I would highly recommend this tour to locals or out of town visitors. read more