From the food scene to Broadway shows to history and architecture, everyone has their reasons for wanting to visit New York City.
Although it is half the size of London, New York has more historic events than some entire countries. This cultural capital offers something for everyone when visiting so make sure that you plan accordingly to see all the best that the city has to offer. Looking to truly connect with the energy of the city? Explore the concrete jungle on foot, with a walking tour tailored specifically to your interests.
Picking your perfect NYC walking tour
Visiting the Big Apple, you’ll find tons of NYC walking tours to choose from. Here’s how to pick the best one for you, based on what you want to see, do, and learn.
There are a multitude of tours and tons of walking tour companies. There are free tours, food tours, neighborhood tours, and private walking tours, so do your research before making any plans. According to Trekaroo, there are some must-see tours that you will want to add to your list.
New York City is huge, with so many iconic monuments and attractions it would be impossible to see them all in a single day. But for that classic New York experience, some places are a must, including Central Park, Washington Square Park, the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Discover the tragic events of September 11, 2001, from a local perspective on a 2.5-hour tour of the key sites in Lower Manhattan connected to the World Trade Center attacks. The NYC: 9/11 Memorial Tour & Priority Entrance 9/11 Museum Ticket Tour begins at Ground Zero, where you’ll gain insight into the profound impact of 9/11 on New York City and the world, as well as the city’s resilient journey forward. This small-group tour fosters an intimate and reflective atmosphere, guided by local experts who provide a personal connection to the 9/11 Memorial and its surrounding landmarks.
Start your journey at St. Peter’s Church, a historic gathering place where people sought news of loved ones, offered prayers, and found solace in the aftermath of the tragedy. View heartfelt handmade memorials, a poignant reminder of the personal losses endured by thousands of New Yorkers amid this global event.
Continue to Ground Zero to visit the striking 9/11 Memorial Pools, built on the former footprints of the Twin Towers. Reflect on the names inscribed in tribute to the lives lost and hear your guide share moving stories of heroism and loss. Stop at the Fireman’s Memorial and the Survivor Tree, a symbol of resilience and hope, as you explore the deeply human side of the events that unfolded here.
Conclude with a self-guided visit to the 9/11 Museum using a pre-reserved ticket. This allows time for quiet contemplation as you explore artifacts recovered from the wreckage and read personal accounts of those affected by the tragedy.
Standing as a beacon of hope and a symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty is another must-do. Hop aboard a Statue City Cruise to reach the island and you can enjoy skyline views, learn about NYC immigration history at Ellis Island, and tour the statue itself. You will hear the story of how Lady Liberty came to be and gain a true understanding of just how important this monument truly is. You can visit early to skip the crowds on a VIP Access Tour as well by hopping aboard the very first boat of the day out to Liberty Island. Hear history come alive with your licensed New York City tour guide amongst a small group allowing you personal time to explore.
Your tour kicks off at Battery Park, where you’ll take in stunning views of iconic landmarks like Castle Clinton, America’s first immigration station. From there, you’ll board a ferry to the Statue of Liberty, ready to meet the world-famous symbol of freedom.
Upon arriving at Liberty Island, your guide will introduce you to Lady Liberty herself, sharing captivating stories and little-known facts about her—including the surprising challenges that nearly prevented her construction. You’ll also have free time to explore the Statue of Liberty Museum at your own pace. Discover artifacts from her creation and learn how one man’s ambitious dream united an entire city.
In just two hours, you’ll experience the magic of the Statue of Liberty with an expert guide, skipping early mornings and ticket lines for effortless, intimate access to America’s most iconic monument.
New York City is one of the best food cities on the planet, making food tours a must for any NYC-bound gourmand.
One of the best ways to do a food tour in New York is to concentrate on a particular neighborhood or district, like the West Village or the Lower East Side. With certain immigrants and cultures putting down roots in specific areas, you can sample tons of phenomenal cuisines and dishes from around the world in compact, walkable areas, like Chinese food in Chinatown or Italian food in Little Italy.
Located in Lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village is one of NYC’s best food neighborhoods, with world-class Italian cuisine, excellent coffee, and classic NYC pizza joints. Our Greenwich Village Food Tour gives you a taste of some of New York’s most authentic and delicious Italian food.
Embark on your Greenwich Village food tour with a visit to a modern take on the classic NYC bodega—those beloved corner stores of the city. Here, you’ll indulge in a quintessential NYC comfort food: the breakfast sandwich.
Next, delve into the Village’s rich Italian heritage at a fourth-generation pasta shop, where Grandma’s secret tomato sauce recipe and a century-old pasta machine set the stage for handmade ravioli.
From there, we’ll stroll to a hidden gem: a cozy Brazilian bakery you might miss if you didn’t know it was there. Treat yourself to their irresistible cheese puffs made from yucca.
Our journey continues at one of New York’s oldest Italian patisseries, where you’ll savor a freshly filled cannoli—a timeless and delectable classic.
Next, take a step back in time on MacDougal Street to a historic café once frequented by beatnik poets and folk singers. You might even recognize this iconic espresso bar from a famous movie or two!
No NYC food tour would be complete without a classic slice of pizza. We’ll head to one of the best pizza joints in Greenwich Village, where every bite promises to be love at first taste.
Finally, we’ll wrap up at a legendary Greenwich Village watering hole that helped launch the craft beer movement over 20 years ago. A local favorite for friends, food, and fun, you’ll sample one of their most popular menu items to end the tour on a high note.
In addition to being a hub for business, industry, cuisine, and history, New York City is one of the world’s great centers for art and culture.
If you enjoy visiting museums to view priceless works of art, try an immersive guided tour of the incredible Metropolitan Museum of Art. To make the most of your time, you can either opt for a specially curated experience on a Meet the Met tour or cut to the chase and just hit the museum’s highlights.
Climb the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a New York treasure since 1870. Home to over 2 million objects, this world-renowned institution offers an unparalleled journey through history and art, from Roman artifacts to 19th-century masterpieces.
Your guide will lead you past Egyptian tomb models to the awe-inspiring Temple of Dendur, dating back to 15 BC. Step into Tudor-era England to marvel at King Henry VIII’s suit of armor and uncover the myths surrounding the Antioch Chalice, rumored to be the Holy Grail. Wander through Greek and Roman statuary, where ancient frescoes and emperor busts bring history to life.
Feel the sunlight dance through Art Nouveau stained-glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany, and stand before a bronze cast of Rodin’s The Thinker. Lose yourself in the brushstrokes of Monet and Van Gogh, and admire the emotional depth of works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Hear the riveting tale behind David’s The Death of Socrates, learn the scandalous history of John Singer Sargent’s Madame X, and stand before Leutze’s iconic Washington Crossing the Delaware.
Weather permitting, the tour concludes at the rooftop sculpture garden, offering breathtaking views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline—a perfect ending to an unforgettable experience.
What you need to know before going on New York City walking tours
Aside from choosing the type of walking tour you want, there are some other important factors to keep in mind when exploring the Big Apple on foot.
First and foremost, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in for long periods of time. Bringing sunscreen, a water bottle and a light jacket is also recommended, depending on the weather.
Original Post Date: December 20, 2022