Are you planning a trip to the Big Apple? Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, New York City has something for everyone. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there is no shortage of things to do in this vibrant city.
But with so many options it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily, we have rounded up the best tours in NYC here so you can make the most of your time.
Table of Contents
Best New York City Tours to Book Today
1. New York City Original Rock n’ Roll Walking Tour
Discover the musical history of East Village with a two-hour walking tour! This tour takes you through the streets of New York, showing you the areas where some of the biggest rock legends first started their music careers.
Explore the places that The Ramones, The New York Dolls, and other celebrities performed, and learn about the artistic hub of emerging musicians that made East Village famous. This is a great way to get to know more about the history of the neighborhood and the music that has come from it.
See Related: Best Bus Tours in Buffalo, New York
2. Tribeca Sailing Tour
If you are looking for a unique way to experience New York City, then the Tribeca Sailing Tour is the perfect option. Enjoy a two or three-hour private sailing charter of the New York City Harbor with five daily departures seven days a week.
Soak up the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge on a romantic sunset cruise or a relaxing sail & sip. Tribeca Sailing offers a truly unforgettable experience that will make your stay in New York City even more memorable.
3. Top of the Rock Observation Deck Tour
The Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center offers visitors a unique experience of taking in some of the best skyline views of New York City. At this multi-story observation deck, visitors can purchase tickets for $34-$40 and enjoy amazing views from 70 floors up.
This admission ticket also includes three floors of indoor and outdoor observation decks, which couples can embrace while watching the iconic skyline. If you are looking to visit without too many people around, it is best to visit early in the morning on a weekday.
See Related: Best Upstate New York Bus Tours
4. Bike Rent NYC – Central Park Bike Tour
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Central Park, then Bike Rent NYC has the perfect solution. Their experienced tour guides will take you on a leisurely bike tour of the park’s most iconic destinations.
From the hidden treasures of Central Park to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, their guided tours will give you an in-depth look at the best of New York City. Plus, as the official partner of all NYC parks, Bike Rent NYC offers trusted bike rental and e-scooter rental services from 8 unique locations. With rentals starting at just $20 for 2 hours, you can explore New York City in style.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Napa, California
5. New York City: Statue of Liberty & 5-Hour Tour
If you’re looking for something a little more comprehensive, this 5-hour tour is the perfect choice for you. With a live tour guide, you will be able to explore some of the city’s most iconic sights with ease.
You’ll be able to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, as well as explore other landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park. Plus, you’ll get to visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum and One World Trade. This guided tour is a great way to experience the best of NYC in one day!
See Related: Best New York Bus Tours From New Jersey
6. Central Park Walking Tour – What You Will See
If you’re looking for a more leisurely pace, the Central Park Walking Tour is the perfect way to explore the park. You will be taken to some of Central Park’s most iconic locations and learn about the history behind them. From the Delacorte Clock to Bethesda Terrace and Mall, you’ll get up close and personal with some of New York City’s most treasured landmarks.
The tour starts at 2 Columbus Cir, where you’ll be able to admire the gigantic size and Egyptian hieroglyphs of the clock from up close. This self-guided tour will guide you through these monuments, as well as save you money compared to bike tours. So if you’re looking for an immersive tour of Central Park, then this is the perfect option for you!
See Related: Nashville Tractor Tour Review: Is the Party Wagon Worth It?
7. Harlem Neighborhood Tour
The next tour you should consider is the Harlem neighborhood tour. This tour will take you through the iconic streets of Harlem and will give you an insight into the culture and history of this vibrant neighborhood. You will be able to visit some of the iconic churches and landmarks, as well as experience one of the best jazz spots in town.
The tour is conducted by Harlem Heritage Tours, which is staffed by people who were born and raised in Harlem. This ensures you get the most authentic experience possible. Additionally, you can also attend a gospel mass to really immerse yourself in all that Harlem has to offer.
See Related: Best Bus Tours From Washington DC To New York City
8. Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, why not take a guided walking tour? On a Brooklyn Bridge Walk, you can cross the span from Manhattan to Brooklyn, admiring stunning views and learning about the bridge’s history.
Your guide will provide interesting facts and anecdotes about the bridge and its surroundings, and you’ll have plenty of time to take photos and soak up the atmosphere. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a native New Yorker, a Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
See Related: Best Day Trips from New York City
9. Queens’ Culture Tour
Exploring Queens’ culture is a great way to experience the various cultures and traditions that define New York City. From Manhattan to Malba, the Queens’ Culture Tour offers a full-day experience featuring the borough’s iconic landmarks and sights.
The tour’s knowledgeable guides will introduce you to the borough’s rich history and vibrant culture, making stops in Harlem, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. You’ll also get to see the luxurious neighborhood of Malba while on your journey. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to discover the beauty of Queens!
See Related: Best Christmas Bus Tours in New York City
10. Lower East Side Foodie Tour
For those who want to explore the history and culture of New York City, the Lower East Side Foodie Tour is a great option. This three-hour walking tour takes you through the historic Lower East Side neighborhood and offers a variety of food stops, including Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery, Kossar’s Bialy and Bagels, North China Dumpling, Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery, and The Pickle Guys.
With a maximum of 12 people per tour, this is a great way to explore the culture and cuisine of the Lower East Side while learning about its rich history.
See Related: Churches That Help with Motel Vouchers for the Homeless: Providing Support and Assistance
11. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
For those looking to take in two of the most iconic landmarks in New York City, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour is the perfect choice. With this special access ticket and tour, you can visit top downtown NYC attractions with ease and save time by boarding the ferry at Battery Park for priority boarding.
The tour includes a guided tour of both Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, with live narration from your guide. Enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, Lady Liberty herself, and so much more. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to explore both locations at your leisure.
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to take in two of New York City’s most famous landmarks!
See Related: Best Bus Tours From Syracuse, New York
12. Hop On, Hop Off New York Harbor Cruise
For a journey that offers unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline, book the Hop On, Hop Off New York Harbor Cruise. Your ticket gives you full-day access to board the boat and tour the magical city of New York, all narrated by our highly trained and informative tour guides.
Relax in the climate-controlled indoor cabin or go to the top deck for panoramic views of the city. Plus, experience a 90-minute cruise around the harbor with amazing sights to see. With this fantastic tour, you can enjoy the New York City skyline and take in all the sites of the city at your own pace.
13. 4-hour Harlem Gospel Tour
For the ultimate cultural experience, don’t miss the 4-hour Harlem Gospel Tour. Witness gospel music and the inspiring energy of a gospel service in the heart of Harlem. Then, explore the history and culture of this iconic New York neighborhood through its vibrant streets. As you take in all the sights along the way, enjoy a delicious brunch and make memories that will last a lifetime.
14. New York City Deluxe Helicopter Tour
New York City is full of amazing sights and amazing tours to explore them. But if you want to get a truly unique view of the city, then a helicopter tour is the way to go. The New York City Deluxe Helicopter Tour provides an unforgettable experience, giving you unparalleled views of iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building.
The tour also provides an up-close look at some of New York’s most exciting neighborhoods. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, the New York City Deluxe Helicopter Tour is definitely worth checking out.
15. New York City Wall Street Insider Tour
Looking for a unique tour experience? Check out the New York City Wall Street Insider Tour. This insider tour will take you to the heart of the Financial District and introduce you to the world of finance. Led by Wall Street insiders, the tour will take you to see the New York Stock Exchange, Goldman Sachs, and other top attractions.
You’ll get an inside look at how the financial markets work and hear true stories from the financial trenches. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore New York’s financial district with a knowledgeable guide who knows the financial market and can share an insider’s view of Wall Street history and current affairs
See Related: Best Bus Tour Companies in the US
What is the best way to tour New York City?
There are many ways to tour New York City, and the best way will depend on your interests and the amount of time you have. Some popular options include:
Walking tours
New York is a great city for walking, and there are many guided tours that take you through various neighborhoods and past famous landmarks. This is a great way to get a feel for the city and see some of the more historic and cultural sites up close.
Bike tours
Another great way to see the city is by bike. There are many companies that offer guided bike tours that take you through some of the more popular areas of the city, such as Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Bus tours
For a more comprehensive and leisurely tour of the city, you can take a bus tour. These tours typically make stops at many of the major landmarks and tourist destinations and give you an overview of the city.
Boat tours
A Boat tour can be a unique way to see the city from a different angle. You can take a tour of the harbor and see the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and many other sights from the water.
Self-guided tours
There are many mobile apps and services that allow you to create your own self-guided tour. This can be a great way to see the city at your own pace and create an itinerary that is tailored to your interests.
Themed tours
Some other ways of exploring the city would be to focus on a specific theme such as street art, architecture, food, history, etc. There are tours and walks that center on these aspects.
Ultimately, the best way to tour New York City will depend on your personal preferences and the amount of time you have. It’s a great idea to mix and match and see the city from different perspectives.
Related Resources