New York City, known by many out there as the “Big Apple” and a host of other nicknames, truly offers a little something for everyone.
Encompassing over 300 square miles, there’s really just so much to see and do in the city that never sleeps. Famous icons and attractions like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park are often at the very top of visitors’ sightseeing lists. While these attractions are well worth visiting, the Big Apple has some real hidden gems you may only get to learn about on a dedicated sightseeing tour.
Whether it’s by bus, bike, boat, or on foot, these NYC sightseeing tours will take you to the famous sights and some you may not find listed in a guidebook.
Fifth Avenue Gilded Age Mansions Walking Tour
Experience NYC’s Gilded Age on this walking tour through Manhattan’s Billionaire’s Row. The Fifth Avenue Gilded Age Mansions Walking Tour takes you through the iconic Upper East Side. You’ll visit the Vanderbilt, Cartier, Frick, and Carnegie mansions on the three-hour walking tour, and see some of the neighborhood’s hidden architectural gems.
Covering around a mile and a half in total distance, the walking tour explores the history of the city’s famous families, learn about their sumptuous parities and eye-popping affairs, along with the roles the ultra-wealthy played during historical events.
Whether you are a history buff, a lover of architecture, or want to see how the wealthy lived in the late 1800s, this walking tour is one you don’t want to miss.
The All Loops Tour
The All Loops Tour covers four distinctive areas, the Downtown Loop, Uptown Loop, Brooklyn Loop, and the widely popular Night Tour. This guided tour is the perfect way for visitors to familiarize themselves with New York City. Even residents can learn a little more about the city they call home.
This tour lets you experience New York City at your own pace. You can hop off at any of the 50 stops to leisurely explore the sights, or you can pick a single loop or experience all four—the choice is completely up to you.
The Downtown Loop takes you through the famed Financial District and eclectic Greenwich Village. Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and the sobering 9/11 Memorial are some of the attractions you’ll visit on the tour.
If museums are on your must-see list, the Uptown Tour takes you to the doors of the Guggenheim Museum. You will also tour the Upper East Side and Harlem. Be sure to pop into the famed Apollo Theater and enjoy a stroll through Central Park.
While New York City is comprised of five boroughs, one often stands out. Manhattan may be the one tourists flock to, but Brooklyn has plenty to offer. The Brooklyn Loop Tour takes you across the same named bridge into the borough’s trendy DUMBO and Williamsburg neighborhoods. View the collection of artworks at the Brooklyn Museum and tour the expansive Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.
After the sun sets, head off on The Night Tour. See Times Square and the Empire State Building lit up at night, along with other iconic attractions.
New York City Highlights Cruise
The Hudson River is the ideal place to see New York City’s stunning skyline. The New York City Highlights Cruise takes you past some of the city’s famous landmarks.
Setting sail from Pier 43, the 90-minute cruise takes you through the bustling commercial port and New Jersey’s famed Meadowlands sports complex. See the city’s skyline from a different vantage point as your tour guide points out iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building. As you pass by the Statue of Liberty, you can learn how it’s been a symbol of hope for immigrants coming to New York’s shores.
Enjoy the comforting breeze on the spacious open-air top deck, or relax in the climate-controlled cabin and enjoy a relaxing escape from the busy city while you take in its many breathtaking views.
Central Park Pedicab Tour
Covering 843 acres, Central Park is one of New York City’s most visited landmarks. While walking trails guide you through the park, it’s still easy to miss some of its hidden sights. The pedicab tour starts at a pre-arranged spot within the park’s boundaries.
You’ll hop onto the pedicab and relax as your guide pedals through the park, pointing out places of interest. Stop by the Great Lawn and go across the Bow Bridge. Your two-hour tour can also pass by Bethesda Fountain.
Hop off the pedicab and make a wish before heading off to see the park’s other sights—you can even customize the tour based on your interests.
Experience All New York City Has to Offer with a Sightseeing Tour
It’s impossible to fully experience everything NYC has to offer on a single visit, even if you’re staying for a month or more. But thankfully, adding a sightseeing tour to your itinerary can help improve and enrich your overall experience in the big city.
Whether you want to learn more about the city’s architecture, explore the theater and museum districts, or view the skyline from the river or air, you can find a sightseeing tour that’s perfect for you. Just be sure to plan your visit because spending a couple of days in NYC will not be enough to see only the most important tourist locations.
