Covering over 300 square miles, New York City is pretty massive. And exploring it on your own may mean missing some of the very best the city has to offer. As a city rich with culture, you can spend your days exploring world-famous art museums, seeing landmarks that some people only dream of seeing, or even stepping into the pages of your favorite comic books.
And with such an eclectic food and drink scene, you can tour the city’s many neighborhoods to taste your way around the world. Or just chow down on some of the best pizza in the world!
With so many ways to see the Big Apple, you might not know where to start. So, we’ve compiled a list of the best NYC tours to help you become immersed in the city. Choose your favorite tour off this list, and you’re bound to have an incredible time in the City That Never Sleeps.
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The 15 Best Tours in New York City, NY
1. Become Immersed in Art with a Guided Tour of the Met
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, known simply as the Met, is a true New York City gem, which is why a guided tour of this impressive museum is one of the best NYC tours. The Met showcases over two million works of art and unique artifacts from Ancient Greece, Egypt, Europe, the Americas, and beyond. During this two-and-a-half-hour tour, you’ll skip the lines to see these famous works with a knowledgeable guide by your side.
Your guide will tell you tales of the museum and what’s inside that most visitors will never get to hear. From historical information to scandalous stories, you’ll dive deeper than any art history class you’ve ever taken.
While you’ll learn about historical figures, everyone from King Henry VIII to Vermeer, you’ll also uncover the little-known stories of the museum itself. And your guide is more than knowledgeable about art history. They’re also well-versed in life in the museum, so every tour guide brings something a little different as they tell their personal favorite anecdotes and tips on the best ways to see the museum.
2. Learn Why New York City Has the Best Pizza on a Pizza-Tasting Tour
Every city from Portland to Detroit to Chicago claims to have the best pizza. But there’s nothing quite like a slice of real New York-style pizza. On this unique four-and-a-half-hour pizza tour, you’ll hop aboard a big yellow school bus and feel like a kid again while you eat your way around four of New Yorkers’ favorite pizzerias.
Along the way, you’ll get a unique tour of Manhattan and beyond. Tour stops change weekly, but you can always guarantee that you’ll get four incredible slices from some of the best pizzerias in the city. Your tour guide also makes a point to show visitors that there’s more to New York than Manhattan, which is why some of your stops will take you to see the other boroughs, giving you an even more expansive tour of the city.
And you couldn’t ask for a better pizza-loving host. Tour founder Scott Wiener is so renowned for his love of pizza he’s been featured in “The New York Times,” “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” and throughout the “Food Network.” He’s also the host of Thillist’s “Really Dough” series.
3. Uncover the History of NYC’s Greatest Landmarks on an Architecture Tour
Manhattan is filled with some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, from Grand Central Terminal to Rockefeller Center, but how much do you know about these famous buildings? This two-and-a-half-hour architecture tour is one of the best tours in New York City if you want to dive deeper into the history of midtown Manhattan’s Art Deco treasures.
Starting from Bryant Park, you’ll walk around Manhattan as your knowledgeable guide shares the history of the buildings all around you. In addition to landmarks you already know, like the Chrysler Building, you’ll also uncover lesser-known hidden gems that are just as stunningly beautiful.
Along the way, you’ll also learn about the movement to protect New York City’s architecture and be given reference photos to see what these buildings looked like at different moments in history. This unique NYC tour is as much an architecture tour as it is a history tour.
4. Get Up Close to Lady Liberty on a Guided Tour
There is perhaps no greater symbol of NYC or the United States in general than the Statue of Liberty, which is why a tour of Lady Liberty and Ellis Island is a must-do NYC tour. When you purchase this tour option, you get quite a bit, including round-trip ferry service, admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum, admission to Ellis Island, admission to the National Museum of Immigration, and, of course, the tour itself.
If you plan on seeing Ellis Island and Liberty Island during your NYC trip, taking this tour is a great way to do it because you won’t have to worry about paying for all the extra admission costs and the ferry service. Plus, you get the added benefit of a guided tour, rather than seeing it all for yourself without a guide to help you dive deeper into the history.
You’ll start your tour on the ferry, then continue on to Liberty Island, where your guide will help you avoid the crowds and get you up close to Lady Liberty herself. Then, you’ll continue on to Ellis Island, which more than 12 million immigrants passed through between 1892 and 1954. You’ll follow in their footsteps as you explore the island and its immigration museum.
5. Discover NYC’s Hidden Speakeasies During a Prohibition History Tour
During Prohibition, organized crime blossomed in New York City, with bootlegging funding the empires of crime bosses like Charles “Lucky” Luciano. At the height of Prohibition, there were over 32,000 speakeasies operating in the city. And some of them are still around today.
With this three-hour Prohibition-themed walking tour, you’ll explore the history of this time period as you sip your way around three historical bars, pubs, and speakeasies. While you get tipsy, you’ll dive deep into how Prohibition affected New York City.
Learn about the immigration process during Prohibition, listen to tales of the most notorious bootleggers of the time, hear about the women of the Gilded Age, and finish your night off with a cocktail as you learn about why and how Prohibition ultimately failed.
More than a drinking tour, this guided journey takes you deep into one of the most talked about yet misunderstood eras of American history. You’ll walk away with a greater understanding of just how much Prohibition affected our nation’s cities.
6. Dive into the Vibrant Cultures of Chinatown and Little Italy on a Food Tour
New York City is filled with incredible food, and one of the biggest reasons why is because of how it celebrates and embraces different cultures. We can learn a lot about a culture through its food, which is why this two-hour guided food tour of Chinatown and Little Italy is one of the best NYC tours if you’re looking to learn about the diverse cultures of the city’s many residents. This unique food tour of New York City focuses on showing you places that are off the beaten path, with family-owned restaurants at its heart.
As you wander through the lively streets of these districts, you’ll learn about the history of the areas and the heritages of those who call them home. You’ll begin in Chinatown, where you’ll dine on Hong Kong-style sponge cake and visit a hidden dumpling spot.
Then, you’ll experience the romance of Little Italy as you stroll down the famous Mulberry Street. You’ll enjoy a slice of hot pizza before heading over to a 130-year-old bakery for their famous cannoli. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of NYC’s mafia crime and the only slightly more tame lore of NYC’s pizza scene.
7. Step Inside a Comic Book on a Superhero Walking Tour
If you’re looking for one of the coolest NYC tours, you’ll hardly find a better option than this two-hour guided tour to NYC’s superheroes. Both DC and Marvel Comics got their start in New York City, which is why you can see the city’s influences throughout their comic books. Many of the most famous comic book writers and illustrators called the city home, and they decided to make their characters New York City natives as well.
On this tour, you’ll journey into the comics to learn about the history of your favorite superheroes, as well as the history of the companies that created them. You’ll also visit the sites where your favorite superhero movies were filmed and iconic landmarks that feature in the comic books.
This tour also doesn’t pick sides. You’ll see where Christopher Reeve first flew as Superman and where the Avengers left a keepsake for the city. You’ll view the Green Goblin’s apartment and the Daily News building, as well as real-life landmarks like the bar where history’s greatest comic book artists congregated and the historic Publishers Row. If you love all things superheroes, this tour is a must-do!
8. Uncover the Darker Side of the City on a Gangsters and Ghosts Tour
Love a good ghost story? Then, you’ll love this two-hour tour of the underbelly of New York City. On this unique NYC tour, you’ll discover the dark side of the City That Never Sleeps as you take a guided trek through its famous neighborhoods. Along the way, you’ll hear about the city’s biggest and baddest gangsters and the ghost stories that haunt NYC’s halls.
Along your walk, you’ll visit haunted locations, like the famous haunted houses of the West Village, and old crime scenes with a historian to guide you. You’ll stop at the Five Points, known for hosting some of the most infamous gangs in New York City history. You’ll also see Chinatown’s Blood Alley and the many restaurants where mafia murders occurred in Little Italy.
You’ll discover the locations where gangsters like Lucky Luciano and John Gotti once used to gather. If you’re taking the tour during the day, you’ll also step inside the Basilica of St. Patrick, which is sure to be a highlight for any “Godfather” fans.
9. Meet a Rockette on a Radio City Music Hall Tour
Many people associate Radio City Music Hall and the Rockettes with the holiday season. There is nothing quite like seeing its famous tree with hot cocoa in hand, bundled up to protect yourself from that chilly New York air.
But Radio City Music Hall is a New York City icon, no matter what time of year you visit, which is why this one-hour tour of the beloved building is one of the coolest NYC tours. On this tour, you’ll step inside the “Showplace of the Nation” to discover the home of the Grammys, MTV Music Awards, and, of course, the Rockettes.
Here, you’ll go behind the scenes to explore the venue’s opulent Art Deco decor and even see the guest book with all the signatures of the talented acts that have graced the stage. You’ll hear stories and secrets of this iconic venue. To finish off your tour, you’ll even get to have a meet and greet with a world-famous Rockette!
10. Cycle Across Two of the Most Iconic Bridges in NYC on a Bike Tour
Want to see some of the most incredible views in New York City? This two-hour bike tour gives you everything you need to take in amazing panoramas from the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, making it one of the best tours of New York City. But you’ll do much more than ride over the bridges on this journey.
Your tour guide will provide you with a top-quality bicycle and helmet before you begin your journey on the waterfront in Dumbo. From there, you’ll venture across the Manhattan Bridge, taking in the sights of the East Side, Williamsburg, and Wallabout Bay.
Then, you’ll head into Chinatown and ride along a protected bike path on the East River Esplanade, continuing on to see the Freedom Tower and One World Trade. Your next stop is City Hall Park, where you’ll see landmarks like the Woolworth Building and the Tweed Courthouse.
It’s on to the Brooklyn Bridge, providing views of the Statue of Liberty herself and the downtown Manhattan skyline. You’ll then see more landmarks, like the first historically preserved neighborhood in the US, Brooklyn Heights, before ending back where you began in Dumbo.
11. See Central Park on a One-of-a-Kind Pedicab Tour
Riding in the back of a pedicab is an experience you can’t miss when you visit New York City. And this hour-long Central Park tour is one of the best ways to do it!
Central Park is truly massive, covering 843 acres. It’s not uncommon to visit the famous park and find that the sights you want to visit are quite a trek apart. Pedicabs make it easy to see those landmarks all in one day.
This tour will show you some of the most well-known locations in the park, including the Strawberry Fields and the Bow Bridge. While you ride, your tour guide will explain the historical significance of what you’re seeing and drop in fun facts you’ve never heard before.
You’ll also be taken to some spots you’ll recognize from your favorite movies and shows, from “Elf” to “Spider-Man” to “Gossip Girl.” Want to act out those iconic moments? Lucky for you, this tour comes with your own private photographer to help you relive your favorite scenes.
12. Walk in the Footsteps of a Founding Father on a Hamilton Guided Tour
No, this tour is not a journey through where the musical “Hamilton” was conceived and created. But this two-hour walking tour of the life of Alexander Hamilton was certainly inspired by the international success of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit show. And if you’re a fan of Hamilton, either the person or the show, this NYC tour is a can’t-miss thing to do in the city.
Along this journey, you’ll learn about one of the most controversial founding fathers and how he paved the way for the world as we know it today. You’ll begin in Trinity Church. Here is where your story starts and Hamilton’s ends, as you’ll be able to pay your respects at his final resting place.
From there, you’ll learn about Hamilton’s role in revolutionary movements across time, as well as the creation of the New York Stock Exchange. You’ll end your tour at one of the oldest bars in town, where you’ll grab a drink in the same place where Hamilton and Aaron Burr last met before their infamous duel that took Hamilton’s life.
13. See the City That Never Sleeps at Night on a Skyline Tour
There’s nothing like seeing the famous New York City skyline at night. It’s a truly spectacular view, and this four-hour tour lets you see as the buildings begin to light up the night as the sky darkens.
But this tour might be a controversial pick as you’re actually not in New York at all. You can’t really see the full skyline if you’re standing in Manhattan itself. It actually takes place across the water over in New Jersey. Luckily, you don’t have to travel to New Jersey on your own for the tour. The tour guide can pick you up over in midtown Manhattan.
From there, you’ll take in stunning sights of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and much more, with a professional guide to help make sure you know the history of everything you’re seeing. You’ll also visit Liberty State Park, the Empty Sky Memorial, and the famous Carlo’s Bakery, known for the TLC show “Cake Boss.”
14. Taste Your Way Around Hell’s Kitchen on a Food Tour
Hell’s Kitchen is one of the best and most famous culinary neighborhoods in New York City, which is why eating your way around it is one of the best tours in New York City. On this two-hour Hell’s Kitchen walking tour, you’ll dive deep into the history of the neighborhood as you sample dishes at five unique locations.
As you savor everything from khinkali to fresh-baked cookies, your host will immerse you in stories of Hell’s Kitchen’s past. Learn about the Irish Americans who once built the neighborhood and the difficult immigration history of the area.
Uncover just why it’s called Hell’s Kitchen and how the neighborhood inspired art like the iconic musical “West Side Story.” At the end of your tour, you’ll come away full and happy, as well as leaving with a deeper understanding of the evolution of this unique NYC neighborhood.
15. Remember the Fallen at a 9/11 Memorial Tour
There’s no denying that September 11, 2001, changed not just New York City but the world forever. But those living in New York City at the time know a side of this tragedy that few people could even imagine. This unique NYC tour may have quite a bit heavier content than the other tours on this list, but it’s a tour you’ll never forget.
On this 90-minute 9/11 memorial tour, you’ll hear stories of triumph and tragedy told to you by a real New Yorker with personal ties to the events of 9/11. You’ll begin your tour at St. Paul’s Chapel, the oldest public building in NYC in continuous use that miraculously survived the 9/11 attacks despite being so close to Ground Zero. It became a makeshift rescue center and community bulletin board in the aftermath of 9/11 and now serves as a tribute site to the fallen.
You’ll also see the Firefighter’s 9/11 Memorial Wall and Engine and Ladder Company 10/10, the fire station at Ground Zero. From there, you’ll enter the memorial itself, where you’ll see the Reflecting Absence Memorial, symbolizing the vast void left behind in the wake of the tragedy, and learn the names of the nearly 3,000 victims written around the waterfall.
At the end of the tour, you have the option to also visit the One World Observatory. The observation deck is where you’ll find interactive displays filled with more stories, but it’s also where you’ll find one of the best views in all of New York City!
There you have it! The 15 best tours in New York City. What’s your favorite NYC tour? Let us know in the comments!
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