New York · NYC CITY TOURS

The 15 NYC City Tours That Are Worth the Money

75 tours  ·  from $16 a head

Here are 15 nyc city tours worth your money, each with its price, what travelers thought and the one detail to check before you pay.

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour - Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue: architecture from the curb
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New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

1.New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13,166 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $99Our pick

Cover Manhattan’s headline sights in six hours with a local guide, a climate-controlled bus, short walks, and the Staten Island Ferry. You’ll stop at Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, the 9/11 Memorial, and more. Lunch is on your own, and the ferry offers views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island without a separate ticket.

“This tour was exceptionally good for first time in New York. It covered all the main places of interest and was very well organised. The guide was extremely knowledgable about everything and knew a lot of the history. I would recommend this tour.”

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NYC: Circle Line 2.5 Hour Best of NYC Boat Cruise - The Statue of Liberty, close enough for photos
New York City Tours, NYC City Tours, NYC Harbor Cruises, Tour Reviews

NYC: Circle Line 2.5 Hour Best of NYC Boat Cruise

2.Circle Line 2.5 Hour Best of NYC Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7,268 reviews · from $39

From Pier 83, Circle Line’s 2.5-hour cruise takes you around Manhattan past major bridges, the Statue of Liberty and more than 100 city sights. Expect live English commentary, indoor and outdoor viewing areas, and a route that can change at high tide. Guides such as Alexis and Maliki have brought the city’s stories to life on recent sailings.

“Well worth it! I’d recommend doing as a first tour upon arrival to NYC as it gives you some perspective of the scale of the city”

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New York: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus - Downtown: memorials, harbor views, and neighborhood streets
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New York: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

3.Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 5,863 reviews · 3 hours · from $44

Ride Big Bus Tours’ open-top double-decker through Manhattan’s downtown and uptown districts, with digital commentary in six languages and app-based bus tracking. The loops pass landmarks including the Empire State Building, Battery Park, and Museum Mile. Choose half-day or 24-, 48-, or 72-hour access, then hop off to explore at your own pace.

“Best way to get to see New York’s main attractions and not have to worry about driving and parking.”

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NYC: Manhattan Sightseeing Helicopter Tour - Wide windows and pilot narration
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NYC: Manhattan Sightseeing Helicopter Tour

4.Manhattan Sightseeing Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 5,826 reviews · from $299

Take a 15- to 30-minute helicopter flight over New York with an English-speaking pilot who points out landmarks such as Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Large convex windows offer broad views, and the group is limited to six. Departure points vary, so check your selected option and any helipad fees before booking.

“It's great. The pilot was really nice with good explanations on what we were seeing. However if you go at the top of Top of the Rock, the Edge etc, the helicopter tour is not mandatory as the view is not that different. But all the organisation with the team was perfect.”

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Big Bus NYC: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus - Downtown: from Times Square to the World Trade Center
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Big Bus NYC: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

5.Big Bus NYC: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 4,762 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $44

Ride Big Bus’s open-top double-decker through Downtown Manhattan, or add Uptown, Brooklyn and self-guided walks with a longer pass. Recorded commentary covers the sights, while the app tracks buses. You can board at listed stops and hop off to explore, but plan for roughly hourly service and check routes before setting out.

“If they use your website or app, they will have to call you before they can access the tickets. I stood in the cold, waiting to call your people.”

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NYC: Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise - Boarding at Pier 78
Historical Tours, New York City Tours, NYC City Tours, NYC Harbor Cruises, Tour Reviews

NYC: Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

6.Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,666 reviews · 1h 30m · from $34Best value

Sail from Pier 78 past Hudson Yards, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. A live English-speaking guide adds stories and humor, while an onboard photographer helps with pictures. You get indoor and open-air decks, restrooms and a snack bar; one complimentary digital photo is included, excluding the Statue of Liberty.

“Very friendly guide and has everything nice explained 😊 Thanks Molly 🙏”

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NYC Highlights Tour: Bronx, Brooklyn, Harlem, Queens & Coney - The Bronx: Yankee Stadium and a tribute to Big Pun
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NYC Highlights Tour: Bronx, Brooklyn, Harlem, Queens & Coney

7.NYC Highlights Tour: Bronx, Brooklyn, Harlem, Queens & Coney

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,846 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $46

Spend about seven hours crossing New York’s outer boroughs by shared coach, from Harlem’s Apollo Theater to a Bronx mural, Flushing Meadows, DUMBO and, if you choose, Coney Island. Guides such as Jorge bring local history and humor to the ride. Expect brief stops, photo time and a broad city overview, not a deep visit to each neighborhood.

“Fantastic tour!! Definitely recommend!! If I’m ever back in NYC with a different group of friends, I’ll recommend we go and I would join again. Jorge was a fantastic tour guide!! I couldn’t imagine having a job like this where you have to share the same information every day – but he doesn’t let it show. He treated our tour with enthusiasm, humor, and care. And he knows his stuff - we learned so much on the tour, with fun jokes along the way! You make five stops along the way (we opted out of Coney Island since it was winter time). Jorge make sure you know where you will…”

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New York City: Full-Day Washington DC City Highlights Tour - Arlington: a solemn start to the capital visit
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New York City: Full-Day Washington DC City Highlights Tour

8.Full-Day Washington DC City Highlights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,791 reviews · 14 hours · from $149

Travel from Manhattan to Washington, D.C. by air-conditioned bus or van with a live guide. See Arlington National Cemetery and JFK’s gravesite, the White House and Capitol Hill, the Lincoln, Korean War and Vietnam memorials, and the Air and Space Museum. It’s a fast-paced way to meet the capital’s main sights in one long day.

“Yukiko is very friendly and thoughtful. she is super knowledgeable around the area. 10/10 love the tour! Definitely will do trip with her again!”

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Washington DC Highlights, 1-Day Tour from NYC - Arlington Cemetery and JFK’s gravesite
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Washington DC Highlights, 1-Day Tour from NYC

9.Washington DC Highlights, 1-Day Tour from NYC

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,607 reviews · 11 to 13 hours (approx.) · from $129

Ride from Midtown Manhattan to Washington, DC for a full day of landmarks: Arlington Cemetery, the Capitol, the White House, a Smithsonian museum, and memorials near the National Mall. A guide leads the visits and shares stories along the way. Expect an early start, plenty of time on the road, and a compact introduction rather than an in-depth city stay.

“Very good service guide and drive Guide have very good knowledge. He can explain very clear, good speaking”

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Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise - Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building and South Street Seaport
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Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

10.Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,073 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $34

Cruise the Hudson for about 90 minutes past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan’s skyline. A live guide narrates the route, with guides such as Darius and Molly praised for lively delivery. You can choose a daytime or city-lights departure; seating is first come, and some seating and photo options may cost extra.

“Lovely experience,staff so friendly and helpful. Lucky for us the weather was kind and we had a beautiful sunset with liberty proudly in the background.”

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NYC City Tour: Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street - Federal Hall, the NYSE and the city’s beginnings
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NYC City Tour: Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street

11.NYC City Tour: Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,059 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $39

Start on Broad Street with a local guide, then walk past Federal Hall, the NYSE, Trinity Church, the Charging Bull and the 9/11 Memorial. The walking tour ends at Battery Park. Choose the ferry upgrade to visit Liberty Island and Ellis Island independently, with round-trip ferry tickets included. Crown and pedestal access are not included.

“Paul was extremely knowledgeable and seemed to love his job. He was a walking encyclopedia! He was very attentive and friendly.”

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Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights - Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, and the Flatiron
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Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights

12.Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,764 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $75

Cover Midtown, Central Park, SoHo, Chinatown, Wall Street, and the Hudson waterfront on a four-hour bus tour with a local guide. You’ll get photo breaks at Rockefeller Center, Pier 17 near the Brooklyn Bridge, and the 9/11 Memorial, plus a view of the Statue of Liberty from shore. Guides have included Tom, Garrett, Bryant, and Percy, though assignments vary.

“The tour guide was very knowledgeable and talked about the history of New York. I've often been to NY on business, but this was a family trip. Quite fascinating. Highly recommend it.”

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NY Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights (Heliport fees Incl.) - From Downtown Manhattan Heliport to the harbor
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NY Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights (Heliport fees Incl.)

13.NY Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights (Heliport fees Incl.)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,262 reviews · 12 to 15 minutes (approx.) · from $322

Take a 12 to 15-minute shared helicopter flight from Downtown Manhattan Heliport, with room for up to six passengers. Look for the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, One World Trade Center and other landmarks through floor-to-ceiling windows while your pilot provides live commentary. Heliport fees are included.

“It was a thrilling ride over Manhattan. My wife and I took this ride as a way to celebrate our seven and one-half year wedding anniversary. We definitely reached new heights!!”

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Gray Line New York Fully Guided 5 Hour Sightseeing Tour - The ferry is the tour’s most memorable change of pace
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Gray Line New York Fully Guided 5 Hour Sightseeing Tour

14.Gray Line New York Fully Guided 5 Hour Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,119 reviews · from $109

Start near Times Square for a guided coach tour past Manhattan landmarks, then walk the High Line, pause at Chelsea Market, and ride the Staten Island Ferry for views of the Statue of Liberty and city skyline. A guide leads the outing, which runs about five hours and includes transport and the ferry, but not lunch.

“A wonderful way to experience NY. Highly knowledgeable tour guide and a pleasant experience!”

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NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing (Heliport fees Incl) - From the harbor to the bridges
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NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing (Heliport fees Incl)

15.NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing (Heliport fees Incl)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,110 reviews · 17 to 20 minutes (approx.) · from $354

Take a shared helicopter flight over New York, departing from East River Piers for views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the bridges, and more. Your pilot provides live commentary in English, and the cabin has floor-to-ceiling windows. Flights last about 17 to 20 minutes, carry up to six passengers, and include heliport fees.

“It was just magical, just like in the movies. The turned to be best for occations like this. Truly, recommend.”

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New in NYC City Tours

★ 3.5New York City Fortune Tour 1-Day Sightseeing AdventureFrom $10610 reviews
★ 4.5JFK Airport Limo Pick-up With Extra One Hour NYC Limo Sightseeing Tour6 reviews
★ 5.0Best of New York Food Tour: 5 dishes plus famous sightseeing!61 reviews
★ 5.0Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of BrooklynFrom $5919 reviews
★ 5.0Midtown,Chelsea &West Village Guided City Tour by E-CartFrom $6957 reviews
★ 5.0See 30+ Top Sights in One Day – Kids Join Free!From $653 reviews
★ 4.2Sightseeing Harbor Cruise on the Grande MarinerFrom $2323 reviews
★ 4.9Private Central Park and NYC City Tour10 reviews
★ 5.0NYC Midtown Manhattan Highlights Private Walking TourFrom $1713 reviews
★ 5.0NYC; Best of Midtown Manhattan – The Must-See NYCFrom $456 reviews
★ 5.0Via private SUV/VAN Highlights Tour. 13 max4 reviews
★ 5.0City highlights Private Guided Walking TourFrom $1295 reviews
★ 5.0Custom Highlights & Hidden Gems Tour with a LocalFrom $959 reviews
★ 4.2One-Day Best of New York Private Tour12 reviews
★ 5.0Mini Yacht Boat Ride with SightseeingFrom $609 reviews

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