6 Must-Do Tours in New York City for Every Type of Traveler

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NYC is packed with unforgettable sightseeing experiences for every kind of traveler — from foodies and history buffs to architecture lovers and solo explorers.

Whether you’re walking through iconic neighborhoods or cruising past the Statue of Liberty, these top New York City tours are sure to elevate your trip. Here’s a breakdown of six unforgettable ways to explore NYC.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour

When it comes to must-do NYC tours, visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is at the top of the list. These iconic landmarks are deeply tied to American history and the immigrant experience. I actually love Ellis Island more than the Statue of Liberty, and can spend hours sitting in the pews where travelers waited, and hearing the stories about people who came through the building.

Why it’s worth it:

• Visit Liberty Island for unbeatable views of the statue
• Tour Ellis Island’s Immigration Museum and sit where early immigrants once waited
• Climb up to the pedestal or crown for panoramic city views (book crown tickets early!)

Pro Tip: Book combo tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

Food Tours in NYC: Eat Your Way Through the City

I love doing food tours when I visit new cities because I get to meet new friends, explore new sites, and take care of a meal at the same time. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, food tours combine local culture with unforgettable bites. Bonus: These are a great way to meet people if you’re visiting NYC alone.

Popular NYC food tours include:

• Chinatown & Little Italy culinary tours
• Pizza and donut walks
• Speakeasy cocktail tours
• Immigrant food heritage walks

Book your NYC food tour:

NYC Boat Tours & Ferry Rides

Since Manhattan is an island, some of the best views of the city come from the water. Whether you’re on a tight budget or planning a romantic night out, boat tours in NYC offer something for everyone.

• The Staten Island Ferry is free and goes right by the Statue of Liberty. There isn’t a ton to do on Staten Island so you can just take the boat right back to Manhattan, but the close up view of the Statue of Liberty is unmatched, as is the price. Tip: plan to go at sunset!
• There are dinner or happy hour cruises that take a variety of routes. Some great routes go by the Statue of Liberty, or you can circumnavigate the whole island!
• I also love taking the NYC Ferry to Brooklyn to visit Dumbo, Domino Park, or Rockaway Beach for a flat rate of $4.50 one way.

Book your NYC cruise:

Walking Tours in New York City

Get your steps in while diving deep into NYC’s neighborhoods, landmarks, and hidden gems. Walking tours are a fantastic way to discover local history, architecture, and culture with an expert guide.

Popular walking tours in NYC:

• Central Park is huge, beautiful, and has so much to see! You can easily spend a few hours here, but if you’re not very familiar with it then it might be hard to find the best spots or know what to look for. A guided tour is a great way to learn some history and see the most important parts, while making some friends along the way.
• Get a behind the scenes tour of famous landmarks like Grand Central Station, the site of the Twin Towers and the memorials that have been established since 9/11, or the Catacombs at St. Patrick’s Cathedral!
• Get a deep dive into local life and history in different neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, or Greenwich Village.

NYC Observation Decks: The Best City Views

Get a bird’s eye view of New York City from some of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere. Each skyscraper offers a unique angle and experience. If you can, try to go on a clear day to get the best views.

Best observation decks in NYC:

• I love One World Trade because you can see all of Manhattan in one glance. If you have some time, it can be fun to have a snack or drink at the restaurant on the top.
• The Empire State Building is well known and you can channel your best King Kong. Because it’s in the middle of the city, you can catch views of the whole city as you walk around the top.
• There are many other skyscrapers that offer amazing views and experiences such as Summit, The Edge, and Top of the Rock.

Buy discounted tickets for NYC’s top observation decks:

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours (Double-Decker)

Want to see a lot without walking a ton? Hop-on hop-off bus tours are an easy, efficient way to cover the city’s top attractions at your own pace.

What you’ll love:

• Explore Manhattan’s top neighborhoods with live or audio-guided commentary
• Night tours available for a magical skyline experience
• Great for first-time visitors to get oriented

Book your NYC hop-on hop-off bus tour:

Looking for More NYC Tours?

From finance walking tours on Wall Street, to Borough-specific cultural experiences, to museum and language-specific tours, NYC has it all. Whether you’re into street art, jazz history, or hidden parks, there’s a New York City tour for you.

👉 Check out the full list of curated NYC tours here and choose your own adventure!

Final Thoughts

New York City is one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the world, and the best way to experience it is through a great tour. Whether you’re looking to eat, walk, cruise, or relax your way through the boroughs, there’s something magical waiting around every corner.

Start planning your NYC adventure now by booking one (or more!) of these unforgettable experiences.