Things to do in New York, United States: The Best Cultural Tours

November 12, 2021 Milan Banda

New York State has it all – booming metropolises, majestic waterfalls, mountains, wine country, chicken wings. Yes, NYC is a magnet for tourists, but an exploration of the rest of the state can be equally thrilling. The Finger Lakes Wine Region is a vision of serene waters, quaint B&Bs, and pretty vineyards. Movie buffs will love Rochester, home of the George Eastman House and one of the world’s most comprehensive film archives. On your way to Niagara Falls, stop in Buffalo to fuel up on spicy wings.
Restaurants in New York

1. Best of Niagara Falls, USA Tour + Helicopter Ride and Lunch

See Sight Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

This fully guided 6-hour tour of Niagara Falls, NY is perfect for families with children. The tour covers all the highlights of the Falls and includes admission to the Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds. Tour narration features an emphasis on storytelling and entertainment. Tour includes: - Trip aboard the Maid of the Mist to get up close and personal with the Falls - Stop at the American Observation Tower - Tour of the Cave of the Winds - Helicopter Ride over the Falls (children under 40" are not permitted) - Lunch at Top of the Falls Restaurant - Visit Goat Island where you'll take in amazing views of Horseshoe Falls, American Falls & Bridal Veil Falls - Small, intimate group tour that consists of approximately 6 people - Pick up and drop off at any location in downtown Niagara Falls, NY - An energetic tour guide that can answer almost any question you have about the Majestic Falls and surrounding area

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Admission to Cave of the Winds, Admission to Maid of the Mist, Lunch, Helicopter ride over the Falls (children under 40" are not permitted)

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By martin h

We were picked up at our hotel and driven to all points. Our guide Mohamad was the best. Most knowledgeable regrading the falls history and area. Doing these difficult time always compiled with parodical.

2. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Skip-the-Line Tickets & round trip Ferry

24 State St, New York, NY 10004, USA Statuewalks
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Take qa 30-minute guided tour with an experienced local guide to get an overview of where to go and what to do at the Statue of Liberty. Your guide will then assist you through the various procedures to board the ferry for Liberty Island. Benefit from priority boarding and save precious time. Your ticket grants you access to the Pedestal and Pedestal Museum. Get exclusive access to the Fort Wood section of the monument up to for a truly immersive experience on your own. Take a self-guided tour with audio headsets that come in multiple languages. Travel over to Ellis Island to absorb yourself in the moving stories of the immigrant experience at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Pick up your multilingual audio guide on arrival and explore independently. Upgrade to a fully-escorted tour & listen to your English-speaking guide bring the history of Ellis Island & the Statue of Liberty to life. This option also includes a guided tour of the 9/11 Memorial after you return to Manhattan.

Inclusions: 30 Minute Orientation tour , Round trip Ferry Tickets , Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island , Audio Guide in 9 Languages

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Reviewed By christopheraP5203CA

A slow start, but a great overall experience. Friendly staff. Beautiful views of Manhattan. Well worth the money and time.

3. The Ultimate Heart of 1000 Islands Sightseeing Boat Tour

39611 Chateau Ln, Clayton, NY 13624, USA Clayton Island Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

2 Nation Lunch Cruise with stops at Boldt Castle and Rock Island Lighthouse. Join us for the ultimate sightseeing tour on the St. Lawrence River. Designed for those who wish to take in the beauty of the 1000 islands Region and experience the the most attractions from the river in an afternoon. This tour includes lunch, combines our Boldt Castle Tour stopping at Heart Island for a tour of Millionaire George Boldt's Rhineland style castle, a cruise through Millionaires Row viewing magnificent summer homes of the rich and famous of the gilded age, and a stop at Rock Island Lighthouse to visit the "Keepers Cottage" Museum and Gift Shop, view the lighthouse and enjoy the spectacular view of the St. Lawrence Seaway. NO Passports required!

Inclusions: Local naturalist guide, Sightseeing boat cruise, Picnic Lunch - Includes wrap or sandwich, side salad, chips, dessert, and drink. Please contact us at least 24 hours prior to departure to arrange lunch of your choice. Call us., Admission to Boldt Castle, Admission to Rock Island Lighthouse, Opportunity to walk along TWO of the 1000 Islands

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Reviewed By Passport526592

My family & I took the glass bottom boat tour on the Night Heron 5/15/21. It was absolutely fabulous!! The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable & the tour as whole was fantastic. Our tour group was honored with the surprise of being the first tour group able to access the Rock Island Light House in 18 months due to COVID19. My family & I have experienced the sunset cruise previously & that too was wonderful. Kudos Clayton Tour Team!! We will be returning for more tours in the future :)

4. Central Park Walking Tour

West 59th Street, W 59th St, New York, NY, USA Central Park & Environs Walking Tours
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5.0 based on 102 reviews

Your guide, Michael Hunt, is not only Central Park's number one tour guide, but also a passionate student of these 843 acres. From its history, wildlife, trees, and plants, statues and structures, he has immersed himself in all that makes the park a living work of art. Michael has led over 800 tours. He is constantly researching and studying to make each individual and family's two-hour tour the most memorable takeaway from their trip to this great city. Guaranteed five-star tour!

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Reviewed By valbramham

Walking tours are our favourite way to explore new places and this was one of the best. Michael is a great guide, who takes time to make the tour work for the individuals in the group. As well as great knowledge about the Park, we enjoyed his anecdotes on a range of subjects. The photographs he took and sent us were a great bonus, particularly as my ‘phone had run out of battery a third of the way round!

5. Greenwich Village Walking and Food Tasting Tour

Molly's Cupcakes, 228 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014, USA Nice Guy Tours
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5.0 based on 436 reviews

Come explore the coolest neighborhood in NYC.  We make our way through iconic Washington Square Park and its famous arch. Learn about how the park, which movies like 'I Am Legend,' 'Searching For Bobby Fischer' and 'August Rush' were filmed at, and eat our way through town. Learn something, eat something, love everything!

Inclusions: Bottled water, (A large one)

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By utahranch

Dante is cute & charming. The tour was great = informative and very tasty. I wish we’d had time for his other food tour also,

6. Niagara Falls Early Summer Tour (small group)

Niagara Regional Tours
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5.0 based on 49 reviews

Overview: Experience the Majestic Niagara Falls. This Winter Wonderland tour covers the full extent of the American Side of Niagara Falls. Allow us to guide you through the icicle filled landscape as you hear stories of the history, mystery, daredevils, and rescues of Niagara. We will take you to the best viewing areas in the Niagara Falls State Park, and Whirlpool State Park, enjoy the World Changed Here movie and exhibit. Additional info: -Confirmation will be received at time of booking -Please Dress warm and in layers. -This tour takes place on the American Side of Niagara Falls -Tour may be cancelled in cases of extreme weather with a full refund.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, National Park fees, Local taxes, Hotel drop-off, Hotel pickup

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By gridsmashers

Christopher is awesome! Makes sure that everybody understands the tour and how many wineries are going to be visited. He let us know the layout of each place before we went, and let us know what wines he preferred over others. He made great suggestions, and we actually purchased a bottle from his recommendations. He has fun knowledge about the area, and the history that is Niagara Falls. Did you know Air Condstioning was invented here!? Me either! Those are the fun little tidbits He shares along the tour. An excellent driver, and he does not hurry anyone to go to the next winery. I HIGHLY recommend this tour! Thanks again Christopher for being awesome!

7. Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest

Silk Road Cafe, 30 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA Ahoy New York Food Tours
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4.9 based on 559 reviews

Explore the tastes and history of two ethnic NYC neighborhoods, Chinatown and Little Italy. Animated and friendly guides allow their guests to learn these neighborhoods through fascinating historical stories and culinary delights. The delicious food tastings range from homemade mozzarella to a sit-down authentic Italian meal. For guests 21 and up there will be an option to have a glass of wine at the seated tasting. One leaves this tour fully satisfied, along with a new found confidence in navigating the neighborhoods with a provided recommendation list in hand. This tour is a must if you're a local or visitor looking to get off-the-beaten path and taste amazing foods.

Inclusions: Food tasting, Local guide, Detailed itinerary, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Gratuities, Bottles of water (you may bring one and refill at a couple locations during the tour)

Reviewed By davidkD2742OI

We took the Walking Tour of Mulberry St. and we absolutely LOVED it! Liz and Mariana were awesome tour guides; friendly, informative, and a ton of fun to be around. Great food choices from start to finish. We'd definitely recommend this tour company!

8. Artistic, Alternative Greenwich Village Walking Tour

375A 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014, USA ExperienceFirst
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4.9 based on 164 reviews

Become engrossed in Greenwich Village, the stomping grounds of artists and bohemians from Edgar Allan Poe to Dylan Thomas to Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan. This fun, 2-hour walking tour of one of New York City’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods explores the leafy, narrow streets where legendary and soon-to-be legendary bohemians worked and lived. An expert guide will lead a small group through the tangled streets relating fun historical anecdotes about the famous artists of Greenwich Village and the places where they worked (and played).

Inclusions: Professional, entertaining, local guide, 2 hrs tour of NYC most artistic and alternative neighborhood - American's Bohemian capital

Exclusions: Gratuities, Face mask available for a $1 fee.

Reviewed By 373lydiac

Our tour guide Kevin Lawrence was fabulous! We saw and learned SO much! This walking tour was a great way to see the high points of NYC, The pace was perfect with plenty of opportunities for photos. Kevin kept it interesting with a great mix of history and trivia in addition to answering all of our questions. He kept us safe & comfortable throughout the day. I highly recommend this tour and Kevin in particular.

9. New York: Alexander Hamilton's Haunts and Hangouts Tour

Bowling Green, Broadway &, Whitehall St, New York, NY 10004, USA New York City Urban Adventures
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4.9 based on 130 reviews

Stroll the streets of New York’s oldest neighborhood as you retrace the steps of one of our greatest locals and founding father, Mr. Alexander Hamilton. Discover how Wall Street, the Stock Exchange, and our financial system began with this young immigrant. We'll end at the historic Fraunces Tavern where you have the option of complimenting your stroll through history with a pint at this colonial New York landmark.

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide

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Reviewed By LassMinTraveler

Brian was a great tour guide as well as accommodating everyone's individual needs as well as diets if you didn't eat it or like it Brian went out of his way to make it happen. I truly enjoyed the tour as well as the other places he recommended after the tour I definitely recommend this tour ....Great job Brian we're still talking about it who knows you may see us soon something is in the works ????????????

10. SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown Walking Tour

Spring Street Park, Spring St, New York, NY 10013, USA ExperienceFirst
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4.9 based on 492 reviews

Known today for restaurants, shops, and tourism, the Manhattan neighborhoods of SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown boast some of the city’s richest history. This 2-hour walking tour with an expert local guide lets you uncover New York City gems like 19th-century architecture, historical churches, and even sites of former mob activity. Learn about the hardships early immigrants faced and how the neighborhoods became what they are today. Sample ethnic foods and sweets, and get to know the real New York.

Inclusions: Professional, entertaining, local guide, Explore the neighborhoods of Soho, Little Italy and Chinatown

Exclusions: Gratuities, Cost of food

Reviewed By 373lydiac

Our tour guide Kevin Lawrence was fabulous! We saw and learned SO much! This walking tour was a great way to see the high points of NYC, The pace was perfect with plenty of opportunities for photos. Kevin kept it interesting with a great mix of history and trivia in addition to answering all of our questions. He kept us safe & comfortable throughout the day. I highly recommend this tour and Kevin in particular.

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