New York City is a magical place. Magically wonderful, magically smelly, magically hectic.
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During my five-year stint living in Red Hook, Brooklyn, I stumbled upon quite a few gems. But most of those ‘gems’ were functional and based on survival, like knowing when to trust the G train, which dog parks to avoid, and where to get cheap cigarettes.
That being said, there are a few standout moments.
The most memorable is my first trip to Times Square. Two of my New Yorker friends covered my eyes in the subway station, carefully guiding me up the stairs and onto the street. Making sure I was facing the bright lights, they lifted their hands and I opened my eyes.
I remember my jaw dropping and my head tilting back as I looked from screen to screen to screen. I felt like I was in a scene from Blade Runner. (I’m from Missouri.) Though I haven’t spent much time in or near Times Square since then, it’s a memory I’ll never forget.
In honor of that day many years ago, I’m heading back in time to showcase the best tours in New York City that I wish I had gone on while I lived there.
By water, by sky, by bike carriage, by horse carriage—this is how you should experience the Big Apple.
Best tours in New York City
New York 90-Minute Cruise
The best way to see New York City is from a little bit of distance. This boat ride takes you around Manhattan and its neighboring boroughs so you can see the city’s greatest landmarks. But don’t worry—you’ll be close enough to the Statue of Liberty to get a good look. She’s smaller than you think.
New York Helicopter Tour
If you’re more interested in Manhattan’s most iconic buildings, then take a helicopter ride. You’ll get up close and personal with legendary spots like the Chrysler Building, Times Square, and the Freedom Tower.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience
This wasn’t around when I lived in the city—but this highly visual experience is all the rage with friends and family who are still in New York. Be prepared for a few stunning photo ops and some mind-bending exhibits.
New York City Mafia and Local Food Tour led by NYPD Guides
In case you didn’t know, the mafia was to thank for much of Manhattan’s impressive construction boom from the 1960s and 1970s. Who better to paint a picture than a retired NYPD officer who remembers the legacy of this era? Also, you get to eat Italian food.
Official NYC Horse Carriage Rides
Central Park is absolutely massive—and you should be experiencing it via horse carriage. As a bonus, you’ll also get to peek around the very illustrious streets of the Upper West and East Sides. This is a great choice for families and couples.
Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise
Like I mentioned up top, the best way to see Manhattan (and Brooklyn and Queens) is from a slight distance. This yacht tour lets you take a pampered look at the skyline with a professional guide at your side and a glass of Prosecco in your hand.
Gangsters and Ghosts Tour New York City
Did you know that there’s a mass grave underneath Washington Square Park? And that it’s just one of many dotting the city? If you’re into factoids like this, then head on this tour. You’re going to take a long, hard look at the Big Apple’s underbelly.
Chelsea Market and High Line Guided Food Tour
You won’t be short on food tour offerings in New York City. I vote you bundle this one with a tour of the Highline, which is one of the coolest urban parks in the United States. (In my humble opinion.) The Chelsea Market is also quite famous.
Secrets of Grand Central Station
Every time, without fail, my visits to Grand Central Station left me floored. Even when I was hastily running to the Long Island Railroad, I stopped to spare a glance at the magnificent architecture. I’m dying to know about Grand Central’s secrets.
Harlem Gospel Live Music Concert
Even if your trip to New York City goes perfectly according to plan, you could probably benefit from a little spiritual respite. On top of that, Harlem is a fast-changing neighborhood. This experience lets you take a peek into its core.
Central Park Celebrity Homes & Film Spots Tour
Anyone who lives in New York City for a solid chunk of time rubs elbows with celebrities. (I trampled Meg Ryan once by accident.) If you want to know where they live, too, this is a fantastic tour. It also gives you another way to explore Central Park without walking for miles.
Harbor Speedboat Tour
For those who want to see New York City in a New York minute.
Sunset Sail Aboard a Schooner
If speedboats aren’t your thing, head aboard this delightful schooner and grab a drink. Sunset is a fantastic time to experience any city—but in the Big Apple, you get to see that golden light reflect off millions of perfectly shined skyscraper windows.
Wall Street and Financial District Walking Tour
Want to know another dirty little secret about NYC? The oldest streets in Manhattan are in its lower neighborhoods, including Wall Street. Some of the financial neighborhood’s streets are teeny-tiny and cobbled, taking you straight back to NYC’s earliest era.
TriBeCa Architecture & History Walking Tour
Along with Wall Street, TriBeCa is another neighborhood that’s often forgotten in lieu of Soho, Greenwich, and other areas above Canal Street. But TriBeCa is lined with brick warehouses that have been flipped into the city’s trendiest shops, boutiques, and apartments. Fantastic window shopping.
MET Guided Museum Tour
It’s a seriously massive museum—you’re going to get way more out of the experience with an expert at your side.
Gilded Age Mansions Guided Tour
The Gilded Age was by far New York’s loveliest in terms of architecture. Dig deep into the city’s history and roots with this tour—and see some jaw-dropping mansions along the way.
