The 7 VIP Experiences in New York City 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

2.45 min Long VIP Central park carriage ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 148 reviews Top rated

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

3.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

4.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

5.NYC: VIP Rockefeller Center Tour with Observation Deck Entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 15 reviews · from $245

Spend 90 minutes exploring Rockefeller Center with an English-speaking guide, priority access to Top of the Rock, and entry to the private rooftop garden. Then ride The Beam and Skylift above 30 Rock for dramatic skyline views. The package includes a photo collection, a Weather Room toast for adults, and a 20% gift-shop discount.

“Great tour and guide. Not too long and was willing to cater it to our pace. We were even able to visit the Rainbow Room which is almost always off limits even to this tour. So that was a great bonus.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Official Exclusive VIP Horse Carriage Ride in Central Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 13 reviews · 45 min

Ride through Central Park in a private horse-drawn carriage for up to four people. An English-speaking guide points out Wollman Rink, Bethesda Fountain, Cherry Hill, Sheep Meadow, and more, with two or three photo stops, winter blankets, and treats for the horses.

“Tyson and Jason we had nice time it was lovely 😍”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.VIP Guided Tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 7 reviews · 1 hour · from $99Best value

Meet your English-speaking cathedral historian at a private entrance, then explore St. Patrick’s Cathedral’s lower halls, sacristy, crypt, and marble stairways. Kathleen has earned especially warm praise for her clear storytelling about the church and New York. The one-hour small-group tour costs $99 and ends in Midtown Manhattan.

“Our tour of St Patrick’s Cathedral was one of the highlights of our trip to NY. Kathleen was an excellent guide — very knowledgable and interesting. We honestly could have stayed there for hours and not grown tired. Kathleen’s knowledge, not only the Catholic Church but also the city of New York and those players instrumental in building the Cathedral, made me want to read and learn more. She was the perfect guide for this Catholic + Protestant couple!! THANK YOU Kathleen !!!”

Check availability →Read our full review