New York Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

Statue of Liberty - The unmistakable icon of New York City and the United States as a whole, a visit to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty has to be on your bucket list. Take some photos of Lady Liberty that you will remember for the rest of your life, and visit the Museum of Immigration on Ellis Island on the same day. 

Empire State Building - For years the tallest skyscraper in the world, the Empire State Building is a symbol of NYC that is not to be missed. Nicknamed the “eighth wonder of the world”, this stunning Art Deco masterpiece features gilded elevators and amazing architecture that will take you back to the Golden Days of the city. 

Central Park - Appearing in innumerable movies and TV shows and hosting a surprisingly rich collection of fauna and flora, the massive park plays host to a staggering amount of sights and amenities to explore, including Central Park Zoo, Conservatory Garden, and the Delacorte Theater. 

One World Trade Center - The new One World Trade Center proudly carries the name and legacy of its predecessors, and features a unique modern style which is sure to appeal to architecture lovers. Ride the special Sky Pod elevators and enjoy breathtaking views from the One World Observatory. 

Time's Square - Your trip to NYC won’t be complete without experiencing the “crossroads of the world”, Time’s Square. Marvel at the towering billboards, interesting shops, restaurants, and sometimes odd characters lining its five blocks. 

For more New York based tours, check out our NYC Private Tours page. 

New York City is located well north, meaning the winters can get cold and seasonal snowstorms are common between November and February. The city also sees its fair share of rainy days' year round. If you want to avoid the cold and enjoy the city at its greenest, a visit during the summer months (June - August) will be your best bet. This is also the peak tourist season meaning certain attractions can get pretty crowded, but in all honesty, New York City is a busy place at any time of the year (that’s part of its appeal after all!)

A trip during spring time (March - May) could also be a good idea, or if you’d like to see the leaves change in Central Park, perhaps consider an autumn tour (September / October). 

Comfy shoes - You’ll be doing a lot of walking around the city, so make sure to pack a good pair of shoes. 

Metro Card - If you’re spending more than a couple of days in the city and plan to use the subway, it’s a good idea to get a Metro Card to make subway travel easier. 

Restaurant research - While America is known for its fast food, New York City is actually one of the premier dining destinations in the world. Skip the chain stores and do a bit of research to figure out which places appeal to you the most. 

Tipping - Remember that tipping culture is big in the States, so be prepared to tip around 15% - 20% at restaurants. You should also tip housekeeping staff ($1 - $5 per day) and porters ($1 - $2 per bag), as well as bartenders (at least $1 per drink served). 

Clothing - Bring warm clothes during autumn or winter months as the city can get very cold, and always remember to pack an umbrella or even a raincoat, especially if you’re planning to go on a harbor excursion (when visiting the Statue of Liberty for example). 

Keeping your wits about you when traveling is always a good idea. Don’t flaunt your valuables and try to avoid sketchier areas of the city, especially after dark. If it’s your first time in the city, neighborhoods such as Hunt's Point, Brownsville, and East Harlem are best visited during daytime and with a trusted local guide accompanying you. That doesn’t mean these neighborhoods don’t have great things to offer, simply try to use common sense to identify unsafe areas or ask your guide for advice. 

1. Stress-free transportation: Figuring out train or bus schedules in a foreign country can be an intimidating experience. A private guide can meet you at your hotel and accompany you all the way to your destination (whether by car or public transport).

2. Customization: Don’t feel like you’re being forced into certain experiences, with a private tour you can customize your itinerary completely. 

3. Convenience: By hiring a private guide, all the hassle of planning instantly falls by the wayside. Your guide will take care of everything, from where to go, how to get there, which tickets to buy, and more. 

4. Safety: International tourists are unfortunately a favorite target of the unscrupulous, from something as simple as overcharging to holiday ruining pickpockets. Traveling alongside a local guide means they can help keep you safe and ensure you don’t get tricked by any tourist trap.