There is a lot of culture, food, history, and famous landmarks in New York City. Tours with a guide are a great way to get the most out of your time in the city that never sleeps. Here are 13 of the best tours NYC has to offer, whether you’re here for the food, the skyline, or the history of Lady Liberty.
1. Tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with a Guide
You can’t leave New York City without seeing Lady Liberty. Taking the ferry to Liberty Island is part of this trip. There, you’ll learn about the statue’s history and what it means. Then, visit Ellis Island to get a moving look at the history of immigrants in the United States.
The best parts are the optional access to the pedestal or crown, the museum trips, and the expert storytelling.
2. The First Food Tour of Greenwich Village
People know Greenwich Village for its lively past and delicious food. This tour combines history and food by stopping at family-run restaurants that serve pizza, cannoli, bagels, and other foods.
Highlights: specialties from the area, hidden gems of food, and culture insights.
3. Gospel and brunch tour of Harlem
A Sunday church service followed by a hearty soul food brunch is a great way to feel the soulful spirit of Harlem. As you learn about the Harlem Renaissance, you’ll see famous sites like the Apollo Theater.
The best parts are the live gospel music, the traditional brunch, and the deep African-American past.
4. A walk through Central Park
The winding walks, hidden gardens, and well-known movie locations in Central Park will let you get lost (but not really). From Bethesda Terrace to the Bow Bridge, a knowledgeable guide will tell you about the park’s past and secrets.
Nature, art, and building all in the backyard of New York City.
5. A walking tour of the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO
Cross the famous Brooklyn Bridge to get to DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), which is one of the most beautiful parts of the city. Beautiful views and a great vibe.
Highlights: views of the city skyline, old buildings, and streets with cobblestones.
6. Tenement Museum Tour of the Neighborhood
You can learn about the past of immigrants by going on a street-level walking tour of Manhattan’s Lower East Side with guides from the Tenement Museum. Real family stories bring New York City’s past to life.
Historical stories, culture exploration, and true stories are some of the best parts.
7. A Pizza Tour of New York City
Find the best places to eat pizza in Manhattan and Brooklyn, from thin-crust to deep-dish. Learn about the past of New York City’s love of pizza while you eat slices from some of the city’s best pizzerias.
Highlights: tasty samples, pizza history, and exploring the area.
8. A tour of Times Square and Midtown at night
Watch the city come to life at night. You can walk or take a bus on this tour in the evening to see lit-up sites, Broadway theaters, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square’s electric energy.
Highlights: picture opportunities at night, history meets glitz, and insider tips from a local guide.
9. A bus tour of graffiti and street art in Bushwick
This walking tour shows off the lively street art scene in Brooklyn. As you look at the huge paintings and talk to local artists, learn about how graffiti went from being a form of vandalism to a well-known art form.
Highlights: art and activism, places that aren’t on the beaten road, and stops that are perfect for Instagram.
10. City Tour by Helicopter
Take a helicopter ride over Manhattan that you’ll never forget. From up high, you can see the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and more in a beautiful way.
Highlights: The best views of the city skyline, an adrenaline rush, and an aerial view.
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