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Top 10 Unusual NYC Tours You Didn't Know Existed

Top 10 Unusual NYC Tours You Didn't Know Existed

Forget the hop-on-hop-off bus. These tours peel back New York’s glossy surface and reveal its odd, obscure, and underground layers — sometimes literally. Whether you’re into mob history, abandoned subways, or rooftop beekeeping, these tours show you a side of NYC you’ve probably never met.

New York Fun Tours
#1

New York Fun Tours

29 Cornelia St Suite # 28, New York, NY 10014, United States

New York Fun Tours offers an intimate exploration of Manhattan and Brooklyn’s historic neighborhoods. Unlike typical group tours, they provide chauffeured journeys in SUVs or convertibles, allowing for a personalized experience. Their Brooklyn Half-Day Food & Culture Tour is particularly noteworthy, taking guests through diverse neighborhoods to sample local cuisines and learn about the area’s rich history. With knowledgeable guides and a focus on comfort, New York Fun Tours delivers an engaging way to discover the city’s hidden gems
Experience NYC
#2

Experience NYC

180 W 58th St, Manhattan, NY 10019, United States

Experience NYC specializes in curated tours that showcase the city’s iconic landmarks and cultural highlights. Their offerings include Central Park Pedicab Tours, providing a leisurely ride through the park’s scenic paths, and the NYC at Night Luxury Bus Tour, which presents the city’s illuminated skyline and vibrant nightlife. With top-rated guides and a variety of tour options, Experience NYC caters to visitors seeking both classic sights and unique perspectives of the city.
Untapped New York
#3

Untapped New York

1 Dock 72 Wy, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States

Untapped New York delves into the city’s lesser-known history and hidden locations. Their tours, such as the Secrets of Grand Central Terminal and the Remnants of the World’s Fair, offer insights into the city’s architectural marvels and forgotten stories. With a focus on exclusivity and depth, Untapped New York provides an enriching experience for those looking to uncover the city’s hidden narratives.
Nice Guy Tours
#4

Nice Guy Tours

70 Greenwich Ave #443, New York, NY 10011, United States

Nice Guy Tours offers engaging walking food tours through neighborhoods like Greenwich Village and the Lower East Side. Led by founder Dante Mercadante, the tours combine storytelling with culinary exploration, visiting iconic eateries and sharing the history behind them. With a personable approach and a focus on local flavors, Nice Guy Tours provides a memorable way to experience New York’s diverse food scene.
Like A Local Tours
#5

Like A Local Tours

275 Park Ave Suite A, Brooklyn, NY 11205, United States

Like A Local Tours emphasizes sustainable and socially conscious experiences, offering food and art tours in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Their Chelsea Market & High Line Food & History Tour, for instance, combines culinary tastings with insights into the area’s transformation. By partnering with local businesses and highlighting community stories, Like A Local Tours delivers an authentic and impactful exploration of the city’s neighborhoods.
Urban Adventures New York City
#6

Urban Adventures New York City

148 Lafayette St 3rd floor, New York, NY 10013, United States

Urban Adventures offers immersive, small-group tours that delve into the heart of New York City’s diverse neighborhoods. Their “Tenements, Tales, and Tastes” tour, for instance, provides a rich tapestry of the Lower East Side’s immigrant history, complemented by tastings of traditional foods like knishes and dumplings. Another standout is the “Broadway Behind the Scenes” experience, granting participants exclusive access to rehearsal studios and insider stories from the theater world. With knowledgeable local guides leading the way, Urban Adventures ensures a deep and personal connection to the city’s multifaceted culture.
Jared the NYC Tour Guide
#7

Jared the NYC Tour Guide

368 E 8th St, New York, NY 10009, United States

Urban Adventures offers immersive, small-group tours that delve into the heart of New York City’s diverse neighborhoods. Their “Tenements, Tales, and Tastes” tour, for instance, provides a rich tapestry of the Lower East Side’s immigrant history, complemented by tastings of traditional foods like knishes and dumplings. Another standout is the “Broadway Behind the Scenes” experience, granting participants exclusive access to rehearsal studios and insider stories from the theater world. With knowledgeable local guides leading the way, Urban Adventures ensures a deep and personal connection to the city’s multifaceted culture.
9/11 Ground Zero Tours
#8

9/11 Ground Zero Tours

209 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, United States

This poignant tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the events surrounding September 11, 2001. Led by guides with personal connections to the tragedy, participants visit key sites such as the 9/11 Memorial, St. Paul’s Chapel, and the Firefighter’s Memorial Wall. The tour provides deep insights into the heroism and resilience displayed during and after the attacks. An optional upgrade includes expedited entry to the 9/11 Museum, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of the day’s impact.
All New York Fun Tours
#9

All New York Fun Tours

347 5th Ave #1402, New York, NY 10016, United States

All New York Fun Tours specializes in private, customizable experiences that showcase the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden treasures. Whether it’s a luxury SUV tour through Manhattan’s historic districts or a walking photo tour capturing the essence of Central Park, their offerings cater to diverse interests and group sizes. With a focus on personalized service and local expertise, All New York Fun Tours ensures each journey is both informative and uniquely tailored to the client’s desires.
Catacombs by Candlelight
#10

Catacombs by Candlelight

266 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012, United States

This exclusive tour grants access to the off-limits catacombs beneath the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, the only active Catholic catacombs in New York City. Illuminated by candlelight, visitors explore the final resting places of notable New Yorkers, including bishops and influential families. The 80-minute journey delves into the rich history of the church, offering a unique perspective on the city’s religious and cultural heritage. It’s a hauntingly beautiful experience that combines history, architecture, and storytelling in a setting few have the opportunity to witness.

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