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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 .

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Best NYC tours

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.

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. 

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. 

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 .

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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!

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.

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.

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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In a rush to see all of NYC? Bus tours are your most efficient option.

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If you aren’t afraid to get a little spooked, sign up for one of Gotham’s creepy and informative ghost tours

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TopView ® offers the best New York sightseeing bus tours led by local experts so you won't miss the most important attractions. On our NYC bus tours, hop on, hop off, and take time to enjoy all of the different places to visit in New York City. We have dozens of hop-on hop-off bus tour stops near all major points of interest. Our New York sightseeing bus will take you by all of the biggest NYC attractions!

5 Best Routes for Open-Top Sightseeing Bus Tours in NYC

We have five New York tours that allow you to experience the best of New York City, including two hop-on hop-off NYC bus tours, Downtown and Uptown, along with Brooklyn, and an exciting Night Tour route! While enjoying our NYC bus tours, hop on or hop off to take part in the excitement, explore the sights, and make the most of your visit. We'll make sure you hit every stop on your list of NYC attractions to see and give you plenty of Instagram-worthy views from atop our NYC sightseeing bus!

What Is There to Do in New York? Top Manhattan Attractions

Our hop-on hop-off NYC tours can take you to the top of Manhattan and back again, stopping at some of the most famous sites in New York City, NY. Here are a few examples of city locations you can see on an NYC sightseeing bus around Manhattan:

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• Flatiron Building
• Union Square
• Washington Square Park
• Battery Park
• Garment District

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NYC tours and attratctions

Looking for things to do in New York? Choose from a variety of options including multi-day sightseeing passes, tickets to popular attractions including One World Observatory , Double Decker bus city tours, and more!

Best Tours In NYC

By Jessie Festa. This guide to tours in New York City contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking to book the best tours in NYC ? Then you’re in the right place!

This page features guides sharing the top sightseeing tours in New York City, from Brooklyn food tours to NYC architectural tours to night tours in New York and more.

Exploring the vibrant streets of New York City is an adventure in itself, but to truly delve into the culture, history, and heart of this iconic metropolis, booking an NYC tour to explore with a local guide is a must.

From immersive walking tours through Times Square ‘s glittering lights to helicopter rides offering breathtaking aerial views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Central Park, these guided experiences promise an unforgettable journey.

Discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks with expert-led sightseeing tours, including visits to the historic Ellis Island or fascinating neighborhoods like Bushwick and Harlem.

On that note, let’s dive into the best sightseeing tours in NYC.

Photos Tours In NYC

Shameless plug: I own a photo experience company called NYC Photo Journeys that offers  private NYC photo tours ,  professional NYC photo shoots , and  private NYC influencer shoots .

For the tours, you pick a route and get a tour led by a certified guide and photographer, leaving with professional photos from the day to keep.

With the photo shoots, we’ll go over exactly what you’re looking for to come up with a concept and locations that bring your vision to life.

You can see examples of my work  here on Instagram .

Visiting New York City ? The following tours can help make your trip even better!

NYC Photo Tours

15 Best NYC Architectural Tours

15 Best Limo Tours In NYC

15 Best Night Tours In NYC

Best Tours In Brooklyn

Enhance your Brooklyn travel experience with these unforgettable tours:

17 Best Brooklyn Walking Tours

15 Best Brooklyn Food Tours

Best Tours In Manhattan

These tours will help you have an amazing Manhattan travel experience:

13 Best Manhattan Skyline Tours

Best Tours In New York City FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about booking sightseeing tours in NYC.

Q: What is the best way to see New York attractions?

Hiring a local guide allows you to not only see the sights but also learn about their importance while visiting lesser-known places and learning local tips.

Q) Is New York City an island?

New York City is not an island, but some of its boroughs are.  Manhattan  is an island, and so is Staten Island .

Q: What are the five boroughs of New York City?

NYC’s five boroughs include The Bronx , Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens , and Staten Island.

Q: How many days is enough to explore NYC?

While you can certainly enjoy a weekend or four days in NYC , visiting for a week or longer also allows you to visit the boroughs beyond Manhattan.

Q: Which area of New York is best to stay?

If it is your first time in NYC, staying in Times Square, or just outside of Times Square to escape the craziness, is recommended. Other great places to stay in include SoHo and the West Village in Manhattan, Williamsburg and DUMBO in Brooklyn, and Astoria and Long Island City in Queens.

What are your favorite tours in NYC?

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Discover new york city's treasures with exclusive guided tours, new york city tours.

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The American Museum of Natural History NYC Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

2 - 2.5 8 Max

From dinosaurs to space rocks, The American Museum of Natural History houses some of the world’s most fascinating artifacts. This 2 to 2.5 hour guided museum tour will take you through the 28 buildings that make up this iconic landmark. Your guide will lead you through its halls, explaining its most interesting highlights.

Semi - Private

Private Tour

The MET Tour - Metropolitan Museum of Art Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Commanding crowds on the same level as the Louvre and British Museum, New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most important landmarks in the Big Apple. Instead of wandering aimlessly, join an enthusiastic, knowledgeable guide on this 2.5 hour guided museum tour that will open your eyes to the history and works of art housed within the museum’s walls. The best part is that you can skip any lines! Consider a Friday or Saturday evening tour for an even more private feel.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour

Follow in the footsteps of over 12 million foreigners seeking roads paved with gold in the New World on this tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Explore these New York landmarks on a 3 hour guided tour, joining for a walk through time when America embraced immigration more than ever.

Midtown Manhattan Guided Walking Tour + Skip the Line MoMA Entry

Between soaring skyscrapers, manicured parks, and pulsating train stations, Manhattan’s Midtown district is one of the most overwhelming – and exciting – parts of New York. Let our guide put you at ease during this 2 to 2.5 hour guided walking tour. Your guide will help navigate the streets and landmarks that are part of the postcard perfect New York that every visitor is seeking. Your tour will conclude with skip-the-line entry to the 9/11 Museum (museum will be UNGUIDED, you can explore on your own)

Lower Manhattan & Ground Zero Guided Walking Tour + Skip the Line 9/11 Museum Entry

New York City, a teenager compared to London or Paris, is still one of the most inspiring cities in the world. On this 2.5 hour semi-private guided walking tour of Lower Manhattan, you’ll discover its Dutch and colonial origins through architecture and public spaces that even most New Yorkers don’t know exist. Join up to 8 other visitors on a trip back in time that will reveal how The Big Apple has evolved through good times and bad. Your tour will conclude with skip-the-line entry to the 9/11 Museum (museum will be UNGUIDED, you can explore on your own)

The Essential Central Park Guided Walking Tour

No movie set in New York is complete without at least one scene shot in iconic Central Park. On this 2.5 hour guided walking tour, you’ll stroll the paths of the world’s most famous urban green space to learn about its many monuments and oftentimes quirky history.

Art Inside and Out: Central Park and Metropolitan Museum of Art Skip-the Line Guided Tour

5 - 5.5 8 Max

New York boasts amazing art collections both outdoors and indoors, and this combo tour will blend the best of the Metropolitan Museum of Art with a stroll through iconic Central Park. On this 5 to 5.5 hour guided tour, your energetic guide will introduce you to the world’s most famous swath of greenery while also visiting an equally renowned museum. There’s no better way to maximize your time uptown than with this unforgettable experience. You’ll have a break between the two visits, of course.

New York Growing Up: Lower Manhattan and Midtown Guided Walking Tour

Watch New York grow up before your eyes on this 5 to 5.5 hour guided walking tour of Lower Manhattan and Midtown, combining two of the city’s most vibrant districts in one convenient experience. Engage with Dutch history, the bustling traders on Wall Street, and the soaring skyscrapers of Manhattan’s iconic skyline. We’ll have a short break between the two neighborhoods to rest up and refuel.

Metropolitan Museum of Art + American Museum of Natural History Skip-the-Line Guided Tour - Semi-Private

There’s no more efficient or engaging way to experience the best of New York’s museums than on this epic combo tour. Spend a day browsing the art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art before moving to the scientific marvels at the American Museum of Natural History on a guided museum tour. On this 5 to 5.5 hour excursion, your energetic guide will show you the best that these palatial museums have to offer. There will be time for a short break between both visits.

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Award-Winning NYC Tours

Discover NYC on our award-winning New York City tours and explore the iconic landmarks and unique energy of the city that never sleeps. Choose from bus tours, walking tours, or private tours, all led by certified local tour guides. Book now for an unforgettable NYC sightseeing experience!

Discover NY Bus Tour

Discover NYC’s Best: Award-Winning Bus Tour With Expert Guides! Luxury Transportation, Choose Closed-Top or Glass-Top Buses. Book Your City Adventure Now!

Big Apple in Lights Bus Tour

Experience NYC’s Nighttime Magic: Join Our Comfortable, Fully-Guided Bus Tour For an Unforgettable Evening Exploring New York City’s Amazing Sites After Dark!

NYC Private SUV Tour

Private NYC SUV Tour: Explore With Your Group, Led by Our Expert Guides and Designated Drivers. Dive into the Heart of the City in Style!

NYC Private Van or Bus Tour

Private NYC Van or Bus Tour: Your Group, Our Expert Guide & Driver. Discover the Best of the City in Comfort and Style!

Descubre NY (Aquí también – Tour Privado Únicamente)

Las maravillas de Nueva York te van a encantar mientras aprendes la historia de este icónico lugar. ¡Serás llevado en un autobús o una van, caminando y en barco!

NYC Holiday Lights Tour

Explore the Magic of NYC’s Holiday Season With Stunning Light Displays, Iconic Sights, and Festive Cheer on This Unforgettable Journey of the Year’s Most Wonderful Time!

Discover NYC With Our Award-Winning Guided NYC Bus Tours

Welcome to USA Guided Tours, your gateway to the electrifying pulse of New York City! Here, the thrill of adventure and the city that never sleeps intertwine in our award-winning NYC bus tours .

Immerse yourself in the city’s pulsating energy, awe-inspiring architecture, and legendary landmarks with our expertly-curated sightseeing tours. Our NYC tours don’t just show you the city – they let you experience the very soul of the Big Apple!

Join our expert tour guides on a captivating journey through the veins of New York City. Unveil the city’s iconic landmarks, historic districts, and hidden gems, all from the plush comfort of our climate-controlled luxury tour bus . Our NYC sightseeing tours are designed as public, private tours, or custom tour options to accommodate all your requirements and interests.

But we’re more than just NYC tours – we’re storytellers, history enthusiasts, and experience creators. Each stop on our guided NYC tours is meticulously chosen to give you a taste of the city’s diverse culture and rich tapestry of history. Whether you’re a first-time explorer or a seasoned traveler, prepare to discover a New York City you’ve never seen before.

Embarking on a USA Guided Tour isn’t just a ride around the city – it’s a vibrant journey through the beating heart of New York City. From mesmerizing skyline vistas to the invigorating city streets, get ready to see the city in a whole new light!

So, what are you waiting for? Book your unforgettable journey through the heart of New York City today!

Customer Testimonials

Rachel was absolutely incredible, she was extremely knowledgeable and a lot of fun. Highly recommend!

Tyler Marie was our wonderful guide on this small bus tour of NYC. She was upbeat and so knowledgeable and happily answered our questions. Would definitely recommend this 6 hour tour. Frequent stops at highlights broke up the time nicely. We had fewer than 30 people on our bus. Our tour never felt rushed! Great experience.

Gil was an amazing tour guide. We booked the 6 hour NYC tour and I can not imagine a better way to see all that we saw in half a day. We started in Times Square, we were educated on history and architecture throughout our day. We made stops in Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Madison Square, the 911 Memorial, Ferry to Staten Island w views of The Statue of Liberty, & so much more. Worth every penny!

I just had the time of my life…. OMG what a great choice I made…!!! My wife and my daughter look at me like a hero…. We had a great time, lots of fun and time enough to do everything…!!! Thank you so much “USA Guided Tours NY” for sure you guys will be my next choice again… I would give you 10 stars but google only lets me do 5 but you guys deserve more… Thanks a bunch…!!!

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New York is one of the world’s most visited—and most exciting—cities. There are so many places to see and things to do, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially if it’s your first visit.

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The Best New York City Tours

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Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, you're guaranteed to learn something new on these guided tours of New York City. Tour options range from sightseeing outings to the city's famous attractions to leisurely dinner cruises on the Hudson River.

Bike Rent NYC – Central Park Bike Tour

Price: From $49 Duration: 2 hours

Led by Bike Rent NYC, the Central Park Bike Tour covers roughly 5 miles of Central Park in two hours, and stops along the way include the Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields and the Reservoir. Reviewers generally praise the guides' knowledge of and enthusiasm for the park, and they note that the tours are not paricularly strenuous.

Tours are available multiple times daily, with the first departing at 9 a.m. Tickets cover the use of bicycles as well as helmets, which are mandatory for riders 14 and younger. Bikers can purchase insurance for an additional fee.

Prefer to explore on your own? The company also rents bikes for self-guided tours.

Check prices & availability on:

Ahoy NY Tours & Tasting – Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest Walking Food Tour

Price: From $105 Duration: 3 hours

Eat your way through Chinatown and Little Italy on this three-hour walking tour of New York City. As you explore iconic neighborhoods with an expert guide, you'll stop for seven samples of traditional dishes. Tastings may include Chinese dumplings, cannolis and homemade mozzarella, among other delicacies. Participants praise guides for their historical knowledge of the area and the amount of food served; many warn that you'll want to arrive hungry to fully enjoy all of the tour's offerings.

Tickets cover all food, and participants 21 and older have the option to add a glass of wine or beer at the seated tasting. If you're still hungry, Ahoy NY Tours & Tasting also offers tours of Mulberry Street.

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

Price: From $66 Duration: 3.5 hours

New York City offers something for just about everyone, including fans of a certain television show starring four fashionable women. On Location Tours' "Sex and the City" Hotspots Tour takes travelers via bus to more than 40 locations where Sarah Jessica Parker and her costars were filmed wining, dining and shopping. Travelers visit famed neighborhoods, such as midtown Manhattan, Greenwich Village, SoHo and the Meatpacking District, stopping for photo-ops along the way. Tourgoers rave about the experienced and amusing guides and assure you don't have to be a fan to enjoy the tour.

The adults-only (18 and older) outings are generally offered Thursday through Sunday at 2 p.m., but the tour runs daily during the summer months. Availability may be more limited in the winter. The company also offers a variety of other TV- and movie-themed bus tours, including those that visit locations featured in "Gossip Girl." If you'd rather walk, consider the company's Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour.

Courtesy of ExperienceFirst

ExperienceFirst – Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour

Price: Adults from $79; kids from $75 Duration: 5 hours

For an in-depth look at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, sign up for this excursion with ExperienceFirst. The five-hour tour includes access to the grounds of Liberty and Ellis islands, the Immigration Museum and the Statue of Liberty Museum, as well as round-trip ferry tickets. What's more, you'll enjoy priority line access to board the ferry. Guides win praise from reviewers for their expertise and engaging delivery, as well as their ability to navigate the crowds.

Tours depart daily at 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The 3.5-hour guided portion of the five-hour tour begins at Castle Clinton in Battery Park and ends at Ellis Island. From there, you can continue to explore on your own for as long as you wish or hop back on the ferry to return to Battery Park. ExperienceFirst also conducts three-hour "express" Statue of Liberty tours , in addition to walking tours of various New York City neighborhoods, including Little Italy and Chinatown.

Broadway Up Close Walking Tours – Broadway's Beginnings

Price: Adults from $41; kids from $36 Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Theater fans can't miss the chance to tag along on the Broadway's Beginnings tour. During the nearly two-hour, half-mile walking tour, you'll pass by the theaters at the southern end of the Broadway theater district, from 41st Street to 44th Street. Along the way, your expert guide will share tales of Broadway's early years and detail how Broadway shows evolve from the first rehearsal to opening night. Plus, guides regale you with stories of the ghosts that reportedly haunt the district's theaters. Reviewers rave about the guides' passion for theater and the behind-the-scenes scoop they share.

Tours are generally available Sunday, Wednesday and Friday at 11 a.m. A maximum of 15 participants are allowed to tour. Can't get enough of Broadway? The company offers a variety of other themed tours, including one that focuses on "Hamilton: An American Musical" and another one all about the Shubert brothers (best known for their theater empire in the 1900s).

Top Dog Tours New York City – Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour

Price: From $35 Duration: 2 hours

Hear all about the ghosts that purportedly haunt Greenwich Village on this two-hour stroll. Among the sites you'll pass by are the Anne Charlotte Lynch House, where Edgar Allan Poe debuted some of his most famous works, the Hangman's Elm, a more than 300-year-old tree in Washington Square Park that is believed to be the site of many hangings during the American Revolution, and the Jefferson Market Library, a former courthouse. Travelers recommend this tour if you're a fan of the paranormal and are interested in the history of Greenwich Village. Reviewers give kudos to the guides, who they describe as friendly and captivating.

Tours operate nightly at 8 p.m. and are offered in English and Spanish. Note that Top Dog Tours says this experience is not suitable for kids younger than 12.

You'll visit the 9/11 Memorial, a plaza at the former site of the twin towers, during the 9/11 Ground Zero Tour.

9/11 Ground Zero Tour

Price: Adults from $39; kids from $35 Duration: 1.5 hours

Go beyond the 9/11 Memorial with this 90-minute walking tour, led by New Yorkers with personal connections to 9/11. Tours begin at St. Paul's Chapel, which served as an impromptu rescue center during the attacks, and then move to the 9/11 Memorial, a plaza at the former site of the twin towers. From there, your tour may also stop at the FDNY Memorial Wall, the "Survivor Tree" or the Oculus at the World Trade Center transit hub, depending on your tour guide. Tour-takers find the guides to be insightful, respectful and passionate.

Tours take place daily at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Packages that combine the 9/11 Ground Zero Tour with a visit to the 9/11 Museum or to the One World Observatory are also available.

New York Media Boat – Adventure Sightseeing Tour

Price: Adults from $99; kids from $75 Duration: 1 hour

If you're looking for a unique (and thrilling) tour of NYC's top sights, consider this 60-minute speed boat ride aboard a vessel originally reserved for photographers and news crews. After departing from North Cove Marina in lower Manhattan, you'll zip across the Hudson River for views of downtown, midtown and the Empire State and Chrysler buildings. You'll also sail under the Brooklyn Bridge, along the Brooklyn waterfront and around Governors Island. Plus, the tour offers up-close views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Reviewers say this is a fun and memorable way to see the sights and applaud the captain for their interesting commentary and handling of the boat.

Boats depart several times daily, but availability is limited in the winter months. New York Media Boat also operates private tours.

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Nice Guy Tours – Lower East Side Tour

Price: From $89 Duration: 3 hours

You'll want to come hungry for this New York City food tour, which visits a minimum of seven eateries for samples of pickles, pastrami and doughnuts, among other dishes. During the three-hour walking tour, you'll stop at famous restaurants like Katz's Deli and Russ & Daughters as your guide regales you with stories about the Lower East Side's history and culture. Reviewers are particularly fond of the guides, who they describe as friendly, informative and entertaining. Travelers are also complimentary of the generous amount of food offered.

Tours are available Sunday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 a.m. A maximum of 12 people are allowed on each tour. The company also offers food tours of Greenwich Village.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises – Landmarks Cruise

Price: Prices vary Duration: 1.5 hours

The Landmarks Cruise offered by Circle Line allows you to soak in dramatic views of the New York City skyline from the water surrounding Manhattan. The 90-minute boat ride sails beneath New York's famous bridges, including the Brooklyn Bridge, cruises past the Statue of Liberty and glides by other famous structures. English-speaking guides, who are characterized by reviewers as informed and entertaining, provide a running commentary about the various sights. Food and drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic, are available for purchase.

Prices may vary based on the time and date of the cruise. Passengers also have the option of purchasing premier seating. Cruises depart at multiple times daily between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. from Pier 83 at Hudson River Park. Specialized cruises to the Statue of Liberty and evening cruises are also available.

Foods of NY Tours – Heart and Soul of Greenwich Village

Price: Adults from $75; kids from $50 Duration: 3 hours

The Heart and Soul of Greenwich Village tour highlights the diverse culinary offerings of one of the city's most eclectic neighborhoods. Reviewers enthusiastically praise the varied array of food sampled during the three-hour walking tour, which stops at various cafes and specialty shops for seven tastings – two seated, the rest on the go. Specific tastings vary by day and time, but may include artichoke pizza, fresh pasta, empanadas or kati rolls.

Tours are offered Thursday through Monday year-round. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, tours depart at noon (with a possible additional tour at 12:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday); on Thursday and Monday, tours start at 2 p.m. The tickets cover the food and one bottle of water. Excursions are limited to 16 people. Foods of NY Tours also conducts tours of other neighborhoods, such as Chinatown and Little Italy, as well as Brooklyn.

Tommy's New York – The Catacombs by Candlelight

Price: Adults from $36; kids from $30 Duration: 1.5 hours

Explore the crypts beneath the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour with Tommy's New York. On the 90-minute tour, participants will learn the history of the catacombs, which date back to 1815, and the histories of the people buried here, including bishops, priests and families. Unlike the catacombs in Paris and Rome, there are no visible bones. Tourgoers will also walk through the cathedral and see its Erben pipe organ. Reviewers applaud guides for their engaging and educational delivery and vast knowledge of New York history.

Tours are available Thursday through Monday at multiple times between 10:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.

Learn all about Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo with Free Tours by Foot.

Free Tours by Foot – Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO Tour

Price: Free Duration: 3 hours

For a local's perspective on Brooklyn history, consider this three-hour walking tour. You'll start your tour by walking a mile over the Brooklyn Bridge. Then, you'll explore America's first suburb, Brooklyn Heights, before stopping to admire the views of Manhattan and New York Harbor. You'll end the tour in Dumbo. Participants compliment guides for their expertise and friendly personalities, as well as their willingness to answer questions. Because it's a name-your-own-price tour, participants choose if they want to compensate the guide at the tour's conclusion.

Tours, which meet at City Hall Park, are offered daily at 9:30 a.m. Though the tour is free, reservations must be made on the company's website. The company offers a variety of other themed tours, including walks through Harlem, Chinatown and Little Italy.

Check availability on:

Zip Aviation – Big City Helicopter Tour

Price: From $279 Duration: 20 minutes

Escape the crowds and enjoy panoramic vistas of the Big Apple on Zip Aviation's Big City Helicopter Tour. The route extends from Liberty Harbor up to the Bronx with views of landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Yankee Stadium and New York's various rivers and iconic bridges, along the way. Reviewers repeatedly laud the exceptional views, the one-of-a-kind flight experience and the professional staff. Plus, prerecorded commentary is provided in multiple languages.

Zip Aviation limits tours to six passengers, depending on the aircraft. The tour, which is available Monday to Saturday at a variety of times between 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., lasts 20 minutes. The company also offers 15-minute flights concentrating on the Liberty Harbor area and nighttime skyline tours.

The Wall Street Experience – Wall Street Insider Tour

Price: Adults from $39; kids from $35 Duration: 75 minutes

The Wall Street Experience's Wall Street Insider Tour traverses some of the oldest streets of New York City. The 75-minute walking tour goes past (but not inside) the New York Stock Exchange, which is closed to the public, and the Federal Reserve. As you meander the streets of lower Manhattan, guides – many of whom are traders, investment bankers and stockbrokers – discuss the Financial District's history, architecture and related trivia. Travelers describe guides as funny and extremely well-versed in both finance and New York history.

Outings start at Broad Street, just around the corner from Wall Street, at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The company also offers tours that focus on the 2008 financial crisis.

Courtesy of Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises – Harbor Lights Sunset Cruise

Price: Prices vary Duration: 2 hours

The Big Apple shines at night, and a great way to take in the glistening skyline is from the water. The Harbor Lights Sunset Cruise allows you to do just that, admiring some of the city's most recognizable landmarks, including the Empire State Building and the High Line, during the two-hour evening sail. Cruisers relish the expansive views, photo-ops and engaging commentary, and describe the tour as relaxing.

The tours, which depart nightly at 7 p.m. from Pier 83, feature narration by guides. Prices vary based on time and date of cruise. Cruisers also have the option of purchasing premier seating. Circle Line offers daytime cruises, as well as specialized cruises to the Statue of Liberty.

USA Guided Tours – Discover NY Bus Tour

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

For an immersive exploration of New York City, hop on the Discover NY Bus Tour. The six-hour tour departs from Times Square at 9 and 10 a.m. daily and takes tourists to top spots like Madison Square Park, Rockefeller Center and Central Park. At each stop, guides will exit the vehicle with the group for short walks and provide detailed information regarding sights, such as the Dakota building (where John Lennon once lived), the Flatiron Building and the 9/11 Memorial. The informative and friendly guides routinely win praise from tourgoers. Reviewers also say the tour is well organized and a great option if you're hoping to see the top sights in one day.

All tickets include a boat ride on the Staten Island Ferry. If you're hoping to admire the city at night, consider the company's evening bus tour.

Intrepid Urban Adventures – New York Tenements, Tales, and Tastes Discovery

Price: From $79 Duration: 3 hours

This walking tour of the Lower East Side, Little Italy and Chinatown illustrates how immigration shaped New York's culture and culinary history. Throughout the three-hour tour, you'll sample four ethnic foods (such as knishes, prosciutto and dumplings) with a knowledgeable guide providing information about the cuisine and culture of the area. Stops include restaurants, bakeries, churches and historic sites. Reviewers heap praise on the attentive guides and recommend pairing this tour with a trip to Ellis Island to gain a better understanding of the early immigrant story.

Tours are generally offered daily at 10 a.m. Groups are limited to 14 people. Intrepid Urban Adventures also leads tours all about Alexander Hamilton, in addition to private outings.

HeliNY – The New Yorker Tour

Price: From $199 Duration: 12 to 15 minutes

Soar above the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Chelsea Piers, Times Square and more on this approximately 15-minute helicopter flight. As you marvel at the sights below, your pilot will point out landmarks and answer any questions. Previous passengers describe the flight as magical and an amazing way to see NYC. Reviewers also praise the staff for their friendliness and professionalism.

Ticket prices start at approximately $199 per person and do not include the additional $40 facility and fuel fees. Prices may fluctuate depending on the time and date of your booking. There is a 275-pound weight limit per passenger. If you're looking for a longer flight, consider booking HeliNY's Deluxe Tour, which lasts up to 30 minutes.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best NYC Walking Tours
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17. The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City

18. Edge Observation Deck Admission Ticket

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20. The Manhattan Helicopter Tour of New York

21. Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

22. New York City at Night Bus Tour

23. New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise

24. NYC Must-See Highlights of Manhattan Bus Tour

25. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour

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

27. New York City One World Observatory Admission Ticket

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9/11 tribute museum.

This tour includes a brief history of the World Trade Center, the attacks on 9/11 and their aftermath, with stops at the Firefighter Memorial Wall and the September 11th Memorial Plaza, and more.

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NYC Downtown Experience

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Explore the beginnings of Downtown Manhattan on our patented vehicle, enhanced with the magic of TimeLooper virtual reality, allowing you to witness full-scale, 360 degree reenactments of some of NYC’s iconic moments.

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An interactive & full-motion escape room! You have boarded a subway train that is running out of control. Figure out how to stop it within 60 minutes before it crashes!

Let’s Book It New York City is your one-stop shop for sightseeing in New York, NY. We offer a variety of sightseeing tours by bus, bike, and by foot, as well as unique activities such as a graffiti workshop, immersive escape rooms, neighborhood tours, and more. Eat, walk, and play your way through the city with us! Book online today or call one of our personal concierges to help tailor your perfect vacation in New York City.

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Walking tours in nyc, discover the stories of new york city, 9/11 ground zero walking tour, 5 neighborhoods walking tour, book tours with your sightseeing pass, at metropolis tours our mission is to share the energy, history, and excitement of the city with visitors from all over the world by bringing them into the story of the city..

New York City is made up of over 8 million people, over 300 square miles, and over 400 years of history. Each one of them has a story to tell.

Take a tour with us. Be a part of the story.

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Jonathan was our guide. He was full of knowledge and make the walk fun. He provided pictures to see prior verses today.

An excellent tour and one of the highlights of our trip to New York. Jonatan was so friendly and informative. We learnt so much that we didn't already ... Read more

Had a great 9/11 tour today with Jonathan! He was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all the hard questions! He had a lot of respect for the ... Read more

I took the 9/11 Ground Zero Walking Tour with Jonathan as our Guide. It was a very informative, engaging and entertaining tour, Jonathan provide us a lot ... Read more

THANK YOU JONATHAN! It was the best walking tour we did in NYC. 100% recommended! We received so many informations that without this tour, we would have ... Read more

We did the 'heart of New York' tour as a couple. Since we were coincidentelly the only ones, it was a private tour. Jonathan, the guide, was very friendly ... Read more

Jonathan was a great guide. We learned many things we didn’t know. The sites and points of interest kept you interested and encouraged to learn more.

Jonathan ci ha condotto lungo un bellissimo ed interessante percorso nei dintorni di ground zero, raccontando storia di 9/11 con riferimenti unici e ... Read more

We can highly recommend the tour. Jonathan showed us many interesting spots and gave us a lot of background information and history. He also gave us some ... Read more

Abbiamo effettuato il tour 9/11 Ground Zero Walking Tour con la guida Jonathan Mannato. É stata un'esperienza fantastica e molto interessante. La consiglio!

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Boroughs English Guided Tour in NYC. Brooklyn, The Bronx, Harlem & Queens with Coney Island

Have the opportunity to enjoy New York, one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world full of contrasts between its different boroughs and 8.5 million residents! Discover the amazing neighborhoods of the city and watch around the most important landmarks from the iconic New York!

• Hour Glass 15 hours

Washington DC & Philadelphia Day Trip from NYC

Experience a fully guided tour of two of the nation’s capitals: Washington D.C. (current) and Philadelphia, PA (first ever).

• Hour Glass 19 hours

Niagara Falls Tour from New York Day Trip

During your visit to New York, do not miss the charm of one of the most incredible natural wonders in the world: Niagara Falls. Come to see this natural marvel in a unique experience!

• Hour Glass 4 hours

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour

No trip to New York would be complete without visiting and seeing one of the world’s best-known monuments : the Statue of Liberty and the Immigration Museum on Ellis Island.

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Private Boroughs Tour in NYC. Brooklyn, The Bronx, Harlem & Queens with Coney Island

New York City is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world and full of contrasts between its different boroughs and 8.5 million residents.

• Hour Glass 2 days

Niagara Falls, Washington DC & Philadelphia Day Trip from NYC

Choose this combo and save money on the most popular tours outside of New York! The tour is done in two days. After taking the first one, you take the second two days later.

Private Washington DC & Philadelphia Day Trip from NYC

Discover two of the nation’s capitals and explore landmarks like the White House or the Capitol. Live a unique experience in an exclusive tour!

• Hour Glass 4 horas

Private Tour to the Statue of Liberty in New York

A trip to New York would be complete without visiting and knowing one of the best known monuments in the world: the Statue of Liberty and the Immigration Museum on Ellis Island.

• Hour Glass 1-2 hours , 2 hours

Private Instagram Tour With Professional Photographer

Get to know the city of New York and get the best photos for your instagram profile. Discover the history of the city with a local guide as you get photoshoot by a professional photographer and keep the best memories of your visit to this amazing city.

• Hour Glass 12 hours

Discover Atlantic City & Caesars Casino from New York

Explore the beaches, casinos, and outlets of one of the most famous cities on the East Coast, Atlantic City!

Tickets for Hop-­on Hop­-off Bus New York

Tickets edge at hudson yards: general admission, tickets empire state building: general admission.

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24 Best NYC City Tours for an Unforgettable Exploration of the Big Apple

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.

Around every corner, down every street, there’s something new to discover. It’s the birthplace of jazz, bagels and hip-hop, a melting pot of cultures (à la Chinatown, Little Italy and Harlem for starters), and it’s been aptly crowned the City That Never Sleeps.

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.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

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1 – New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 8859 reviews )

“Absolutely brilliant tour and day in the hands of the fantastic Hayley and Manny, would absolutely recommend this tour as a ” must” for anyone visiting NYC.” Ian, Viator

Ticking off a hand-picked selection of the best places to visit in New York City back to back, this USA Guided Tours adventure covers Manhattan from top to bottom, showing off as many quintessential landmarks as possible in one day.

With a combination of walking, driving and cruising on the Staten Island Ferry, you’ll tick off over a dozen world-famous attractions. Starting from Central Park, you’ll pass by the Rockefeller Center, the New York Public Library, the 9/11 Memorial and more, with insights into neighborhoods like SoHo , Times Square, Chinatown and Greenwich in between.

With time to wander around Fifth Avenue and soak up views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty as well, this tour is perfect for first-timers wanting to get the most out of their stay.

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• Starting from Midtown, this tour first ventures north via Times Square toward Central Park, where you'll get to see Strawberry Fields and the John Lennon Memorial. Then, you'll head south en route to Lower Manhattan, passing several landmarks along the way, such as the Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, the Flatiron Building and the New York Public Library.
• After a 30-minute stop at the Gansevoort Liberty Market, you'll then wander around the Financial District and Battery Park. Finally, you'll hop on the ferry to Staten Island for a round-trip that lets you admire Lady Liberty from afar. You'll then be escorted to the original meeting point where the tour ends.

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! Rachel, Jim, Tyler and the crew are all experts in all things NYC – history, architecture and culture – so you’ll learn plenty as you cover most of Manhattan. If you don’t mind sharing a few dozen other tourists, this tour comes highly recommended.

2 – 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.

3 – 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?

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• 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.

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4 – 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!

5 – 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 (just a handful of the 15+ quintessential landmarks en route).

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.

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.

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6 – SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York

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.

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Read more: Best walking tours in NYC

7 – 1 Hour Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 5560 reviews )

“Nice quick ride to the Statue of Liberty and back. Good guide and good music and good boat.” Jeffrey, Getyourguide

Description: 100 words – mention Statue Walks LLC , Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

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?

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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.

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Read more: Best boat tours in NYC

8 – Private New York Tour with Native and Professional Photoshoot

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 555 reviews )

“Best $$ I ever spent on a vacation. This was the highlight of our trip to NYC and the bonus is we have amazing pics to have forever. Everyone that visits the city should absolutely do this!” Tara, Viator

Description: 100 words (include the official website link if we mention the company name)

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 (think Times Square, the Theatre District, etc.), but you’ll do it in style, with your very own passionate NYC historian.

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 75+ 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, whether it’s hidden eateries, movie backdrops, iconic landmarks, or a bit of everything!

• There is no standard ticket price for this tour. Instead, prices vary depending on how many people are in your group.
• Tickets cost US$172.50 each when booking two tickets.
• Tickets cost US$123 each when booking three tickets.
• Tickets cost US$99 each when booking four tickets.
• Tickets cost US$89 each when booking five tickets.
• Tickets cost US$74 each when booking six tickets.
• Tickets cost US$67 each when booking seven tickets.
• Finally, tickets cost US$62 each when booking 8 or more tickets.

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!

Marc is amazing at making sure you get great shots without the insane crowds of people around too. For first-timers, it’s a fantastic way to get your bearings. 5 stars from us!

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9 – 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 silver screen deep-dive 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!

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Read more: Best TV & movie locations tours in New York City

10 – New York City: 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.

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Read more: Best bike tours in NYC

11 – 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.

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Read more: List of Broadway theaters – which one is best?

12 – Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise

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 architectural history, making it a great learning experience as well.

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!

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13 – 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.

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14 – 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!

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15 – 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 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.

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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

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 city 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!

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17 – 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 totally free, making the Guru Walk one of the best cheap things to do in New York City .

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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

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!

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19  – 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 bus 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).

Stefan is terrific and we definitely recommend this tour.

• The Sopranos tours in NYC

20 – 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 tour screams out “join me!” for any true Sex and the City 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❤️

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Read more: Sex and the City tours in New York – which one is the best?

21 – 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 walking 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!

• street art tours in New York City

22 – 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.

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!

• The Ride tours

23 – 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 city 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.

• speakeasy tours in New York City

24 – 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.

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.

• Christmas lights tours in New York City

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.

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Review: The Big Bus Tour in New York City

I absolutely loved the Big Bus Tour in New York City. It’s the best way to go sightseeing in an open-top, hop-on hop-off, top-rated tour and explore the best New York attractions !

If this is your first-time visiting New York and you want to see all the top landmarks, this double-decker tour bus will take you there.

The Big Bus Tour in New York

You may be wondering if a hop-on hop-off bus is worth it. Absolutely, yes!

If you consider the time and money spent on transportation costs, waiting for buses, navigating the subway (which can be confusing for visitors), and getting from one point of interest to another, it is worth every dollar!

I had a great visit to New York City on Big Bus Tour. My goal was to show the city to some friends from Italy who were visiting the US for the first time.

Since we only had about two days to spend together, the hop-on hop-off was undoubtedly the best decision.

From our experience, we’ll answer commonly asked questions about the Hop-on Hop-off bus while visiting New York City.

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Why take the big bus tour in new york.

While seeing New York from the open-top deck of the double-decker bus, the city unfolded block by block with panoramic views from every angle.

As we traveled through the streets, the sights were unobstructed and new visual backdrops were revealed.

The towering skyscrapers and colorful billboards filled the air with excitement and as the cityscape continued to change, it gave a grand feeling to the experience.

I especially enjoyed being able to relax from the upper deck of the bus while taking in the energy of city scenes.

Because I also live in a large city, the rhythm felt familiar from the elevated vantage point .

Car horns were honking, crowds traversed through the streets and there was an endless hum of activity.

Best of all, the tour gave me the chance to interact with other travelers who were seeing New York while waiting for the tour to began.

We struck up conversations and exchanged stories, insights, and recommendations during our stay in New York.

How Much is the Big Bus Tour in New York

The regular price of an adult and child ticket is $60.00 and $50.00, respectively. However, you can use the link below for discounted fares.

Get discounts for the Big Bus Tour NYC  here .

How Long is the Big Bus Tour in New York

The round-trip New York City Big Bus Tour takes about two hours from start to finish.

The bus is the perfect solution for visitors worldwide because they offer pre-recorded audio narratives and translations in five languages — French, German, Spanish, Italian, and English.

Are There Toilets on the Big Bus

No. Unlike charter buses, you won’t travel long between stops. So the best thing to do is exit at a stop, find a public restroom, see an attraction, if desired, and then catch the next bus.

If you are not sure where to find one, ask a Big Bus guide on the street. The driver may also have some suggestions.

Charter buses come equipped with a bathroom because travel is expected to be for a much longer period.

How Does the Big Bus Tour Work in New York City

The tour offers three options for purchase — 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day.

When you decide the number of days of your tour and purchase your ticket, the clock starts when your ticket is scanned while boarding the bus for the first time.

The ticket is good for 24, 48, or 72 hours. So, if you have a 1-day ticket and board the bus at 11:00 AM on Monday, it can still be used until 11:00 AM on Tuesday.

We found a ton of touring options for sightseeing in New York.

Aside from the extended period, the 2 and 3-day tickets also offer discounted bike rentals.

The buses run every 20 minutes on average. However, the first stop at the M&M store can be a long wait during peak season.

You can exit or board at any of the designated stops as much as you want.

The only exclusion is the one-loop tour Night Tour which is a panoramic non-stop tour.

Where to Catch the Big Bus Tour in New York City

During the tour, the buses only stop at designated stops.

Your ticket is good for as long as the buses operate during the day and it may be used on both the red and blue routes.

When you board, make sure you get a hop-on hop-off New York bus route map!

Big Bus NYC Red Route

The red route sightseeing tour covers lower Manhattan and you’ll see many landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Wall Street, the Chrysler Building, and General Grant’s Tomb.

You can catch a tour at any one of the following bus stops and you can get your tickets in advance of boarding.

1 – M&M’s World – 7th Ave & W 48th St (Outside M&M World & Majestic Deli)

2 – Times Square East – W 42nd St & Broadway (at Knickerbocker Hotel)

3 – Empire State Building / Korea Town – 5th Ave & W 32nd St (at CVS Pharmacy)

4 – Flatiron District – 5th Ave & W 23rd St (at Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop)

5 – SoHo – Broadway and Spring Street (at Nike Store)

6 – Chinatown / Little Italy – 100 Lafayette Street (near the corner at Walker St)

7 – Brooklyn Bridge – Park Row & Beekman St (across from 33 Park Row)

8 – Wall Street / Charging Bull – Broadway & Wall St (Southwest corner near Rector St)

9 – Statue of Liberty / Battery Park – State St and Bridge St (at Subway Entrance)

10 – Circle Line Sightseeing – 12th Ave & 40th St (opposite Pier 81)

11 – Times Square North – 7th Ave & W 50th St (at Majestic Deli)

Big Bus NYC Blue Route

The blue route covers upper Manhattan, and half of the ride is mostly views of Central Park. You can switch to the blue route at red stop #2.

We recommend changing routes at stop #11 (the Majestic Deli) where you can take a break and have a nice lunch.

12 – The Metropolitan Museum of Art – 5th Ave & E 83rd St (near 83rd St)

13 – Central Park Zoo – 5th Ave & E 66th St (opposite 845 5th Ave)

14 – Columbus Circle – Central Park & Columbus Circle (SW corner of Central Park)

Tips and Things to Know Before You Go

The bus has two levels, the upper level offers panoramic views of the city but be careful of overhanging traffic lights and trees. Don’t stand while the bus is in motion.

• After you find a seat, check the audio to confirm it is working.
• Snacks are allowed. Bring a frozen bottle of water and protein bites to keep you energized.
• When on the upper deck, cover up with sunscreen to protect your skin on hot sunny days.
• If you are a family of 3 or more, take seats across from one another so you’ll have views and photos from both sides of the bus.

Tourists were lined up at stop #1 at least an hour before departure and the line extended the entire block and rounded the corner.

We decided to see other points of interest and returned around 11:00 AM.

The wait to board the bus was about 20 minutes. It was a relaxing ride and there we saw so much!

By the time we reached stop #9, we were pumped and ready to exit the bus so that we could explore the city! And you probably will be too.

Here’s the secret sauce that really made the experience memorable. Exit at stop #9 and take a FREE ferry to Staten Island.

To see the Statue of Liberty, stand on the left side of the boat. When returning, stand on the right side.

Traveling on a budget? Read my review of the Westside YMCA Hotel !

Final Thoughts About the Big Bus Tour in New York City

Overall, the tour was a pleasant way to see New York city and when you are on the upper deck, you hardly notice the traffic.

Some other advantages of seeing the city by bus include:

• Avoiding parking hassles. I mean, who actually drives in New York?!
• Photo opportunities. With the open-top or large windows, you have excellent photo opportunities as you pass by iconic landmarks and cityscapes.
• Comprehensive sightseeing of major landmarks and attractions within two hours.
• You can get local recommendations from the guides who operate the bus.

I usually opt for a hop-on hop-off bus when I am short on time or to get my bearings in the city before deciding what to do.

Either way, when you take the tour bus, it doesn’t appear impossible to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

Happy Travels!

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Take a tour around New York City’s ‘Ghostbusters’ filming spots

On Location Tours, which offers several tours based around pop culture that takes place in the Big Apple, has revamped its “Ghostbusters” tour in anticipation of the new film. From the New York Public Library to Tribeca’s Ladder 8 Firehouse, the tour is every “Ghostbusters” fan’s chance to see where all of the iconic scenes from the film series occur.

About the Author

Emily Davenport

Emily Davenport is the Digital Editor of amNewYork Metro. She covers entertainment, business and things to do stories around New York City, both in writing and through video. Outside of work, you can find her exploring the city or hanging out at home with her cranky bird.

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Eagles book residency at las vegas sphere to extend ‘long goodbye’ tour: sources.

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The Eagles have landed.

The legendary rock band has agreed to a residency at James Dolan’s Las Vegas music venue The Sphere after they finish up what was billed as their final tour this spring, The Post has learned.

Don Henley — the band’s frontman who recently expressed “regret” over a cocaine-fueled night with a 16-year-old prostitute while taking the stand in a criminal case involving the theft of the lyrics to their hit song “Hotel California” — will take the stage along with Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit over 10 weekends from September through December at the $2.3 billion state-of-the-art arena, sources close to the situation told The Post.

The total number of shows and terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed.

“We do not comment on any artists performing at Sphere except for those who have been announced,” a Sphere spokesperson told The Post on Monday.

The Post reached out to the Eagles for comment.

The band concludes its “Long Goodbye” tour on June 15 in the Netherlands.

Dolan, the owner of the Knicks and Rangers, has been courting the Eagles , managed by longtime Dolan pal Irving Azoff, since last year, The Post previously reported.

Azoff co-founded the Oak View Group, which handles marketing partnerships for The Sphere, and also manages Dead & Company’s John Mayer, the Eagles and U2, which all have been booked to play the glitzy venue.

Mayer and the Grateful Dead spinoff band were scheduled to play 24 shows from May to July but have extended their stay by another 10 dates through the end of August, sources said.

However, Dolan’s efforts to bring Beyonce to the LED-wrapped arena have apparently hit a snag — at least for this year.

The two have held talks since last November, with Queen Bey, her husband, Jay-Z, and her manager-mom, Tina Knowles, all touring the site, as The Post previously reported .

Buzz about a possible deal surged last month when the “Single Ladies” singer was featured in a Super Bowl ad for Verizon — showing Beyonce on a horse that was perched atop The Sphere.

The hang-up for a deal could be over Dolan’s hesitancy to splash out the millions needed to attract Beyonce and produce the high-tech shows that fit The Sphere, once source speculated.

The media mogul paid roughly $10 million to U2 for their extravagant production to open the arena last September. Bono and the band closed the last of their 40 shows earlier this month.

Shares in the Dolan-run parent company that owns The Sphere are up more than 40% year to date. They were down slightly on Monday, trading at around $47.

Henley, meanwhile, had taken a break from the Eagles tour earlier this month to testify in a Manhattan court in a trial involving three men accused of a scheme involving the allegedly stolen “Hotel California” lyrics.

The case” imploded mid-trial after  Henley  disclosed new evidence that cast doubt on the prosecution.

In a stunning turn of events, Justice Curtis Farber dropped the charges faced by rare-books dealer Glenn Horowitz, ex-Rock & Roll Hall of Fame curator Craig Inciardi and memorabilia seller Edward Kosinki — finding that Henley “manipulated” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office by failing to turn over 6,000 pages of key evidence until midway through the trial.

Henley and his lawyers tried to weaponize their attorney-client privilege to “hide information that they believed would be damaging,” Farber said at a hearing in Manhattan Supreme Court on March 6.

Eagles co-founder Don Henley on Monday candidly recounted the cocaine-fueled night when he was busted with a 16-year-old prostitute at his Los Angeles home — calling it a “regret” he still lives with more than four decades later as he took the stand in Manhattan court.

While taking the stand, the 76-year-old Henley was asked about his 1980 arrest shortly after the band broke up.

Henley admitted the breakup made him depressed, prompting him to call a “madam” to provide him with “some company.”

Among those was an underage prostitute who suffered a seizure after a night of coke-fueled commiserating , he admitted.

“I wanted to forget about everything that was happening with the band,” Henley said. “I made a poor decision which I regret to this day. I’ve had to live with it for 44 years. I’m still living with it today in this courtroom.”

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Read Your Way Through the San Francisco Bay Area

The Bay Area has had many lives. The Oakland novelist Leila Mottley shares books that paint a picture of the city that lives and breathes today.

By Leila Mottley

Read Your Way Around the World is a series exploring the globe through books.

The San Francisco Bay Area is anything but a monoculture. Go to San Francisco, hop across the Bay Bridge into Oakland, then head up into Richmond or down to Hayward, and the landscape around you — the people, the food, the particular cadence of walk and talk — will morph. To read the Bay Area is to traverse the spectrum of a place that has had many lives, simultaneously a landing spot for people seeking sanctuary and a place that has repelled the very people who have shaped it and loved it most.

The Bay Area is known for starting shit. We are the genesis for movements, trends, renaissances, from political uprisings to the artists who resonate from the stereos in our cars. The Bay Area is unafraid to be first. We are the creators of legacies — and also often overlooked.

I could tell you about Jack London’s early 1900s Oakland or John Steinbeck’s Salinas Valley, but that would tell you very little about the Bay Area that lives and breathes today — the people you will stumble into and love like your own, the dips in our roads and the weaving roots of our trees. It’s important to acknowledge the literary canon, but its gaps are deep, particularly when it comes to painting a full picture of one of the most racially and ethnically diverse regions in the country.

I’m here to give you a more complete vision of my home by sharing stories that see us as we see ourselves: stories of rebellion, of breath, of found family. Stories of creation.

What are your favorite books about Oakland?

Arguably the most foundational Oakland book from the past decade is “ There There ,” by Tommy Orange . Orange writes vignettes from the perspectives of different Native characters across the U.S. who gather for the Big Powwow at the Oakland Coliseum. Somehow, Orange’s sophomore novel, “ Wandering Stars, ” gives us even more Oakland, expanding through time and neighborhoods in his unforgettable voice. Yes, this is the Oakland we love: vibrant, scrappy and complex. And what a relief it is to finally see it woven in the glorious thread of language.

Young adult novels get a bad rap, maybe because, even when we were teenagers, we wanted more from the stories we were given and assume the same lack from the Y.A. that exists today. But Carolina Ixta’s debut Y.A. novel, “Shut Up, This Is Serious,” proves that it is possible — and vital — to give young people a story that is rooted and complicated, crafted by an author who believes these readers are competent enough to handle an honest depiction of Mexican American girlhood in East Oakland. Ixta tells a compelling and beautifully written coming-of-age story, and even if you’re not a young person, you will find this is one of the most nuanced contemporary novels set in Oakland.

What should I read to learn about the Black Panthers?

You cannot read the Bay Area without understanding the impact of the Black Panthers. In particular, Oakland’s history of resistance has an important place in the archives of the Black Power movement and its continuation in Black Lives Matter and beyond. “Seize the Time: The Story of the Black Panther Party and Huey P. Newton,” by Bobby Seale, and “Revolutionary Suicide,” Huey P. Newton’s autobiography, are important, but Elaine Brown’s memoir “A Taste of Power” deserves more attention as the firsthand account of the only chairwoman of the Black Panther Party in the organization’s history and a critical examination of misogyny within the movement.

You can find these books, and more by and about Black activists, at Marcus Books , one of the oldest Black-owned independent bookstores in the United States, which stocks classics as well as work from local authors and independent presses.

Where should I go to read at U.C. Berkeley?

Visit the Morrison Library , a beautiful, electronics-free reading room, and read cult classics by Berkeley alumni — like Theresa Hak Kyung Cha’s mesmerizing “Dictee,” which grapples with language in unexpected ways. You can also explore books by writers who taught at the university and left their mark on the literature of the Bay Area, such as “The Color Purple,” by Alice Walker , and “Naming Our Destiny: New and Selected Poems,” by June Jordan.

Then, visit Berkeley’s Poetry Walk on Addison Street between Shattuck Avenue and Milvia Street, where you’ll find cast-iron plaques inlaid in the sidewalk with selected poetry by local authors and internationally renowned writers.

What should I read to young people?

When I was a child, one of my favorite picture books was Patricia Polacco’s “In Our Mothers’ House,” about two lesbian moms and their adopted children, which honors queer families in the East Bay. In another remarkable picture book, “Last Stop on Market Street,” by Matt de la Peña, a Black boy travels by bus with his grandmother through the streets of San Francisco, asking questions about class from a child’s perspective. Like many Bay Area kids, I spent much of my childhood on the bus or on BART trains, and this book is a sweet ode to the view from those little windows.

For teenage (and adult) readers, Malinda Lo’s “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” portrays a Chinese American teenager coming of age and discovering her sexuality in 1954 San Francisco’s Chinatown. Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel “ American Born Chinese ” explores race, home and identity through the story of a Chinese American boy growing up in a predominantly white San Jose suburb. Yang was born in the East Bay before his family moved to a suburb of San Jose, and his childhood spent across the Bay can be felt in this novel, which was recently adapted as a television show on Disney+.

What if I just want to have a good time?

If you’re looking to have a warm heart and a happy mind, try Rita Williams-Garcia’s “ One Crazy Summer ,” a novel for young people that tells the story of three sisters going to visit their mother in Oakland in 1968. It’s a refreshing book that reflects the activism and community work of the Black Panthers through a child’s eyes.

For romance fans, Jasmine Guillory should be at the top of your list. Guillory’s “The Wedding Date” spans the range of California, and is full of references to the Bay Area.

Danyel Smith’s “Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop” is a dissection of the history of pop music and Black women’s contributions to it. Smith is a music reporter from Oakland and this book is a testament to her abundant knowledge .

What can I read about other parts of the Bay Area?

Elaine Castillo’s “ America Is Not the Heart ” is a poignant portrayal of Filipino immigrant communities in Milpitas and the surrounding South Bay in the 1990s. The San Francisco Bay Area has the second largest Filipino population in the United States, and Castillo examines the divisions between different Filipino ethnic groups, the radical legacy of the New People’s Army and how a career might not follow you to a new country.

If you’d like to explore the area north of San Francisco, “Solito,” by Javier Zamora, is one of the most beautiful and devastating memoirs I have ever read. The book follows Zamora’s migration at 9 years old from El Salvador and through Mexico in an attempt to join his parents in San Rafael, California. While the book isn’t set in the Bay, it is the eventual landing point for Zamora. “Solito” captures the experience of having multiple homes and what it means to leave one home and seek belonging in another, an experience that’s common among immigrant communities in the Bay Area (and beyond).

For those looking for fiction that delves into untold histories, Margaret Wilkerson Sexton’s “ On the Rooftop ” explores the gentrification of San Francisco in the 1950s as it follows three sisters in a singing group in the Fillmore. It will transport you to a San Francisco that is rarely written of — except maybe in Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” which is required reading for everyone, everywhere.

What poets should I read?

The Bay Area has a robust poetic legacy. In the 1950s, drawing from jazz improvisation, the Beat poets created a culture of free-verse poetry. Allen Ginsberg and Lawrence Ferlinghetti often get the most glory, but it would be remiss to forget Bob Kaufman, a Black poet known for reciting poems on the street. A comprehensive selection of his work, “ Collected Poems of Bob Kaufman ,” was published by San Francisco’s iconic and longstanding (Ferlinghetti-founded) City Lights Bookstore .

The Bay Area has produced some incredible contemporary poets like Chinaka Hodge (read her collection “Dated Emcees” — it’s brilliant) and Tongo Eisen-Martin, the most recent San Francisco poet laureate. Eisen-Martin’s collection “ Heaven Is All Goodbyes ” is one of my favorites, wielding words to deconstruct the language of capitalism and displacement. Pick this up if you want to read a poem and sit stunned, returning to it again and again.

A poet is also a performer, and some will take your breath away if you have the honor of witnessing them recite. Among them are Mahogany L. Browne , the author of the long-form book/poem/masterpiece “I Remember Death by Its Proximity to What I Love” and the recent collection “Chrome Valley,” and Darius Simpson , the author of “Never Catch Me.” A special shout-out to the spectacular Danez Smith poem “ Tonight, in Oakland ,” from their collection “Don’t Call Us Dead,” which brings me down to my bones every time:

Let wherever two people stand be a reunion of ancient lights. Let’s waste the moon’s marble glow shouting our names to the stars until we are the stars. O, precious God! O, sweet black town! I am drunk & I thirst.

Leila Mottley’s San Francisco Bay Area Reading List

“There There” and “Wandering Stars,” Tommy Orange

“Shut Up, This Is Serious,” Carolina Ixta

“Seize the Time: The Story of the Black Panther Party and Huey P. Newton,” Bobby Seale

“Revolutionary Suicide,” Huey P. Newton

“A Taste of Power,” Elaine Brown

“Dictee,” Theresa Hak Kyung Cha

“The Color Purple,” Alice Walker

“Naming Our Destiny: New and Selected Poems,” June Jordan

“In Our Mothers’ House,” Patricia Polacco

“Last Stop on Market Street,” Matt de la Peña

“Last Night at the Telegraph Club,” Malinda Lo

“American Born Chinese,” Gene Luen Yang

“One Crazy Summer,” Rita Williams-Garcia

“The Wedding Date,” Jasmine Guillory

“Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop,” Danyel Smith

“America Is Not the Heart,” Elaine Castillo

“Solito,” Javier Zamora

“On the Rooftop,” Margaret Wilkerson Sexton

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” Maya Angelou

“Collected Poems of Bob Kaufman,” Bob Kaufman

“Dated Emcees,” Chinaka Hodge

“Heaven Is All Goodbyes,” Tongo Eisen-Martin

“I Remember Death by Its Proximity to What I Love” and “Chrome Valley,” Mahogany L. Browne

“Never Catch Me,” Darius Simpson

“Don’t Call Us Dead,” Danez Smith

Leila Mottley ’s debut novel, “Nightcrawling,” published when she was 19 years old, was longlisted for the Booker Prize . It was also a New York Times best seller and an Oprah’s Book Club pick. Her poetry collection “woke up no light” will be published in April 2024. She was born and raised — and continues to live — in Oakland.

Let Books Take You to Your Next Destination

We asked renowned writers from around the world to compile literary guides to the places close to their hearts..

San Francisco: The Oakland novelist Leila Mottley shares books that paint a picture of a city that has had many lives, and still lives and breathes today .

Madrid: Elena Medel, a poet, forged her identity in the Spanish capital. She recommends books about the city  that “refuses to be reduced to an ideal.”

Seoul: Han Kang, who grew up in the capital of South Korea, recommends reading that draws from the various eras  that have defined her hometown.

Utah: The U.S. state is a place of paradoxes. The writer Terry Tempest Williams recommends books to help you explore its many facets .

Salvador: The writer Itamar Vieira Junior says that to feel the intensity of life on the streets of the Brazilian city, a reader must start with Jorge Amado .

Kerala : The author Abraham Verghese offers a guide to the literature  of this strip of coastal territory at India’s southern tip.

New spicy Casey McQuiston book 'The Pairing' comes out this summer: What fans can expect

Move over “hot girl summer” – “hot bisexual summer” is ready for its moment and Casey McQuiston ’s new novel “ The Pairing ” is here to usher it in.

If there’s one thing McQuiston knows, it’s queer romance – their past three novels prove as much. But “The Pairing" (on sale Aug. 6 from St. Martin's Griffin) is a much more indulgent read than its predecessors. Sexuality and gender are a constant conversation in McQuiston's work, but this forthcoming novel dives further into how they interact and shape our identities.

“I’ve written three books where the main character is openly bisexual – none of those books are ever described as bisexual ,” McQuiston tells USA TODAY. “I was curious, 'How do I write a book that is inherently bi?' ” 

We spoke with McQuiston about what fans can expect from “The Pairing.”

What is 'The Pairing' by Casey McQuiston about?

Set during a three-week European food and wine tasting tour, “The Pairing” is an exes-to-lovers novel. Theo and Kit have known each other for most of their lives, first as childhood best friends and later as lovers. But four years ago, they suffered a brutal breakup just before they were supposed to embark on a trip to Europe. They haven’t seen each other since.

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

Things have changed, mostly for the better. Theo is on the way to becoming a sommelier and Kit went to pastry school and now bakes at a prestigious Paris restaurant.

They’ve also both got vouchers for the tasting tour, valid for 48 months.

It's not until boarding the bus that they realize they're cashing the vouchers in at the same time, completely altering the tone of the three-week vacation. As the forced proximity lingers, Theo offers up a friendly bet that turns into a full-on international hookup competition with a chance to prove who really won the breakup. 

McQuiston drew inspiration from their own European adventure, which began while visiting the set of the “Red, White & Royal Blue” movie in London. After writing their last novel, “I Kissed Shara Wheeler,” in their New York City apartment during the pandemic lockdowns, McQuiston knew book number four needed to be a physical experience.

“I was just so hungry – literally and figuratively – to get back out in the world and discover it, to reconnect with the joy of writing,” McQuiston says. 

How spicy is 'The Pairing'?

Speaking from reader experience – very. There’s a lot to indulge in with “The Pairing." Steeped heavily in food, art, wine and culture, this book ignites the senses in more ways than one.

For the lay-reader (aka those not on BookTok), “spiciness” refers to the sexual content of a book. Given that the driving force behind the plot is a hookup competition, you can bet “The Pairing” gets a little hot and bothered. 

“The Pairing” draws inspiration from the “slutty bisexual” trope – an often harmful characterization of bi people. In real life, bisexual people face stereotypes of being greedy and hypersexual. In media, many bisexual characters become lazy plot devices to demonstrate promiscuity .

With this novel, McQuiston wanted to give complex bisexual characters a chance to lean into it . 

“When we try to subvert and take apart tropes, it’s not always enough to just say ‘that’s not true,’” McQuiston says. “Some people who are bi are also very sexual people, very open, and that is as much a part of the experience as being like ‘I’m a bisexual person in a four-year partnership.’”

McQuiston has been open about writing the stories they wished they had growing up. For this novel, that means portraying a “healthy sex positivity” for queer and trans folks. 

“It was hard, when I was younger, to find accessible romance novels that depicted sex, gender in a way that was relatable to me,” McQuiston says. “The idea of casual sex being something that doesn’t have to make you feel shameful. It’s something that can be really cool and spiritual and intimate and transformative.”

Meet the main characters of 'The Pairing'

Theo Flowerday is a classic “leader of the pack” who lacks the self-confidence to see themselves that way. A defiant nepo baby and a jack-of-all-trades, Theo is “inspired by hot people … who work with their hands,” McQuiston says.

And then you’ve got Kit Fairfield, a dreamy French American pastry chef with a Rilke poem for every occasion that no one can resist falling in love with. McQuiston describes Kit as a “fairy prince” and “Howl Pendragon-coded,” a reference to Studio Ghibli’s “Howl’s Moving Castle.”

“I feel like I’m exposing myself here,” McQuiston admits. “This one North Star I kept coming back to was the dynamic between Legolas and Gimli.”

It’s not a “Lord of the Rings” fanfiction, they jokingly clarify (the two characters are often read as queer-coded ), but that’s often McQuiston's starting point when creating characters – start with a well-loved trope and build out from there. 

How to get in your 'Pairing' era

“The Pairing” doesn’t come out until August, but if you can’t wait to live in this world of bisexual fairy princes, baguette-making classes and hot summer nights, McQuiston has you covered with a fool-proof checklist. 

1. Host a dinner party

Fun glassware, mood-lighting, tinned fish and mouth-watering hors d'oeuvres make a perfect pregame for “The Pairing.”

“The most common review I get from my friends and family who’ve read it is ‘It made me so hungry and it made me want to travel,’” McQuiston says. 

2. Chat with your local sommelier

McQuiston spent time chatting with wine experts and taking wine classes while researching “The Pairing.” Why not do the same?

“Go to your local wine store or a neighborhood restaurant that’s known for having very good wine and just talk to the somm for half an hour and let them tell you about wine,” McQuiston says. “Let them sell you something you’ve never had before.”

3. Break out your flowy button-downs

“The only bisexual vibe for the summer,” I joke. McQuiston agrees.

4. Stock up on sunscreen

This one’s pretty self-explanatory. Safety first, after all.

“Please don't forget your SPF while you’re out there being sluts,” McQuiston says.

Full review of Casey McQuiston's "The Pairing" to come.

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Springsteen, band back live in concert, says he 'couldn't sing at all' due to peptic ulcer disease

NEW YORK -- Bruce Springsteen is speaking out after relaunching his tour with the E Street Band following a six-month break to deal with a diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease.

"The Boss" revealed that during the worst stages of his condition, he wasn't able to sing at all.

Calling into Sirius XM's E Street Radio on March 21, Springsteen said, "You sing with your diaphragm. You know, my diaphragm was hurting so badly that when I went to make the effort to sing, it was killing me, so I literally couldn't sing at all, you know? And that lasted for two, three months, along with just a myriad of other painful problems."

"It took a while for the doctors to say, 'Oh, no, you're gonna be OK,'" he said. "At first, nobody was quite saying that, which made me nervous, y'know?"

Now that Springsteen is back in good shape, he said he and the band consider their return to the stage a "whole new tour."

"There'll be a much wider song selection going on," he said. "Some of the second half of the set is built so solid, so a lot of it'll stay. The opening ... I'm not sure what's going to happen up top, but it'll shift around. I'm waiting to see myself where the show is going to take me."

SEE MORE: Bruce Springsteen postpones remainder of 2023 tour dates as he recovers from peptic ulcer disease

"But ... for us, it's a new tour, a new day, and we're approaching everything like that," he continued. "We're looking forward to having a lot of fun."

The band currently has dates scheduled through November.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, "a peptic ulcer, or stomach or duodenal ulcer, is a sore on the lining of your stomach or duodenum."

Acid from the stomach can cause sores or other types of injury or damage to the esophagus, stomach or small intestine.

"The most common causes of peptic ulcers are Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) [ such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen ] ," the NIDDK states, adding the "common symptoms of peptic ulcers include pain or discomfort in your abdomen, feeling full too soon during or too full after a meal, nausea, bloating, and belching."

Doctors may recommend proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers or other medicines to treat the condition and help ulcers heal.

"If your peptic ulcers aren't caused by H. pylori infection or NSAIDs, doctors will check for uncommon causes," the agency states. "Depending on the cause, doctors may recommend additional treatments."

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Cassie’s lawyer reacts to ‘depraved’ ex Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ homes being raided after bombshell lawsuit

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Cassie’s lawyer called out her ex Sean “Diddy” Combs’ “depraved conduct” after Homeland Security raided two of his homes .

“We will always support law enforcement when it seeks to prosecute those that have violated the law,” the 37-year-old singer’s attorney Douglas Wigdor tells Page Six.

“Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”

Federal agents swarmed the record executive’s Miami and Los Angeles properties Monday in connection to a sex trafficking investigation.

Photographs emerged hours later of Diddy, 54, at the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, pacing in a white tee, blue sweats and sneakers.

His reps have yet to respond to Page Six’s request for comment.

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The raids came four months after Cassie sued the “I’ll Be Missing You” rapper for rape, decades-long physical abuse and more in a bombshell lawsuit.

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The former couple, who dated on and off from 2007 to 2018, reached a settlement within 24 hours.

“I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control,” Cassie said at the time. “I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.”

In Diddy’s own statement, he added, “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.”

Cassie’s filing, however, spurred sexual assault claims from other accusers .

Although Diddy subsequently stepped down from Revolt , the media company he co-founded, his spokesperson urged the public to be “skeptical” of the allegations and called them “a money grab.”

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