NYC Travel Trips & Trip Planning Hub
If you are looking to plan the perfect NYC trip, Private Tours New York is the best way to thoroughly explore one of the most famous cities worldwide. The Big Apple is a city that is nothing short of magnetic with a capital M. Whether you are looking to see the iconic NYC sights, discover legendary landmarks by land and sea, or embark on a super festive holiday tour, our curated private and small group tours will be everything you wanted and more.
Explore our NYC Tours and contact us for more information at (212) 901-3013 and at res@privatetoursnewyork.com.
Our Visiting NYC Guide is here to help plan your NYC trip with must-see attractions and noteworthy travel tips. NYC is a once-in-a-lifetime destination; this dynamic city was listed as the top U.S. travel destination by TripAdvisor, which only reinforces its global appeal. NYC offers both novelty and familiarity, and it’s positively renowned for one-of-a-kind art, food, and cultural institutions.
NYC is comprised of several neighborhoods that each have their own distinct notoriety. The Upper West Side has fantastic brunch options at the French Roast, Jacob’s Pickles, and Miriam; the Lower East Side is famous for Jewish delicacies like Katz’s Deli and Russ and Daughter’s Cafe; Chinatown is a can’t-miss experience for food finds and tasty dim sum; and Williamsburg in Brooklyn is a hipster haven for craft breweries, vegan restaurants, and vintage boutiques. Plus, if you are seeking incredible outdoor experiences, over on Manhattan’s West Side is the High Line, a unique park that was formerly an elevated rail line, and over in the neighboring borough of Brooklyn is Brooklyn Bridge Park, a popular hangout spot by the picturesque East River waterfront.
Our private NYC guided tours are a spectacular way to discover the city that’s so nice they named it twice; after all, our guided city tours help to maximize time and avoid confusion; you’re able to explore NYC during a designated time frame while seeing the major NYC landmarks. You can start with our most popular experience — the NYC Highlights Tour, where you can see the city’s unforgettable attractions during our 3.5 hour tour in one of our comfortable luxury vehicles.
Spring in NYC
Spring is truly an idyllic time of year to visit NYC. The weather is more mild, the cherry blossoms are blooming, and the city comes back to life with green spaces, florals, sunshine, and plenty of opportunities for walking tours.
Winter in NYC
One may say that winter in NYC is the most wonderful time of the year, especially since a New York Christmas is iconic in its own right. The holiday season in the city is nothing short of magical with the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center, holiday markets, and mesmerizing holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue. In addition, you will not want to miss our special Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Private Tour, which will showcase marvelous holiday displays and Christmas lights in Brooklyn’s most jolly neighborhood.
Summer in NYC
Summer time in the city means gorgeous waterfront views. Boat tours of NYC are an ideal way to explore the sights from a different perspective, and our 6 Hour Bus & Boat Tour beautifully captures the city from the water; the water portion of our tour features wonderful waterfront vistas of the NYC skyline, Lady Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Fall in NYC
Fall features the best weather as the air turns crisp and the autumnal colors shine bright. Autumn in the city is perfect for photographers who dream of capturing the magnificent red, orange, yellow, and maroon foliage in Central Park. You can book one of our Private NYC Tours during the beautiful fall season.
Subways
The NYC subway system is one of the most popular modes of public transportation; it’s cost-effective and efficient once you know where to go. Subway maps always come in handy when navigating your way across NYC, but it’s always important to be mindful of safety (and safe neighborhoods) and be weary of empty subway cars, too.
Rideshare
Uber or Lyft are rideshare companies that make getting to your destination very simple and straightforward. Once you open the rideshare app of your choice, you can schedule your car to come at your preferred time and pick-up location. Although it’s more costly to take Uber or Lyft, the convenience factor may certainly be worthwhile.
Walking
Walking is always free and always a great option to get around the bustling city. When walking to a nearby neighborhood, you can always take in the sights along the way. Maybe you are headed to Bryant Park and want to pass through Times Square, or maybe you want to explore the Theater District on your way to a Broadway show. Whatever your final destination is, walking allows you to check out local city neighborhoods.
Yellow Taxis
The yellow taxi is quintessential New York. In order to hail a yellow taxi, you typically have to wait until one comes your way; however, many taxis are often stationed outside major transit hubs as well.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Comfortable shoes are a non-negotiable when it comes walking throughout NYC; the time has come to break in those cute new sneakers.
- Always Carry Cash: You never know when you may need extra cash on hand; being prepared will definitely give you peace of mind.
- Always Book Major Attractions in Advance: Booking attractions and tours in advance ensures that you won’t miss out on your ideal experience. If you want an efficient introduction to the city, our 3.5 Hour NYC Highlights Tour is thoughtfully curated with exactly this in mind.
- Plan Around Neighborhoods to Avoid Backtracking: You can always plan before you go to maximize efficiency when sightseeing.
- Know Peak Travel Times: When you know that peak travel times may conjure up bigger crowds and higher price points, you can plan accordingly and travel during off-peak hours.
- Have a Weather Backup Plan: Sometimes we plan, but the weather has other ideas — have an indoor backup plan just in case the weather rains on your parade.
- Don’t Try to See Everything in One Day: NYC has so much to offer, but don’t fret if it’s too much for one day; you can always break up your activities or plan to come back for another Big Apple getaway.
- Use Ferries For Great Views: A scenic ferry ride showcases NYC views from a different vantage point. Enjoy the gentle sway of the water and discover the city’s famous landmarks as you set sail out of New York Harbor during our 6 Hour Bus and Boat Tour.
- Keep Up the Pace: New Yorkers tend to walk fast. When walking on city sidewalks, try to remember to walk swiftly, so you can keep up a steady pace amidst the crowds.
- See NYC Beyond Manhattan: While Manhattan is a fantastic place to start your travels, the other city boroughs have their own claim to fame, too, whether it’s checking out Coney Island in Brooklyn, the food scene in Astoria, Queens, the Statue of Liberty via the Staten Island Ferry, or the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx.
Midtown
SoHo
Soho is a can’t-miss neighborhood for fashion enthusiasts since it’s one of the city’s very trendy shopping districts. And of course, you will not want to miss our Private Shopping Tour to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, a premium shopping destination where you can snag designer items for a fraction of the cost.
Lower Manhattan
In Lower Manhattan, you can stop at the powerful 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center complex and explore all there is to do at South Street Seaport and the Financial District. The land portion of our Bus and Boat Tour will be sure to stop in Lower Manhattan as well.
Brooklyn
Upper West Side/Central Park Area
The beautifully charming neighborhood of the Upper West Side is home to beloved boutiques and delectable eateries. The neighborhood also borders the tranquil grounds of Central Park, which you can visit on our signature NYC Highlights Tour. Central Park is an oasis in the middle of the busy city, and it’s perfect for couples and nature lovers.
Famous Landmarks
Whether you want to marvel at the iconic Empire State Building, see the dazzling lights and larger-than-life billboards of Times Square, or glimpse the Statue of Liberty, which continues to serve as a symbol of hope, the NYC Highlights Tour will highlight what makes NYC one of the most highly sought-after travel destinations.
Shopping
Fifth Avenue, SoHo, and local NYC markets feature some of the best shopping in the Big Apple. When planning a trip to NYC, however, you will not want to miss out on a one-of-a-kind shopping center that’s home to incredible deals on a daily basis. For the ultimate shopping experience, visit Woodbury Common with our Private Shopping Tour.
Food & Dining
Waterfront Activities
If you’re hoping to see NYC from the water, you can always spend the day in Brooklyn. You can leisurely stroll across the famous Brooklyn Bridge before heading over to DUMBO, where you can check out the East River waterfront at Brooklyn Bridge Park and dine out at Pier 6. Plus, our 6-Hour Bus and Boat Tour will capture the beauty of the NYC skyline from the water, and our ferry is sure to cruise past Lady Liberty and other stunning waterfront landmarks.
Best Tours for First-Time Visitors
NYC Highlights Tour (3.5 Hours)
6-Hour Bus & Boat Tour
Private Shopping Tour: Woodbury Common
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour
When planning a trip to NYC, there are plenty of budget-friendly NYC travel tips, so you don’t end up breaking the bank. When you book your hotel, it’s always beneficial to book in advance; your preferred room will be more readily available, and you will get more value for your stay. (Plus, by booking in advance, it’s more likely that your rate can be refunded if needed.) Seasonal cost differences are noteworthy when planning a trip to NYC as well; off-peak travel times (think weekdays and post-holiday travel) can result in a more affordable city trip.
NYC offers several budget-friendly dining options and free attractions. You can grab a 99 cent slice at Delicious Pizza, check out less expensive eateries at NYC food halls, and lean into wonderful happy hour deals across Manhattan. If you’re hoping to explore NYC on a budget, museums are the place to be; there is typically a pay-what-you-wish donation at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Museum of Natural History, and there’s free admission to The Museum of Modern Art on Friday evenings and free admission to The Fashion Institute of Technology. Private Tours are cost-efficient, too, since you can see more of NYC in less time.
Safety + Local Etiquette Tips
Our Visiting NYC Guide has you covered when it comes to safety and local etiquette on the NYC streets. Street awareness is key in regards to city crosswalks and following the appropriate street-crossing protocols, but it’s also essential to be aware of your environment and personal belongings —always trust your instincts in regards to safety, too. When planning a trip to NYC, you can come prepared with maps for navigating the busy city neighborhoods and dress accordingly for the weather, depending on the season. (Think warm coats and gloves for the winter and light attire and sunscreen for summer.) And finally, families and seniors may opt for taking a taxi or rideshare service to get around the city, which would surely be an easier and more comfortable mode of transportation.
How many days do you need in NYC?
When planning a trip to NYC; you don’t have to worry if you’re short on time; you can always maximize your sightseeing by taking our 6-Hour Bus and Boat Tour, which will highlight famous city landmarks, by land and sea, in just one day.
Is it easy to get around NYC?
Whether you walk, take a subway, taxi, or rideshare service, it’s easy to get around NYC. Our NYC Highlights Tour is also an incredible introduction to the city from the comfort of a private luxury vehicle.
Should I book a tour before arriving?
Booking a tour in advance reserves your spot, and with our Private NYC Tours, you can always curate your experience and plan your ideal NYC itinerary.
What’s the best way to see NYC in one day?
The best way to see NYC in one day is to embark on our private 6-Hour Bus and Boat Tour, which showcases iconic NYC landmarks aboard both our bus and ferry, giving you a taste of the city from different perspectives.
What’s the best shopping in NYC?
Fifth Avenue, The Flatiron District, and Soho are NYC neighborhoods that offer some of the best shopping. You can also take our Private Shopping Tour to Woodbury Commons, a phenomenal outlet center that’s home to hundreds of top-tier designer brands with terrific daily deals.
Is there a lot to do in NYC during the holiday season?
There is plenty to do in NYC during the holiday season. Our Private Holiday Lights Tour includes stops at the world-famous Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center, the gorgeous holiday window displays on Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Radio City Music Hall, the beautifully decorated Plaza Hotel, and the festive neighborhood of Little Italy.
When planning a trip to NYC, the world is your oyster. Our Visiting NYC Guide is here with NYC travel tips to make your trip to the Big Apple a big success. Our Private NYC Tours are a remarkable way to discover one of the most famous cities worldwide. Whether you book our popular NYC Highlights Tour, board our bus and ferry for the 6-Hour Bus and Boat Tour, embark on an extraordinary Private Shopping Tour at Woodbury Commons, or tour the acclaimed Dyker Heights Holiday Lights, Private Tours New York guarantees that your trip to NYC will be remembered for years to come.
Explore our NYC Tours and contact us for more information at (212) 901-3013 and at res@privatetoursnewyork.com.
