New York City is one of the most vibrant cities on the planet, and visitors from all over the world flock to it in order to experience its diverse array of attractions. Given its immense size and complexity, as well as the tremendous number of things to see and do, New York can be intimidating to wrap your mind around. As a result, many visitors decide to go on a tour of New York City. They’re a terrific way to get to know New York’s neighborhoods, people, attractions, and more.
If you’re new to New York—or even if it’s just been a while since you’ve been in town—a bus tour is a great way to become acquainted (or refamiliarize yourself) with the city. The least-relaxing thing you could do while visiting New York is get stuck behind the wheel of a car trying to navigate the city’s notorious traffic jams and one-way streets. Bus tours let you sit back, relax, and actually enjoy your sightseeing. Many bus tours let you hop-on and hop-off when and where you want. This means that not only will they teach you about the rich history of the city, they’ll get you where you want to go, comfortably and safely and without the hassle of looking for parking. These sorts of tours are available in themed formats, too. Food, drink, culture: you name it, there’s a tour here that’ll cover it.
Of course, there’s so much more to the New York guided tour scene than just buses. You’ll also find boat tours that take you out into the Hudson River, East River, and New York Harbor for stunning views of the skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island, and bike tours that cover inimitable New York neighborhoods in an ecofriendly manner. Walking tours are an excellent option for those visitors who want to slow things down and really get to know an element or two of New York on a more intimate level. Broadway tours, architecture tours, tours about popular television shows that were set in New York—it’s all here, and then some!
Regardless of what you want to see and do while in New York, you’ll be able to find a tour there that caters to your interests. Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular kinds of tours in New York.
New York City Boat Tours
One of the most unique ways to experience New York City is from the water. A variety of themed tours are available from multiple cruise operators. A sightseeing cruise will grant you a whole new perspective on NYC’s many world-famous attractions.
New York City Walking Tours
New York City walking tours are a great way to explore the city’s attractions, landmarks and neighborhoods. Tours can range from sixty minutes to several hours and cater to all interests. Before selecting a tour, consider what you want from the experience; whether it’s a classic tour of the famous sights or something more unusual. With so many tours available, there is something for everyone.
New York City Bus Tours
New York City Bus Tours offer visitors a great way to maximize their Big Apple experience. There are numerous bus tours with a variety of styles and price points. Many sightseeing bus tours focus on Manhattan, covering Uptown or Downtown, with popular destinations like Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
New York City Bicycle Tours
New York City offers a great way to explore its wonders – bike tours! Not only are they eco-friendly, but also more affordable than boat or bus tours. And while they require more physical activity than hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours, many people find them more enjoyable. Bike tour operators also offer bicycle rentals, so visitors can design their own excursion. Cycling in New York City is also a great experience, with bike-friendly roads and some of the most famous attractions in the world.
New York City Movie and TV Tours
New York City is a major entertainment hub, drawing visitors from all over the world to experience its many pop culture landmarks and media attractions. Guided tours of the city offer tourists the chance to explore the sites of their favorite movies and TV shows. When deciding which tour fits best, one must consider whether to take a walking or bus tour. With these variables in mind, a movie and TV tour of New York City could be the perfect way to spend the day.