HOLIDAY RIDE – now through Dec 30

minute experience (approx)

42 nd & 8 th

departure location

laughs with our hosts & performers

Experience the energy that powers New York City with the traveling theater that drives discovery.

Explore a whole new side of NYC with THE RIDE. Our custom-designed, multimillion-dollar bus is perfect for people-watching, but the entertainment doesn’t stop there.

The streets come alive during this uproarious one-of-a-kind theatrical adventure, and you have the best seat in the house. Take a bite out of The Big Apple with our two hilarious hosts and enjoy surprise performances during this unique 75-minute show.

When the streets are the stage, anything is possible. Sit back and enjoy THE RIDE as this entertainment spectacle unfolds right before your very eyes.

About Holiday Ride – Nov 14 through Dec 30

Embrace the holiday spirit in an unforgettable New York City experience with THE RIDE – where the wonder of the season meets theatrical delight.

Step aboard our custom-designed bus, a window to the city’s festive magic, and immerse yourself in the ultimate holiday spectacle. As you journey through the twinkling streets, the city becomes more than a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing stage of yuletide joy.

This special holiday RIDE edition, led by our charismatic hosts, is filled with merry surprises and performances that capture the essence of NYC’s holiday charm. From the shimmering lights of the city to heartwarming acts on every corner, the holiday spirit comes alive in a way only New York can deliver.

Experience the enchantment of the Big Apple during the most wonderful time of the year. With laughter, wonder, and festive cheer around every turn, THE RIDE is more than a tour; it’s a holiday celebration on wheels. Sit back, relax, and let the magic of the holidays unfold in an extraordinary journey through New York City.

The Ride Buzz

You’ve never experienced nyc like this..

See what past riders have to say about this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.

Made me realize how much I’ve missed being in NYC .

Danielle S. (New Paltz, NY)

Tripadvisor Logo

Technologically advanced party-bubble ! Perfect & wonderful.

BroadwayWorld logo

From the moment we departed we didn’t stop laughing!

Vicky G. (Tonyrefail, UK)

Drama, comedy, documentary, and reality all rolled into one .

Group Tour Magazine logo

If I could give 10 stars I would! Definitely a must see and worth every penny.

Talizzaro (Rockland, MA)

A rock star sightseeing bus on steroids.

New York Post logo

Love watching New York go by while they add their own sparkle with their own street performances.

Ruth (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

It’s like looking at a giant movie screen of NYC!

An authentic, witty new york experience and you can trust me, i’m a new yorker..

Stay01283447057 (New York, NY)

Entertainment Experience | From $79 | 75 Min.

Corporate & Private Bookings

Customize your experience with a private tour.

Groups, Schools, & Travel Professionals

Book your group outing with THE RIDE.

A performer holding a broom and dancing in Times Square

To book with a pass, please email us at [email protected] with the following information:

  • Email Address
  • Phone Number
  • Date & Time of THE RIDE you’d like to take (from our calendar, under TICKETS)
  • Number of Tickets
  • All Pass Numbers (can be found on the face of your pass, under the QR Code)

Group Sales

Main Content

Tickets and NBC Studio Tour

See favorite nbc shows live, for detailed info, check out the individual shows below:, america's got talent, american ninja warrior, the kelly clarkson show, late night with seth meyers, little big shots, the tour at nbc studios - new york, saturday night live, the tonight show starring jimmy fallon.

Tickets are no longer available by mail for NBC shows taped in New York. All NBC ticket information (for NY) is detailed on our ticket line (212) 664-3056.

America's Got Talent is back and tickets to be in the audience are FREE! Join host Terry Crews and judges Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough and Simon Cowell as the country's best amateur performers compete. Get tickets for the Los Angeles shows now. CLICK HERE FOR AMERICA'S GOT TALENT TICKETS !

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Don't miss your chance to see the excitement of American Ninja Warrior LIVE! CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR !

You can reserve free tickets to see a taping of The Kelly Clarkson Show by going to: KellyClarksonShowTickets.com

We release show dates and ticket requests as they become available. Please check 1iota to stay up to date on show and ticket availability. Requests cannot be submitted for dates that are not posted on the calendar.

You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of taping to attend. No one under the age of 18 will be admitted into the show, regardless of whether a parent or guardian is present. Everyone in your confirmed party must present a valid photo I.D. containing date of birth upon arrival.

You will need to sign up on 1iota to apply for tickets to The Kelly Clarkson Show. We recommend you do this in advance of the ticket release by clicking here: 1iota Member Sign-Up . When you apply for tickets to The Kelly Clarkson Show, you will be automatically placed on a waiting list. At this point, you do not have a ticket. If we are able to fulfill your ticket request, you will be contacted through 1iota. If you are not notified by 1iota, we, unfortunately, were unable to fulfill your ticket request and you do not have tickets.

All tickets are complimentary and may not be sold or auctioned. Beware of tickets offered for sale as they are invalid and will not be accepted. The Kelly Clarkson Show and NBCUniversal Media LLC reserve the right to REVOKE any ticket believed to have been purchased or sold. Any ticket may be REVOKED at any time at the discretion of show personnel.

Standby Cards

Standby cards are now available in the Shop at NBC Studios, located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (via the 6th Avenue entrance between 49th & 50th St.)

For more information regarding The Shop and its business hours, please visit The Shop at NBC Studios website .

You can reserve free tickets to see a taping of Late Night with Seth Meyers by going to: 1iota.com .

You must be at least sixteen (16) years of age at the time of taping to attend. No one under the age of 16 will be admitted into the show, regardless of whether a parent or guardian is present. Everyone in your confirmed party must present a valid photo I.D. containing date of birth upon arrival.

You will need to sign up on 1iota to apply for tickets to Late Night with Seth Meyers. We recommend you do this in advance of the ticket release by clicking here: 1iota Member Sign-Up . When you apply for tickets to Late Night with Seth Meyers, you will be automatically placed on a waiting list. At this point, you do not have a ticket. If we are able to fulfill your ticket request, you will be contacted through 1iota. If you are not notified by 1iota, we, unfortunately, were unable to fulfill your ticket request and you do not have tickets.

All tickets are complimentary and may not be sold or auctioned. Beware of tickets offered for sale as they are invalid and will not be accepted. Late Night with Seth Meyers and NBCUniversal Media LLC reserve the right to REVOKE any ticket believed to have been purchased or sold. Any ticket may be REVOKED at any time at the discretion of show personnel.

At 8am EST, standby cards will be available in the Shop at NBC Studios, located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (via the 6th Avenue entrance between 49th & 50th St.), until 1:30pm EST.

Space is limited! Anyone receiving a card must be 16 years of age or older (regardless of whether a parent or guardian is present). Standby cards are limited to one (1) per person and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Standby cards do not guarantee admission.

See Little Big Shots LIVE for free. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO LITTLE BIG SHOTS .

The Tour at NBC Studios takes you on an exciting journey through NBC Studios in Rockefeller Center where broadcast television was born, showcasing where some of today’s most popular shows are made, right in the heart of Manhattan.

The Tour features behind-the scenes access to NBC’s most iconic television studios and video exhibits. The Tour showcases everything involved in television production and highlights the legacy of NBC in Rockefeller Center.

Guests will have the opportunity to tour some of the studios where iconic shows like Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and NBC News programs are produced and taped.

The Tour at NBC Studios begins and ends at The Shop at NBC Studios, where you will find exclusive apparel and collectibles from your favorite NBC shows. The Shop is located on the lobby level of 30 Rock at Avenue of the Americas/ 6th Ave between 49th and 50th streets.

The Saturday Night Live ticket lottery for the 2023-2024 season is now closed. The ticket lottery for the 2024-2025 season will open at 12:00am EST on August 1, 2024 and run until 11:59pm EST on August 31, 2024. To enter the lottery, send an email to [email protected] . You may only send one email per person. Submissions entered before or after the ticket lottery window will not be considered. Please include your first and last name and tell us why YOU would like to be a part of our studio audience! If you are selected, you will receive a set number of tickets for a random show date and time. Entering the lottery does not guarantee tickets, and you will only be notified in the event that you are chosen.

Saturday Night Live makes reasonable modifications of its policies, practices and procedures and provides reasonable accommodations. Guests are encouraged to request accommodations in advance to ensure that we have enough time to provide the necessary accommodations.

All tickets are complimentary and may not be sold or auctioned. Beware of tickets offered for sale as they are invalid and will not be accepted. Saturday Night Live and NBCUniversal Media LLC reserve the right to REVOKE any ticket believed to have been purchased or sold. Any ticket may be REVOKED at any time at the discretion of show personnel.

1. Book a standby reservation by going to the link provided ABOVE to request up to 4 standby reservations. You may choose to book a reservation for either the 8pm dress rehearsal or the 11:30pm live broadcast. You will be asked for your first and last name, your email address, and how many people are in your party. After registering, you will receive a confirmation that you are now part of our queue.

2. You will receive an email with your reservation number. Due to the number of requests, it may take several hours for your reservation number to arrive by email. A reservation number will be sent by email until we reach capacity per event. Reservation numbers will be issued in the order received.

Please note duplicate submissions for the same date are not permitted. If you request a SNL standby reservation more than once, only your most recent (latest) submission will be considered and that submission will determine your reservation number.

3. If you received a reply to your request with a reservation number, check-in at the in-person standby line at the 49th Street NBC Studios Marquee between 6pm and 7pm on the Friday before a show day. The exact location is 49 W. 49th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. You and everyone in your party MUST be present with a photo ID (as specified below) at check-in. Any members of your party that are not present at check-in will forfeit their place in line. Reservations are non-transferable.

the tour in nyc

4. You will be assisted to line up in numerical order based on your standby reservation.

5. Standby cards will be handed out at approximately 12:01am on Saturday morning of a show day. Photo ID will be required again at this point. Standby cards are limited to one per person. Standby cards will not be distributed at any time other than 12:01am.

We want to make sure the standby process is fair for everyone, so all standby line members must always remain in line after checking in Friday night. If you do not wait in line, you will not be admitted to the show. No “line-sitters” please.

The use of:

  • Lounge chairs (regular chairs are permitted)
  • Sleeping bags

…will NOT be permitted in the standby line at any time.

Of course, you are free to take minimal, necessary breaks (i.e., going to the bathroom) from the line. Please note that all standby reservations and cards are non-transferable and non-exchangeable. NBC staff reserve the right to revoke the cards of, or not issue any cards to, anyone in line for any reason, including if proper procedures are not followed.

Remember, a standby card does not guarantee admission.

You can reserve free tickets to see a taping of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon by going to: tonightshowtix.com . All available dates will be listed on the calendar.

We release show dates and ticket requests as they become available. Please check back on 1iota to stay up to date on show and ticket availability. Requests cannot be submitted for dates that are not posted on the calendar. Please consult The Tonight Show's official ticketing Twitter account @FallonTix and this ticketing page to stay up-to-date on ticket release date info.

You will need to sign up on 1iota to apply for tickets to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. We recommend you do this in advance of the ticket release by clicking here: Tonight Show Member Sign-Up . When you apply for tickets to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, you will be automatically placed on a waiting list. At this point, you do not have a ticket. If we are able to fulfill your ticket request, you will be contacted through 1iota. If you are not notified by 1iota, we, unfortunately, were unable to fulfill your ticket request and you do not have tickets.

All tickets are complimentary and may not be sold or auctioned. Beware of tickets offered for sale as they are invalid and will not be accepted. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and NBCUniversal Media LLC reserve the right to REVOKE any ticket believed to have been purchased or sold. Any ticket may be REVOKED at any time at the discretion of show personnel.

Standby cards are now available in the Shop at NBC Studios, located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (via the 6th Avenue entrance between 49th & 50th St.). Standby cards will be distributed from 8am – 3pm EST the morning of a show.

Space is limited! Anyone receiving a card must be 16 years or older (regardless of whether a parent or guardian is present). Standby cards are limited to one per person and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Standby cards do not guarantee admission.

Don't miss your chance to see The Voice LIVE! Sign up for your free tickets, CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO THE VOICE .

the tour in nyc

FRIENDS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WB SHIELD: © & ™ WBEI.

STEP INSIDE THE WORLD OF FRIENDS TM

Experience your favorite show like never before, iconic photo ops.

Explore set recreations, including Joey and Chandler’s apartment, the Las Vegas Wedding Chapel, Monica’s living room, and Central Perk Replica.

PROPS & COSTUMES

Get one step closer to your favorite FRIENDS™ characters with a wide array of original props and costumes from the show.

the tour in nyc

CENTRAL PERK CAFE

Did you know that The One in New York City is the only place you can kick back and relax in a fully functioning Central Perk Cafe Replica? Whether you’re starstruck from visiting The FRIENDS™ Experience or just passing our block on the street, come in to try our seasonal menu of beverages and pastries. Cheesecake, anyone?

the tour in nyc

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING

Plan your trip.

Location: 130 E 23rd St, New York City, NY (Located on the corner of Lexington Ave. and 23rd St.)

Operating Hours: Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (last entry) Thursday to Sunday: 10 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (last entry) Closed Monday & Tuesday

Age Requirement: All ages are welcome. Guests 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old. Children 3 and younger don’t need a ticket when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

the tour in nyc

The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in New York City 130 E 23rd St, New York, NY. (Located on the corner of Lexington Ave. and 23rd St.)

WHAT ARE THE OPERATING HOURS OF THE EXPERIENCE?

The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in New York City  is open! For exact hours each day, please visit our ticketing page  HERE .

WHERE IS THE FRIENDS™ EXPERIENCE LOCATED?

130 East 23rd Street , at the corner of Lexington Avenue, in the Gramercy neighborhood of Manhattan.

WHAT ARE THE OPERATING HOURS OF CENTRAL PERK CAFE?

Central Perk Cafe is open to ticketed and non-ticketed guests during operating hours.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

The most immersive celebration of  FRIENDS™  ever, in the city that they called home! Step inside two floors of your favorite set recreations, including Monica’s Living Room, the Las Vegas Wedding Chapel, and much more. Poke Ugly Naked Guy and take a victory lap on Pat the Dog. Check out the Holiday Armadillo costume along with two rooms full of real props used in the show!

The FRIENDS™ Experience  is packed with amazing photo opportunities, memories from the iconic show, and limited-edition merchandise. Could it BE any more exciting?

WHEN DO I NEED TO ARRIVE FOR MY RESERVATION TIME?

Please arrive 10 minutes before your time slot.

Tickets are valid only for the date and time purchased. If you or a member of your party is not feeling well, tickets can be adjusted to a new date and time (subject to availability) IF changed prior to the date and time of the tickets. Follow the link in your confirmation email to login to our ticketing portal and swap times, or email us at  [email protected]  for assistance.

HOW LONG WILL THE FRIENDS™ EXPERIENCE TAKE?

Approximately  60 minutes  from start to finish. We did say this is bigger than huge!

CAN I LEAVE THE EXPERIENCE AND RETURN?

Once you leave the space you can’t re-enter, so take your time and enjoy it.

DO YOU ACCEPT CASH?

We do accept cash, but in case someone is stuck in the ATM vestibule, we also accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express and are tap to pay enabled.

DO YOU OFFER COAT/STROLLER CHECK?

Is it obvious I’m wearing six sweaters? Check your clothes, bags or strollers for  $3 per item . To ensure no contact with other items, checked items will be stored in individual biodegradable poly bags. Single strollers are also allowed inside, but please note all items are subject to search upon entry.

IS PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO ALLOWED?

You’re encouraged to take photos and videos throughout the space!

Remember to share your photos on social media with  #FriendsTheExperience  so we can see them!

ARE FOOD AND DRINKS ALLOWED INSIDE THE EXPERIENCE?

No Food or Drink Allowed. After the spaghetti sauce stain on the couch, this rule is at Monica’s insistence! Resealable bottles of water are always welcome.

ARE PETS ALLOWED IN THE FRIENDS EXPERIENCE?

We love our furry friends, however pets and emotional support animals are not permitted inside. Service animals are welcome.

CAN I PROPOSE AT THE FRIENDS™ EXPERIENCE?

Yes! You can share your special occasion with us here at The FRIENDS™ Experience. Guests should purchase  general admission tickets  and visit us during public hours.

CAN SOMEONE HELP ME COORDINATE MY PROPOSAL?

Email  [email protected]  and we’ll be there for you!

IS THERE A TICKET PURCHASE LIMIT?

There is a ticket limit of 14 tickets per purchaser.

CAN I REFUND OR EXCHANGE MY TICKET? ARE TICKETS TRANSFERABLE?

Tickets are  non-refundable and non-transferable . The name on the ticket must match at least one member of your party, and photo ID is required for verification. Fake IDs aren’t accepted—we’re looking at you, “Regina Phalange!”

If you or a member of your party is not feeling well, tickets can be adjusted to a new date and time (subject to availability). Please visit https://support.showclix.com/s/contact for assistance.

ARE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR?

Limited standby tickets are available at the door. Standby tickets are $55.00 for Standard tickets and $70.00 for Premium tickets (including all taxes and fees). Guests with timed-entry tickets have priority, so we recommend buying tickets  online  in advance.

WHAT IF I BOUGHT MY TICKET FOR THE WRONG DATE OR TIME?

Tickets can be adjusted to a new date and time (subject to availability). Follow the link in your confirmation email to login to our ticketing portal and swap times, or contact us  here  for assistance.

DO I NEED TO PRINT MY TICKET?

We can scan your ticket directly from your mobile device, so please save the paper and ink and don’t print your ticket unless you have to.

ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR CHILDREN?

Children (3) years of age and under  get in free when accompanied by a parent or guardian; anyone over the age of three (3) will need a ticket.

DO YOU OFFER GROUP SALES?

For groups of 10 or more or for additional information, please email  [email protected]  and a member of our guest services team will be back to you in about 3 business days.

WHAT HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I VISIT THE FRIENDS™ EXPERIENCE?

The health and safety of our Guests and Team Members is our number one priority. We want you to have fun at  The FRIENDS™ Experience , so we’ve put standards in place that will keep you, your friends & family, and our staff safe and worry-free. We’re dedicated to keeping the experience not only clean, but “Monica Clean!”

  • Ongoing cleaning of all surfaces & UV sterilization
  • Masks Recommended
  • Hand sanitizing stations and disinfecting wipes by all touch points
  • If a group member is sick, we will encourage your entire group to reschedule

*We reserve the right to modify our health & safety policies in light of evolving circumstances and applicable guidance/regulations.

DOES THE FRIENDS™ EXPERIENCE HAVE A CODE OF CONDUCT?

Providing a safe and fun environment for guests is our number one priority. All guests must adhere to our Experience Code of Conduct below.

  • Profanity, abusive language and unruly behavior are not permitted.
  • Sharp objects, weapons, and illegal contraband are not permitted on premises.
  • If you are late or need to reschedule your ticket to another time/date, there is a standby line; if an opening becomes available, we will allow entry on a first-come, first-served basis. Entry is not guaranteed.
  • We reserve the right to inspect all packages, bags, backpacks, purses, fanny packs or any other container on the premise.
  • Line jumping is prohibited. Guests who line jump will not be allowed to access the attraction or retail store.
  • Guests are required to wear shirts, pants, and shoes.
  • Smoking and vaping is prohibited
  • No outside food or drink is permitted. Water bottles and reusable water bottles with a cap that can be sealed are welcome.
  • Lost Item Disclaimer:  The FRIENDS™ Experience  is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET TO THE EXPERIENCE?

  • Get the 6 train to the 23rd Street Subway Station (which is on the same block as the Experience).
  • Or get the R train or W train to 23rd Street & Broadway (then walk two blocks East to the Experience).
  • Get the M23 crosstown bus to 23rd Street and Lexington Avenue.
  • The M101, M102, and M103 buses also stop one block away, at 23rd Street and 3rd Avenue.

Just be sure not to leave a baby on the bus!

IS THERE PARKING?

Traffic and parking can always be a challenge in Manhattan (remember when Ross got his sports car?). We encourage you to use public transportation whenever possible. There are several private parking garages nearby if you drive. Plan ahead to find the most convenient and affordable spot.

IS THE FRIENDS™ EXPERIENCE ADA ACCESSIBLE?

We’re proud to be fully accessible for guests with many different disabilities and neurodiversities, and we strive to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable.

If you’d like to let us know you’re coming or if you need additional assistance, please email  [email protected]  or let any of our friendly team members know during your visit.

CAN I BUY MERCH AT THE FRIENDS™ EXPERIENCE?

Of course!  The FRIENDS™ Experience Store  is open to ticketed and non-ticketed guests during our daily operational hours. Please keep in mind we have strict capacity limits and will admit guests to the store as capacity allows.

We have t-shirts, pins, mugs, Hugsy-Joey’s Bedtime Penguin Pal- and so much more! Why not get your lobster a Crap Bag?

IS THERE AN ONLINE STORE?

Yes! Go to  Store.FriendsTheExperience.com  to shop our online selection of official merch. Please note some items are only available in-store.

DO YOU ACCEPT REFUNDS/EXCHANGES?

Yes, we accept returns within 30 days of purchase. If you have any questions about your purchase, please email  [email protected].

IS THE SPACE AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE/CORPORATE EVENTS?

Planning your next corporate event? The FRIENDS™ Experience is available for private venue buyouts! It is the perfect place for a unique and unforgettable cocktail party, meeting or team outing!

We offer turnkey event planning, production, and audiovisual services to ensure your event is an unforgettable experience, starting at a minimum of $5,000.

Please email  [email protected]  and a member of our guest services team will be back to you in about 3 business days.

HOW CAN I WORK WITH THE FRIENDS™ EXPERIENCE?

All press, influencers and sponsorship inquiries should contact us here .

the tour in nyc

THE FRIENDS™ EXPERIENCE STORE

Shop for exclusive FRIENDS™ merch, from Central Perk mugs to Crap Bags to Monica’s Strawberry Breakup Jam. You can even bring home your own Hugsy. I KNOW!

If you just can’t wait, shop online now to get your FRIENDS™ fix faster than Joey can eat a sandwich.

the tour in nyc

PRIVATE EVENTS

What better way to experience The FRIENDS™ Experience than with Friends, Co-Workers, or Family? Our space is perfect for corporate events, weddings, product launches, team outings, and fundraisers.

Contact us to learn more about hosting your next event at The FRIENDS™ Experience!

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THE 10 BEST New York City Tours & Excursions

New york city tours.

  • Sightseeing Tours
  • Helicopter Tours
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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1. New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

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2. New York City Sightseeing Bus Tour and Boat Ride

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3. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour: All Options

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4. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

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5. Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise

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6. Empire State Building Ticket

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7. New York Helicopter Tour: City Skyline Experience

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8. New York City Helicopter Tour at Night

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9. NYC Food Tour: Chinatown and Little Italy

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10. Official NYC Horse Carriage Rides in Central Park since 1979 ™

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11. Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards Admission Ticket

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12. Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

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13. All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory

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14. New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise

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15. New York Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing

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16. New York City Mafia and Local Food Tour led by former NYPD Guides

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17. NYC Must-See Highlights of Manhattan Bus Tour

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18. Big Bus New York: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

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19. New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

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20. The Manhattan Helicopter Tour of New York

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21. Greenwich Village Historic Walking Tour in New York City

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22. Statue of Liberty and New York City Skyline Sightseeing Cruise

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23. New York CityPASS®

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24. Secret Food Tours NYC - Greenwich Village

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25. New York Helicopter Tour: City Lights Skyline Experience

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26. 9/11 Memorial Museum Admission Ticket

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27. Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours

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28. New York City at Night Bus Tour

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29. Guided Food Tour of Chinatown and Little Italy

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30. Chelsea Market and High Line Guided Food Tour

What travelers are saying.

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The High Line

The 19 best tours and walks in NYC

Take one of the best NYC tours and let an expert show you the city like never before

With so many must-see attractions in NYC , a visit to the city can be overwhelming. The best NYC tours — whether by land, sea or air — can help you make the most of your visit. Even locals will enjoy these tours and maybe learn something new (or discover a few secret NYC destinations) by taking an off-the-beaten-path tour . Choose your own adventure: walking tours, boat tours, bike tours and helicopter tours are all great ways to see the city, and the expert guides will leave you with a satisfying taste of the city. Looking for something more specific? There are food tours, movie tours, art tours, architecture tours and more. Whatever part of NYC you want to explore, there’s a tour for you, and you’ll have fun while learning everything you need to know about the Big Apple.

Recommended:  the best lesser-known attractions in NYC   Recommended: the best non-touristy things to do in NYC Recommended: the best parks in NYC Recommended: the best food tours in NYC  

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click  here .

An email you’ll actually love

Best NYC tours

Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

1.  Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

The quintessential city tour of all tours, hop-on hop-off's get some major props for ease, accessibility, and price. Map-reading and subway-taking not your strong suit? No worries — even the most directionally-challenged traveler can enjoy Big Bus Tours, condensing a sightseeing fest including thirty landmarks into one trip. Be sure to watch out for famous points of interest as you go with the aid of a live tour guide (and go-to know-it-all about New York attractions). And if something catches your eye? Just hop off wherever you fancy — simple. Choose from routes running in downtown, uptown, Harlem, and Brooklyn and get from Wall Street’s Charging Bull statue to the green meadows of Central Park with ease. Basically, it's an easy option for seeing as much or as little as you want of the city in one day – and not stress out about maps or super expensive Uber fairs.

Small Group Central Park Bike Tour

2.  Small Group Central Park Bike Tour

You’ll cover much more of Central Park’s 843 acres of meadows, woods, and ponds on a bike than you ever could on foot. Meet up with the guide from Central Park Tours Inc. to pick out your wheels for the day, then set off from the south end of the park. You’ll spy iconic landmarks, plus a few lesser-known gems. And since the tour is always capped at just eight people, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions along the way and maybe even make a new friend or two. Oh, and you know, we could think of worse ways to stay fit and save the planet. 

Circle Line: New York Landmarks Cruise

3.  Circle Line: New York Landmarks Cruise

As far as skylines go, Manhattan's is a hard one to beat. There's the Statue of Liberty leading the way from Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge showing off its architectural beauty, and the Empire State standing tall – all of which make for a stunning view from the water. Sail around New York harbor on the Circle Line cruise, which heads up the Hudson, as well as rounding the Brooklyn bay areas. You'll also hear the history and stories behind all of the sights, so fill up on the facts and don't hesitate to ask a question or two. 

9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero Walking Tour

4.  9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero Walking Tour

Remember the lives lost during the tragedy that was 9/11 by visiting the site where the World Trade Center once stood. Now known as Ground Zero, your guide will share facts, figures, and real-life stories with you – making for a trip that is insightful, informative, and moving all at once. Starting at City Tales Sightseeing, you'll also stop at the  Fireman’s Memorial,  twin reflecting pools, One World Observatory, and  St Paul’s Chapel .

Central Park TV and Movie Sites Tour

5.  Central Park TV and Movie Sites Tour

With 843 acres of meadows, woods, and streams, Central Park offers a gorgeous green backdrop for filmmakers. So perhaps it’s no surprise that countless movies have been set here, from When Harry Met Sally to Ghostbusters . Movie buffs will recognize the skating rink featured in Serendipity , the people-watching scene from Annie Hall, and the path that Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Jules Munshin biked along in On the Town . This two-hour walking tour takes you to 30 film locations within the park, though hundreds more exist.

Champagne Brunch Sail

6.  Champagne Brunch Sail

Fresh air, ocean waves, unlimited prosecco, and a massive brunch spread of bagels, lox, cream cheese, quiche, fresh fruit, and more—it’s fair to say that this midday cruise on the Shearwater really does have it all. Sit back and relax and the crew guides the restored 1929 sailboat out into the harbor. If you’re lucky, the captain will even let you take a turn at the helm.

Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour

7.  Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour

Boasting some of the most jaw-droppingly spectacular views in the city, the Brooklyn Bridge is a beacon for snap-happy tourists. But don't let your only experience of this stunning structure and its incredible views be through the viewfinder of your camera. Put the gadgets down and take a bike ride across the bridge to really soak up the scenery. This 'Bike and Roll' tour takes about three hours, running at a  leisurely pace with  plenty of time for photo stops. Make sure you make the most of your guide, who is sure to have bags of knowledge about the bridge's history and architectural details. 

Sugar Hill and Washington Heights Tour

8.  Sugar Hill and Washington Heights Tour

Sugar Hill got its name during the Harlem Renaissance, as “life was sweet” for the wealthy African Americans who lived in the district. Thurgood Marshall, Langston Hughes, and Duke Ellington all spent time in the row houses here. Peep the stunning Queen Anne–style architecture and immerse yourself in the vibrant community on this walking tour of the area.

Lower East Side Bagel Tour

9.  Lower East Side Bagel Tour

Come hungry: You start this walking tour of the Lower East Side with a piping hot bagel smeared with cream cheese. The eats only get better as you visit venerable New York institutions like Katz’s Delicatessen, Russ and Daughters, The Pickle Guy, and Economy Candy. It’s not all about the food either: Your guide will explain how immigrants shaped both this neighborhood and its cuisine as you walk.

Roosevelt Island Tour

10.  Roosevelt Island Tour

Few visitors know anything about Roosevelt Island, a secluded residential community that feels worlds apart from the rest of the city. Once used for insane asylums and hospitals, Roosevelt Island is now home to a thriving population of about 14,000 residents. But, if you have the stomach for it, revisit the island's troubled past on the 'Island of Lost Souls' tour. Pass eerie sites, like the neo-Gothic ruins of the smallpox hospital, the first pathological and bacteriological research lab, and the NYC Lunatic Asylum which opened in 1841. After you learn about the island’s history, board the aerial tram for a sky-high trip over the East River into Manhattan.

Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture Tour

11.  Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture Tour

Despite Manhattan's abundance of white-clothed, Michelin-starred dining rooms, some are now touting Brooklyn as the epicenter of food culture in NYC. Either way, it's impossible to deny that Brooklyn's dining scene is incredible, from pierogis in Greenpoint's Polish stronghold to tacos and pupusas in Sunset Park and trendy farm-to-table newcomers in Williamsburg. To provide a thorough understanding of the borough's eats, this half-day tour will take you through all those neighborhoods, as well as Dumbo, the waterfront neighborhood where you'll enjoy sweets from the renowned Jacques Torres chocolate factory.

Sex and the City Hotspots Tour

12.  Sex and the City Hotspots Tour

What Sex and the City fan hasn’t daydreamed about switching lives with Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, or Charlotte for the day? The over-the-top outfits, glamorous parties, and outrageous dates might be too good to be true, but at least the scenery is true to life. Visit Carrie’s brownstone, some of the girls’ favorite bars, and an X-rated store featured on the show on this epic bus tour. There might even be time to stop for a Cosmo.

Statue of Liberty Express Cruise

13.  Statue of Liberty Express Cruise

Perfect for the sightseer who knows exactly what he or she wants, this Circle Line express tour goes right to the Statue of Liberty – no pit stops this time. Listen to an expert guide point out some lower Manhattan landmarks before pausing for photos right next to Lady Liberty. And since this cruise only takes an hour, it’s easy to fit into even the busiest itinerary.

High Line and Chelsea Walking Tour

14.  High Line and Chelsea Walking Tour

What started life as an unremarkable elevated railway is now famous across the world and one of New York's most photogenic landmarks. The High Line is a public park, rotating art gallery and perennial tourist attraction stretched, as the name suggests, high over the bustling city streets below. Take a two-hour walking tour hosted by New York Tour 1 to explore the full span of this green oasis and take in the architecture and unique history of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. Make sure you save some time to shop in Chelsea Market afterward and don't forget to snap a pic of the lush greenery. 

Lower East Side Food and Culture Tour

15.  Lower East Side Food and Culture Tour

This is one for the foodies. The Lower East Side’s culinary scene is as vibrant as its culture. It's impossible to separate the two: as different immigrant communities moved in over the decades, each brought the foods of their homelands with them. These days, you can find everything from knishes to stroopwafels to fresh mozzarella within a few blocks. This three-hour walking and eating expedition around the neighborhood lets you t aste all the foods it has to offer – and learn about their origins. 

Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village

16.  Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village

You’d never know it from the looks of Washington Square Park, but Greenwich Village has a sinister past. At the northwest corner of the park is the Hangman’s Elm, one of the oldest trees in the city and the site of at least one public execution. Master of horror Edgar Allan Poe once lived in the neighborhood and rumor has it that artist John La Farge still haunts the nearby Church of the Ascension. Delve into the neighborhood’s gruesome past on this two-hour ghost tour, and discover all of its haunting secrets. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

The Sopranos Sites Tour

17.  The Sopranos Sites Tour

Technically speaking, this tour takes you outside the five boroughs, but The Sopranos is such an iconic New York show that we couldn’t leave it out. After you board the bus in Midtown, you’ll go through the Lincoln Tunnel – the site of the show’s unforgettable opening sequence – on your way to the New Jersey suburbs. There, you’ll check out the Bada Bing! strip club, Big Pussy’s auto body shop, and the restaurant featured in the final scene of the series.

Alternative New York Street Art Tour

18.  Alternative New York Street Art Tour

There's much more to art in New York than just the paintings, photography, and sculptures exhibited in its many prestigious museums. Graffiti started life in the Big Apple and NYC remains at the very forefront of the street art world to this day. Discover some of the city's very best outdoor artworks and murals on an Inside Out Tour of either the Lower East Side or Bushwick and Williamsburg. You won’t find these artists hanging in any gallery. Yet.

New York City Lights Sail

19.  New York City Lights Sail

There's only one thing more spectacular than New York's skyscrapers glimmering in the sun – the famous skyline dramatically lit up against the night sky. Board the Shearwater for a cruise around the harbor after dark. The 105-minute trip is a great way to get awe-inspiring views of the city and a much-needed moment of calm out on the water.

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And Just Like That, NYC's 'Sex and the City' Bus Tour Is Back

Grab your friends and pour yourself a cosmo.

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And just like that, everyone is talking about Sex and the City again.

In December 2021, HBO Max gave Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda fans (sorry, Samantha stans) the gift of a Sex and the City reboot. With the shows re-emergence, it's only fitting that one more time-honored SATC-era tradition resurface: the wildly popular Sex and the City bus tour. After a pandemic-related hiatus, the iconic tour returned to the streets of New York City last year, and now, it includes plenty of nods to And Just Like That .

"Go on location and shop, drink, and gossip at real NYC locations," On Locations Tours shares about its Sex and the City bus tour on its website. "This tour includes more than 40 locations featured in the Sex and the City series and the movies, a journey that will have you wine-ing and dining at fashionable places all over New York City."

Along the way, the company says, guests will see all the bars, restaurants, bakeries, and shops featured in the show. Passengers will even get to participate in games and score special discounts right from the comfort of an air-conditioned bus.

"So whether you're in the city looking for a job, a boyfriend, or maybe even an apartment, we can at least promise…a drink along the way," the tour adds.

The tour departs near Fifth Avenue and 58th Street (exact location given upon ticket purchase). The public tour costs $66 for adults and is offered daily at 2 p.m. Private tours are also available daily at $135/person (for a minimum of three guests), and a limo buyout option is available for $750 (for up to five guests).

Key stops include Carrie's famous brownstone stoop in the West Village, a stop in at Scavolini, an Italian kitchenware company in SoHo, which was converted into a cafe featured on Sex and the City , and of course, a stop at Magnolia Bakery for a cupcake.

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New York City

Get to know the big apple’s most famous sites, top articles about nyc.

It is hard to argue that New York City is not the greatest city on Earth. It has a long history, incredible food scene, tons of character, and literally unlimited things to do. The city is filled with skyscrapers which give it an incredibly unique feel. With some research, you can impress your travel partners by planning an amazing visit to NYC with the help of our New York City guide!

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Top New York City Tours

New York City is full of things to do and most activities are pretty reasonable considering what you get. You can take a tour of the Met, visit the Statue of Liberty, or head to the top of One World Trade Center. Many things, like walking around Central Park or visiting Ground Zero, are even free!

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Statue of Liberty Tours

The Statue of Liberty is arguably the most recognized landmark representing the United States and what it stands for. Visiting the statue is more difficult than it seems since it is on an island! Not to worry, we run tours that let you focus on creating memories!

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art or the MET for short is undoubtedly the premiere classical gallery in NYC and one of the leading museums on Earth. It is home to statues by Bernini, paintings by New York’s own Jackson Pollock, and even an Egyptian Temple commission by Emperor Augustus!

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New York City is home to tons of monuments from the MET to Ellis Island and Ground Zero. We offer walking tours, food tours, cultural museum tours, and even day trips to Niagara Falls, Boston, and Philadelphia. You’ve likely done our tours in Europe and now you can enjoy them at home!

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the tour in nyc

  • 17-20 Minutes
  • 23 Major Landmarks

+facility fee and fuel surcharge per seat

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The Ultimate Tour

Take to the skies on our most popular tour and experience the island of Manhattan in its full glory!

ABOUT OUR FLIGHT

  • What’s included
  • Views of the entire island of Manhattan
  • Noise Cancelling BOSE headsets
  • Live pilot narration
  • Description

Our 17-20 minute Ultimate Tour is our most popular way to see all the sights that Manhattan has to offer. This tour will take you all the way from the Battery, passing face-to-face with the Statue of Liberty to the northern tip of Manhattan to fly above the George Washington Bridge! As you journey above the Hudson River you’ll pass all the icons of New York City – the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Yankee Stadium, and Central Park, as well as see the new kids on the block – Little Island, the Vessel, and Summit One Vanderbilt. Photo opportunities abound, including the all-important selfie with Lady Liberty!

*$40 Facility fee and fuel surcharge per seat. Subject to seasonal pricing.

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EXPLORE THE ROUTE

The ultimate tour route.

Taking off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, you will head straight to the Statue of Liberty. In addition to the One World Trade Center, you will have great views of Hudson Yards, where you can see the Edge, the Highline and the Vessel all at once. Ask our pilots to point out Billionaires Row – these tall, thin apartment buildings are where some of the wealthiest people in the world call home. This tour is the best way to appreciate the greenery of Central Park flying the whole length of this world-famous urban greenspace! Continuing to the northern tip of Manhattan you will fly over the George Washington Bridge, one of the worlds busiest bridges where you will see the natural beauty of the New Jersey’s Palisades Cliffs before returning south.

  • Statue of Liberty
  • Ellis Island
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Governor’s Island
  • One World Trade Center
  • Billionaires Row
  • Madison Square Garden
  • Chrysler Building
  • Empire State Building
  • Little Island
  • Chelsea Piers
  • The High Line
  • Hudson Yards
  • Times Square
  • The Intrepid
  • Central Park
  • Columbia University
  • Yankee Stadium
  • The Palisades
  • George Washington Bridge
  • The Met Cloisters
  • Tip of Manhattan

$289 Per Seat

+Facility fee and fuel surcharge per seat

OUR DEPARTURE LOCATION

GETTING HERE From Times Square it takes about 30 minutes to reach the Heliport by subway or taxi. Keep in mind that any travel after 4pm will take longer due to commuter traffic.

We are a 5 minute walk from the South Ferry subway station; this is the last stop on the 1 train Downtown. If you are using Google Maps or Apple Maps, enter “Downtown Manhattan Heliport” as the address. If you are using a GPS device sometimes our address isn’t recognized, please use 6 East River Piers, New York, 10004.

If you are driving, there is no parking at the heliport but there is a parking garage at the intersection of South Street & Whitehall Street, South St & Old Slip Rd or at the South Street Seaport (Pier 17).

Address Downtown Manhattan Heliport 6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004

the tour in nyc

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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.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

  • NYC city tours

1 – Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise

1 Hour 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
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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

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 ?

  • Hop on and off at your leisure
  • Choose between 2 different routes
  • Choose between a 1 or 2-day ticket
  • book this tour
  • 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.

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

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.

  • Spend 20 minutes in the air
  • Aerial view of over 12 attractions
  • Shared helicopter

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

the tour in nyc

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.

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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

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.

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

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.

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

SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown Walking Tour

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!

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

the tour in nyc

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.

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

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!

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

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 .

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

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 .

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

Manhattan architecture cruise by Classic Harbor Line

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 .

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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 .

  • free walking tours in NYC

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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 .

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

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.

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

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 .

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.

  • compare city tours in NYC

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The 5 Best NYC Bus Tours for 2024

Let a trained driver worry about the traffic while you enjoy the Big Apple's best sights.

traffic jam in Times square with 7th avenue in the morning, new york city, manhattan

Getty Images

As one of the largest cities in the world, New York City has so much to see and do. That's why many visitors start their trip off with a bus tour to see iconic sights and neighborhoods and get the lay of the land. To help you find the tour that's best for you, U.S. News reviewed traveler sentiment and expert input to determine the top New York bus tours. Read our suggestions below for some of the best bus tours you can book for your next trip to the City That Never Sleeps.

Big Bus Tours

Price: Adults from $80; kids from $70 Duration: 75 to 90 minutes

Big Bus New York offers a hop-on, hop-off tour that features 18 stops at major attractions like Bryant Park, Broadway and St. Patrick's Cathedral, with prerecorded commentary provided along the way. Double-decker buses frequent stops every 20 minutes on the Red Line (which runs through downtown) and every 30 minutes on uptown's Blue Line. The Essential Ticket, which is valid for one day, grants you access to the 90-minute downtown and 75-minute uptown routes and lets you add on extras like tickets for Madame Tussauds, the Empire State Building or a harbor cruise. Big Bus New York is a hit with travelers who appreciate the ability to tailor tours to their interests. Others bemoaned the overcrowded buses and long wait times.

You can also book a Discover Ticket, which explores famous landmarks downtown, or an Explore Ticket, which is a two-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour experience. Big Bus Tours also operates a seasonal night tour.

Check prices & availability on:

A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours – The Original Brooklyn Pizza Tour

Price: Adults from $105; kids from $95 Duration: 4.5 hours

Brooklyn has so much to see and do – and eat! The Original Brooklyn Pizza Tour, which reviewers describe as a great experience with even better pizza, lasts 4.5 hours and takes travelers throughout the borough to sample delicious slices from places like Grimaldi's and L&B Spumoni Gardens. You'll also see filming locations for movies like "Saturday Night Fever" and "Goodfellas."

Ticket prices include lunch. Tours are available Friday through Monday and Wednesday at 11 a.m. A Slice of Brooklyn also leads a seasonal tour exploring Dyker Heights' Christmas lights , among other options.

On Location Tours – "Sex and the City" Hotspots Tour

Price: From $66 Duration: 3.5 hours

Fans of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda can relive all their favorite "Sex and the City" moments during this New York bus tour, which features more than 40 popular locations from the show and movies. During the tour, you'll view iconic filming locations, walk past Carrie Bradshaw's brownstone apartment, sample cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery, drink a cosmopolitan (if you wish) and shop in Greenwich Village. Plus, you'll visit stops from the reboot "And Just Like That," including Bergdorf Goodman and Chelsea Market. Reviewers peg this tour as fun and fabulous.

Tourgoers can pay another $10 for priority seating. Participants must be 18 or older. Tours generally depart Thursday to Sunday at 2 p.m., though additional days may be available during the summer months. On Location Tours operates other filming locations tours for shows and movies, including "Gossip Girl," "The Sopranos" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," among others.

USA Guided Tours – Discover NY Tour

Price: Adults from $99; kids from $89 Duration: 6 hours

On this full-day tour, you'll drive through some of the city's most famous neighborhoods and most-visited areas. You'll have your choice of a traditional bus or a bus with either a glass top or a convertible top. Regardless of the vehicle, enjoy the expert commentary and a history lesson from your tour guide as you cruise past Times Square, Madison Square Park, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and more. A 15-minute stroll through each of the main stops is included, as is a boat cruise that takes you to see the famous NYC skyline. Many travelers call this tour fantastic and a must-do in New York.

Tours depart at 9 and 10 a.m. daily. USA Guided Tours also offers a night tour of the Big Apple.

Hush Hip Hop Tours – Birthplace of Hip Hop

Price: Adults from $79.99; kids from $58 Duration: 3 hours

Travelers routinely praise the Birthplace of Hip Hop tour not only for its cultural lessons about Harlem, but also for the informative guides who explain the history of hip-hop music. During this tour, you'll see famous clubs, murals dedicated to artists and the Apollo Theater. Plus, you'll get to observe a dance session and show off your moves.

Outings run Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Hush Hip Hop Tours also operates walking tours of Harlem and Brooklyn, among others.

Check prices & availability on:  

Interested in more New York City tours? Check out the:

  • Best New York City Tours
  • Best New York City Food Tours
  • Best Statue of Liberty Tours
  • Best New York City Boat Tours
  • Best New York City Walking Tours

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , New York City , New York Vacations , Mid-Atlantic Vacations , US Vacations

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Joshua Bassett tour 2024: Here’s how to get tickets for under $100 to his NYC show

  • Updated: Jun. 10, 2024, 1:12 p.m. |
  • Published: Jun. 10, 2024, 1:05 p.m.

Joshua Bassett

Joshua Bassett will begin his tour on July 30 in Arizona. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

  • Nicole Iuzzolino | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

It’s “Only a Matter of Time” before Joshua Bassett tour tickets go on sale, so you better not forget to get them.

Bassett will begin “The Golden Years Tour” on July 30 in Phoenix and will wrap up the U.S. leg on Sept. 3 in Los Angeles.

While on tour , he will perform in New York City at Radio City Music Hall on Aug. 20 .

Thomas Day will be the opener for the duration of “The Golden Years Tour”.

Leading up to the general sale for Joshua Bassett’s tour, there will be a number of presales which are set to begin on June 11 at 10 a.m. and will wrap up on June 13 at 10 p.m. through Ticketmaster .

The general sale will then begin on June 14 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster .

If you miss the presale or the general sale, then tickets can be found on secondary market websites such as Vivid Seats , StubHub and SeatGeek . Tickets are currently just under $100 on Vivid Seats .

If you find that you never secure the tickets at the best cost or in the section you want to be in through StubHub , you can find some tips and tricks here .

First-time Vivid Seats users can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout.

A complete list of Joshua Bassett’s tour dates is available here .

More massive 2024 tours heading to Radio City Music Hall

Joshua Bassett is not the only artist heading to Radio City Music Hall.

Here are a few more tours you do not want to miss: A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie , Nicki Minaj , Megan Thee Stallion and Childish Gambino .

The Best Upcoming 2024 Tours

  • Niall Horan tour 2024: Here’s how to get last-minute tickets for under $50 to his NYC show
  • 26 concerts and events coming to the Prudential Center this summer that you can’t miss
  • Omar Apollo tour 2024: How to get tickets to his ‘God Said No’ tour
  • Chris Brown tour 2024: How to secure last-minute tickets to his N.J. and NYC shows

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com .

Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at [email protected] . Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips .

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Are Big Music Tours Really in Trouble?

High-profile cancellations from Jennifer Lopez and the Black Keys have armchair analysts talking. But industry insiders say live music is still thriving.

A band performs on a large stage; the kick drum reads Black Keys.

By Ben Sisario and Joe Coscarelli

For the concert business, 2023 was a champagne-popping year. The worst of the pandemic comfortably in the rearview, shows big and small were selling out, with mega-tours by Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Drake and Bruce Springsteen pushing the industry to record ticket sales.

This year, as with much of the economy, success on the road seems more fragile. A string of high-profile cancellations, and slow sales for some major events, have raised questions about an overcrowded market and whether ticket prices have simply gotten too expensive.

Most conspicuously, Jennifer Lopez and the Black Keys have canceled entire arena tours. In the case of the Black Keys — a standby of rock radio and a popular touring draw for nearly two decades — the fallout has been severe enough that the band has parted ways with its two managers, the industry giant Irving Azoff and Steve Moir. Through a representative, Azoff and Moir said they had “amicably parted” with the band.

At Coachella, usually so buzzy that it sells out well before any performers are announced, tickets for the second of the California festival’s two weekends were still available by the time it opened in April.

Those issues have stoked headlines about a concert business that may be in trouble. But the reality, many insiders say, is more complex, with no simple explanation for problems on a range of tours, and a business that may be leveling out after a couple of extraordinary years when fans rushed to shows after Covid-19 shutdowns.

“I think it’s normalized back to the pre-Covid era,” said Rich Schaefer, the president of global touring at AEG, the company behind tours by Swift and the Rolling Stones. “Hot acts are going to sell tickets. Middle acts are going to sell, but take longer. And acts that don’t have a lot of heat on them are going to struggle.”

In a statement, Live Nation said that so far this year, sales are up from the same point in 2023, with over 100 million tickets sold. “Every year,” the company said, “some events naturally fall off for various reasons, and in 2024 across all venue types we’ve seen a 4 percent cancellation rate — which is flat to last year.”

In addition to Swift’s Eras Tour, which continues to be a phenomenon in Europe, hot events this year include tours by Olivia Rodrigo, Coldplay, Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan. Other festivals, like Lollapalooza in Chicago, have had notably strong sales.

Still, prominent cancellations of high-priced shows is another possible P.R. headache for Live Nation, the owner of Ticketmaster, which last month was sued by the Justice Department over accusations that it operates an illegal monopoly that stifles competition and results in high prices and fees. Live Nation has denied those allegations.

The key worry throughout the business is that ticket prices, which have been rising steadily for years , may now be so high that they are deterring fans from all but their once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list shows. Tickets, even for many major tours, no longer vanish instantly.

When Billie Eilish put her latest arena tour on sale in April, for example, upper-deck seats at some venues were going for over $200, and took weeks to sell.

A joint tour by the rapper Future and the producer Metro Boomin, who shared a pair of No. 1 albums and a chart-topping hit single earlier this year, has also lagged. Even with tickets as low as $44.50, the opening-night concert in Kansas City, Mo., in July, still has thousands of seats for sale at all levels. To the chagrin of underperforming acts, the strength or weakness of sales is now evident in real time on Ticketmaster, which displays blue dots for every unsold seat (and pink dots for ones being offered for resale).

Last year, the average ticket price for one of the top 100 tours around the world was $131, up 23 percent from the year before, according to Pollstar, a trade publication that tracks concert tickets.

Steve Martin of Paladin Artists, a booking agent for classic rock acts like David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, said that below the level of pop superstars like Swift, artists have become acutely aware of the economic pressures facing their fans.

“The meat of the business is made up of things like classic rock packages,” Martin said. “Those people are much more price sensitive. Working-class people are concerned about groceries and the price of gas.”

No single explanation can cover the range of problems in the live market this year. Some tours, like the Black Keys’, may simply be a matter of the band overestimating demand.

In 2021, the Black Keys left their longtime manager for a new partnership with Azoff and Moir , who also work with John Mayer and the Grateful Dead spinoff Dead & Co., and the band later praised Azoff’s “focus on touring and selling our tickets.” But even after a new album — the band’s 12th — was released in April, concert sales lagged, leading to the cancellations and a housecleaning behind the scenes.

In a social media post after the tour was abandoned, the group said it would “make some changes” to its touring plan to offer a more “intimate experience.” A representative for the band’s label did not respond to a request for comment on the management changes.

Nostalgia alone may not be enough to easily pack venues across the country. Lopez, though still a movie star and a tabloid feature, has not had a hit song in a decade . Tickets to see the ongoing arena tour from Justin Timberlake have been available on both the primary and secondary markets, with prices on StubHub sometimes falling well below face value.

Fans outside of high-demand markets like New York and Los Angeles do not always need to rush the digital queue the moment tickets go on sale. Some genres, like hip-hop, tend to move tickets more slowly than others, but can still sell out before showtime. The latest leg of Nicki Minaj’s tour, for example, is a sea of blue dots.

Many factors go into the price of the ticket, from the costs of gas and crew salaries — which have risen since the pandemic — to bigger-picture economics amortized over the course of an entire tour. Global promoters like Live Nation and AEG often offer artists a guaranteed payment covering all their shows; a bigger guarantee means that prices must be higher to recoup that investment.

Dan Wall, Live Nation’s executive vice president of corporate and regulatory affairs, said that while promoters may suggest pricing based on a deal guarantee, “it’s the artist’s team that ultimately decides ticket prices.”

Armchair analysis of ticket sales has become yet another element of modern fandom to be memed and weaponized, upping the stakes. As industry watchers on social media race to demonstrate the dominance of their favorites, screen grabs of available seats for upcoming concerts have gone viral, leading to media coverage.

“I feel like people online just sort of realized that you can look at seat maps and see how shows are doing,” said Sam Hunt, an executive at the touring agency Wasserman Music. “So I think part of it is that maybe not a ton has changed in the touring business — not every swing is a home run — but people are paying more attention to it and having a typically internet-y response.”

Still, the perception among some music fans is that large-scale concerts are more of a luxury than they once were.

Cliff Russell, 39, said in an interview that his two teenage daughters were interested in seeing blockbuster tours this year from acts like Rodrigo, Drake, Eilish and Swift.

But after the family, living outside Toronto, spent big for tickets to see Swift’s Eras Tour in November — with costs totaling near $3,000 for four tickets, “not counting transportation, parking, souvenirs” — spending another $300 per ticket for upper-deck seats to see another pop star just wasn’t in the cards.

“What was once a holy grail ticket price is now the average,” Russell said. “You’ve got to be really picky and choosy.”

Ben Sisario covers the music industry. He has been writing for The Times since 1998. More about Ben Sisario

Joe Coscarelli is a culture reporter for The Times who focuses on popular music and a co-host of the Times podcast “Popcast (Deluxe).” More about Joe Coscarelli

Explore the World of Hip-Hop

The long-building and increasingly testy rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake  has exploded into full-bore acrimony .

As their influence and success continue to grow, artists including Sexyy Red and Cardi B are destigmatizing motherhood for hip-hop performers .

ValTown, an account on X and other social media platforms, spotlights gangs and drug kingpins of the 1980s and 1990s , illustrating how they have driven the aesthetics and the narratives of hip-hop.

Three new books cataloging objects central to rap’s physical history  demonstrate the importance of celebrating these relics before they vanish.

Hip-hop got its start in a Bronx apartment building 50 years ago. Here’s how the concept of home has been at the center of the genre ever since .

Over five decades, hip-hop has grown from a new art form to a culture-defining superpower . In their own words, 50 influential voices chronicle its evolution .

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Taylor swift makes eras tour wardrobe change as scottish winds leave hands ‘frozen’.

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She never goes out of style — even when dressing practically!

Taylor Swift, 34, switched up one of her Eras Tour outfits while performing at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Saturday night, pairing short black gloves with her Vivian Westwood gown.

However, while the new addition complemented the glamorous “Tortured Poets Department” look, there was a simple explanation for the change: the cold weather.

Taylor Swift performing at the Edinburgh, Scotland stop of The Eras Tour

After Taylor Nation highlighted the accessory on X (formerly Twitter) , one Swiftie quickly responded to the account, debunking any wild Easter egg theories.

“NEW BLACK GLOVES?!?,” they wrote. “Here’s my not-exciting theory: they’re for practical purposes. It’s chilly in Edinburgh. TTPD is long and she dances very little until Broken Heart. Her hands need to be warm to avoid another acoustic-set hand cramp. So, gloves. But ✨fashionable✨ ones! 🫶”

Swift likely could have used the wrist-length pair during her Friday night performance at the same arena, when she admitted to the crowd that her hands were “frozen.”

Taylor Swift performing at the Edinburgh, Scotland stop of The Eras Tour

According to BBC , while the pop star initially paused during a mash-up of “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve” and “I Know Places” so that a fan could receive medical attention, she needed to stop again shortly after, this time for herself.

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“Oh God! Hand cramp!” Swift told the audience before massaging her palm. “I’m so sorry, everyone, this has never happened before, but my hand is frozen, I’m just going to warm it. I’m so embarrassed. My hand’s like a claw!”

The Sun also reported that, on the same night, two dancers wearing long butterfly wings were nearly blown off stage by the wind.

Taylor Swift fans at the Edinburgh, Scotland stop of The Eras Tour

Still, Friday night’s show contained some happier moments, too.

Swift got to witness a real-life love story when two fans got engaged at the concert.

“I love performing this entire show in the sunlight ’cause I’m pretty sure I just, like, saw somebody get engaged over here,” she told the crowd, as seen in  a clip shared on Threads .

“Congratulations, wow!” she continued, sharing her excitement. “I just saw that whole thing. Man, that’s amazing … Thanks for doing that at my concert; that’s a big moment!”

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Taylor Swift performing at the Edinburgh, Scotland stop of The Eras Tour

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  24. THE TOP 10 Full-day Tours

    Brooklyn Bridge and Waterfront 2-hour Guided Bike Tour. 173. See New York City's iconic attractions and diverse neighborhoods on a guided 2-wheeled tour. Cycle past skyscrapers and the Statue of Liberty on a tour of Battery Park and Wall Street, and enjoy the urban scenery along the Hudson River path.

  25. Jennifer Lopez and Black Keys Tour Cancellations ...

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