15 Best New York Tours You Don’t Want To Miss
By jhenr | Updated July 17th, 2022
Everyone wants to know the best New York tour, but picking just one or two can be hard.
Whether you’re looking to soak up some culture and history or see some of the most famous landmarks in New York City, these are fifteen of the best tours you don’t want to miss! Plus, at each of these destinations, you can find other amazing things to do on your trip! Plan accordingly and book your trip now. You won’t regret it!
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options
One of America’s most famous and revered symbols is The Statue of Liberty. This tour takes you to Battery Park, Lady Liberty, where you can visit the museum, and then to Ellis Island to learn about the lives of the immigrants who entered the United States.
This 3-5 hour tour ends in Ellis Island, where you can spend as much time as possible before catching the next ferry back to Manhattan, making it one of the Best New York Tours.
Departing and returning: Castle Clinton National Monument, New York, NY 10004, USA
New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour
The Big Apple is known for so many things—the big city, nightlife, attractions, museums—that it’s hard to fit them all into one trip. Check out “By USA Guided Tours” for your organized and guided tour.
From visiting iconic landmarks like Times Square and Central Park to checking out popular restaurants and bars along Broadway.
If you take this tour – New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour – on the first day of your visit, it will give you a greater understanding of the city where you can choose which stops to go back to and enjoy more detail.
770 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA
Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise
You can take a guided boat tour of Manhattan Island with Circle Line Cruise for a unique view of the city, one of the best ways to tour New York.
This provides the clearest views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty—perfect for taking unforgettable photographs.
You’ll receive live narration during the cruise, learning about New York as you pass all five of its boroughs and under the seven bridges. Refreshments are available for purchase on the Boat.
Address: 83 North River Piers West 43nd Street and, 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Official NYC Horse Carriage Rides in Central Park since 1979
The Official NYC Horse Carriage Rides in Central Park has been around since 1979 and offer horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park.
This is a romantic and intimate thing to plan and enjoy with your special someone. You can customize your ride by having your driver stop at one of many scenic spots or add commentary while driving through a historic park section.
The Central Park South lot is conveniently located close to many Midtown hotels and only a short distance from Fifth Avenue shopping.
NYC Horse Carriage Rides EST.1979, 7th Ave & West 59th Street, Central Park S, New York, NY 10019, USA
Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour
Another great way of touring New York is doing The Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour by Manhattan Helicopters, weather permitting, of course.
Spend 20 minutes in the air taking in a bird’s eye view of sites such as One World Trade Center, the 911 Memorial, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Battery Park, the Financial District, the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
If you don’t mind the height, it’s an excellent way to experience New York. They provide headphones, where you can enjoy a brief narrative offered in several languages as you fly by the sites, so it’s perfect for everyone to enjoy.
Departing and returning: 6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004, USA.
New York City at Night Bus Tour
Experiencing a tour in New York during the night is a horse of a different color; try a New York City at Night Bus Tour by USA Guided Tours New York.
The entire city is brought to life with beautiful lights and vibrant energy as bright as daylight. The tour buses typically leave midtown Manhattan and drive around every significant part of town, revealing NYC as a nighttime wonderland.
You get a stop at the Highland with a guided tour pointing out the best Instagram-worthy spots. Sightseeing for over four hours, visitors will be blown away by how many fantastic views there are to see in just one city alone in this New York Tour.
Departing and returning: 770 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA.
New York Secret Food Tour of Historic Greenwich Village w/ Private Tour Option
If you’re looking for a fantastic way to see some of New York City’s most famous sites while enjoying some delicious food, then look no further than with Food Walking Tour USA’s New York Secret Food Tour of Historic Greenwich Village w/ Private Tour Option.
This privately-guided walking New York Tour takes visitors through one of Manhattan’s most popular neighborhoods as it explores New York City’s rich history and heritage with a culinary spin.
Come hungry and bring comfortable shoes; this is one tour everyone can enjoy with delicious food, a great local guide with interesting tidbits on the area, and a lively walk.
Departing: IFC Center, 323 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014, USA
Returning: 71 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014, USA
New York Highlights Bike Tour (English or Dutch)
Traveling by bike is the best option for touring busy New York. This option lets you cover more ground than on foot and avoid congested traffic.
Set out from Central Park, bike up Manhattan, and see more sights in less time. Along the way, stop at St. John the Divine (North America’s largest cathedral), Columbia University, and Riverside Park.
Continue to follow the Hudson River into downtown, then back to the East Village, and finish by the Brooklyn Bridge in Lower Manhattan.
Bikes, helmets, and bike locks are all provided for this tour.
Departing and returning at 111 W 110th St, New York, NY 10026, USA.
Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours
Central Park is home to everything from picnics to yoga classes, but many tourists miss out on one of Central Park’s best attributes—the stunning panoramic views.
Tours by NYC Park Tours of Central Park provides guided Tours that allow visitors (and locals) an insider look at some off-the-beaten-path sections of Central Park, as well as unbelievable skyline views while passing by some historical sites.
There are few things in life that compare to a ride through Central Park on a sunny day; if you can fit it into your itinerary, Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours are worth every penny.
Departing and Returning point: 1411 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA
Skip-the-Line NYC One World Observatory Combination Ticket
Hate Lines and long wait times? With your Skip-the-Line NYC One World Observatory Combination Ticket, you can expect priority admittance in a priority elevator to the viewing deck, where you can enjoy spectacular views.
Included is a One World Explorer Digital Skyline iPad Guide where you can learn about the city Virtually. as you move to different windows or screens, the iPad screen moves with you to provide information on sites.
Touch a specific label, and you’ll fly there by helicopter to get up-close views and explore each area. These benefits are provided to ticket holders when choosing a Combination Admission Ticket: a fun and unique way to tour New York.
Private Custom New York City Tour by SUV
One-on-one service: NYC on a shoestring budget is possible, but if you want to see all NYC offers without busting your budget, a Private Custom New York City Tour by SUV by Best New York Tours is suitable for you.
Expect attentive personal service and a customized tour, with pick up and return from your doorstep with flexible itineraries and stops according to your interests and needs.
This is perfect for people who already know what areas they would like to explore in New York while getting there in the comfort of a climate-controlled luxury vehicle. Go ahead and book a private vehicle tour now!
NYC TV & Movie Tour (On Location Tours)
If you love Traveling to famous spots of your favorite TV show or movie, check out NYC TV & Movie Tour (On Location Tours) by On Location Tours.
Travel New York in a comfortable coach bus with an NYC actor as your guide as he takes you to popular sites with detailed information about each visit.
As someone in the industry, you can be sure he knows more than the usual guide with regards to the Big Apple as well as the locations and filming of these popular shows.
Departing: 1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA
Returning: McGee’s Pub, 240 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, USA
New York City Live Jazz Sail
Exploring Manhattan with music is a great way to get into a fun, festive mood. The New York City Live Jazz Sail will take you around lower Manhattan and through different areas where you can enjoy live Jazz music.
They offer complimentary Champagne, wine, beer, and soft drinks with food available for purchase. You are able to bring your own packed food if you desire. Try this New York Tour and enjoy being on the water in this unique sailboat with drinks and music. What could be more fun!
Departing and returning point: 62 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011, USA
Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Food Tour
A one-of-kind experience, Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Food Tour has something for everyone. This tour combines a trip on the famous Brooklyn Bridge with an experience in Downtown Manhattan.
Whether you want to learn more about Manhattan’s history, art, and architecture, or sample some of its tastiest foods, they have something for you.
Come hungry and enjoy a beautiful walk alongside the popular DUMBO area and enjoy the tastes of independent local restaurants which are all included in your cost.
Departing: 200 Cadman Plaza W, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
Returning: Dumbo, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
Private New York Walking Tour with a Personal Photographer
Enjoy a private walking tour through Central Park, Times Square, and Battery Park with a professional photographer who is dedicated to making sure your memories are made.
This custom tour will allow you to spend more time exploring at your own pace and be available for any photo op along the way, as they know all the good angles and hot spots for Instagram, worthy photos.
With an average rating of 4.9/5 from 13 verified reviews, you can rest assured that the Private New York Walking Tour with a Personal Photographer is the best in class.
Departing: 209 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, USA
Returning: Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Conclusion
New York and its Boroughs are full of great history and beautiful sites to visit. There are so many places you can see here in NYC. This is just a small amount compared to what’s out there, but these places are still excellent for tourists and native New Yorkers. So check out some of these unique and best new york tours. You won’t regret it!