Check out the list of the best tours and activities in NYC.
As the buzzing metropolis is often known in shorthand, NYC offers countless attractions for countless visitors flocking to the Big Apple every year. Tour options are abundant in New York, NY. NYC: what to see and what to do in New York City is virtually a bottomless well. Everyone has their interests to consider. The Hop-On, Hop-Off bus allows one to tour the place in many luxurious ways. Yes, you can take New York City tours to experience the vast and magnificent Big Apple at every level of interest and ascend to the peak of its iconic landmarks, like the Statue of Liberty. Welcome to NYC!
New York City Day Cruise by Statue of Liberty on Small Yacht
5,0·from $64
See many major New York sights on a 90-minute boat cruise on a small classic yacht with a professional captain and crew! Enjoy views from the open bow, or relax in the spacious glass-enclosed observation cabin. The boat cruises along the Hudson River offering views of Manhattan’s west side and towering skyline. Pass by the Financial District, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty as the boat navigates New York Harbor.
New York Private Boat Charter (Up to 6 Passengers)
5,0·from $699
The ultimate custom sightseeing experience in New York Harbor! Enjoy the city from great vantage points and photograph the world-famous skyline on the same boat media agencies charter to cover breaking news! Our ‘PRIVATE CHARTER’ Adventure Sightseeing Tour takes your group of up to 6 passengers on an unforgettable ride through the harbor. The narrated tour points out more than 40 sights on the local waterways. You’ll experience the city from unique vantage points, carefully chosen with the photographer’s interest in mind. We’ll bring you within feet of major attractions and create plenty of distance to view the panoramic skyline. Our captains stop the boat at many places along the way to give you the opportunity to take iconic photos. It’s the perfect way to familiarize yourself with the geography of New York City during your visit and a lot of fun for tourists and locals alike!
New York City Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise
5,0·from $29
Experience the most beautiful skyline in the world at the most beautiful time, New York City at Sunset!
Boarding from our Downtown Location at Pier 16 South Street Seaport, sail away on New York’s newest after-hours cruise giving locals and tourists alike the most up-close view of Lady Liberty in front of the most breathtaking and colorful sunsets in the world. This newest evening cruise in the Circle Line fleet allows you to witness more than just the Statue at Sunset— expect to be hypnotized by the glowing panoramic views of Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, the New York Harbor and more in just sixty minutes!
NYC Insider Tour: Private Yacht with Statue of Liberty Close-Ups
5,0·from $725
Best boutique yacht for private sightseeing and entertaining. Enjoy the deck lounge’s open floor plan with spacious seating and cabin lounge with table seating for six. Experience curated amenities including catered meals & service, champagne glasses, luxury wraps & blankets. USCG licensed captain and personal steward provide 5-star service. Our team will help you with everything you need for birthdays, date night, marriage proposals, bachelor or bachelorette parties, intimate weddings, anniversaries, graduations, photo & video shoots. Your excursion includes a personalized itinerary with the best views of the city. Cruise under the sun or discover the magic of the city by moonlight. Rediscover the island of Manhattan. Private yacht with luxury services is sure to please everyone from first-time visitors to jet setters to native New Yorkers.
Private Luxury Sailing Tour New York City
5,0·from $790
Experience a luxury sailing adventure! Enjoy a spacious deck lounge, sun pad, cabin lounge with table seating for six, Bluetooth sound system, luxury wraps, lavatory, and curated amenities. Fully staffed by USCG licensed captain and personal steward. Enjoy 5-star service and outdoor dining by the Statue of Liberty. Traditional yachting menu of champagne, wine, beer, brunch, lunch, appetizers, and light dinner.
Sail under the sun or discover the magic of the city by moonlight. Each voyage includes a personalized itinerary based on your preferences. This sailing excursion is sure to please first-time visitors, jet setters, and native New Yorkers.
Celebrate life on the water. Our team will help you with everything you need for birthdays, date night, marriage proposals, bachelor or bachelorette parties, intimate weddings, anniversaries, graduations, photo & video shoots. Bring friends and family and have the time of your life.
4th of July Fireworks on Clipper City Tall Ship
5,0·from $550
TREAT YOURSELF TO SOMETHING SPECIAL
See the awe-inspiring Macy’s July 4th fireworks display light up the sky over the East River.
You can’t get any closer to the action, just step aboard the massive Clipper City Tall Ship for a front row seat to the festivities.
Learn the ropes as you join the crew to help raise the sails or sit back and take in the sights from the serene vantage point of two of America’s most beautiful and historic operating sailing ships. The show will feature more than 40,000 shells exploding at a rate of more than 1,500 per minute and fireworks reaching heights of 1,000 feet in the air.
Private Luxury Sunset Boat Tour in New York City – 2 Hour
5,0·from $599.99
Experience the breathtaking beauty of New York City as the sun sets behind the Statue of Liberty and reflects off of the city skyline on this magical 2-hour sunset cruise around lower Manhattan! Get an unobstructed view of the Manhattan skyline, Freedom Tower, Empire State Building and an up-close and personal view of the Statue of Liberty! Passengers are free to bring any food or drinks onboard the boat.
This activity is unique because you get to be in one of the largest cities in the world and be 45 minutes away from a sandy beach to learn and surf with a local.
Taking a lesson that’s 90 minutes long will include everything you need to surf.
We offer lessons with instructors that are certified, and have year round experience.
We also accommodate them in their preferred language.
NYC Central Manhattan Walking Tour and Hudson River Cruise
5,0·from $241.4
Experience the best of the greatest city in the world on foot and on the water! Enjoy a guided walking tour of Midtown Manhattan with a sightseeing cruise on the Hudson River. Extended option: see more highlights such as Times Square.
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:
3,5-hour: 2-hour Walking Tour with a 1,5-hour Cruise
Choose this tour to learn basic information about NYC and see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Broadway and Hell’s Kitchen. The 2-hour walking tour is led by a Private Guide who is fluent in your chosen language. Includes tickets for a 1,5-hour cruise,
4,5-hour: 3-hour Walking Tour with a 1,5-hour Cruise
Choose this tour to learn more about NYC and see the Times Square, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Broadway and Hell’s Kitchen. The 3-hour walking tour is led by a Private Guide who is fluent in your chosen language. Includes tickets for a 1,5-hour cruise.
Clue Chase takes escapes rooms to the next level. Rather than an experience that starts only once you enter the escape room itself, Clue Chase believes that your experience should start the moment you enter our front door. Step into the world of Clue Chase Laboratories, time travel research facility. Be greeted by lab-coat wearing time travel technicians, venture into the depths of the lab, and travel through time. This fun and immersive take on the escape room formula is sure to leave your whole group smiling!
This Trip Is Your Ultimate Guide To The Places You Have Been Dreaming About . You Will Learn Everything You Need To Know About Central Park. You Will Be Able To Stop At Your Choice Of Stops For Picture Taking. There Willl Be Brief And Detailed Stories About The Places You Pass By And Stop For. You will Discover 20 Plus Attractions While Your Professional Tour Guide Is Pointing To The Movie-Locations You Have Been Wondering To see. You Will Be Exploring Residential Places Of More Than 40 Celebrities Around The Park. All your questions will be Answered While Being riding In An Eco Friendly Pedicab.
Celebrate a birthday, a bachelor or bachelorette party, or any special event with us! The Honcho offers public as well as private tours and parties. The boat has comfortable seating for up to six people, with a cooler available for any food or drinks guests wish to bring. Alcohol and smoking are permitted during the tour. We recommend bringing “easy to eat” finger foods, such as sandwiches, pizza, etc. We also have a state-of-the-art sound system, which is available for guests to link with their Bluetooth devices.
Clue Chase takes escapes rooms to the next level. Rather than an experience that starts only once you enter the escape room itself, Clue Chase believes that your experience should start the moment you enter our front door. Step into the world of Clue Chase Laboratories, time travel research facility. Be greeted by lab-coat wearing time travel technicians, venture into the depths of the lab, and travel through time. This fun and immersive take on the escape room formula is sure to leave your whole group smiling!
New York City Skyline Night Sailboat Tour
5,0·from $76
Step aboard a beautiful sailboat, Schooner America 2.0, for a relaxing city lights tour around New York. See the New York City skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island lit up at night. Sit back and relax while enjoying a peaceful sailing experience. Perfect for couples, friends, locals and visitors looking for a relaxing way to escape the city while enjoying views of Manhattan’s skyline at night. The Captain will turn off the engines for as much of the tour as possible, providing an extra relaxing environment on the outdoor, open air decks.
Private Luxury Daytime Boat Tour in New York City – 2 Hour
5,0·from $499.99
Experience the breathtaking beauty of New York City on this private, 2-hour cruise around lower Manhattan aboard a 30′ luxurious powerboat. Get an unobstructed view of the Manhattan skyline, Freedom Tower, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building and an up-close, personal view of the Statue of Liberty! Passengers are free to bring any food or drinks onboard the boat.
New York Lower Central Park Scavenger Hunt Adventure
5,0·from $20.52
Turn Central Park into a giant game board with this fun scavenger hunt adventure in New York City! This challenge combines the excitement of the Amazing Race with a 3-hour city walking tour. Guided from any smart phone, teams make their way among well known and overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning local history. Note: Pricing is per individual, but teams must book together in order to be included in the same adventure.
New York City Christmas Holiday Lights Sightseeing Cruise
5,0·from $96
Experience beautiful New York City at night and enjoy the cityscape on this night boat cruise. Take in the sites in a glassed-in observatory aboard a classic 1920s-style yacht decked out in fabulous holiday decor. Private tables separated by clear partitions are assigned to each reservation. Guests will be treated to one complimentary beverage. See Manhattan’s most iconic sites from the water and get into the holiday spirit during this 1.5-hour festive cruise. Great photo opportunities to capture the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty lit up at night.
Fall Foliage Cruise On Private Yacht: Manhattan to Grand Palisades Cliffs
5,0·from $1044.78
Journey on a private yacht from Manhattan to the Grand Palisades and immerse yourself in the dramatic colors of the season. Private sightseeing trip with luxury accommodations for you and your closest friends & family. Enjoy unobstructed views on the open deck, complimentary hot cider, cabin lounge, and private lavatory. This perfect day trip from Manhattan is sure to surprise, delight, energize & mesmerize.
Step aboard at Chelsea Piers and cruise past the iconic NYC waterfront as the leaves are changing. We’ll take the scenic route to the picture-perfect rolling hills of the Hudson Valley awash in yellows, oranges, and reds. Voyage north to the stunning Palisades Cliffs for an Instagram-worthy yacht party. Then meander back to the city enjoying all of your private yacht’s luxury amenities.
Private boat charter includes an attentive captain and crew providing a personalized tour of New York with 5-star services. Celebrate Autumn in style.
The ultimate custom sightseeing experience in New York Harbor! Enjoy the city from great vantage points and photograph the world-famous skyline on the same boat media agencies charter to cover breaking news! Our Adventure Sightseeing Tour takes you on an unforgettable ride through the harbor. The narrated tour points out more than 40 sights on the local waterways. You’ll experience the city from unique vantage points, carefully chosen with the photographer’s interest in mind. We’ll bring you within feet of major attractions and create plenty of distance to view the panoramic skyline. Our captains stop the boat at many places along the way to give you the opportunity to take iconic photos. It’s the perfect way to familiarize yourself with the geography of New York City during your visit and a lot of fun for tourists and locals alike!
2.5 hour sails for up to six passengers from Pier 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, One15 Brooklyn Marina, 159 Bridge Park Drive.
Views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center, Ellis Island, Governor’s Island and Manhattan skyline.
Guests are welcome to bring any food or drink–please no red wine or anything that stains or is messy.
Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge Boat Tour
4,9·from $50
This boat tour is great for anyone who wants to see the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and Ellis Island while having fun on fast boats. Our professional boat captains are coast guard licensed and will show you New York Harbor on this 30 minute speedboat tour. We stop the boat multiple times for you to get the best photos of Manhattan. Daily departures from our dock at North Cove Marina downtown. It’s a lot of fun for the whole family!
The Escape Game New York City: Epic 60-Minute Adventures
4,9·from $47.89
Located in Midtown Manhattan, these adventures offer a one-of-a-kind premium experience. Follow clues and solve puzzles to complete your mission together. You might escape…You WILL have fun!
Choose to play one of five uniquely immersive games:
– Gold Rush: Find hidden gold in the California hills!
– Prison Break: Complete a daring escape from the evil warden!
– Special Ops: Mysterious Market: Uncover the truth as a secret agent!
– The Heist: Recover a stolen masterpiece from an art thief!
– Playground: Complete your report card and get to summer break!
Private Luxury Daytime Boat Tour in New York City – 1 Hour
4,9·from $350
Explore the waters around Manhattan on a 1-hour private sightseeing cruise. Select a departure time, then climb aboard a luxurious, 28-foot powerboat cruiser and enjoy a relaxing and comfortable journey around lower Manhattan. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Freedom Tower, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and much more without the hassle of waiting on long lines or large crowds!
This delightful boat cruise departs New York City’s North Cove Marina, located adjacent to the Freedom Tower and 9/11 Memorial, every day. Each private tour is limited to only six passengers, ensuring that riders can sit back and enjoy the iconic landmarks of New York City without waiting in long lines or sitting on overcrowded ferries.
Enjoy a sunset cruise aboard a 1950s-style yacht, departing from North Cove Marina. This boat features a comfortable open-air covered salon along with an open bow. All of which offer excellent views of the city skyline and New York Harbor. Get up close on a slow pass by the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island as the boat cruises around New York Harbor and up the Hudson River. Meet for afterwork drinks, date night, or to enjoy a sunset and skyline views on the water.
Step aboard 105-foot Schooner America 2.0, a modern tribute to the first boat that won the America’s Cup in 1851, for a 2-hour sail around New York Harbor. Sit back and relax while enjoying live Jazz music played throughout this sailing experience. Perfect for couples, friends, locals and visitors looking for a relaxing way to escape the city while enjoying views of Manhattan’s skyline. It’s also great for Jazz music enthusiasts. The Captain will turn off the engines for as much of the tour as possible, providing an extra relaxing and peaceful environment while listening to the live music.
New York Sunset Schooner Cruise on the Hudson River
4,9·from $96
Experience a New York City sunset from the water on this evening sightseeing sail past many famous waterside landmarks. Step aboard the 80-foot, 2-masted sailboat known as Schooner Adirondack – inspired by the pilot schooners of the 1890s. Sail past One World Trade, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. This is a very popular tour for date night, entertaining out of town guests and locals alike!
Step aboard our 1920s-style yachts, either Manhattan or Manhattan II, with teak decks, large observation windows and an aesthetically pleasing decor, for a leisurely 2.75-hour weekend brunch cruise. Circumnavigate the Island of Manhattan, seeing all the major sights while enjoying a family-style brunch served at your private table in our main salon. Each table is protected by Plexiglass dividers, cushioned seating and openable windows. Our menu is packed with delicious New York State foods and local goods from NYC purveyors: fresh bagels and bakery, seasonal fruit, craft sausages, fresh seasonal salad, stuffed quiche, a classic smoked salmon display and pastries.
New York City Sightseeing Cruise from North Cove
4,9·from $64
This cruise offers the perfect departure location from Battery Park City! Locals and tourists can enjoy this convenient meeting point located at North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place, and just a short walk from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Get the best views of New York City from New York Harbor on a boutique 1950s style yacht. Step aboard and settle into a covered outdoor deck, or on the open bow for this lightly narrated tour, which includes an up-close pass by the Statue of Liberty and unobstructed, sweeping views of Manhattan’s skyline. Sit back and enjoy this experience with friends and family. Bring your camera or phone for photos too!
Delaware River Kayak and Wine Day Trip from Manhattan
4,9·from $169
What could be more better than a leisurely kayak paddle followed by a wine tasting? Join us for our Kayak and Wine excursion from NYC and experience the best that the outdoors have to offer. You will kayak in the morning, enjoy a picnic lunch after your paddling and visit a local vineyard in the afternoon for a wine tasting. There’s no better way to spend a summer day out of the city!
New York City Sunset Sail to the Statue of Liberty
4,9·from $96
Experience a sunset from New York Harbor and enjoy sweeping views of Manhattan’s skyline, parts of Brooklyn and Jersey City from Schooner America 2.0, a modern tribute to the first boat that won the America’s Cup in 1851. America 2.0 is 105-feet in length and has about 3600 square feet of sail area. Sail by Manhattan’s Financial District, One World Trade and Ellis Island as the boat sails toward the Statue of Liberty. Enjoy up-close views of Lady Liberty and a great photo opportunity as the sun dips below the horizon. This trip is perfect for couples, friends, visitors and locals. Adult ticketing applies to all travelers.
The ‘best’ time to visit New York City can dependon whatyou want to do or see. Every season,the city is full of different attractive activities and attractions.
Spring (April–June): Very pleasant (50-80°F). This is an excellent time to stroll through Central Park, see the High Line, or catch an al fresco concert. The blossoms at Brooklyn Botanic Garden are worth seeing from the end of April to the beginning of May.
Fall (September to early October): New York’s fall foliage is one of the city’s seasonal attractions, especially in Central Park. The temperatures are mild and pleasant, like in spring. Many of the world’s best arts festivals, such as the New York Film Festival, also occur around this time.
Winter (Late November to early January): Though chilly, this is one of the most popular times to visit the city. It’s the season of iconic events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Christmas lights and decorations all over the city, ice skating at Rockefeller Center, and New Year’s Eve in Times Square. But be prepared for cold temperatures, which can get below freezing.
Summer (Late July to August): hot, although perfect for music and cultural festivals, visiting Coney Island, or taking a boat tour of Manhattan. It can be very crowded during July and August.
Overview of Popular Tours
Here are some popular tours you can consider:
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours: A convenient way to see NYC, these double-decker tours let you hop aboard an open-top bus and enjoy a narrated tour of NYC’s major attractions. You can get on and off at any point that works with your schedule. The tours generally include the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and more.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tours: Seeing the beacon of freedom (Statue of Liberty) and gateway for millions of immigrants (Ellis Island) must be on your itinerary. Tours to Liberty Island take you close to the Statue of Liberty, allowing visitors to climb the monument and see breathtaking city skyline views. The fascinating museum on Ellis Island tells the story of American immigration.
Walking Tours: Because every neighborhood has a personality, there are many walking tours for travelers wishing to experience the city on foot. Be led through the hustle and bustle of local gossip on the streets of Manhattan, or join the hipsters on their way to the Brooklyn Flea. You never know what you might see; above all, you will learn about the history and culture of the borough you are walking around.
Food Tours: NYC is truly a taste of the world. The city has it all, whether it is Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Iranian, or Turkish food. You can take a food tour of Chinatown, Little Italy, Greenwich Village, Williamsburg, or Uptown. On the tour, you can sample food from various eateries or restaurants owned by generations of New York immigrants. Your knowledgeable guide will teach you about the city’s multiple foods.
Central Park Tours: Visit Central Park if you crave 843 acres of greenery in the middle of Manhattan that offers a refreshing break from the city’s noise and concerts. Take a guided tour through the landscapes and iconic sites such as Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, and the Central Park Zoo while an expert tells you how the park came to be and its designer.
Tours of Broadway Theater: Broadway is a theatre district synonymous with excellent theatre. Backstage tours of some of the most legendary Broadway theatres include the architecture and history of the theater and stories surrounding the productions that have been put on in it. Some even include visits to the rehearsal rooms and dressing rooms.
Helicopter Tours Give you a city-pulse-thumping view of the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn and George Washington Bridges, and the Statue of Liberty. They provide a panoramic aerial view of NYC’s skyline and significant landmarks.
Art and Museum Tours: Many museums and art galleries in NYC have guided tours of their permanent collections. From the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to the Guggenheim Museum and more, this is a great way to see and learn more about Art, the Artists, and the history of the collection.
These are just a few examples of the many tours in New York City. Please look them up online and decide which one to join or which to join, or even make a combination for your trip. The NYC tour can be of your liking, whether it’s history, culture, food, the outdoors, or everything the iconic city has. The story cannot be fully complete without a visit to the city.
Virtual Tour
New York City From Above: Aerial View - Nature Film 4K
