The 10 Best Tours In New York City

New York City, a dazzling urban mosaic of culture, history, and unstoppable energy, awaits your exploration. From the towering skyscrapers to the serene greenery of Central Park, every corner of this iconic metropolis tells a story.

Here are the 10 best tours to experience the essence of New York City, each offering a unique glimpse into the heart of the Big Apple.

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

This tour takes you on a climatic journey through the bustling avenues and iconic landmarks. Feel the pulse of the city beating outside your window as you glide past the neon-lit spectacle of Times Square, with its ceaseless energy and towering digital billboards.

Feel the exhilarating rush of the wind, taste the salty tang of the sea, and watch in awe as the grandeur of the Statue of Liberty looms into view. The city’s skyline, a jagged silhouette against the horizon, serves as a breathtaking backdrop, leaving you with indelible memories of the city’s dynamic spirit. This tour is a vibrant storytelling experience, etching the essence of this magnificent city into your heart.

• Fee: $103 per adult
• Schedule: 6 hours, including bus and ferry rides
• Inclusions: Expert local guide, transportation, bottled water, and free cancellation

New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

This 12-15 minute symphony in the air is a graceful dance over the iconic skyline of the Big Apple. As the helicopter blades whirl, you are treated to a visual spectacle like no other. The world-famous Statue of Liberty stands proudly below, its grandeur even more striking from this eagle-eyed view. Glide effortlessly over the majestic Hudson River revealing another piece of Manhattan’s intricate tapestry.

Every second of the flight is an opportunity for wonder and admiration, as the city’s architectural marvels and storied landmarks come into view. This helicopter tour is a journey through the heart of New York City, an unforgettable adventure that captures the essence of one of the world’s most dynamic metropolises.

• Fee: $248 per adult
• Schedule: 12-15 minutes
• Inclusions: Scenic helicopter tour, live commentary, and free cancellation

Empire State Building Ticket

Step into the heart of New York City with the iconic Empire State Building tour, a journey that takes you 1,050 feet above the bustling streets to the famous 86th-floor observatory. This 45-90 minute experience is a walk through the soul of the city. As you ascend, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking, panoramic spectacle. The observatory offers a 360-degree view that stretches for miles, showcasing the city’s magnificent skyline.

Standing on the observatory deck, the city sprawls beneath you in a stunning display of lights and shadows. It is a reminder of the dreams and aspirations that have shaped this towering metropolis. This is an experience that epitomizes the essence of New York City, leaving visitors with memories that echo the city’s timeless allure.

• Fee: $50 per adult
• Schedule: 45-90 minutes
• Inclusions: Access to 86th Floor Observatory and immersive exhibits

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

This 1-3 hour escapade takes you to the pinnacle of Midtown Manhattan’s tallest skyscraper, offering more than just breathtaking views. The experience is akin to stepping into a realm where art, technology, and architectural marvel blend seamlessly. As you navigate through this visionary space, each turn presents a new perspective, a fresh tableau of the city beneath.

The experience elevates as you step into the transparent skyboxes – Levitation, extending out over the bustling city. These glass enclosures offer an adrenaline-pumping sensation, a feeling of floating in the air, with the vibrant tapestry of New York City sprawling endlessly beneath you. This part of the journey is not just a visual feast but an emotional adventure, as you find yourself suspended in a moment of awe-inspiring beauty.

• Fee: $48 per adult
• Schedule: 1-3 hours
• Inclusions: Admission to all 3 floors, indoor immersive art experiences, and LEVITATION skyboxes

Deluxe Manhattan Helicopter Tour

This 18-20 minute flight is an exhilarating whirlwind through the city’s iconic skyline. As you glide over landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, the view shifts and shimmers, presenting a living, breathing postcard of the city that never sleeps. This is a photographer’s dream come true, capturing the essence of New York from a vantage point few get to experience.

For adventure seekers and urban explorers, this tour is a gateway to seeing the Big Apple in a way that ground tours can’t match. Feel the pulse of the city from above as you trace the serpentine path of the Hudson, witnessing the bustling activity of boats and ferries below.

• Fee: $289 per adult
• Schedule: 18-20 minutes
• Inclusions: Comprehensive helicopter tour and free cancellation

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options

Spanning 3-5 hours, this tour is a journey through the past, exploring the stories and struggles of those who came seeking a new life. Embark on a voyage through time with the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour, an experience that resonates with the heartbeat of America’s soul.

The tour allows you to explore the rich tapestry of human endeavor and emotion encapsulated within these two historic landmarks. It’s an immersive experience that doesn’t just educate; it inspires, reminding us of the enduring values upon which this nation was built.

• Fee: $46 per adult
• Schedule: 3-5 hours
• Inclusions: Ferry ticket, access to Liberty Island Museum and Ellis Island, and free cancellation

New York CityPASS

The CityPASS is the epitome of flexibility and convenience for the savvy traveler. It’s like having an all-access pass to New York’s grandeur, allowing you to delve into the city’s rich tapestry at your own pace. Picture yourself standing beneath the towering dinosaurs of the American Museum of Natural History, or gazing out from the Empire State Building’s observation deck, the city sprawling majestically below.

With the CityPASS, you’re not just visiting; you’re immersing yourself in the very essence of New York. Every moment is an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime, from the hush of museum corridors to the bustling streets that never sleep.

• Fee: $143 per adult
• Schedule: 3+ days
• Inclusions: Admission to top NYC attractions and museums

NYC Food Tour: Chinatown and Little Italy

This 2-hour expedition is a sensory extravaganza, blending the rich tapestry of New York’s diverse food scene with the historical charm of its most iconic neighborhoods. Enjoy delicious dumplings and hot noodle soup, each offering a taste of traditional recipes and cooking methods. The lively streets are filled with energetic vendors and happy customers talking.

Here, time-honored family-run restaurants serve up hearty portions of pasta, pizza, and other Italian delights, each dish telling a story of generations. Surrounded by the old-world charm of Little Italy, with its vibrant murals and lively music, this tour promises to be an unforgettable journey for your palate and soul.

• Fee: $82 per adult
• Schedule: 2 hours
• Inclusions: Four different food tastings and free cancellation

Edge Observation Deck Admission Ticket

For 1 to 2 hours, visitors can walk on glass floors, lean against angled walls, and feel the exhilarating rush of being suspended in mid-air. The Edge provides a unique view of New York, displaying its famous skyline, the Hudson River, and the vast horizon. It embodies the city’s ambitious nature and human achievements.

This experience encapsulates the essence of New York’s grandeur – a city that’s always reaching for the stars. It’s an unforgettable memory, a story to tell, and a unique way to witness the beauty of the Big Apple. Whether basking in the glow of a sunset or marveling at the city lights, the Edge Observation Deck offers a chance to see New York City like never before.

• Fee: $43 per adult
• Schedule: 1-2 hours
• Inclusions: Access to the sky deck and indoor deck

Carriage Ride in Central Park (VIP – PRIVATE)

Embark on a timeless journey through the lush pathways of Central Park with the Carriage Ride in Central Park (VIP – PRIVATE), an experience that brings the enchantment of old New York right to your fingertips. Central Park unfolds like a living canvas, with its trails, vibrant greenery, and iconic landmarks. The ride is a perfect blend of tranquillity and charm.

As the carriage weaves through the park, your expert guide shares fascinating stories, bringing the history of this urban oasis to life. It’s an immersive experience that feels like a journey back in time, where every glance offers a new vista: rowboats lazily drifting on the lake, street performers adding a soundtrack to your adventure, and locals enjoying a moment of peace.

• Fee: From $0.30 per group
• Schedule: 50 minutes
• Inclusions: Private carriage ride, blankets, photo stops, and free cancellation

New York City is a tapestry of experiences, each thread weaving a different story. These tours offer a comprehensive taste of the city’s splendor, ensuring that every visitor leaves with memories as vibrant and enduring as the city itself. Whether soaring above skyscrapers, delving into history, or savoring the flavors of diverse cuisines, New York awaits with open arms and endless possibilities.