What to do and see in New York, United States: The Best Literary, Art & Music Tours

August 22, 2021 Veronika Gaddis

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. Music and Eats on MacDougal Street Walking Tour

52 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011, USA Greg Walks NYC
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5.0 based on 17 reviews

This walking tour of MacDougal Street explores Greenwich Village's most famous and hip street with its extensive and colorful musical history. Learn about jazz in the Village, America's left bank, and 1950's folk music. See the sites where Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Miles Davis and many other talented musicians sang and played on and near MacDougal St. Greg Walks NYC employees, are released/discharged, from and against any/all liability from participation in Greg Walks NYC Tours, and is legally binding on participant, heirs, successors assigns and legal reps. Tour participants assume all travel risks. Gregory Marro and Greg Walks NYC are released from all/any liabilities and penalties to the legal maximum permitted by law. Tourists MUST inform tour guide of any/all food allergies. Greg Walks NYC tour pics/videos may be used on social media. Samples and sights subject to change.

Inclusions: Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea, Dessert, Guide

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Soft drinks are available to purchase, Gratuities welcome and appreciated, No alcoholic beverages are sold not offered during tour duration

Reviewed By 792vernonb

Greg was engaging and very informative. His knowledge of the area was impressive. Greg keeps your attention well and is very easy to talk to. The food was good and the staff who served us on the tour were pleasant to deal with. Definitely worth the trip!

2. Skip the Line Kids and Families New York Metropolitan Museum Private Tour

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA Pinocchio Tours for Kids in New York
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Enjoy a 2.5 hs private tour of the Metropolitan Museum in New York with your kids! Our kid friendly guide will engage the whole family with stories and activities purposely tailored for your children. You will not miss the Ancient Greek and Roman collections, the Arms and Armors Hall, the highlights of the American art collection and Modern Art collection and much more!

Inclusions: Blue Badge guide, Professional art historian guide, Professional kid-friendly guide, Local guide, Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Private tour

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off

3. Brooklyn Graffiti tour

Maria Hernandez Park, Knickerbocker Ave &, Starr St, Brooklyn, NY 11237, USA Alex's Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Not only will we show you the world's famous Art work from the Bushwick Collective but also impressive art work off the beaten path.

Inclusions: Licensed Tour Guide

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Reviewed By Amergner821

I bought tickets for the speakeasy tour for my husband's birthday. Unfortunately, I was exposed to a covid positive colleague and had to quarantine for 2 weeks, ruining my husband's birthday and our Thanksgiving. I reached out to Alex's Tours PRIOR to our scheduled date to explain my situation and to ask for a refund or credit and received no response. I wanted to do the right thing by staying home. I reached out again shortly after our scheduled date and again, no response. Was recommended this tour by my father yet this was very unprofessional, disappointing and will not recommend moving forward.

4. High Line & Hudson Yards Small Group Walking Tour

32 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, USA Royal City Tours
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Come experience the green oasis the most current and most expensive development in the history of NYC. Walk along its beautiful gardens. Admire and photograph the Vessel- this public structure rising 45.7 meters high and 2,500 interconnecting steps. Prepare for a urban hiking experience, away from NYC busy streets and get lifted up into a garden path along the West side of Manhattan with amazing views of New York City and the Hudson river along the way. The High Line park is an example of urban renewal at its finest, a unique concept of a park, a green oasis among the concrete giants. During the 2 hour walk you will visit the most important, the most historic points, sculptures, arts, and murals of the high line. Slowdown and check out the various species of plants that were specifically picked for the high line. Highlights are the: the “Vessel”, Hudson Yards, Zaha Hadid building, the 10th Avenue square and overlook, Chelsea Market…

Inclusions: Tour Guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, This activity may not include admission ticket for "The Vessel"

Reviewed By Silverstreak11

Great tour with excellent views of the Manhattan skyline. Our guide Daniel was great and well informed. Highly recommend!

5. West Village Historical Walking Tour

37 Washington Square W, New York, NY 10011, USA Central Park & Environs Walking Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This engaging walking tour is an off-the-beaten-path view of Greenwich Village. With a small group—fewer than 16 people—you'll see the shops, bars and stoops where some of your favorite artists, musicians and writers were inspired. Leave this legendary New York neighborhood with more than photos of famous buildings, landmarks, and street corners. Come away knowing why they’re unforgettable. For private tours and additional availability, you may contact us.

Inclusions: Professional guide

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Reviewed By dianalV3741AO

Michael gave a thoroughly informative and entertaining tour of Central Park. He clearly is knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the park with visitors and his storytelling abilities make it all the more enjoyable. I can’t think of a better way of experiencing Central Park.

6. Brooklyn Vintage Shopping & Street Art Tour

2 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237, USA The Ultimate Brooklyn Vintage Shopping Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Join me as your fashion forward friend and style guide on this journey through art and fashion! Fall in love with Bushwick's culture as we explore it's hidden gems! I will provide you with some of my best style tips and ideas on how to best incorporate different looks into your every day wardrobe. We will discuss what you're looking for prior, as well as your preferences to ensure you get the most out of our time together Due to my previous experience working as a fashion buyer specializing in Vintage fashion I can identify garments by era based on style and construction ensuring you get the best value for your money. This magical journey is for all you serious street art, vintage lovers and fashion fanatics! We will visit the bushwick collective street art murals as well as 2 shops.1st location is a secret underground vintage boutique beautiful, well curated with treasures from all over the world! 2nd shop is a true NYC thrift shop with loads of bargains and variety!

Inclusions: Personalized Styling Services, Customized Digital Shopping Map

Exclusions: Private transportation, Food not included

7. Harlem Sightseeing Tour

Apollo Theater, 253 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027, USA Worldwide City Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Harlem is a fabulous neighbourhood if you want to understand the heart and soul of the American south. On this tour you will walk in the footsteps of music legends such as Jackson 5 and James Brown at the Apollo Theater, feast on soul food at the various traditional hot spots and marvel at some gothic cathedrals so elaborate you'll think you're in Europe. Originally founded as a Dutch village in the 17th century, cultural revolutions and economic booms have transformed this former agricultural town into a rapidly growing city destination, and this tour will show you why. So whether you want to find out where to eat amazing cultural food, where to hear great jazz and other live music or how to attend a true southern gospel service come join this adventure to get a true New York experience!

Inclusions: In-person guide

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8. Shop Second-Hand + Vintage Fashion in New York City

23 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA ZTrend
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5.0 based on 59 reviews

Experience two hours of guided second-hand shopping in New York City with a shopping expert! New York is a fashion-forward city, known for its stellar vintage shopping—but with so many great stores, it's easy to miss some of the city's best. Shop unique vintage and resale fashion (size 0 - 10) at bargain prices. After a friendly café meet-up, your guide leads you to to 3+ different second-hand shops, with time to try on, and sends you home with a store map so you can keep shopping like a local. • Unique vintage and resale fashion (size 0 - 10) at bargain prices • Enjoy your guide's personal attention on this tour, capped at 8 shoppers • Shop at some of New York City's best vintage and second-hand clothing shops • Each guest receives a complimentary mapped listing with more than 30 stores • Hassle-free meet-up location in Manhattan • Additional time may be purchased • Make it private! This shopping tour is available as a private option with flexible dates & start times

Inclusions: You will receive a print out of my exclusive mapped guide, revealing an additional 40+ of my favorite shops around NYC to explore on your own -- an excellent shopping resource. My map will ensure that you continue to discover wonderful second-hand shops throughout your stay.

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Drinks, Food and drinks, Food and drinks, unless specified, Food and drinks, other than the "value added offers" specified in your guidebook, Lunch, Gratuities, Hotel drop-off, Hotel pickup, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected), Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By Aimee T

Suzanne was absolutely amazing and so knowledgeable. She was so friendly and we had so much fun together. We continued for well past my allocated time and we started with a hot chocolate and chat to start off with. Suzanne did a great deal of research beforehand and gave me a list of all boutiques and a map of all their locations. I had a fabulous time and purchased some amazing things. This is a must do, well worth the small price. I will recommend and will do it again when I come back to New York.

9. A Virtual Street Art Experience in Brooklyn

Brooklyn, NY, USA Ariel Coello
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5.0 based on 52 reviews

Take a virtual tour in Brooklyn, the mecca of street art! Our experience will be broken up into five parts: 1: Transport to a coffee shop in Brooklyn filled with stunning artwork. There, we’ll chat about what street art means to each of us. We’ll also begin a fun ‘Lego art’ scavenger hunt featuring pieces from local sticker artist, RAD. 2: Take a guided tour through East Williamsburg and view dozens of commissioned murals, some over 40 feet in size! I’ll share amazing stories from a mix of local and international artists. 3: Travel back in time to the 1970’s to learn about NYC’s early graffiti and hip-hop scene. We’ll explore the origins of this art form– from tags and ‘Wildstyle’ pieces, to different crews and techniques. 4: Visit the Bushwick Collective, the largest outdoor street art gallery in the U.S.A. See a wide range of iconic pieces from some of our legendary artists. 5. Hop on a virtual subway ride to the Wall of Justice– a new space devoted to a powerful art movement.

Inclusions: Registration via Zoom-- details to be provided following booking confirmation

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Reviewed By GAToronto

Ariel led us on a fantastic virtual tour of graffiti in Brooklin. His photos and narrative were especially good. I look forward to taking a real live tour with him when we can travel again. I will refer his tour to my friends who may visit NY in the future. Thank you for an informative and professionally delivered tour.

10. Metropolitan Museum of Art Private Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA Babylon Tours New York City
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5.0 based on 61 reviews

New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art attracts nearly as many visitors as other leading galleries like the Louvre or the British Museum. On this 2 to 2.5 hour private guided museum tour, you’ll be able to skip the line and explore it’s most famous pieces with the help of an engaging guide who will lead the way. Evening tours are available on Friday and Saturday, for a more intimate experience.

Inclusions: Skip-the-Line Private Museum Tour, Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You, Duration 2 - 2.5 Hours, Wheelchair Friendly, All Entrance Fees

Exclusions: Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi), Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)

Reviewed By D8382ZSshaunw

Request Matt. He was great! He was very knowledgeable and extremely friendly! He also took some great pictures of our group.

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