Top 10 Historical & Heritage Tours in New York, United States

August 7, 2021 Joeann Galban

New York State has it all – booming metropolises, majestic waterfalls, mountains, wine country, chicken wings. Yes, NYC is a magnet for tourists, but an exploration of the rest of the state can be equally thrilling. The Finger Lakes Wine Region is a vision of serene waters, quaint B&Bs, and pretty vineyards. Movie buffs will love Rochester, home of the George Eastman House and one of the world’s most comprehensive film archives. On your way to Niagara Falls, stop in Buffalo to fuel up on spicy wings.
Restaurants in New York

1. The Ultimate Heart of 1000 Islands Sightseeing Boat Tour

39611 Chateau Ln, Clayton, NY 13624, USA Clayton Island Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

2 Nation Lunch Cruise with stops at Boldt Castle and Rock Island Lighthouse. Join us for the ultimate sightseeing tour on the St. Lawrence River. Designed for those who wish to take in the beauty of the 1000 islands Region and experience the the most attractions from the river in an afternoon. This tour includes lunch, combines our Boldt Castle Tour stopping at Heart Island for a tour of Millionaire George Boldt's Rhineland style castle, a cruise through Millionaires Row viewing magnificent summer homes of the rich and famous of the gilded age, and a stop at Rock Island Lighthouse to visit the "Keepers Cottage" Museum and Gift Shop, view the lighthouse and enjoy the spectacular view of the St. Lawrence Seaway. NO Passports required!

Inclusions: Local naturalist guide, Sightseeing boat cruise, Picnic Lunch - Includes wrap or sandwich, side salad, chips, dessert, and drink. Please contact us at least 24 hours prior to departure to arrange lunch of your choice. Call us., Admission to Boldt Castle, Admission to Rock Island Lighthouse, Opportunity to walk along TWO of the 1000 Islands

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Reviewed By Passport526592

My family & I took the glass bottom boat tour on the Night Heron 5/15/21. It was absolutely fabulous!! The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable & the tour as whole was fantastic. Our tour group was honored with the surprise of being the first tour group able to access the Rock Island Light House in 18 months due to COVID19. My family & I have experienced the sunset cruise previously & that too was wonderful. Kudos Clayton Tour Team!! We will be returning for more tours in the future :)

2. Lower Manhattan Tour: The Remnants of Dutch New Amsterdam!

Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004, USA Untapped New York
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5.0 based on 37 reviews

Explore what is left of Dutch New Amsterdam in today's New York City! In this small group walking tour, you'll hear about New York’s founding myths and facts while standing in the very spots where they all happened. With Manhattan’s first map in hand and your experienced guide you will trace the streets of Manhattan in 1667. Physically touch history as you spend time finding out why Bowling Green has its name and why it’s been so important in our city’s history!

Inclusions: Guided walking tour with a licensed NYC tour guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Steven S

I took the hard-hat tour of the abandoned Ellis Island hospital. It was great. The tour guide was very well informed and the tour was fascinating. Everything Untapped NY does is awesome! I love it! I became a paid member because I like them so much!

3. Metropolitan Museum of Art Private Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA Babylon Tours New York City
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5.0 based on 61 reviews

New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art attracts nearly as many visitors as other leading galleries like the Louvre or the British Museum. On this 2 to 2.5 hour private guided museum tour, you’ll be able to skip the line and explore it’s most famous pieces with the help of an engaging guide who will lead the way. Evening tours are available on Friday and Saturday, for a more intimate experience.

Inclusions: Skip-the-Line Private Museum Tour, Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You, Duration 2 - 2.5 Hours, Wheelchair Friendly, All Entrance Fees

Exclusions: Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi), Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)

Reviewed By D8382ZSshaunw

Request Matt. He was great! He was very knowledgeable and extremely friendly! He also took some great pictures of our group.

4. New York City Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village

Waverly Diner, 385 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014, USA Top Dog Tours NYC
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4.9 based on 99 reviews

Dig up Manhattan's spine-chilling past on this 2-hour walking tour of Greenwich Village, known as one of the city's most haunted neighborhoods. Together with a guide, you'll head to some of the village's spookiest spots, including Washington Square Park and NYU's Brown Building, and hear tales of lost children, celebrity ghosts, and park-dwelling phantoms.

Inclusions: Guide, Small-Group New York City Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By DhavalCGandhi

I'm not one to get spooked easily or a firm believer of the spirits, but there were some pretty spooky parts. Alyssa, our tour guide, was great and extraordinarily knowledgeable about the history of Greenwich Village. As a new local to the city, it was the perfect combination of a history lesson and fascinating ghost stories that my partner and I were looking for. For me, it's especially surreal to know that I have passed by the house that John Wilks Booth stayed the night before he went on to make history without even knowing it dozen of times before I went on this tour. I would recommend it to anyone that likes any sort of dark history or paranormal activities.

5. Central Park Horse Carriage Ride - VIP Tour with photo stops (55 min)

180 Central Park S, New York, NY 10019, USA NYC Horse Carriage Rides
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4.9 based on 1,694 reviews

NYC Horse Carriage Rides™ is a family-owned & operated business. My Father, Giuseppe started the business in 1979 after emigrating to New York City from Sicily. My name is Frank and as a child I looked up to my Father and fell in love with the family business and horses. I joined him in 2005 and I now manage the business. ​ My Father and I book, lead the tours and over-look the carriages so there are no middle-men which allows us to offer the best prices, there are no surprises or hidden costs. ​ We are voted #1 Central Park Horse Carriage Ride company in New York City. We are the most reputable company NYC Horse Carriage Ride company in Central Park. We have the most experienced drivers along with premium carriages in Central Park!

Inclusions: Fully-Guided & Entertaining Tours, Big Warm Cozy Blankets, Breathtaking & Picturesque Photo Stops , Guaranteed Horse Welfare

Exclusions: Gratuities, Tips

Reviewed By Fandalejd

Henry was a great driver and guide. He was very kind and took great pictures. I highly recommend this company.

6. Hamilton Musical Walking Tour

Staten Island Ferry Terminal, New York, NY 10004, USA NY Tour Monkey
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4.9 based on 93 reviews

Take a song-by-song stroll through Hamilton’s rise and eventual fall as New York’s foremost Founding Father. This tour is designed for folks who have already seen or plan to see the 11 Tony Award winning Broadway production or those just addicted to the cast album. The tour puts the songs, history and lower Manhattan locations into perspective. The tour matches up individual songs with their actual location, including some bonus stops that help illuminate the time and place that Alexander Hamilton lived and died in. Each guest receives a Personal Listening Device to insure you hear every word and note, no matter how noisy the city gets. 

Inclusions: Tour Conducted Using UHF Personal Listening Device - Never miss a word or song no matter how noisy the city gets., Local guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Wayne L

We did the tour the same day we saw the show and learned many interesting facts about Hamilton, the revolution and NYC -- even though we had read the Hamilton biography and were very familiar with the soundtrack. The tour uses radios with headsets that allow the guide to be easily heard as well as allowing for musical references to be played from his iPad. The tour meets at the Staten Island Ferry terminal and ends at Trinity Church. Very knowledgable and friendly guide. Well worth the money. Kudos to our guide Chazz.

7. Niagara Falls American Side Highlights Tour

Gray Line of Niagara Falls/Buffalo
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4.9 based on 536 reviews

See and experience the best of Niagara Falls on this 4-hour sightseeing tour of Niagara's American side. In addition to a fully narrated tour by coach, this tour also includes a ride on the famous Maid of the Mist gorge cruise and admission into the Prospect Point Observation Tower for spectacular views of the falls. Visit Niagara Falls State Park, Bridal Veil Falls, Three Sister Islands, Whirlpool State Park and more!

Inclusions: 4-5 hour guided tour of Niagara Falls USA, Maid of the Mist boat ride, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Brightly6969

Great customer service, friendly tour guide to family and children accommodated everyone’s needs promptly.

8. Statue of Liberty with Pedestal and Reserve Access: Small-Group Afternoon Tour

Castle Clinton National Monument, Battery Park - Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004, USA ExperienceFirst
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4.9 based on 268 reviews

Come explore this New York icon. Expert guides will meet you at Castle Clinton, a historic fort in Battery Park and a onetime possible site for the statue itself. From there you’ll board a ferry carrying you to Liberty Island. Your reservation includes a guided tour of the Liberty Island grounds with an expert English-speaking guide as well as access to the Pedestal and New Museum at Liberty Island [Pedestal and Museum are closed temporarily in 2020 due to COVID].

Inclusions: Professional and entertaining guide, Access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island (time permitting), Ferry tickets to and from Liberty Island, Access to Pedestal and New Museum at Liberty Island

Exclusions: Gratuities, Guided tour of Ellis Island, Locker Fee on Liberty Island - $0.25, Crown access at the Statue of Liberty, Face mask available for a $1 fee.

Reviewed By 373lydiac

Our tour guide Kevin Lawrence was fabulous! We saw and learned SO much! This walking tour was a great way to see the high points of NYC, The pace was perfect with plenty of opportunities for photos. Kevin kept it interesting with a great mix of history and trivia in addition to answering all of our questions. He kept us safe & comfortable throughout the day. I highly recommend this tour and Kevin in particular.

9. Full-Day New York "Must See" Small-Group Tour plus One World Observatory Ticket

1552 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, USA ExperienceFirst
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4.9 based on 411 reviews

Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind big apple experience. On this full day guided tour, enjoy an authentic New York experience. With a small group (less than 15 people) you will be able to move fast and see more. Walk, subway and ferry to see New York’s “Must See” attractions in one action-filled day.

Inclusions: Professional, entertaining, local guide, One World Observatory Entry Ticket, Fastest itinerary to make the most of your visit

Exclusions: Gratuities, Transportation - at least $5.50 per person on a Metrocard needed, Face mask available for a $1 fee

Reviewed By 373lydiac

Our tour guide Kevin Lawrence was fabulous! We saw and learned SO much! This walking tour was a great way to see the high points of NYC, The pace was perfect with plenty of opportunities for photos. Kevin kept it interesting with a great mix of history and trivia in addition to answering all of our questions. He kept us safe & comfortable throughout the day. I highly recommend this tour and Kevin in particular.

10. 9/11 Memorial, Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Ticket

209 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USA 9/11 Ground Zero Tour
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4.8 based on 234 reviews

Gain a deeper understanding of the events surrounding the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and the acts of heroism that rallied a nation on this 90 minute walking tour of Ground Zero. A certified guide with a personal connection to the events shares firsthand stories as you explore the site of the former World Trade Center and the National 9/11 Memorial, where you can pay tribute to the lives lost. You may also upgrade your tour to include a pre-reserved ticket to the One World Observatory.

Inclusions: Professional local guide with a personal connection to the events of 9/11, Admission to the One World Observatory, if option selected, Guided visit to 9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero

Exclusions: Gratuities, 9/11 Museum (upgradable on site)

Reviewed By jziel24

Tour is more than just facts that you can google by yourself... It is a recap of events that happened during the events of 9/11, and aftermath, from the tour guide's perspective. It is easy to miss the little details when you just walk-by Ground Zero to go to the Museum and the One WTC.

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