New York City neighborhood tours

Explore New York’s best neighborhoods with a local to lead the way. From Greenwich Village to Chinatown to Wall Street, your local guide guarantees you don't miss a thing.

What to Expect

Curated itineraries to make the most of your time

Peace of mind — we handle the details so you can relax!

A friendly and knowledgeable New York tour guide by your side

The chance to connect with like-minded travelers

Fascinating (sometimes shocking!) true stories

A leisurely pace that immerses you in the destination

Authentic and interactive experiences to inspire you

Tour guide smiling during NYC in a Day tour
Header_Manhattan Bridge in NYC Brooklyn Bronx Queens Bus Tour on Feb 7, 2025 with James see

The best way to see New York

New York City has been called “the greatest city in the world,” and we agree. From the magic of the Statue of Liberty to the dim sum of Chinatown, there’s nothing quite like exploring the city with a local who knows this place better than anyone.

Touring NYC with us

ExperienceFirst was born in New York over a decade ago, and we offer tours no one else does in quite the same way. Here are just a few examples:

New York City has been called “the greatest city in the world,” and we agree. From the magic of the Statue of Liberty to the dim sum of Chinatown, there’s nothing quite like exploring the city with a local who knows this place better than anyone.

Touring NYC with us

ExperienceFirst was born in New York over a decade ago, and we offer tours no one else does in quite the same way. Here are just a few examples:

  • Our Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour ranks as one of the top cultural activities in the world.
  • We offer the only Wall Street tour led by insiders who’ve worked in the industry.
  • You can tour Broadway with a performer or director to learn its backstage secrets.

Convenient and immersive

Our tours give you convenience along with an immersive, authentic NYC experience. That means we have skip-the-line options, insider tips, and firsthand stories that bring to life some of the city’s best neighborhoods.

Bring your walking shoes. You’re about to discover the real New York.

Frequently asked questions about NYC neighborhoods

What’s the difference between NYC neighborhoods and NYC boroughs?

Boroughs are governmental districts that include multiple neighborhoods. In New York City, there are five boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island — each with its own president. Queens is the largest borough by land area, and Brooklyn is the most populated.

NYC’s boroughs all include several smaller distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and culture. For example, Manhattan alone includes neighborhoods like Chelsea, Chinatown, and Greenwich Village, each offering a unique slice of life in NYC.

Most New York visitors will spend their time in one borough, likely Manhattan. We created our Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, which departs from Manhattan, specifically so travelers can get a taste of multiple boroughs in one trip. NYC is big!

Even if you stick to Manhattan, there’s a lot to see. Our Bus Tour of Manhattan covers multiple neighborhoods if you want an overview. But the more intimate deep dives into individual neighborhoods are fun too — SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown Walking Tour (three Manhattan neighborhoods) and the Greenwich Village Walking Tourare two great options.

Whether you want to see all the boroughs or explore a few neighborhoods, there’s great public transportation to get you all over NYC.

What are the best neighborhood tours in New York?

The best NYC neighborhood tours are the ones that let you experience the city like a local — with a local. Our neighborhood tours offer deep dives into some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods:

Book a SoHo walking tour to walk the cobblestone streets and see the stunning cast-iron buildings.

What New York neighborhoods are good for families?

There’s no bad neighborhood for families in NYC — you’ll find families thriving in every corner of the city! That said, some areas are especially popular for families visiting NYC due to their attractions, parks, and welcoming vibe.

 

  • Chelsea: The High Line and Little Island give kids a chance to explore urban nature and offer parents stunning views.
  • Upper West Side: Known for its tree-lined streets, family-friendly atmosphere, and nearby Central Park, this neighborhood has world-class museums too.
  • Chinatown and Little Italy: Perfect for families interested in exploring NYC’s rich immigrant history and delicious ethnic cuisine, these two NYC neighborhoods are side by side, making them easy to visit in one go — exactly as we do with our Chinatown and Little Italy walking tour!

What are the nicest New York neighborhoods?

Nobody does “fancy” like New York. The Big Apple has countless beautiful neighborhoods worth visiting. We listed some of the best below.

 

  • SoHo: You might spot a celebrity or two among the chic shops and art galleries that make up the Cast Iron district. For the full experience, join our SoHo walking tour while in NYC.
  • West Village: Known for its cobblestone streets, historic brownstones, and cozy cafes, this neighborhood has a quaint, romantic vibe that’s hard to resist.
  • Upper East Side: Luxury. Elegance. World-class culture. From stylish townhouses to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Upper East Side is all about sophistication.
  • DUMBO, Brooklyn: A favorite for both locals and visitors, DUMBO has some of the best views of Manhattan in the city. Be sure to check out the waterfront parks and thriving art scene while you’re there.

What NYC neighborhood should I stay in?

For first-time visitors, Manhattan is the best place to stay — it puts you right near all the top tourist spots. In particular, we recommend staying either in Lower Manhattan or Midtown.

 

  • Lower Manhattan is near the Financial District and the Statue of Liberty. You’ll also have access to world-class dining and the subway. While here, join our Wall Street tour to learn a bit more about the area.
  • Midtown is the bustling heart of the city where you can see Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building. If you’re a theater buff, be sure to grab a Broadway show and catch our Broadway tour.