Top 5 NYC Sightseeing Tours: Ratings, Tips & What To Know

So, you are wanting to witness the splendor of New York City? Good, because it’s an awesome place. But very, very big. It could be you want someone else to sort of take charge, do all the tricky planning and usher you round to the most amazing places? Well then, sightseeing tours might be just the ticket for you. There’s a lot to choose from, from getting out on the water, seeing everything from up high or getting to know spots only locals see. Now, picking what’s best is more or less the task, that we will deal with. We will walk with you, so to speak, round the leading options, pointing out stuff you must consider. We hope to assist you to pick the tour you’ll enjoy and will find truly memorable.

1. The Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: Get to Know the City

The Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour? Very popular. Very easy way, it seems, for anyone that’s new to the city to get a solid feel of things, maybe to see the layout of everything. It’s kinda cool you are able to jump off at different spots of interest. You take all the time you want, and then simply get on the next bus. This can, of course, be excellent if something in particular attracts your fancy, say, perhaps, you fancy a stroll through Central Park or to spend a bit more time in Times Square. In some respects, that freedom, too, to adjust everything depending on whatever appeals most, is brilliant.

They’ve got a few different routes which, in a way, cover a huge slice of what Manhattan is like. The most known landmarks are visited, places that could be on postcards such as the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and also the Statue of Liberty (with some tours, anyway). They often supply an audio guide too; it usually comes in several languages. So, you get commentary, too it’s almost, about the locations as you view them, which might add a touch more to everything, the significance of different sites.

A couple of things though; traffic’s notoriously heavy in New York. Expect hold-ups, especially during certain hours. That might have an impact on how smoothly things go, or your timings. Make sure that you keep an eye out for various package options when booking. Certain tickets add extras, such as harbor cruises or visiting other landmarks. Purchasing a bundle is something you could do to save on costs, you see.

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2. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry: Landmarks of Freedom

Going to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is arguably a mandatory visit. And taking the ferry makes things that little bit special; that arrival, seeing Lady Liberty growing bigger is something else. So, just imagine, arriving as so many immigrants used to, seeing that same amazing sight when coming to start living in America? Very, very affecting.

When there, do try, in a way, to go up into the Statue’s pedestal. I would argue that the panoramic scenes are glorious, but remember to book beforehand; spots get booked up so fast. Then, over on Ellis Island, the museum’s really, really cool, and very evocative. The exhibitions, arguably, do a wonderful job telling the stories of just millions who went to the US wanting that fresh start. Actually reading the personal stories gives the experience a little extra depth.

Timing things right is important, I’d say. The queues can get long, very long sometimes, specifically in peak tourist times. Perhaps give consideration to buying your tickets ahead of time and maybe turning up very early to prevent the majority of the queues. You also might just allocate the biggest part of the day to this, you know, as travelling around, safety checks, as well as experiencing everything often, takes a long time.

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3. Central Park Bike Tour: Explore the Green Heart

A Central Park bike tour is, I would say, great to actively get to find out this famous park. Going by bicycle lets one go to so much ground quicker as against going by foot, and you reach parts a lot of people aren’t able to reach just because they couldn’t be bothered with the longer walk.

You see a great deal on those tours, from the likes of the Bethesda Terrace and Strawberry Fields, and also the Reservoir. Most tour companies come up with an experienced tour guide; often they share interesting historical anecdotes and park facts. It all really does add a bit to what you sense and feel as you ride around.

Have a look at what the weather looks like; in New York it’s not always kind! Then you must think about what condition you think you’re in physically. Central Park, while typically flat, has certain gentle slopes and over the course of just a couple of hours these can potentially leave one weary. Make sure that you’re comfortable riding a bicycle before going; otherwise, maybe consider opting for something such as a horse-drawn carriage instead.

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4. New York Helicopter Tour: Amazing Skyline Views

Want a view? A New York helicopter tour may just provide it. Seeing that amazing city skyline from up high? It is amazing! This would be ideal as some sort of memorable treat, probably, for seeing the main sights from an absolutely different angle.

Most flights often cover various major attractions for example, Central Park, Times Square, and also the Statue of Liberty. Some even take the route further afield, passing over landmarks farther away. The scenes really are gorgeous; seeing things from so high really shows how big New York truly is.

There’s safety to consider; helicopter companies adhere to really strict regulation. It’s still something one might wish to check, things like customer feedback, safety reports before deciding to book. The weather’s essential as well; flights, obviously, are determined by conditions being suitable to fly in, therefore you may have a touch of flexibility in the schedule. Last of all, remember your camera. The sights will probably have you wishing to snap like crazy.

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5. Walking Tour of Greenwich Village: Local Flavor

A walking tour round Greenwich Village? Very cool if you wish to feel the heartbeat and character of an absolutely unique place in the area. Greenwich Village is actually famous for a bohemian past, that’s to say there are beautiful streets, some intriguing architecture plus a rather creative air about the place.

Normally the tour will, more or less, include visiting locations, say Washington Square Park as well as the Stonewall Inn, while a guide often discusses their importance, especially when it comes to culture and what they mean to the local area. A good deal of tours, too, give you opportunities, perhaps, to discover a lot more neighborhood locations, things a traveler may possibly miss unaided.

Have regard to your comfort; be certain that you wear comfy footwear because typically a great deal of standing and a little bit of walking is involved. Do also have regard to weather; should the weather not be fine perhaps have an umbrella handy. Maybe a jacket, as you might be outside, a fair bit. Perhaps, keep a bottle of water on you. Being hydrated truly will assist you when doing such walking.

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