What to do and see in New York City, New York (NY): The Best Tours

December 30, 2021 Darwin Bolte

Conquering New York in one visit is impossible. Instead, hit the must-sees – the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art – and then explore off the beaten path with visits to The Cloisters or one of the city’s libraries. Indulge in the bohemian shops of the West Village or the fine dining of the Upper West Side. The bustling marketplace inside of Grand Central Station gives you a literal taste of the best the city has to offer.
Restaurants in New York City

1. 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,

2. New York City Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village

Waverly Diner, 385 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014, USA Top Dog Tours NYC
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4.9 based on 99 reviews

Dig up Manhattan's spine-chilling past on this 2-hour walking tour of Greenwich Village, known as one of the city's most haunted neighborhoods. Together with a guide, you'll head to some of the village's spookiest spots, including Washington Square Park and NYU's Brown Building, and hear tales of lost children, celebrity ghosts, and park-dwelling phantoms.

Inclusions: Guide, Small-Group New York City Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By DhavalCGandhi

I'm not one to get spooked easily or a firm believer of the spirits, but there were some pretty spooky parts. Alyssa, our tour guide, was great and extraordinarily knowledgeable about the history of Greenwich Village. As a new local to the city, it was the perfect combination of a history lesson and fascinating ghost stories that my partner and I were looking for. For me, it's especially surreal to know that I have passed by the house that John Wilks Booth stayed the night before he went on to make history without even knowing it dozen of times before I went on this tour. I would recommend it to anyone that likes any sort of dark history or paranormal activities.

3. New York City Sunset Cruise on Yacht Manhattan

62 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011, USA Classic Harbor Line
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4.9 based on 36 reviews

Enjoy a 1.5-hour cruise along the Hudson River and New York Harbor on a classic 1920s-style yacht. Pass by Manhattan's financial district, One World Trade, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Views of the Brooklyn Bridge can been seen as the boat cruises around New York Harbor. Take in the beautiful skyline as the sun dips below the horizon. This is a great way to see Manhattan for visitors and locals alike and a great photo opportunity as well.

Inclusions: 90-minute cruise around Manhattan, One complimentary beverage included

Exclusions: Gratuities (recommended for the Captain and crew), Light snacks available for purchase onboard. If bringing food please keep it to a light snack

Reviewed By ascelab

Absolutely wonderful experience . For a 3 course meal + scenery the price is great! The food served was very tasty and satisfying. The staff was very kind and helpful even took a few pictures when asked. The Statue of Liberty was the highlight of the trip . I would prob enjoy the cruise more later in the summer when outside is mostly hot and you’ll be able to actually go outside and look around more .But since it’s spring it’s still very chilling and breezy outside on the water. But overall service ,price ,getting there everything was just 100!

4. New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

Helicopter Flight Services, Downtown Manhattan Heliport, 6 East River Piers, Manhattan, NY 10004, USA Helicopter Flight Services - Helicopter Tours
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4.9 based on 242 reviews

All aboard for a bird’s-eye view of Manhattan on a helicopter tour of top New York City sights. See Central Park, the Hudson River, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building, and fly past the Statue of Liberty, South Street Seaport, and the 150-year-old Brooklyn Bridge. Treat yourself to all this plus even more of New York's famous skyline. Several departure times are available throughout the day.

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Heliport landing and facility fees, Fuel surcharge

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By parisdior124

What a wonderful experience! The Limo was very nice and came on time. The helicopter tour was AMAZING! Seeing the City from a birds eye view was amazing! My husband and I are looking forward to going back for the City Light Tour!

5. 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.

6. Full-Day New York "Must See" Small-Group Tour plus One World Observatory Ticket

1552 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, USA ExperienceFirst
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4.9 based on 411 reviews

Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind big apple experience. On this full day guided tour, enjoy an authentic New York experience. With a small group (less than 15 people) you will be able to move fast and see more. Walk, subway and ferry to see New York’s “Must See” attractions in one action-filled day.

Inclusions: Professional, entertaining, local guide, One World Observatory Entry Ticket, Fastest itinerary to make the most of your visit

Exclusions: Gratuities, Transportation - at least $5.50 per person on a Metrocard needed, 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.

7. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Skip the Line Small-Group Tour

Castle Clinton National Monument, Battery Park - Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004, USA Top Dog Tours NYC
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4.9 based on 292 reviews

Visit two of New York's most historic attractions on this 4-hour tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Enjoy priority boarding on the ferry to Liberty Island and — together with your small group and guide — enter the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. Explore Liberty Island and head to the observation decking the Statue for a spectacular view of NYC. Then, visit Ellis Island, where you’ll learn about the vast immigration that took place here between 1892 and 1954.

Inclusions: Priority, skip-the-line ferry access, Expertise of a knowledgeable guide

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lockers for large items on Liberty Island (available for 25 cent deposit)), Audio Guide (translates the tour), Crown access, Gratuities

Reviewed By DhavalCGandhi

I'm not one to get spooked easily or a firm believer of the spirits, but there were some pretty spooky parts. Alyssa, our tour guide, was great and extraordinarily knowledgeable about the history of Greenwich Village. As a new local to the city, it was the perfect combination of a history lesson and fascinating ghost stories that my partner and I were looking for. For me, it's especially surreal to know that I have passed by the house that John Wilks Booth stayed the night before he went on to make history without even knowing it dozen of times before I went on this tour. I would recommend it to anyone that likes any sort of dark history or paranormal activities.

8. New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

770 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA USA Guided Tours New York
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4.8 based on 2,783 reviews

EXPERTLY-GUIDED Get accompanied by a licensed NYC tour guide, who will hop off at each stop to provide you with a comprehensive & more private sightseeing experience LUXURY BUSES Ride in climate-controlled, luxury tour buses that offer comfortable and pleasant touring experience, as well as protection from weather elements AWARD-WINNING We're committed to providing a more enjoyable sightseeing experience. Our Discover NY Tour is a recipient of numerous industry-recognized awards! GUIDED WALKS Enjoy 15-minute guided walking tours of NYC's iconic places - Central Park, Rockefeller Center, 9/11 Memorial & more! FERRY RIDE Take a boat ride for breathtaking views of the NYC skyline from the water! (Seasonal: included in the tour itinerary from April 1 - Dec 31)

Inclusions: Expert Local Tour Guide Narrative, Transportation With Luxury Tour Bus, Bottled Water on Buses, The Staten Island Ferry

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By 658DonnaG

Everything about this tour was amazing! This review is a little old (pre-COVID), but I came across the card and knew I needed to leave a review for this company. Our guide was enthusiastic and excited about taking us around town. There was plenty of time at each stop with clear instructions on where to meet etc. He even directed us how to get on the Subway back to New Jersey. So very kind and when I am in NY, I will definitely tour with this company again.

9. OPEN: Skip-Line Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour + Pedestal Ticket Upgrade

Castle Clinton National Monument, New York, NY 10004, USA ExperienceFirst
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4.8 based on 2,478 reviews

Visits to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island are musts in the Big Apple. On this guided tour, you get priority boarding on the ferry from Manhattan to visit the two important historical sites. Visit the grounds of Liberty Island and go inside the Statue of Liberty Museum. Then hop the ferry to Ellis Island and learn about the millions of people who arrived here between 1892 and 1954 in hope of living the American dream. For the comprehensive 4 hour option, you will have Pedestal Monument access not offered with most other tours. Go inside the pedestal for a unique perspective from the observation deck and from inside the Statue. [Note Pedestal and Museum are closed in 2020 due to COVID] For the Express 2 hour without Pedestal access, we will have an optimized itinerary to see both Islands fast with guided Liberty Island tour. You may stay as long as you wish after the tour.

Inclusions: Priority line access to board the ferry to save time at departure, [Closed 2020] Access to the Pedestal Monument at Liberty Island if Upgrade Option selected, Access to the new Liberty Island Museum, Access to the Immigration Museum at Ellis Island, Expert English speaking guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lockers for large items on Liberty Island (available for $0.25), Crown Access at the Statue of Liberty, Face mask available for a $1.00 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.

10. All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory

St. Paul's Chapel of Trinity Church Wall Street, 209 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USA 9/11 Ground Zero Tour
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4.8 based on 766 reviews

This full experience of September 11th sites in Manhattan includes a 90-minute guided walking tour of Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial, entry to the 9/11 Museum and One World Observatory. As you're led by a local New Yorker guide with personal connection to the events of 9/11, hear stories of tragedy and heroism and gain a deeper understanding of the attack and aftermath. Select from two departure times when booking.

Inclusions: Professional, local guide with a personal connection to the events of 9/11, Exclusive Skip the Line Access to the 911 Museum, Entry to the One World Observatory, English Speaking Guide, Guided visit to 9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero

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

Reviewed By pollyroessler

Ray was an excellent guide and he was very knowledgeable about all the facts but focused mostly on personal experiences.

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