The 15 Best Historical Tours in New York

1.American Museum of Natural History Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15,447 reviews · 1 day · from $37Our pick

Spend a full day at New York’s American Museum of Natural History, across from Central Park. Your ticket covers 40-plus permanent halls, the Rose Center, and the Gilder Center. Upgrade for timed special exhibitions, butterfly access, films, or space shows. Use the free Explorer App to navigate.

“It was great and definitely worth a visit. The exhibits were fascinating. I highly recommend booking tickets beforehand and having the barcode ready as it makes entry quick and easy. The map we received at the beginning was a bit confusing but I think that was probably just us. Overall a fantastic experience that I would strongly recommend”

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2.Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,666 reviews · 1h 30m · from $34Best value

Cruise the Hudson and East Rivers from Pier 78, passing Hudson Yards, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Lower Manhattan. Expect lively English commentary from guides such as Molly, Darius, and Al, indoor and outdoor decks, restrooms, snacks, and a complimentary digital photo.

“Great informative tour. We decided to upgrade to VIP. We received a $30 voucher to spend at the bar, including 2 tickets for 2 free snacks, chips, popcorn etc. On top of that. Access to the roof deck, professional pictures & access to the VIP area. The whole thing was really great and good value. Justin & Molly our guides were great!”

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3.Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,073 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $34

Cruise the Hudson from Pier 78 for 90 minutes, passing Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, and South Street Seaport. Expect live narration, a snack bar, photo opportunities, and guides such as Darius or Molly on some departures.

“If you don't have VIP you have to go below deck and the windows are filthy. If you go in the winter, or rain, there is no chance of getting photos without braving the elements. This tour is informative, but really just an overpriced Ferry. Might as well get on the free ferry and see all the same buildings, and landmarks. This tour also features a "professional" photographer and says you get a "free" picture. You cannot get a free picture in front of the statue. It's Only free if it's in front of other landmarks. Bad advertising. Not worth the money.”

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4.American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,931 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $37

Spend as long as you like at New York’s American Museum of Natural History, with general admission to more than 40 permanent galleries, the Rose Center, and the Richard Gilder Center. See dinosaurs, Asian elephants, a 94-foot blue whale, and exhibits tracing the universe’s 13-billion-year story.

“I guess it is what it is, NYC is busy as all heck, so whatever you want to see, you pretty much need to make sure you do it first thing in the morning. The museum was massive and we were one of the first ones in line, but it was packed within maybe 30 minutes, so packed that it was hot and humid in most halls. Definitely would plan to spend a whole day there but maybe out of season. The museum is confusing and you can easily get lost. Make sure to grab a map and highlight and look up exactly what you want to see, so that…”

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5.Top Rated Brooklyn Half-Day Food, History & Culture Tour via bus

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 758 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $189Top rated

Meet in Greenwich Village and ride an air-conditioned bus through Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Gowanus, Carroll Gardens, and DUMBO. Taste coal-fired pizza, Polish kielbasa and pierogi, falafel, shawarma, chocolate, and cannoli while guides such as Laurie or Rick explain Brooklyn’s cultures and changes.

“The whole thing went very smoothly and Laurie the tour guide was great. All the food stops were very tasty and Laurie's commentary was interesting and very informative. It lasted about 4 and a half hours and after it we were dropped off so we could walk across the Brooklyn bridge.”

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6.Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 474 reviews · from $36

Spend three evening hours walking through Midtown and visiting three historic bars, lounges, or speakeasies. Your English-speaking guide, including guides such as Ariel, Ryan, Katherine, or Rori, connects cocktails with Prohibition, Gilded Age women, gangsters, and bootleggers. Entry is included, but drinks cost extra.

“10/10 would recommend! Fun guide and tour, 3 diverse speakeasies and good history with each one”

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7.The Original Greenwich Village Food & Cultural Tour Since 1999

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 254 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Spend three hours walking Greenwich Village with a licensed NYC guide such as Marie, Bert, Cindy, or Rick. Sample cheese, pizza, fish tacos, arancini, meatballs, pastries, gelato, and cannoli at family-run favorites, with enough food for lunch and plenty of neighborhood stories.

“The food tour was great, made exceptionally interesting by our guide Cindy! Loved her fun facts and historical information. Great to sample a variety of food from the village.”

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8.The Speakeasy Adventure: A Tipsy Trip Through History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 220 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $38

Join a local guide such as Ryan, Ariel, Kate, Tim, or Emily for a three-hour Midtown walk through Restaurant Row, Times Square, and three historic-style bars. Expect Prohibition stories, express entry, one included drink, and cocktails or beer available at your own cost. Bring photo ID and dress upscale casual.

“Kate so charismatic and kind! She brought something special to the presentations, both in history and the drinks recommendations 💕. I was so surprised to see the Broadway items at the Blue Room, so it felt really exclusive and like a cool experience. I highly suggest talking with and bonding with your whole group because you’ll be all laughing together by the second bar!!”

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9.Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour NYC

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 204 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $38

Join a licensed local guide such as Ryan, Ariel, Walter, or Katherine for a three-hour Midtown walk through three cocktail venues. Expect Prohibition and Gilded Age stories, preferred entry, about $20 drinks, an upscale-casual dress code, and a maximum group of 18.

“So much fun! The guide gave great history and recommendations. He was patient and adjusted to conditions on the fly. This was a great tour and an amazing way to end the evening. Highly recommend.”

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10.#1 Rated NYC Chinatown Food and History Walking Tour with FNYT

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 171 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Spend three hours walking and eating through Manhattan’s Chinatown with a licensed guide such as Bert, Farshad, or Chip. You’ll enjoy seated tastings of dim sum, Malaysian curry, Peking duck, and more, with history stops at Chatham Square, Doyers Street, and Columbus Park. Come hungry.

“The guide was terrific and the food establishments were well-chosen. An overall enjoyable experience.”

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11.Tribeca Architecture And History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 141 reviews · from $50

Walk from Tweed Courthouse into Tribeca with a guide such as Meghan Sara, visiting more than 15 historic and architectural sites. Learn how farmland became one of Manhattan’s priciest neighborhoods, see the Ghostbusters firehouse, and finish near Tribeca Park.

“The tour was very interesting. The guide lovely and very knowledgeable. Also artistic and funny. She had those little interesting stories I love so much about the area”

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12.Night Out Prohibition History Bar and Speakeasy Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 128 reviews · 3 hours · from $36

Walk from 825 8th Avenue to Times Square, stopping at three Midtown bars, pubs, lounges, and speakeasies. Guides such as Ariel, Ryan, Sarah, and Jack share stories about immigration, politics, and Prohibition while arranging preferred entry. Drinks and food cost extra.

“We had a great time! Ryan was funny and made the whole tour a fabulous time. His stories were interesting, and he was just so friendly and welcoming. We loved the Woo Woo bar! So much fun!”

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13.Lower Manhattan Secrets And History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 96 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $60

Spend about three hours walking Lower Manhattan with a guide such as Meghan Sara, tracing stories from Brooklyn Bridge and the Seaport to Wall Street, Battery Park, and One World Trade Center. The small group, capped at 15, ends with a New York pizza slice near the World Trade Center.

“Tour guide Meghan provided a witty and insightful walking tour of Lower Manhattan which we thoroughly enjoyed. Because we were her only two guests, she skillfully tailored the tour to our interests. Meghan was extremely knowledgeable of everything pertaining to the local area. She was respectful of our senior citizen status by finding shady spots and restooms when needed. We enthusiastically recommend Meghan's tour.”

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14.History of Slavery & Underground Railroad Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 87 reviews · 2h 30m · from $49

Walk Lower Manhattan with an English-speaking guide and connect sites such as Fraunces Tavern, Trinity Church, Wall Street, and the African Burial Ground National Memorial to New York’s history of slavery and resistance. Expect about 150 minutes on foot, difficult stories, and plenty of time for questions.

“I grew up in NYC but learned so much about this important part of history. This is the stuff that they don’t teach you in school. Loved it and highly recommend!!!”

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15.Delicious Donuts of Brooklyn: Fun, Food, History and Culture Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Walk from Williamsburg to Greenpoint, sampling doughnuts at Doughnut Plant, Moe’s Doughs, Peter Pan, and another local bakery described in the tour route. Guides such as Rob, Justin, and Tarik add Brooklyn history, neighborhood culture, and practical advice on what to order.

“This is a great tour if you want to taste a bunch of amazing donuts. Its a nice walk to four amazing bakery in Brooklyn. You will taste a lot of donuts and the guide will help you choose the best ones. The guide tells a lot about donuts and the history. And he will guide you through the neighborhood.”

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