New York is one of the world’s most visited cities and it serves as a backdrop for countless films, books, and television shows. Travelers flock to the Big Apple to see Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty, but also to experience world-class museums, dining, and Broadway theater. Guided tours help navigate NYC’s hectic pace and secure guaranteed access to in-demand shows and attractions. The city is also a convenient base for exploring other East Coast destinations, including Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Niagara Falls.
Statue of Liberty
Gifted to the United States by the French in 1886, the Statue of Liberty is a global icon of freedom and democracy standing on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Tours depart from Lower Manhattan by ferry, and often include stops at nearby Ellis Island. Express cruises are available for time-pressed visitors, while private and small-group itineraries offer a more intimate way to explore the bustling site.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour
Travelers rarely visit the Statue of Liberty without also taking the chance to explore Ellis Island. This tour gives travelers the opportunity to explore both locations and also provides early ferry boarding.
Circle Line: Statue by Night Cruise
If your clients want to see the Statue of Liberty illuminated from the water, this twilight cruise provides just that, as well as nighttime views of the Manhattan skyline.
Circle Line: Statue of Liberty Express Cruise
This speedy 1-hour cruise is ideal for clients who want to see the statue up close but don’t have the time to disembark and actually visit it.
Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
Though the Statue of Liberty attracts more than 4 million annual visitors, this private tour offers a flexible and personal way to see the icon (plus Ellis Island) and bypass the crowds.
Read more about Statue of Liberty tour options here.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a must-see for most first-time visitors to New York City. The building is impressive from the ground with its distinctive art deco design, but its two observatories make venturing inside worthwhile. Guided tours provide a way to skip the long entry lines and access one (or both) observation decks, while helicopter tours offer another perspective on the world-famous landmark.
Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York
One of the more budget-friendly New York City helicopter tours, this 15-minute flight gives visitors a bird’s-eye view of the Empire State Building and other highlights.
Viator VIP: Empire State Building Sunrise Experience
This VIP tour takes travelers to see the sunrise from the building’s 86th-floor observation deck before it’s open to the public, bypassing crowds in the process.
Empire State Building Tickets – Observatory and Optional Skip-the-Line Tickets
The flexibility of this experience makes it a winner for time-pressed clients. Tickets are valid for up to a year from the date of purchase, and include VIP, skip-the-line privileges that can be used at any time.
Viator Exclusive: Empire State Building Experience – Top Deck Express Pass & STATE Grill and Bar Dinner
Ideal for a first night in New York, this experience provides skip-the-line access to both observation decks and a 3-course dinner at the building’s lobby restaurant.
Read more about Empire State Building tour options here.
National September 11 Memorial and Museum
The National September 11 Memorial and Museum is a place of somber tribute to those who lost their lives in the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City. The outdoor memorial, with its enormous reflecting pools and waterfalls, is free to visit and a common stop on walking tours. The companion museum, located beneath the memorial plaza, requires admission tickets and is best experienced with guided tours that provide context.
All-Access 9/11 Experience: Ground Zero Tour, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory
Clients get a comprehensive tour of the memorial, plus access to the museum and One World Observatory, which they can visit on their own afterwards.
Viator VIP: Architecture of Memory 9/11 Memorial & Museum Tour
Perfect for clients interested in the memorial’s history and architecture, this VIP tour offers priority, skip-the-line access to the museum.
Small-Group Guided 9/11 Memorial Tour with Museum Tickets
This tour visits the memorial and key landmarks nearby such as St. Paul’s Chapel and the Fireman’s Memorial. Bonus: Pre-reserved tickets to the museum.
9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero Walking Tour with Optional 9/11 Museum Upgrade
This guided tour contains personal connections as well as first-hand stories of the 9/11 attacks.. Museum admission is available as an optional upgrade.
Read more about National September 11 Memorial tour options here.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world’s largest and most visited museums, and is the crown jewel of Manhattan’s Museum Mile. The massive gallery space encompasses more than 5,000 years of art history, with collection highlights ranging from the ancient Egyptian Temple of Dendur to The Dance Class painting by Edgar Degas. Taking a tour takes the hassle and intimidation out of navigating the sprawling museum, while private and skip-the-line options provide a calmer way to experience the Met.
Viator VIP: EmptyMet Tour at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
On this VIP tour limited to 25 people, clients can enjoy the rare opportunity to explore the Met before opening hours and without crowds.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Admission with Access to The Met Breuer and The Met Cloisters
For clients choosing not to visit the Met on a guided tour, it is a good idea to book admission tickets in advance to secure express access.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
This small-group, skip-the-line tour ensures that clients discover the Met’s highlights while saving time and sidestepping crowds.
Private Tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City
Led by an art historian, this private tour is available during weekend evenings—a rare perk and a nice way to avoid daytime crowds.
Read more about Metropolitan Museum of Art tour options here.
Most Popular Things to Do
Sightseeing Tickets & Passes
Transfers & Ground Transport
Tours and Sightseeing
Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
Cultural & Theme Tours
Most Popular Things to Do
Sightseeing Tickets & Passes
Transfers & Ground Transport
Tours and Sightseeing
Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
Cultural & Theme Tours
Things to Know
What the Locals Know
An oasis in busy Midtown, Bryant Park offers a relaxing place to unwind, proximity to the sights, free Wi-Fi, and solar-powered charging stations.
Getting Around
The New York subway serves four out of five boroughs—there’s no service to Staten Island—24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Buses and cabs are ubiquitous, but walking is often a better option in trafficked Manhattan.
Things to Bring
Walking shoes and dress shoes. New York is easily the tourist and fashion capital of North America, and it’s recommended travelers are prepared for all occasions.
When to Visit
New York is very cold in the winter and smoldering in the summer. The city is a year-round destination, but spring and fall are the most temperate times to visit. Peak time for people to book a trip to New York City is in July and August, with people planning tours and activities about 25 days in advance.
Local Customs
In New York, nightlife begins and ends later than in most American cities. During weekends it’s not uncommon for dinners to begin at 9pm and bars to stay open until 4am.
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