Top 15 Unforgettable NYC Tours You Can’t Miss

New York City, one of the most renowned cities globally, undoubtedly offers an unparalleled experience. Iconic landmarks are found at every corner, and the time available to witness them all seems insufficient. Major attractions such as the Empire State Building, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park, along with newer highlights like the One World Observatory and the High Line, contribute to making The Big Apple a unique destination unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

The vast array of experiences available may lead to uncertainty about where to commence your visit. Consequently, we recommend exploring the city through a tour (or more than one).

Below, you will find a curated selection of the 15 most distinguished tours available in New York City, designed to provide insightful ideas for your itinerary in this vibrant metropolis.

1. Empire State Building: Skip the Line Ticket

The Empire State Building is a hallmark of New York City, attracting more than 3.5 million visitors annually, making it one of the most frequented sites on the East Coast. This immense popularity often results in exceptionally long wait times, which can detract from your valuable sightseeing hours.

By securing a pre-purchased ticket, you can bypass these extensive lines, although you will still need to proceed through mandatory security and elevator lines. Valid for one month, this ticket provides the flexibility to schedule your visit according to atmospheric conditions.

2. 9/11 Memorial & Museum Admission: Skip the Line Ticket

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum ranks among the most popular tours in New York City. Having a skip-the-line ticket significantly enhances the experience, allowing you to utilize the allocated three hours most effectively.

The memorial features over 10,000 artifacts commemorating the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers, including the Survivor Tree, which remarkably withstood the catastrophic events. Visitors can watch the feature film “America Under Attack,” hear personal accounts of the tragedy, gain access to the 9/11 Memorial, and explore the expansive 9/11 Museum, which consists of three major exhibition areas, all while honoring the 2,983 lives lost during the attack.

3. Priority Statue of Liberty Ticket

A visit to New York City is incomplete without experiencing the Statue of Liberty. However, the challenge lies in the competition for access amongst numerous visitors.

This four-hour guided tour offers VIP privileges, allowing you to bypass lengthy lines en route to Liberty Island. Here, you will observe the statue closely while enjoying stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline and the New York Harbor. Following this, a brief ferry trip will take you to Ellis Island, where you can delve into the stories of millions of immigrants who traversed through America’s busiest immigration station from 1892 to 1954. This tour remarkably allows for extensive exploration at your leisure.

4. Top of the Rock Observation Deck: Flexible Date Ticket

Top of the Rock offers a distinct attraction that showcases sweeping panoramic views of Manhattan. Perched 260 meters (850 feet) atop Rockefeller Center, accessing this open-air observatory is effortless via the Sky Shuttle.

Visitors will enjoy breathtaking vistas that include Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and One World Trade Center, among others. Additionally, a short film documents the construction of Rockefeller Center during the Great Depression, available on the mezzanine level. This unique experience comes with a flexible ticket, eliminating restrictions tied to your selected tour date.

5. 60-Minute Cruise around the Statue of Liberty

Gifted from France in 1886, the Statue of Liberty may initially appear diminutive from a distance. Nevertheless, as you approach, her monumental presence becomes apparent; she stands at an impressive 151 feet, boasts a 35-foot waistline, and wears a size 879 shoe.

This hour-long cruise takes you within 100 feet of her majestic stature while navigating beneath the Brooklyn Bridge en route to Ellis Island. As you journey through the East River, a refreshing perspective of New York City unfolds, noted by your English-speaking guide who highlights the city’s prominent landmarks.

The 60-minute sightseeing cruise features audio commentary available in eight languages, allowing you to capture remarkable photographs while reveling in the beauty of Manhattan’s skyline.

6. Skip-the-Line Ticket to the One World Observatory

The One World Observatory represents the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, providing an opportunity to capture a panoramic view of the entire city. This ticket facilitates bypassing extensive queues, allowing immediate access to the security area.

Utilizing the Sky Pod—one of the swiftest elevators globally—you will ascend to the observation deck in just 47 seconds while enjoying a virtual time-lapse presentation that illustrates NYC’s evolution since the 1500s. Upon reaching the top, visitors can partake in various engaging activities, including stepping onto the transparent Sky Portal and appreciating NYC’s unique atmosphere and rhythm in the See Forever Theater, among other experiences.

7. Statue of Liberty Pedestal, Ellis Island and Pre-Ferry Tour

This four to six-hour educational tour caters to those with specific interests in mind. The journey begins with a 30-minute guided visit to Battery Park, where you will uncover its historical significance and monuments, including Castle Clinton and Bosque Gardens and Fountain.

Following this, a ferry ride will transport you to Liberty Island, allowing you to enjoy priority boarding, thereby conserving valuable time. Your ticket includes access to the Statue of Liberty pedestal and Pedestal Museum, and subsequently to Ellis Island to gain insight into the experiences of the 12 million immigrants who transited through the site at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.

8. Circle Line: Complete Cruise around Manhattan

This esteemed 2.5-hour guided tour by Circle Line offers a superb opportunity to navigate around Manhattan Island, highlighting the breathtaking sights under the city’s emblematic bridges. This sightseeing cruise uniquely encircles the entire island, crossing three rivers, more than 20 bridges, and all five boroughs of New York City—Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

With over 100 notable attractions to observe, knowledgeable tour guides provide engaging commentary on each site. Additionally, commentary is available through a multilingual app, easily downloadable for user convenience. Remember to bring a camera to capture these unforgettable views.

9. NYC Explorer Pass: See 80+ Attractions and Save up to 50%

Recognizing the vast array of offerings in New York City, covering admission fees at various attractions may be burdensome. Fortunately, the NYC Explorer Pass alleviates this concern.

The pass grants access to over 80 attractions, providing substantial value by offering a 50% reduction on admission charges at your choice of 3, 4, 5, 7, or 11 attractions. Options include prominent landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, New York Botanical Garden, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry, among others. The Explorer Pass also encompasses various discounts related to shopping, dining, and entertainment, amplifying your savings.

10. Visit Manhattan’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

MoMA exhibits the world’s most extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, acting as a bridge between the past and present, as well as the traditional and the avant-garde.

By bypassing the lines, you can immerse yourself in an impressive discovery of iconic artworks, including Picasso’s works such as “Three Musicians” and “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” alongside Salvador Dali’s “The Persistence of Memory,” Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” and numerous pieces from nearly 200,000 forms contributed by over 10,000 artists.

In addition to paintings, the museum encompasses photography, sculpture, prints, films, and a distinguished gallery focusing on architecture and contemporary design. Activity Cards for kids are available in several sections of the museum, accompanied by diverse dining choices for when hunger strikes.

11. 4-Hour Guided Tour of The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

For those seeking a thorough understanding of New York City’s most famous landmark and Ellis Island, this guided tour is an excellent choice. Following a meeting with your guide at Battery Park, the adventure begins at the American Merchant Mariners’ Memorial and the Castle Clinton National Monument.

Enjoy priority boarding on the Statue Ferry, which will transport you to the Statue of Liberty, where you will also have the opportunity to ascend to the pedestal. The day concludes with a guided tour of Ellis Island, exploring the remarkable history of American immigrants that extends far beyond the museum exhibits.

12. Washington D.C. Day Trip from New York

While New York City boasts a wealth of historical artifacts, history enthusiasts may enjoy diversifying their explorations. This reasonably-priced day trip spans approximately 14 hours and journeys to Washington, D.C., a pivotal location in American history.

Upon returning to New York, you will have acquired extensive insights into U.S. history and the federal government, as Washington serves as the seat of the U.S. government. Notable stops include the Capitol, the Senate, and the White House, in addition to tours of renowned sites, such as the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and memorials dedicated to Vietnam, Korea, and President J.F. Kennedy’s grave.

13. New York City Deluxe Helicopter Tour

Experiencing the skyline from an aerial perspective is bound to be an extraordinary adventure, and this helicopter tour of the Big Apple is no exception. Take to the skies in a helicopter designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing outstanding views of New York City and its significant attractions, including the majestic Statue of Liberty, the iconic Empire State Building, the historic Brooklyn Bridge, the scenic Hudson River, and Central Park.

This exhilarating tour lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, allowing you to appreciate the city in a distinctive manner.

14. Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn Half-Day Tour

While enjoying the highlights around New York City is captivating, it can sometimes leave a sense of incompleteness. However, this tour takes you off the beaten path to experience the true essence of New York through insight into the boroughs of the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn.

Accompanied by a local guide, this half-day journey will uncover lesser-known neighborhoods, offering an authentic glimpse into the lives of residents—experiences that foster a deeper connection with the city. This excursion will provide lasting memories transcending mere photographs and souvenirs.

15. Ground Zero 9/11 Memorial Tour & Optional 9/11 Museum Entry

Partake in a reflective tour of Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial to honor the memories of those who lost their lives during the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

This intimate experience will transport you to the location of this historic event. Guides, often possessing personal links to 9/11, recount narratives ranging from somber to courageous. The tour includes visits to St. Paul’s Chapel and tributes to the victims, with an optional opportunity to enter the 9/11 Museum.

Completing this tour enables you to gain a profound understanding of the profound impact of that fateful day in American history.