The 13 New York City Luxury Tours That Earn the Upgrade

1.Carriage Ride in Central Park (VIP – PRIVATE) Since 1964™

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,074 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) Our pick

Take a private horse-drawn carriage through Central Park for about 50 minutes. Your driver points out Wollman Rink, Bethesda Fountain, Cherry Hill, Strawberry Fields, and movie locations, with photo stops and carrots for the horse. Guides such as Matt and Oscar are praised for their park stories. Blankets are provided, but dress warmly.

“Our driver seemed rushed. He asked us to come early. It was not a problem, so we came early. We started our ride and about half way into the ride he pulled over and said “You can take pictures here. You have 5 minutes”. There were no other stops. When we resumed the ride, we were passing other carriages and the other drivers were glaring at us. When we ended the ride, the next booking was standing there waiting. We asked for one more photo and the driver obliged. There were no carrots for the horse as advertised. Again, it all seemed very rushed. The carriage was nice and our…”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.NYC: City Cruises Luxury Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 881 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $112

Board at Pier 61 for a 2 to 3 hour New York harbor meal cruise aboard an enclosed glass vessel. You’ll enjoy a three-course menu, live music, narration, and views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and more. Brunch includes unlimited mimosas when that option is selected.

“It was on time and all involved were pleasant and helpful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Manhattan: Statue and Skyline Cruise Aboard a Luxury Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 540 reviews · 1h 30m · from $60

Board Classic Harbor Line’s 1920s-style yacht at Chelsea Piers for a 90-minute cruise past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Battery Park, Governor’s Island, and Manhattan’s waterfront. You’ll have an assigned table, a complimentary drink, an air-conditioned or heated observatory, and open-deck photo views. Captains and hosts, including Levi, Sean, Conor, and Sarah, add relaxed commentary.

“A wonderful boat ride, I really liked that it was a smaller boat so the group wasn't as large as on some of the cruise companies. Captain and crew were welcoming and friendly and it was a gorgeous afternoon touring NYC's skyline.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Private Luxury Tour of NYC With Transportation

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 472 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $2,175Top rated

Cover New York’s major sights in about six hours with a private guide, climate-controlled transportation, walking stops at Rockefeller Center, Ground Zero, and Central Park, plus a ferry ride past the Statue of Liberty. Guides such as Tom, Ray, Jared, Chris, and Kevin are praised for lively local stories.

“Our tour guide Ray was great so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. It was a bit of a slow start on foot but once we got on the bus 🚌 it was awesome. The driver was a gem and navigated the streets beautifully. The coach was amazingly comfortable seats were like armchairs. Ray covered so many of the hotspots which really helped us to get a good grounding of the city. The trip over on the ferry was great too. Would highly recommend this to anyone especially on first day of a NY holiday”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.NYC at Night: 3-Hour Luxury Bus Tour of Top Highlights

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 448 reviews · 3 hours · from $42Best value

Ride through New York after dark with an English-speaking guide such as Jared, Bryant, or Garrett. You will pass Rockefeller Center, Grand Central, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Wall Street, One World Trade Center, Hudson Yards, and Times Square, with stops inside Grand Central and in DUMBO for skyline photos. The enclosed, air-conditioned bus keeps the long city ride comfortable.

“Excellent NYC highlights tour. Sofia was a knowledgeable and engaging guide who covered the city’s history and landmarks clearly and thoughtfully. I also appreciated her insight into music and cultural references, especially as someone who makes music myself, which added a nice extra layer to the experience. Everything was well managed by Moni, and the driver was professional. Well organized and highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.NYC: Half-Day Luxury Bus Tour of Top Highlights

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 281 reviews · 4 hours · from $60

This four-hour English-language tour covers Manhattan’s major sights by comfortable, climate-controlled bus, with guides such as Jared, Garrett, and Tom bringing local stories to life. You’ll stop for photos at Rockefeller Center, the 9/11 Memorial, Brooklyn Bridge views, and the Statue of Liberty, while passing Central Park, Fifth Avenue, SoHo, and Wall Street.

“The guide Garrett was very knowledgeable and entertaining with amazing information about all the places visited. We had excellent experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.NYC: Private Luxury Tour of NYC With Transportation

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 231 reviews · 6 hours · from $2,175

Ride through Manhattan in a luxury vehicle with a private English-speaking guide, stopping at Rockefeller Center, Chinatown, Wall Street, Ground Zero, Central Park, and more. You’ll also ride the Staten Island Ferry for Statue of Liberty views. Guides such as Ray, Chris Lee, Tom, Jared, and Marc are frequently praised for humor and local insight.

“My Daughter and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Tom was our tour guide and he was so knowledgeable and enjoyable to listen to throughout the day. This was the highlight of our trip to NYC. Thank you !”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.From Manhattan: 4-Hour Christmas Lights Luxury Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 222 reviews · 4 hours · from $95

Ride a heated bus from Greeley Square Park to Dyker Heights with a licensed NYC guide, then walk past giant Santas, nutcrackers, nativity scenes, and glittering mansions. Guides such as Fred, Ray, Dave, and Jared are praised for city stories. The evening also includes Brooklyn Bridge Park and a finish near Rockefeller Center.

“Tom, Dave and Richie the driver were absolute stars. Tom your knowledge and one liners had us in stitches. You're a brilliant tour guide! Thanks to all of you for looking after my mother-in-law too, really appreciated! see you again when we're in New York!”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.3 Hour Luxury Bus Tour of NYC Night Highlights

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 204 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $49

Ride through Manhattan and Brooklyn after dark with a local guide such as Bryant, Sophia, or Jared. You’ll pass Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central, Chinatown, Wall Street, Hudson Yards, and Times Square, then stop in DUMBO for Brooklyn Bridge photos. The warm coach makes this a handy overview after a long day on foot.

“Guide told same joke over and over. It got old. Didn't start on time. Expected a little about Time Square so new what to do but nothing. Asked for tips to point we didn't give one.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.45 min Long VIP Central park carriage ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 148 reviews

Take a private horse-drawn carriage through Central Park for about 40 to 45 minutes, passing Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, Tavern on the Green, the Mall, and more. You will stop at Cherry Hill for photos, hear park trivia, and ride under blankets in winter. The carriage fits up to four people and returns to the starting point.

“We had no idea when we would meet our driver or where - so it was kind of confusing. He didn't really point out much and it's only 45 minutes so you do a small loop. My 12-yr old son loved it, however, so I'm giving it 4 stars. Next time we visit Central Park I am going to try one of the longer walking tours instead.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Top Rated Luxury Private VIP Tour by vehicle, Select 3 or 5 hours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 142 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.)

This private New York tour uses an air-conditioned SUV or minibus to link Midtown, Greenwich Village, Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge, and Brooklyn Heights. Your guide, including often-mentioned hosts Isaac, Jim, or Laurie, can adjust the route to your interests. Hotel or residence pickup and drop-off are included within Manhattan.

“We had a great time. Our guide was excellent. We got to see a lot on little time, also less famous things.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.VIP Rock Pass: Includes SKYLIFT, Beam, Rooftop Garden

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $244

Spend about two hours at Rockefeller Center with a private guide, VIP Lounge access, Top of the Rock, the Beam, SKYLIFT, a rooftop garden, digital photos, and a champagne toast for those 21 and older. The holiday edition adds close views of the Christmas Tree and Santa photos on select dates.

“Outstanding tour... Totally worth the in price, great guide!!! Beam experience, sky lift all great! Sit outside while having champagne 🍾”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Best Private Luxury Daytime Boat Tour in New York City – 2 Hour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Board a private boat at North Cove Marina beside the Freedom Tower. Your captain, often Will, Mike, John, or Kris, guides you along the Hudson, pauses for photos, passes under the Brooklyn Bridge, and circles the Statue of Liberty. Bring food or drinks, play music, and enjoy a calm alternative to crowded sightseeing boats.

“My fiancé and I took a private tour with Mike as our captain. Mike was amazing and very knowledgeable about monuments and the architecture of the buildings. He also took amazing photos of my fiancé and I even as the boat swayed from the small waves. Mike made the experience very memorable and fun. I would definitely go back again with friends and family.”

Check availability →Read our full review