There are a lot of tours in New York City (I underlined my favorites here) but I think one thing people don’t do enough of is the Airbnb experience. Most of us know Airbnb from their stay features, but they also have plenty of experiences where you can ask a local to show you around. I actually like these experiences more than traditional tours because they have locals sharing something they’re passionate about, they’re small groups, and they’re usually a little more off the beaten path.
I don’t think people do enough of these tours and they are always one of my favorite things to look for whenever I travel anywhere in the world. New York City offers a multitude of options to choose from. Here are my favorites:
Explore Brooklyn’s pizza scene Pizza and New York go together like bread and butter and this Brooklyn pizza tour led by travel writer Dani Hienrich takes you to some of the city’s best spots while giving you a very detailed history of pizza in the city (who knew slives didn’t exist before the 1940s!). I’ve done a lot of pizza tours around the city and I think Dani is the best because she explains the history, it’s super fun, and it’s a more off the beaten path tour so you’re not crowded into a big group of twenty people.
Book here!
Sketch masterpieces at the Met Museum In this fun experience, you visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and meet X, a seasoned artist who will guide you on a drawing journey. You’ll begin with a friendly introduction and sketching warm-ups, then wander through selected galleries, stopping to sketch iconic sculptures and artworks of your choice. Along the way, he will also explain the history of sculpture and painting techniques as well as the philosophy behind some of the exhibits. It’s definitely a fun and convenient way to explore the MET.
Book here!
Explore African American History On this walking tour of Lower Manhattan, you’ll meet your host Larry at the National Museum of the American Indian, then discover a tapestry of hidden black New York: from the site of Bowling Green (where African slaves helped build the city), to the remains of Fort Amsterdam and the locations of 17th-century slave houses. You’ll pass through Wall Street to learn about its slave market past, visit Federal Hall and a former Free African Oyster Farm, pass through Foley Square (site of the original execution grounds), and end at the African Burial Ground National Monument. Larry is one of the best tour guides I’ve ever had. It’s so fun, engaging, funny and filled with a ton of knowledge. I love this tour and I learned a lot from it. It’s such a cool and unique way to see Lower Manhattan. He’s also hosting an incredible tour in Harlem!
Book here!
Create and enjoy a New York pizza If you want to do more than eat pizza, visit Paulie Gee’s, where your host Logan will guide you through the history of New York pizza before shaping your own dough, choosing from a variety of sauces and toppings, and baking your creation in a wood-fired oven. Then you’ll sit down to eat your creation along with some of the restaurant’s other famous dishes. It’s run and interactive and Logan is a really interesting and friendly host. Located in Greepoint, this is an area that most tourists avoid, so be sure to explore this local part of town next.
Book here!
*** Next time you’re in New York and looking to do something fun and unique, be sure to look into Airbnb Experiences because they are really fun and interesting. I’ve made a dozen and these, I think, are the best of these. But if you find one you like, feel free to email me about it so I can check it out!
Get New York City’s detailed budget guide!
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Book your trip to New York: logistical tips and tricks Book your flight
To use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. This is my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world. So you always know that nothing is left to chance. Start with Skyscanner, as they have the greatest reach!
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld because they have the largest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Reservation.com because they consistently offer the cheapest rates for budget guesthouses and hotels.
If you are looking for more economical accommodations, here is a list of my favorite hostels in the city.
Plus, if you’re wondering which part of town to stay in, here is my neighborhood guide to New York!
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. This is complete protection in case something goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I have had to use it several times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Security wing (for budget travelers) Nomads of the world (for mid-range travelers) Insure my trip (for those over 70) Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage) Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I list everyone I use to save money when I’m on the go. They will also save you money when you travel.
Need a guide?
New York offers some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take walks. They have expert guides and can take you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. This is my favorite walking tour company!
Want more information about New York?
Be sure to visit my Robust destination guide to New York for even more planning tips.