tours in new york

Top Recommended Tours in New York

New York City is an incredible place to explore, with so much to see and experience that it can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, some amazing tours make diving into the city’s energy, history, and charm easy. From strolling through historic neighborhoods and cruising along the Hudson River to soaring high above the skyline, these tours give you a front-row seat to the magic of New York. Check it out now!

Free Walking Tour of New York

Free Walking Tour of New York
By civitatis.com
  • Duration: 2 hours 30 mins
  • Price: $0~
  • Free Cancellation

Ratings:

Let’s start with a classic – the Free Walking Tour of New York! This one’s perfect if you want to dive into the city’s history without spending a dime. The Manhattan’s Financial District tour takes you past iconic landmarks like Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and the National Museum of the American Indian. You’ll even get to explore the historic heart of New Amsterdam and stroll through Battery Park for stunning views of the Statue of Liberty.

Plus, the tour wraps up near the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, offering a heartfelt look at an important chapter in New York’s story. Just a quick heads-up: the tour isn’t suitable for groups larger than six people or unaccompanied minors, so plan accordingly!

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour
By viator.com
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Price: $99~
  • Free Cancellation

Ratings

The next tour we recommend is the New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour, perfect for anyone trying to pack as much of NYC as possible into a single day. You’ll hop on a comfy bus to cruise through Midtown Manhattan, with stops to walk around iconic spots like Central Park, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center.

What’s great is that this tour also takes you to trendy neighborhoods like Greenwich Village and SoHo, lets you grab lunch at Gansevoort Liberty Market, and ends with a Staten Island Ferry ride for breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.

NYC: Manhattan Island All-Inclusive Helicopter Tour

NYC: Manhattan Island All-Inclusive Helicopter Tour
By getyourguide.com
  • Duration:  15 – 30 mins
  • Price: $299~
  • Free Cancellation

Ratings:

For a completely different perspective, how about taking to the skies? This is where you’ll get an unbeatable perspective of the city’s most iconic landmarks, like Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty.

The helicopter has floor-to-ceiling windows, so you won’t miss a thing, and there’s in-flight narration to give you the lowdown on what you’re seeing. It’s a splurge, but trust us—it’s worth every penny!

Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours

Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours
By viator.com
  • Duration:  1 – 3 hours
  • Price: $50~
  • Free Cancellation

Ratings:

A guided pedicab tour of Central Park is a fantastic option if you prefer something more down-to-earth but equally enchanting. This is a fun, eco-friendly way to explore the park without breaking a sweat. Your guide will pedal you around, stopping at famous spots like Bethesda Fountain and Strawberry Fields.

The best part? You can customize your route to make it your own. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just want a chill vibe, this tour has you covered.

New York Small-Group Tour + One World Observatory Ticket

New York Small-Group Tour + One World Observatory Ticket
By viator.com
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Price: $89~
  • Free Cancellation

Ratings:

Next, we’ve got the New York Small-Group Tour, perfect if you prefer a more personal experience. This tour includes walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and exploring Grand Central Terminal.

It wraps up with a visit to the One World Observatory, where you can soak in jaw-dropping views of the city. With a small group size, you’ll have plenty of time to ask your guide all your burning NYC questions.

NYC: Downtown and Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise

NYC: Downtown and Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise
By getyourguide.com
  • Duration:  1 – 1.5 hours
  • Price: $24.9~
  • Free Cancellation

Ratings:

There’s something truly magical about seeing New York from the water. The Statue of Liberty sightseeing cruise is perfect for unwinding while soaking in iconic views. Glide down the Hudson River and catch Hudson Yards, Little Island, One World Trade Center, and Ellis Island views. Snap that perfect photo with the Statue of Liberty before cruising under the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges.

If you can, opt for a sunset cruise. Watching the city light up as the sun dips below the horizon is a memory you won’t soon forget.

New York City: 9/11 Ground Zero All Access Tour

New York City: 9/11 Ground Zero All Access Tour
By getyourguide.com
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Price: $39~
  • Free Cancellation

Ratings:

The next tour we highly recommend is the 9/11 Ground Zero All Access Tour. This emotional and deeply meaningful experience starts at St. Paul’s Chapel, a historic site that became a refuge for first responders after the attacks.

You’ll visit the 9/11 Memorial, explore the museum, and end at One World Observatory. This tour is a powerful way to honor the city’s resilience while learning about the events that shaped it.

The Original Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture Bus Tour

The Original Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture Bus Tour
By viator.com
  • Duration: 4 hours 30 mins
  • Price: $134.1~
  • Free Cancellation

Ratings:

Let’s switch gears and head over to Brooklyn! You’ll love the Best of Brooklyn Food and Culture Tour if you’re a foodie. This half-day journey includes everything from authentic Polish pierogis in Greenpoint to Italian treats in Carroll Gardens.

And it’s not just about the food—along the way, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the Manhattan skyline and learn about Brooklyn’s rich history. Save room for dessert because the Jacques Torres Chocolate Factory is a highlight!

New York City: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island with Ferry

New York City: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island with Ferry
By getyourguide.com
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Price: $74.99~
  • Free Cancellation

Ratings:

Of course, no visit to NYC would be complete without seeing Lady Liberty up close. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour is perfect for history buffs and includes ferry rides to both islands.

You’ll walk through the Ellis Island Immigration Museum and learn about the millions of immigrants who arrived in America through its doors. You’ll admire the Statue of Liberty from every angle on Liberty Island. It’s a must-do for first-time visitors!

Greenwich Village Walking and Food Tasting Tour

Greenwich Village Walking and Food Tasting Tour - Best Tours in New York
By viator.com
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Price: $94.99~
  • Free Cancellation

Ratings:

This walking and food-tasting tour begins at Molly’s Cupcakes, a fun spot with amazing cupcakes and quirky décor. From there, the group heads to Mamoun’s Falafel, where you’ll taste some of the best. Next, it’s off to Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, famous for its decadent, double-crusted artichoke pizza.

Afterward, you’ll stop at Pommes Frites for crispy Belgian fries with over 30 sauces. The next stop is Bleecker Street Pizza, where you can try their popular Nonna Maria pizza. The group then strolls through Washington Square Park, taking in the iconic arch and lively street performers. You’ll pass the “Friends” apartment building and the historic Stonewall Inn along the way. The tour wraps up at Faicco’s Italian Specialties, where you’ll sample their delicious arancini and sopressata.

Skip-the-Line Metropolitan Museum of Art – Exclusive Guided Tour

Skip-the-Line Metropolitan Museum of Art - Exclusive Guided Tour - Best Tours in New York
By viator.com
  • Duration: 2 hours 30 mins
  • Price: $132.5~
  • Free Cancellation

Ratings:

This guided tour takes you through the Met, where you’ll explore everything from ancient Egypt to modern art. You’ll start in the Great Hall and visit some of the museum’s most famous galleries. See Henry VIII’s armor, iconic American art like the Washington Crossing the Delaware painting, and masterpieces by Vermeer, Picasso, and Van Gogh.

Your guide will also share fun facts about how the Met compares to older European museums. You’ll enjoy the art and learn the stories behind pieces like the Tiffany Autumn Landscape and Madame X while better understanding the museum’s rich history.

New York City: Bus Tour from Manhattan

New York City: Bus Tours from Manhattan
By getyourguide.com
  • Duration: 4 – 5.5 hours
  • Price: $71.1~
  • Free Cancellation

Ratings:

Finally, if you’re looking for a relaxing way to take it all in, the narrated Manhattan Bus Tour is the way to go. The route covers everything from Midtown’s glittering skyscrapers to the cobblestone streets of SoHo and the charm of Chinatown. 

You’ll drive by iconic landmarks like the Flatiron Building, Madison Square Park, and even the United Nations Headquarters while listening to fascinating stories and fun facts from a professional guide.  Plus, there are stops at iconic spots like Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge for a closer look. It’s perfect if you want to explore the city in comfort!

In conclusion, no matter which tour you pick, New York City never disappoints. Each one gives you a fresh way to explore the city, so you’ll easily find something that fits your vibe. This is just a small selection of tours in New York—there are many more to explore. Be sure to plan to get the most out of your trip!

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