When a city is nicknamed “The City That Never Sleeps”, you know you’re in for a hell of a trip as there are so many things to see, new experiences to be had and unforgettable moments to be made. But if you are visiting NYC for a weekend or have limited time in the Big Apple, you’ll want to spend your time wisely, and what better way to do that then with NYC’s finest tours. So, get ready to have some fun in “The City That Never Sleeps” with this list of best tours in New York City!
Note: All tours listed here are bookable through GetYourGuide – our no. 1 choice when it comes to booking guided tours and excursions. They have an excellent reputation, great customer service, competitive prices, and free 24-hour cancellation. You seriously can’t go wrong by booking your tours with them.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: 4-Hour Guided Tour
The Statue of Liberty is NYC’s most popular attraction which means two things, you can’t visit NYC without seeing it and you and a million others will be trying to see it at the same time. But fear not, with this 4-hour tour you’ll feel like a VIP as you skip the long queues and head straight to the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with your expert guide. Learn about the remarkable history and architectural beauty of the Statue of Liberty, hear the stories of the immigrants who passed through Ellis Island, see amazing views of NYC’s skyline and of course, explore the beautiful grounds of both Lady Liberty and Ellis Island.
5.5-Hour New York City Tour
Experience New York City’s best landmarks on a 5.5-hour tour, starting with Central Park West and journeying through all the main attractions in Manhattan. And guess what, you won’t have to lift a finger… well maybe just a little bit to take selfies with the Flatiron Building, Radio City Hall, the Empire State Building and more. But what makes this tour one of the best tours in New York City is not just the attractions you see, but the neighborhoods and areas you get to explore. From Little Italy and Chinatown to Wall Street and Harlem, you won’t miss a beat with this tour. So what are you waiting for, book your tour today, you won’t regret it!
New York City Deluxe Helicopter Tour
Head into the sky with one of the best tours in New York City and see the Big Apple from a different angle with this helicopter tour. As an eagle soaring the sky, with floor to ceiling windows, you’ll see NYC’s green lung, Central Park, the iconic Empire State Building, the beautiful Lady Liberty (Statue of Liberty) and so much more. There’s truly no better way to enjoy a bird’s eye view of The City That Never Sleeps than with this amazing helicopter tour.
Washington, D.C. Day Trip from New York
While visiting the Big Apple why not make a side trip to one of the most important places in U.S. history, Washington, D.C. Learn about American history and the U.S. government while exploring Capitol Hill and seeing the White House, the Capitol and the Senate. But fear not, the history and fun continues as you discover the impressive Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, pay respect to the fallen at the Lincoln, Korean, and Vietnam Memorials and visit the Arlington National Cemetery to see the grave of the famous U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Even though this day trip to D.C. is jam packed with sights, it’s worth every second, especially if you are a history buff :)
Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn Half-Day Tour
Get off the beaten path and see the real New York City with a tour of Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens. On this tour you’ll be exposed to communities of Caribbean, Greek, and Russian-Americans, among others, who call these areas home. When you get away from all the tourists, you’ll get to see what the locals are really like and can connect with the city on a deeper level. That connection is invaluable and easily makes this one of the best tours in New York City. Head home with stories about the people and the community, not just selfies and souvenirs.
4-Hour Harlem Gospel Tour
Go for a different NYC experience on this four-hour Harlem Gospel Tour. Before heading to church for an inspirational gospel mass, you’ll pass famous landmarks like Columbia University, Morningside Heights, Saint John the Divine Cathedral and more. Once you’ve got a glimpse of Harlem, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the uplifting harmonies of this unique gospel mass. As you experience such a powerful message and beautiful energy, you understand just why this tour is a must while visiting the Big Apple.
Ground Zero 9/11 Memorial Tour
Take a tour of Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial to honor those who lost their lives in this tragic event and see where it all happened. Hear stories of tragedy and bravery from guides with personal connections to 9/11 as you explore St. Paul’s Chapel, see the tribute to 9/11 victims and visit the 9/11 Museum. After this tour you’ll leave with a greater understanding for what people went through on this sad day in American history.
Birthplace of Hip-Hop Bus Tour – Harlem & The Bronx
Get transported back in time to where hip-hop got its first roots with legendary hip-hop pioneers like Kurtis Blow, Reggie Reg (Crash Crew) and Rahiem (Furious Five) as your guide. As you journey through the old stomping grounds of these extraordinary artists, you’ll hear firsthand stories about the birth and evolution of hip-hop, as well as visit and take pictures of hip-hop’s most instrumental landmarks like the Apollo Theater and the Graffiti Wall of Fame, to name a few. This unique 4-hour celebrity guided hip-hop tour is one of the best tours in New York City and it’s bound to be one of those unforgettable moments on your trip to New York City.
Gossip Girl Sites Tour
“Hello, Upper East Siders!”, are you ready to walk the footsteps of Manhattan’s elite, Blair, Serena, Dan, and Nate on this 3-hour Gossip Girl Site Tour? Of course you are! Visit over 40 Gossip Girl sites, including the Vera Wang boutique where Blair tried on her wedding gown, the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum which was the site of Lily and Bart’s wedding, the Empire Hotel, Chuck Bass’s new home, and the New York Palace Hotel which is clearly Serena’s lair. And yes, you can take as many selfies as you like while living the life of Gossip Girl in NYC. If you are a true fan of Gossip Girl, it’s obvious that this is the best tour in NYC for you!
2-Hour Graffiti & Street Art Tour
On this two-hour graffiti & street art tour you’ll see how creative local artists bring their masterpieces to life on the city walls of Brooklyn. Marvel at the many styles, sizes and colors of the unique murals decorating Brooklyn’s neighborhoods while learning about the artists and what makes the them unique. Get a glimpse into the different styles and techniques behind their creations, such as wheat paste posters and stencils, and see how they’ve evolved over time. Go ahead and immerse yourself into the culture, life and canvas of urban artists all over the world, I dare you!
And there you have it, the best tours in New York City that will make sure you create lasting memories and stories you’ll want to tell for the rest of your life. What are you waiting for? Go make your trip to New York City extraordinary, eventful and unforgettable!
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