It’s America’s tourism posterchild — and the best NYC city tours manage to communicate the raw, unique essence that has made New York the city of all cities.
With so many things to do in NYC, you could spend weeks here and barely scratch the surface. That’s exactly why first-time travelers opt for guided city tours; in the space of just a few hours, you’re treated to a highlight reel of New York City – its art, history, food and architecture.
See my top 3 New York City tours below, or keep reading for a thorough breakdown of the tours and their offerings.
| # | Activity Type | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Statue of Liberty Cruise | From $35 | 1 hour |
| 2 | Hop-on hop-off bus tour | From $58 | 1-2 day ticket access |
| 3 | Manhattan helicopter tour | From $289 | 20 minutes |
Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!
1 – Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise
Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 (6011 reviews)
“Nice quick ride to the Statue of Liberty and back. Good guide and good music and good boat.” Jeffrey, Getyourguide
Once a gift from France, the Statue of Liberty has become an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy. On this hour-long sightseeing cruise, you’ll sail past Lady Liberty herself, getting an up-close look at her stunning features and learning all about her transformation into a national monument.
You’ll also cruise past Ellis Island, the gateway for over 12 million immigrants, with plenty of stories to be told by the Statue Walks LLC team. Besides being blessed with a unique perspective of these two historical landmarks, you’ll also be treated to wonderful views of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. What’s not to love?
Summary of tour:
- 1-hour cruise
- See Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and Freedom Tower
- Cash bar on board
Our review
No visit to NYC is complete without the Statue of Liberty. So you might as well see her on a wonderful boat ride! The crew are extremely friendly (sometimes they let you steer the boat), the boat has restrooms and a bar, and views across the harbor are spectacular. Given the reasonable price, this gets out tick of approval.
Read more: Best boat tours in NYC
2 – New York City: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 (2493 reviews)
“It was very cool not having to worry about transportation all day and just being able to get on and off pretty much anywhere and at any time. This way you can get a good overview and check out the most famous sights. It was really fun!” Sam, Getyourguide
The big, double-decker buses are touristy for good reason: they hit up almost all of the best tourist attractions in New York City, with the bonus of being able to hop on and off whenever and wherever you like.
The Big Bus Tours sightseeing adventure is all about convenience and flexibility. Whether you opt for the Downtown Loop (which passes places like Battery Park, SoHo, Chelsea and Greenwich), the Uptown Loop (Grand Central Terminal, Central Park and more), or both, you’ll see a huge range of notable landmarks.
All buses come with an audioguide to give you the rundown about each attraction too. What’s not to love about a classic NYC bus tour?
Summary of tour:
- Hop on and off at your leisure
- Choose between 2 different routes
- Choose between a 1 or 2-day ticket
- Prices vary depending on which route you choose and any extra add-ons you wish to purchase.
- The classic 1-day Downtown Loop ticket is the cheapest, at US$54 for adults and US$45 for kids (3-12).
- The 1-day Downtown and Uptown loops combo costs US$72 for adults and US$63 for kids.
- The 2-day Downtown and Uptown loops combo ticket costs US$90 for adults and US$81 for kids.
- Add-on: A 1-day Downtown and Uptown loops combo plus a cruise around Liberty Island costs US$100 for adults and US$90 for kids.
- Add-on: A 1-day Downtown and Uptown loop combo plus entry to the Empire State Building AND a ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands (museum access not included) costs US$130 for adults and US$120 for kids.
Our review
A fantastic way to get your bearings! These are more affordable than small group tours AND you can also see the sights at your own pace. You won’t get the personalized feeling of a private tour, but you can spend more time at the places that interest you most.
We recommend the Uptown+Downtown loops at the beginning of your NYC trip.
3 – 20-Min Ultimate NYC Helicopter Tour from Downtown Manhattan
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (2591 reviews)
“This was a brilliant experience, a unique birds eye view of the Big Apple.” Theodore, Headout
Short, sweet, and serving up incredible views of America’s posterchild, helicopter rides invite you to ditch the foot traffic and see the entire Manhattan Island from a whole new perspective.
Taking off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, the chopper soars high above famous sights like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Palisade Cliffs.
But it’s not just sightseeing; with a professional pilot doubling as your VIP tour guide, you’ll learn all about the city’s major landmarks too.
Being such a quick experience, you’ll have stacks of time to do a few of the other top things to do in Manhattan afterward.
Summary of tour:
- Spend 20 minutes in the air
- Aerial view of over 12 attractions
- Shared helicopter
Our review
A bucket list activity worth splurging on, this exciting helicopter tour is worth every penny. The views are second to none, and the insightful pilot comments make this experience even more special. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned NYC veteran, seeing the Big Apple from above is worth doing once in everyone’s life. 10/10.
4 – Guided Bus and Walking Tour with Staten Island Ferry
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (152 reviews)
“We saw and learned so much. Hit so many iconic sights and loved the walk in Central Park.” Marcia, GetYourGuide
See all the best New York City has to offer on this whirlwind excursion by USA Guided Tours that will see you covering both land and sea. Tour some of the most iconic locations in Manhattan including the Rockefeller Center and the Flatiron District. Then, board the Staten Island Ferry for the best perspective of the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline.
On your return, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial Pools by bus to pay your respects. End off your experience with a sightseeing walk down glittering Fifth Avenue. All along the way during your tour, you’ll benefit from the insightful commentary of an expert guide who will open your eyes to a different side of NYC.
Our review
If you’re short on time and want to squeeze in as many iconic New York City as possible into a day, this tour is a great option! Your guides are experts in all things NYC – history, architecture and local lore – so you’ll learn plenty as you cover most of Manhattan.
5 – Boroughs of NYC: Harlem, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn & Coney Island
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (1378 reviews)
“As a first timer to New York, this is a great tour to give you a high-level understanding of 4 of the 5 boroughs.” Jack, Viator
With skyscrapers aplenty, Manhattan steals the spotlight. But in reality, it’s only one of five boroughs that make up New York City, and each boasts its own energy, landmarks and fantastic attractions.
On the Amigo Tours USA Boroughs Tour, you’ll get to discover Harlem, the birthplace of jazz and hip hop, Queens, home to the most diverse population in the world, the Bronx, renowned for its eccentric street art and Brooklyn, the NYC hipster capital.
Throw in an optional stop at historic Coney Island (widely considered to be one of the best things to do in Long Island) and you’ve got yourself an all-encompassing, highly educational day out!
- After meeting your group near Grand Central Terminal, your local guide will first take you up to Harlem, where you'll see the iconic Apollo Theater. Next stop is the Bronx, where you'll pass by the Big Pun Mural and the Bronx–Whitestone Bridge.
- You'll then head toward Queens where you'll have some time to explore the Flushing Meadows Corona Park before crossing the Kosciuszko Bridge to Brooklyn. After wandering around Crown Heights, Williamsburg and DUMBO, you'll then either cross the Brooklyn Bridge and finish your tour or head to Coney Island.
- The tour's finishing point is up to you: choose from Coney Island, DUMBO, or Grand Central Terminal.
Our review
Very few tours cover as much ground as this one. With stops in all 4 boroughs, you’ll get a real taste of the distinctly different vibes that, when put together, make up the NYC charm. The guides are professional and humorous too.
If you want to learn about the history and culture of each neighborhood, plus see the sights, we’d certainly recommend this tour.
6 – Private Custom New York City Tour by SUV
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (387 reviews)
“Absolutely great experience, my kids will remember it for ever. Even the car was perfect Thank you Ryan!!!” Manuel, Viator
All about that VIP feeling, this tour ditches the touristy big buses and cookie-cutter itineraries; you choose the route and the duration, and then your very own tour guide will make sure that your day is as fun and insightful as possible — that’s the beauty of New York City private tours.
Of course, you’re more than welcome to leave your destiny in the guide’s hands, who’ll happily whisk you to iconic landmarks and hidden gems while sharing insights into each neighborhood.
Whether you want to spend your day shopping at designer boutiques, indulging in delicious food, or snapping selfies at famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, Best New York Tours‘ SUV adventure has got you covered.
Our review
If you want to craft your own experience, the private SUV tour is ideal. Bernice, Sheldon, Ryan and the team are so incredibly caring and helpful. It’s amazing how much sightseeing and storytelling they can squeeze into half a day.
The downside is the price; however, if you’re traveling with a large group it becomes much more reasonable. A fantastic option!
7 – SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (1592 reviews)
” would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the history of these 3 very unique neighborhoods!” Judith, Viator
A huge part of Manhattan’s charm comes from the dynamic subcultures scattered throughout its streets, and this walking tour shows off three of the most unique enclaves one after the other.
Led by knowledgeable guides from ExperienceFirst, you’ll wander through SoHo, a neighborhood renowned for its high fashion and trendy stores, before heading to Little Italy where you can indulge in authentic Italian cuisine and learn about the area’s 19th-century architecture as well as the decades of gang violence.
On top of Soho and Little Italy, throw in Chinatown, where buzzing markets and bustling streets will immerse you in Eastern culture and tradition, and you’ve got yourself quite the whirlwind tour!
Our review
Affordable, enjoyable, and an excellent way to dive into the NYC cultural melting pot, this walking tour is a must-do. Mindy, Andrea, Esa, Tim and the ExperienceFirst crew know so much about SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown – not just their modern sides, but also about their rich histories. We would certainly recommend this activity.
Read more: Best walking tours in NYC
8 – Private New York Walking Tour with Photoshoot
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (28 reviews)
“I had the best time with photographer Mike, he made cool shots for me in spite of the heavy weather, and Sasha made amazing photo works. It became one of my wonderful experiences in New York City.” Toshifumi, Viator
If crowded walking tours and cliché big buses give you the ick, a private tour is the perfect antidote. Sure, you’ll get to witness quintessential landmarks, but you’ll do it in style, with your very own passionate guide.
The other standout part of this tour is the photos. Forget about selfies all day; your private guide doubles as a professional photographer. You’ll end up with around 30-90 high-quality snaps when it’s all said and done!
The best part? The tour is completely customizable based on what YOU want to see. Pick locations such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Times Square and Grand Central to be your incredible backdrop.
- A 1-hour photo shoot costs $350 per group and includes 30 photos at 1 location.
- A 2-hour photo shoot costs $595 per group and includes 60 photos at 2 locations.
- A 3-hour photo shoot costs $700 per group and includes 90 photos at 3 locations.
Our review
It may seem a little touristy to have your own photographer, but make no mistake, this tour is one of the best for tourists wanting to capture their time in NYC! For first-timers, it’s a fantastic way to get your bearings and to also memorialize your journey.
9 – NYC TV & Movie Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (1053 reviews)
“Loved this tour! Comfortable ride, awesome sights, and Benji was so knowledgeable and kind! I would highly recommend this tour!” Heather, Viator
Forget about Tinseltown because when it comes to movie and TV filming backdrops, New York City is the real star.
From the iconic Central Park Home Alone bridge to the Empire State Building (King Kong, When Harry Met Sally, and dozens more), and countless locales featured in titles like Seinfeld, Friends, and SATC (see #20), this movie tour lets you relive all your favorite cinematic moments.
Led by an On Location Tours actor-guide, you’ll get to drive around Midtown and Central Park, checking off places like the Wollman Rink, Fifth Avenue, the Friends Building, and even the GhostBusters Firestation. All the while, you’ll hear stories and fun facts about the movie sets, characters and actors. How good!
Our review
Cinephiles, this one is a non-negotiable afternoon activity! Benji, Chris and the team have phenomenal energy and are undisputed experts in all things NYC film and TV.
Besides snapping selfies at dozens of famous movie locations, you’ll also hear all the insider gossip about your favorite shows. Highly entertaining and certainly worth doing!
Read more: Best TV & movie locations tours in New York City
10 – New York City: Highlights of Central Park Bike Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 (414 reviews)
“We stopped at the sights and were given some time to take a better look around. It was definitely worth it and you get to see the park well at a fast pace.” Ricardo, Getyourguide
If you’re on the hunt for family things to do in New York City with kids, you can never go wrong with Central Park. Spread across 843 acres, this slice of world-famous greenery acts as a much-needed breath of fresh air from the loud, crowded city streets.
Due to its size, you’d need at least an entire day to cross off all the main things to do in Central Park. Instead, why not speed things up with Unlimited Biking‘s Central Park Bike Tour?
Led by local New Yorkers, you’ll pedal through the park, stopping at locations like Strawberry Fields, the Bethesda Terrace, and The Central Park Zoo, as well as lesser-known gems like the Alice in Wonderland statue and Belvedere Castle.
Our review
Central Park is world-famous, but it’s hard to cover all of it on foot, especially in just a few hours. That’s why Unlimited Biking’s tour is a great option. On top of the amazing sightseeing, the tour guides are also super knowledgeable about the history and fun facts of the park. We recommend this tour, especially for families.
Read more: Best bike tours in NYC
11 – Broadway Theaters and Times Square with a Theater Professional
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (435 reviews)
“Loved learning about the history of the theater district! Our guide was very informative! I will look at the theaters in a new light now.” Jennifer, Viator
NYC’s beating heart is its Theatre District – from Times Square to the dozens of Broadway theaters, the energy and excitement is palpable year-round.
Led by the theater-obsessed ExperienceFirst crew, this walking tour shows off the history, the culture, and the behind-the-scenes magic of Broadway. From the first show in 1866 to today’s record-breaking hits, you’ll learn about the evolution and impact of Broadway on New York City – and hear all about the best Broadway shows to see right now as well.
Tours usually run at 4pm, leaving you with plenty of time to catch a show afterwards (one of the quintessential things to do in New York City at night) or check off some of the other things to do in Times Square.
Our review
Keith, Chris, Tim and the ExperienceFirst crew make sure this tour is well worth your time. For budding performers and theater enthusiasts alike, it’s one of the best city tours in NYC.
Times Square can get very chaotic, so having a local by your side to navigate the crowds is a huge plus. If you don’t mind the hustle and bustle, it’s a great option.
Read more: List of Broadway theaters – which one is best?
12 – Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (702 reviews)
“This was a great way to look at all of New York famous buildings and learn about their history! I would go again!” Jessica, Viator
All about luxury, sophistication and (as the name suggests) architecture, this NYC cruise is definitely one for those who like to travel in style. Once on board the 1920s-style yacht, you’ll spend almost 3 hours cruising around the Hudson and East Rivers while taking in stunning views of staple Manhattan landmarks.
While you’ll pass by the Freedom Tower, the Chrysler Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, Roosevelt Island and more, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill sightseeing boat cruise. The expert American Institute of Architects guide waxes commentary about the city’s rich history, making it a thorough architectural tour.
Our review
With an architectural landscape that changes daily, if there were ever a city to study the different styles of buildings, bridges and monuments, it’s this one.
While more expensive than regular cruises, the architecture yacht tour dives into themes of which other tours barely scratch the surface. The crew are experts, and the boat itself is stunning. Highly recommended!
13 – New York City Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (331 reviews)
“My friends and I loved the tour, it was very interesting! I definitely have some new facts to share with my family 🙂 The tour guide was amazing and was able to answer all of my dumb questions about the city!” Caroline, Viator
Modern-day Greenwich is known as the home of Manhattan counterculture; a hipster, groovy district with art galleries and trendy bars around every corner. But dig beneath the glamorous surface and you’ll discover that this neighborhood also has a long history of hauntings, crime and paranormal activity.
And there’s no better group to share the spine-tingling stories than Top Dog Tours. Taking a moonlit walking tour through the Village’s winding streets, you’ll hear tales of murder, mystery, and mayhem as you visit haunted places like Washington Square Park, the Jefferson Market Library, and the Cherry Lane Theatre, to name a few.
Our review
A refreshing alternative to the traditional sightseeing tour, this bone-chilling Village walkthrough truly brings the spooky history of Greenwich to life. Luke, Katie and Rory are expert storytellers, keeping the tour engaging from start to end. If you want to venture off the beaten path, we highly recommend this tour.
14 – Private Harlem Soul Food and Jazz Evening Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 (127 reviews)
“Extremely knowledgeable regarding Harlem; very pleasant personality; enjoyed the music and atmosphere; food excellent!” Melody, Viator
Undeniably one of Manhattan’s most fascinating neighborhoods, Harlem is renowned for its rich history as the birthplace of jazz, hip hop and everyone’s favorite soul food. On this private evening tour (run by the great team at Harlem Spirituals), you’ll get to wander through the lively Harlem streets, popping into jazz clubs, passing by well-known landmarks and, of course, tasting some traditional soul food dishes at the one and only Sylvia’s restaurant.
All the while, you’ll learn all about how this dynamic enclave rose to fame in the 1920s, becoming a hub for African-American culture. Being a private tour, you can guarantee a more personalized, intimate experience too.
Our review
If you prefer budget-friendly experiences, look elsewhere. If you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks for a personalized tour that covers everything from history and culture to music and food, then this Harlem walkthrough is unbeatable. The live show at the Cotton Club, in particular, is top-notch. Worth doing!
15 – NYC: 3-Hour Gossip Girl Sites Bus Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (321 reviews)
“It was a very nice experience for my family to be able to enjoy this experience and see serious places that I liked so much.” Cesar, Getyourguide
Calling all Gossip Girl fans! Get ready to step into the glamorous world of Manhattan’s elite, following in the footsteps of Blair and Serena as you make your way to a stack of the 40+ NYC locations (!) featured in the hit TV series.
From Grand Central Terminal to the beautiful Upper East Side, you’ll be whisked away to the Vera Wang boutique where Blair tried on her wedding gown, the candy store where Dan helped Vanessa shop, Chuck Bass’ new business, and a whole lot more.
And since the Gossip Girl tour guides are usually diehard fans of the show, you’ll hear all sorts of insider trivia along the way.
Our review
This tour isn’t for everyone, but if you’re a fan of the show, it’s as bucket list-worthy as they come. Abby and co. are nice, engaging and funny (doubling as photographers) and the sites are all really interesting. The macaroons at Ladurée are a bonus! The verdict? Worth doing for diehard fans.
Read more: Gossip Girl tours in New York – everything you should know
16 – The Original Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture, Bus Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (737 reviews)
“This was a great tour of Brooklyn. We learnt so much about the culture and history from our amazing tour guide Laurie. And to top it all off, the food stops were absolutely delicious!” Ian, Viator
Move over, Manhattan! NYC’s most hipster borough is a smorgasbord of cultural and culinary delights waiting to be discovered. Renowned as one of the best NYC food tours, this half-day foodie adventure (led by the experts at New York Fun Tours), takes you on a lip-smacking journey through the premier Brooklyn eateries.
Sure to tantalize the tastebuds, you’ll get to dig into shawarma, pierogies, pizza, cannolis, and French bonbons. But it’s not exclusively about eating. You’ll get your fair share of sightseeing too, passing by the likes of the Brooklyn Bridge (one of the top things to do in Brooklyn), Prospect Park, DUMBO, and Williamsburg.
Our review
The Best of Brooklyn excursion is a non-stop highlight reel of the city’s biggest, most dynamic borough. Regardless of where you go on any given day, expect exceptional food tastings from all kinds of international cuisines. For the amount of food you get, the price is very reasonable too. We consider this a must-do tour for foodies!
Read more: Best food tours in NYC
17 – Free Walking Tour: VIP Financial District Stroll
Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 (1008 reviews)
“Omar was a great guide. It was a great introduction to the city. I will highly recommend this tour to everyone visiting NYC for the first time.” Sameer, Guruwalk
Where modern skyscrapers contrast centuries-old churches and taverns; where the oldest immigration hub meets Wall Street; where the sobering 9/11 Memorial stands, the Financial District is so much more than finance.
This tour highlights the district’s most iconic landmarks — think the New York Stock Exchange, Trinity Church, Federal Hall and the Freedom Tower. Like you would on Wall Street tours, you’ll wander through the story-filled streets, hearing all about the city’s rich history, its status as the nation’s economic heart, and the impact of major events like the 9/11.
The best part? It’s a totally free walking tour, making the Guru Walk one of the best cheap things to do in New York City.
Our review
Informative, entertaining, and totally free! What’s not to love? Besides being experts in local history and culture, Omar, William and the Guru Walk team are also happy to give recommendations on what to do later on. If you’re on a budget, we couldn’t speak any higher of this tour.
18 – High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (699 reviews)
“We loved the entire tour. Especially the stories about the meatpacking district were fascinating. Great mixture of History, current facts and humour.” Clara, Viator
A former elevated railway line transformed into a modern urban park, the High Line has rapidly risen the ranks to become one of the Big Apple’s must-visit attractions.
The ExperienceFirst small group tour reveals the history and architecture of the area, showing off the hidden gems in gentrified Chelsea and the Meatpacking District too (where great food, quaint bars and designer boutiques are aplenty).
Come hungry; a highlight of the tour is a walkthrough of the buzzing Chelsea Market – a hundred-year-old former factory that’s now home to more than 50 shops and eateries.
Based on the flawless 5-star ratings, the people have voted this one of the best NYC city tours.
Our review
Chelsea and the Meatpacking District have so much character! Jon, Ben, Evan, Maki and the whole ExperienceFirst team share great stories as you stroll through the charming streets.
You’ll learn about the economy, the architecture, the history and the culture all in one — we’d definitely suggest giving this tour a go!
19 – New York City: The Sopranos Filming Locations Bus Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (146 reviews)
“Great tour which took us to most of the sopranos regular filming sights! Would recommend to get better insight and little places you wouldn’t think of as we had considered hiring a car and doing ourselves but never would have spotted so much.” Katie, Viator
Walk in the shadows of Tony, Jennifer, Christopher and the rest of the Soprano gang on this fascinating Sopranos tour that takes you to all of their famous filming locations.
With the On Location Tours experts (read: diehard Soprano fans) leading the way, you’ll see fan-favorite spots like the Bada Bing, Pizzaland, Fr. Phil’s Parish, and no less than 40 more TV-featured haunts. Along the way, expect to hear all kinds of behind-the-scenes stories about the making of this beloved show.
If you love the Sopranos, this is easily one of the best NYC city tours.
Our review
If you’re a Sopranos diehard, this tour is truly unmissable. You squeeze heaps into 4 hours but everything runs seamlessly. The major haunts are well-documented, but this tour shows off stacks of little places you wouldn’t even think of visiting (or know where to find).
20 – Sex and the City Hotspots Bus Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (1119 reviews)
“Seeing all the places that were important, the tour covered all the seasons. The behind-the-scenes stories were very entertaining. Having a Cosmopolitan at Steve and Aiden’s bar was the best.” Joni, Viator
Whether you’re a Samantha, Carrie, Miranda, or Charlotte, this Sex and the City tour screams out “join me!” for any true fan.
From Steve and Aidan’s Scout Bar (Onieal’s) where the girls have gossiped to cupcake stores they’ve shopped at, even Carrie’s West Village brownstone, you’ll get to see over 40 locations featured in the beloved show.
The On Location Tours team aren’t just chaperones either; they’re SATC fanatics who have carefully crafted this tour to be the ultimate experience for diehard fans – and they’ll share countless behind-the-scenes tidbits along the way.
Our review
This is a fantastic way to see lovely parts of Manhattan and discover locations from the beloved series at the same time. Expect loads of interesting trivia, plenty of jokes, and a few delightful SATC surprises.
The highlight? Having a Cosmopolitan at Steve and Aiden’s bar, of course! Definitely a must if you love the show❤️
Read more: Sex and the City tours in New York – which one is the best?
21 – Brooklyn: Bushwick Street Art Walking Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (264 reviews)
“Great tour of Brooklyn street art. The guide was superb and introduced us to the origin of graffiti in this legendary district of New York. My teenage son loved doing this activity.” Kia, Getyourguide
While Manhattan sits in the spotlight, its East River neighbor flies under the radar. With world-class eateries, stunning waterfront views and a hipster art scene that’s as colorful as its street murals, Brooklyn deserves your daytime attention.
On this street art tour of Bushwick, you’ll uncover the secrets of what’s dubbed the “largest outdoor street art gallery” in NYC, checkout out graffiti (by Fumero, Giz, Dasic and Danielle Mastrion), colorful murals and thought-provoking installations that liven up the area.
You’ll get to meet a real graffiti artist as well, and the Wandering Barman coffee is the cherry on top.
Our review
If you like to venture off the beaten path and discover the cultural gems of a city, then this Bushwick street art tour is a great shout.
You’ll learn about the history of graffiti art in New York and don’t have to walk too much to do so! Audrey and the team are knowledgeable and enthusiastic with a sense of humor too. Affordable and worthwhile!
22 – New York City: The Ride Interactive Bus Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 (210 reviews)
“The Ride experience totally made our trip to NYC. The reviews and photos on line do not do it true justice. (…) I would recommend this to all ages and guarantee a great time. I would do it again tomorrow.” Clare, Getyourguide
Part city tour, part Broadway musical, and collectively a whole lot of fun!
Combining sightseeing with music and theater, The Ride is an interactive 75-minute bus tour that whisks you through the characteristic streets of Manhattan while entertaining and educating you with live performances.
Unlike typical bus tours, you actually face sideways, with the streets becoming the stage. That means one moment you’ll be serenaded in front of Grand Central, and the next you could be seeing a live ballet show at Bryant Park or a freestyle rap performance at Columbus Circle!
With 3 rows of stadium-style seats, unlike your typical Broadway theater, there’s no bad seat in the house on The Ride.
Our review
Embodying the essence of New York, The Ride is one of the best ways to experience the city’s deep-rooted musical theater culture. It combines the best of both worlds – Broadway talent and landmark sightseeing – to show off the city in a way you’ve never seen before.
It’s one of our top picks for NYC city tours!
23 – NYC: Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (297 reviews)
“The speakeasy tour was a highlight of our trip for sure! Our guide Jack was awesome and had great drink recommendations. The three bars we went to had great atmosphere and delicious drinks and weren’t places we would have found on our own. Highly recommend!” Brianne, Getyourguide
These days, NYC is chock-full of craft breweries and lavish cocktail bars. But it wasn’t always this way. In the 1920s, Prohibition forced New Yorkers to drink in hiding.
On this NiteTables Experiences walk down memory lane, you’ll travel back in time to experience the roaring ’20s, popping into 3 historical watering holes around Midtown Manhattan.
Unlike most pub crawls in New York City, this one’s heavily educational. Cocktails in hand, you’ll learn about infamous bootleggers, notorious gangsters and the women of the Gilded Age. Overall, not only is it one of the best New York City night tours, it’s one of the best NYC speakeasy tours, period.
Our review
The perfect combination of fun and educational, this thirst-quenching tour makes a point to venture away from the cliché tourist spots.
Since drinks aren’t included you have the freedom to order whatever libations take your fancy too. Thanks to Jack, Ariel and the guides being so welcoming and insightful, this tour is an excellent option.
24 – Dyker Heights Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (486 reviews)
“After Dyker Heights we got to stop at a great photo spot for the Brooklyn bridge perfect quick pit stop to get some photos before heading back. Highly recommend and would do it again!” Nicole, Viator
When the annual festive season rolls around, the Big Apple lights up like no other city. But there’s one quiet Brooklyn neighborhood that puts the rest to shame: Dyker Heights.
Sure to ignite the holiday cheer, the Tour America excursion whisks you to the most elaborately decorated streets in Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge, passing by hundreds of animatronic and inflatable toy soldiers, Santa Clauses, elves and reindeer.
But you’re not just stuck on the bus – on foot, you’ll wander through the neighborhood and get to witness the dazzling, often music-synced houses up close.
The view of the lit-up Brooklyn Bridge at tour’s end is the cherry on top of this Christmas lights tour.
Our review
A lovely way to embrace the holiday season magic, this tour shows off a typically unseen part of NYC. Luiz, Alan and the team make it fun, entertaining and insightful, and the lights – well, they’re on another level! We rate this as one of the best NYC Christmas tours.
How to book city tours in NYC?
Don’t wait until you’re in NYC to book your tour. To secure the best price and your preferred timeslot, you need to book in advance.
But rather than spending hours scouring different tour companies, make your life easier by using an all-in-one search engine like TourScanner.
With TourScanner, you can compare all of the tours, prices, reviews and discounts to ensure you’re scoring the best possible deal.