- Tours›
- Highlights
Best of New York Highlights Tour - on foot & subway
Joined 2021
No matter how much time you have to visit New York, from a few days to a few hours, the number one "must-do" is taking in the spectacular highlights of the Big Apple. In this tour, we will see many of the top sites from Central Park to the glittering shops along Fifth Ave, through Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, Empire State Building, SoHo, Wall Street, Statue of Liberty and more - and we can do the whole thing like a local does - by walking & taking the Subway!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or other Manhattan location tbd
New York City
The list of the top sites in Manhattan include:
Central Park, Fifth Avenue, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal, The Flatiron Building, Wall Street, World Trade Center (9/11 Memorial) and The Statue of Liberty. This is a great place to start - we can also customize your list to include other locales such as The High Line, Hudson Yards, SoHo, Chinatown/Little Italy, Brooklyn Bridge, Harlem or whatever you request. This is your trip! I want to make your itinerary exactly what your heart desires.
We will be fast and flexible traveling like locals - on foot & by Subway - through the streets at our own pace, there will be many opportunities to take detours, shop or just stop and smell the roses. We can also travel by ferry and get great views from the water... all this can be discussed prior to your amazing and bespoke tour!
I am happy to plan the itinerary alone, or with you, meeting your specific requests and unique needs. The time duration is also customizable (4 hours and up), taking breaks as needed. Weather and traffic conditions beyond our control may affect the tour duration and route.
Additionally, I will act as your personal photographer (using your camera or mine) to capture these memories in beautiful compositions - making souvenir images that can last as lifetime.
Ending Point
TBD
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Licensed & Experienced Private Guide
Hotel pick-up or customizable meeting location tbd
Beverages/Water, Snacks or Meals
Metro Card
Any Entrance fees
Tips for guide
Tour Important Information
We will move at your pace and take breaks as needed.
Please bring water and wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers as appropriate for the weather conditions.
Remember your sunscreen and sunglasses (or hats, mittens and scarves - as the case may be).
Please keep your wallet or valuables in a sensible bag or personal pack: something secure, easy to carry and preferably cross-body/hands free.
You will need to purchase a NYC Metro card - this can be done at a subway station and I can help you with the purchase. In general, each ride on the subway costs $2.90 per person, per trip. Or you can simply tap a credit or debit card and use the subway - its that easy!
Bring your cameras!
FAQ:
Can we add more time to the tour?
Yes, of course! This can be easily added - please let me know in a message!
Important message from the supplier
I can also guide regionally (Boston, Washington DC, Hamptons, Hudson Valley) if you pay my transportation fee.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2021
About Tour Guide Julia R.
Hello! Welcome to my page and hopefully soon, New York!
I am a born and bred NY Native, having grown up in Manhattan on the Upper West Side. The city, its people, food, neighborhoods, rich diverse history, cutting edge innovation, storied nightlife and world-renowned cultural treasures were my playground and classroom; and I am so grateful to have had this teacher. After University, I lived for three years in London and Paris - and then returned to my home town where I have been enjoying my work in Tourism and Hospitality ever since.
I’ve been a professional guide for many years working for companies like Tui, Globus and Disney. I have lead groups, both large and small, that include students, adults, business professionals, and retirees from the U.S. and abroad. I love taking guests around my beautiful city, and re-discovering its majesty and wonder with visitors - this is truly a privilege.
I excel at private tours and in sharing the magical experiences that can only be found in this dynamic and daunting city. Together, we will unlock it's secrets and discover why NYC, the star of so many memorable movies and novels, is such a beloved, romantic and exciting city.
What do I do in my spare time? I write, act, garden and hike. I teach kids financial literacy in an after school enrichment program. I walk my wonderful dog in Brooklyn Bridge Park and I take advantage of the world-class museums and restaurants this great city has to offer.
If you wish, I would be happy to work together and plan your perfect itinerary with a customized experience - or you may choose from one or more of my predesignated tour options.
Reviews
“Beatles tour”
My family had a great time walking the streets of NYC , with Julia! Julia made it lots of fun! It was a birthday gift for my daughter. She’s a huge Beatles fan and she loved visiting all the Beatles landmarks! Thank you, again, Julia!
Julia R.
Thank YOU! It was a privilege to meet you all and spend the day with your bright & talented daughter. Wishing you the best of everything for the future :)
J H.
Cruise Terminal pick up, City Tour and Airport Transfer
Customized
“One short day New York”
Julia picked us up at the pier Manhattan cruise terminal. What a nice lady, we immediately felt very OKAY with her. She took us to several interesting points in the meantime telling us as much as possible about the city. At 3 she dropped us at JFK. it was a wonderful trip
Julia R.
Thank you!
Bobby M.
Best of New York Highlights Tour - on foot & subway
“The HIGHLIGHT of our French cousins' trip to NYC”
Julia...THANK YOU for making our relatives first visit to NY a memorable one! With no English speaking ability, and no idea of what to see or where to go, you made their visit so special. Your ability to communicate in French and knowledge of the city was the reason their visit will long be remembered...Thank you for accommodating us...I would gladly recommend you again! TY TY
Julia R.
Dear Bobby, Thank you for your kind words! It was my pleasure to spend the day with your l lovely family :) Julia
$400/ per group
More tours by Julia R.
Best of New York Highlights Tour - with private car & driver
No matter how much time you have to visit New York, from a few days to a few hours, the number one "must-do" is taking in the spectacular highlights of the Big Apple. In this tour, we will see the top sites from Central Park to the glittering shops along Fifth Ave, through Rockefeller Center and Times Square, taking in Grand Central Terminal, Empire State Building & more. Time permitting: SoHo, Wall Street, The Statue of Liberty - all in luxury, safety and comfort from your private vehicle.
Statue of Liberty and Empire State VIP/Express - in One Day!
Do you want to see the world famous Statue of Liberty AND go to the top of the iconic Empire State Building all in the same day!! Then this is the tour for you! Let your private guide whisk you through the city on this incredible whirlwind tour of two of NYC's most recognizable highlights!!
Wall Street and 9/11 Memorial Tour (FiDi / WTC)
Money, money, money! Feel the power as you walk the streets of the world's financial epicenter, and hear the stories of intrigue, influence and independence! New York's financial district, Wall Street, is not just home to the most powerful economic players in the world, it is the birthplace of our city - and in many ways - our nation. In this tour we focus on finance - how Wall Street works, who the players are past and present, important events that occurred here and what may the future hold?
Central Park on Foot - nature & culture walking tour
Is Central Park the most beautiful park in the city? It is surely a vast and verdant oasis in the center of an urban jungle - filled with the most interesting natives, who are doing the most amazing things! Come discover the history & culture of New York's "back yard" as we explore some of Central Park's 843 acres of winding trails, bridges, ponds, lakes, classical features and woodlands. Along the way we'll see spots from your favorite movies, hear lovely music, and see famous landmarks.
Other Popular Highlights Tours in New York
The Best of New York Sights in a Day
My tour will be the sampler of the best of New York City in one day. I will guide us through the best-of-the-best with lots of photo ops included. I will also include pop-culture moments you will likely know-and-love from TV-and-movies like Friends, Enchanted, Spider-Man, King-Kong, I Am Legend, Ghostbusters, James and the Giant Peach, Godzilla, SATC, and many more... I can also be flexible and, where possible, add a destination - provided it does not require waiting in a long queue.
Magic made in Manhattan Highlights Tour
This tour checks off Manhattan bucket list landmarks one by one, the magic often happens in between! Includes but not limited to Central Park, Famous Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Grand Central, New York Public Library, Bryant Park, Empire State Building, and Times Square. Intended to be a complete walking tour. Times vary somewhat depending upon guest very important needs such as Magnolia banana pudding, restrooms, photos, life!
Midtown & Uptown Manhattan Private Tour
This tour gives an insight into the business, leisure and artistic lifestyles of Manhattan. We meet at Rockefeller Plaza by the world famous toy store F.A.O. Schwarz. From there, we move on to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and up Fifth Avenue to see its famous stores, including Tiffany’s. Next, we see The Plaza Hotel and then enjoy a walk through Central Park. On Manhattan’s West Side, we see the renowned Dakota Building, Lincoln Center, Broadway and Times Square - ending in the Theatre District.
Stories of the West Side, New York Walking Tour
My tour will be the best-of-the-best of the old-and-the-new on the West Side of Manhattan with lots of photo ops included. I include sites that are very new in places that are very old. We will relive the history of the construction of the great piers and the ships they brought to America. I can also be flexible and, where possible, add a destination - provided it does not require waiting in a long queue.