New York Tours & Experiences

See Manhattan from the observation decks, from a Broadway stall seat and from the air on a helicopter tour.

Manhattan skyline from an observation deck by day

Planning advice from our team

How to plan tours and activities in New York

New York is a walking city with a subway that never stops, so the useful plan is by neighbourhood and by height: one or two districts a day, one viewpoint, and time left for the things you find in between.

Where you stay is the single biggest quality-of-life decision. Midtown puts you near the main sights and the transport hubs; downtown and Brooklyn are calmer and often better value, at the cost of longer journeys to the midtown attractions.

When to go

April to June and September to early November give the most comfortable weather. Summer is hot and humid; winter is cold but has the holiday season, ice rinks and lower hotel rates in January and February.

Practical tips before you book

Pick one observation deck

They are expensive and the views overlap. Choose by what you want in the frame — the Empire State Building is only in the view from somewhere else.

Book Broadway and museums ahead

Popular shows and special exhibitions sell out. Several major museums have timed entry.

Use the subway, not taxis, in midtown

Crosstown traffic is slow. The subway is usually faster and far cheaper at peak times.

Budget for tax and tipping

Listed prices exclude sales tax, and tipping is customary in restaurants and bars — plan roughly 20% above the menu price.

Mistakes we see most often

Booking two observation decks and skipping the parks and neighbourhoods.
Staying far out to save on the room and then spending the saving on transport and time.
Planning a full day in Manhattan on the morning of an international departure.
Assuming the advertised price is the price you pay at the till.

Read the full New York destination guide for where to stay, getting around and entry requirements, or browse all travel guides and our travel blog. When you want the trip built around your dates, our travel team can plan it with you.

What to book