New York City is a vibrant and diverse metropolis, offering something for everyone. From world-famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building to the sprawling green spaces of Central Park and the bustling streets of Times Square, the city has no shortage of things to see and do.
The city is also a hub of art, culture, and cuisine, with world-renowned museums, theaters, and restaurants. Whether you’re interested in fine art, Broadway shows, or Michelin-starred dining, there’s always something new to discover in New York City.
Overall, New York City is an incredible destination for travelers who want to experience the best of urban life. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in this dynamic city.
Best New York City Tours
| NYC: Statue of Liberty Express Skip-the-Box-Office Cruise | NYC: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island with Ferry | NYC: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour | |
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| Duration | 50 minutes | 6 hours | Valid 1 - 3 days |
| Starting Time | 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM | 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Meeting Point | South Street Seaport | New York, NY 10004 | 724 7th Ave, New York |
| Includes | 50-minute cruise of New York Harbor, Live commentary | Roundtrip ferry service , Entry to Statue of Liberty Museum, Access to Ellis Island | Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus ticket , Live bus tracking |
| Tour Booking & More Info | Tour Booking & More Info | Tour Booking & More Info |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best New York City Tours For [2025]
- NYC: Statue of Liberty Express Skip-the-Box-Office Cruise
- NYC: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island with Ferry
- NYC: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
- NYC: Afternoon Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise
- NYC: 1-Hour Cruise Around Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
- NYC: 9/11 Memorial & Museum Timed-Entry Ticket
- NYC: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket
Best New York City Tours Reviews
#1. NYC: Statue of Liberty Express Skip-the-Box-Office Cruise
[box]Tour Highlights:
- Duration: 2 hours
- Departure: 68 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau in the 1st arrondissement
- Departure Time: 5:00 PM
- Includes: 1 Champagne tasting, 6 French wines (from 6 regions of France), sommelier presentation, wine list
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The Statue of Liberty Express Skip-the-Box-Office Cruise is a popular attraction in New York City. This cruise is designed to give visitors the chance to see the Statue of Liberty up close and personal, without having to wait in long lines at the box office. Here’s what you need to know about this cruise:
- The cruise departs from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and takes visitors on a 60-minute tour of the New York Harbor.
- Along the way, visitors will get to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline.
- The cruise is operated by Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises and includes a live narration from a licensed tour guide.
- Visitors who choose the skip-the-box-office option can bypass the ticket line and go straight to the boat for boarding.
- Visitors who purchase the skip-the-box-office option should arrive at least 30 minutes before the departure time to pick up their tickets from the kiosk and make their way to the boat.
- The cruise is wheelchair accessible, but visitors should contact the tour operator in advance to make arrangements.
- Visitors should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
- Food and drinks are available for purchase on board the boat.
Overall, the Statue of Liberty Express Skip-the-Box-Office Cruise is a great way to see some of New York City’s most iconic sights without having to deal with the hassle of waiting in line for tickets. It’s a perfect activity for tourists who are short on time or who want to maximize their sightseeing opportunities while in the city.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
#2. NYC: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island with Ferry
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are two of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City. Here’s what you need to know about visiting these landmarks with the ferry:
- The ferry departs from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and takes visitors to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
- Visitors can choose from several different ticket options, including a round-trip ferry ticket or a combination ticket that includes access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
- Visitors who want to visit the crown of the Statue of Liberty must make reservations in advance, as only a limited number of people are allowed to visit each day.
- The ferry ride takes approximately 20 minutes each way and offers stunning views of the New York City skyline and the harbor.
- On Ellis Island, visitors can explore the historic immigrant museum and learn about the experiences of the millions of people who passed through the island on their way to a new life in America.
- The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic symbols of America and visitors can get up close and personal with the statue on Liberty Island. Visitors can also visit the pedestal and museum on the island to learn more about the statue’s history.
- Visitors should expect to spend several hours exploring both Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, so it’s a good idea to bring comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
- Food and drinks are available for purchase on both Ellis Island and Liberty Island.
Overall, visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with the ferry is a must-do activity for anyone visiting New York City. The ferry ride itself offers stunning views of the city, and the historic landmarks are both educational and inspiring. Visitors should plan to spend several hours exploring both locations to make the most of their visit.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
#3. NYC: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
The Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour is a popular way to explore New York City’s many attractions. Here’s what you need to know about this tour:
- The tour offers a hop-on, hop-off experience, allowing visitors to get off the bus at any of the designated stops and explore the city on foot, and then get back on the bus at their leisure.
- There are multiple tour routes available, including Downtown, Uptown, Brooklyn, and the Night Tour, each of which covers different areas of the city and attractions.
- The tour includes live commentary from a knowledgeable guide, who provides information about the history and culture of the city.
- Visitors can choose from several different ticket options, including 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day passes, as well as options that include attractions such as the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty.
- The buses are equipped with air conditioning and open-top decks, providing great views of the city.
- The tour operates on a regular schedule, with buses running every 15-20 minutes during peak hours and every 30-45 minutes during off-peak hours.
- Visitors should plan to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes if they plan to hop off the bus and explore on foot.
- Food and drinks are not included in the tour price, but there are several food options available at each stop.
Overall, the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour is a great way to see many of New York City’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods at your own pace. The hop-on, hop-off feature allows visitors to customize their own itinerary and explore the city at their leisure, while the live commentary from the guide provides valuable insights into the city’s history and culture.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
#4. NYC: Afternoon Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise
A fall foliage lunch cruise is a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery of New York City while indulging in a delicious meal. Here is an example itinerary for an afternoon fall foliage lunch cruise in NYC:
- Boarding: The cruise typically departs from a pier in Manhattan, such as Pier 83 or Chelsea Piers. Boarding usually begins around noon, so plan to arrive a little early to check in and find your seat.
- Departure: The boat will depart promptly at the scheduled time, so make sure to be on board before then. As you set sail, you’ll be able to take in the breathtaking views of the changing leaves along the Hudson River.
- Lunch: Once the boat is underway, it’s time to sit down for lunch. Depending on the cruise company and package you’ve chosen, the meal may be a sit-down affair or a buffet. Either way, you can expect a delicious spread of seasonal dishes, including roasted meats, autumn vegetables, and warm desserts.
- Sightseeing: As you enjoy your meal, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the George Washington Bridge, and the Palisades. Your captain will point out notable landmarks and share interesting facts about the area.
- Return: After a leisurely lunch and sightseeing tour, the boat will make its way back to the pier. You’ll disembark feeling full and rejuvenated from the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
Overall, an afternoon fall foliage lunch cruise in New York City is a fantastic way to experience the city from a unique perspective while enjoying a delicious meal. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning autumn scenery!
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
#5. NYC: 1-Hour Cruise Around Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
The 1-hour cruise around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is a popular attraction in New York City. Here’s what you need to know about this experience:
- The cruise departs from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and provides visitors with stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
- The cruise lasts approximately one hour and offers informative narration about the history and significance of both landmarks.
- Visitors can take in the beautiful views of the New York City skyline and harbor during the cruise, as well as other landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Governors Island.
- The cruise is a great option for visitors who want to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island but do not have enough time to explore them in depth.
- Visitors can purchase food and drinks on the boat.
- The boat is fully enclosed and climate-controlled, making it a great option in any weather.
Overall, the 1-hour cruise around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is a great option for visitors who want to see these landmarks but may not have enough time to explore them in depth. The cruise offers informative narration and stunning views of the city and harbor, making it a great way to experience New York City’s iconic landmarks from a different perspective.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
#6. NYC: 9/11 Memorial & Museum Timed-Entry Ticket
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a somber and poignant tribute to the victims and heroes of the September 11th, 2001 attacks. Here’s what you need to know about the timed-entry ticket:
- The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is located at the site of the former World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan.
- The museum tells the story of the events of September 11th, 2001 and the impact they had on the world.
- The museum’s collection includes artifacts, photographs, videos, and personal stories from victims, survivors, and first responders.
- The memorial features two reflecting pools, each nearly an acre in size, in the footprints of the former Twin Towers. The names of the victims are inscribed on bronze panels surrounding the pools.
- The timed-entry ticket allows visitors to skip the line and enter the museum at a specific time slot.
- Visitors should plan to arrive at the museum at least 15 minutes before their scheduled entry time to go through security screening.
- Visitors are encouraged to allocate at least 2 hours to explore the museum’s exhibits.
- Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, except for a few sensitive areas.
- Food and drinks are not allowed in the museum, but there are several food options available nearby.
Overall, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a powerful and moving tribute to the victims and heroes of the September 11th attacks. The timed-entry ticket allows visitors to skip the line and make the most of their visit. Visitors should plan to allocate at least a few hours to fully explore the exhibits and pay their respects at the memorial pools.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
#7. NYC: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket
The SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket is an observation deck located on the 89th floor of the One Vanderbilt skyscraper, which is adjacent to Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. Here’s what you need to know about this experience:
- The SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket provides visitors access to the observation deck, which offers 360-degree views of New York City’s skyline.
- Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits and displays that provide information about the history and culture of New York City, as well as access to the Sky Portal, a glass floor that allows visitors to look down at the streets below.
- The experience also includes food and beverage options at the observation deck’s cafe.
- The observation deck is fully enclosed and climate-controlled, making it a great option in any weather.
- The SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket is timed, with visitors selecting a specific time slot to visit the observation deck.
- Visitors should arrive at the entrance of One Vanderbilt at least 15 minutes before their scheduled time slot to go through security screening.
- The observation deck is located on the 89th floor of the One Vanderbilt skyscraper, which is one of the tallest buildings in New York City, offering visitors stunning views of the city and surrounding area.
Overall, the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket is a great way to experience New York City’s iconic skyline from a unique perspective. The interactive exhibits and displays provide valuable insights into the city’s history and culture, while the Sky Portal and observation deck offer unparalleled views of the city’s skyline. Visitors should plan to allocate at least an hour to fully enjoy this experience.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Francis Porter is a seasoned traveler and tour guide with over 15 years of experience in the industry. I have explored countless destinations around the world and have a deep passion for helping others discover new places and cultures.