City Hall Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

New York City: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

1. New York City: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Experience the perfect introduction to New York with a Hop on Hop off Big Bus tour. Relax on an open-top double decker sightseeing bus while listening to insightful and engaging digital commentary. The bus route takes you on a captivating journey through New York's rich history and vibrant modern life, as well as its many memorials and museums. You'll have the opportunity to hop off and explore the city's most iconic historical sites, including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Broadway, and the One World Trade Center with its 360-degree view of the stunning skyline. Pay tribute to the memory of those lost in the tragic event at the 9/11 Memorial just steps away. The Downtown Loop is a 90 minute circuit, while the Uptown Loop is 75 minutes. Many guests choose to ride a full loop to see the city before deciding where to hop off on the next loop around. Buses arrive every 10-15 minutes on the Downtown Loop and every 30 minutes on the Uptown Loop throughout the day. Explore Lower Manhattan on the Downtown tour, including popular neighborhoods such as the Flatiron District, World Trade Center, Battery Park, SoHo & NoHo, Greenwich Village & East Village, Chelsea, and the Financial District. Wander around Wall St. to see the famous Stock Exchange and Charging Bull. Eat your way through Little Italy and Chinatown, shop at the high-end boutiques in SoHo, or see the open-air observation deck at The Edge in Hudson Yards. Then make your way to the Upper East Side, home to some of New York’s most popular museums. Explore the Frick Collection and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). The Uptown Loop takes you through Midtown, passing by Grand Central Terminal and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Add a relaxing and scenic cruise around Liberty Island to complete your trip. Enjoy spectacular views of Lady Liberty and many more New York landmarks from a prime position on the Hudson River. Cruises last 1 hour and feature an onboard cafe and full bar, restrooms, outdoor deck space, air conditioning and indoor seating with large windows. Journey through New York on two wheels with an included offer at Unlimited Biking, NYC's premiere bike rental company. Purchase a 1-hour (minimum) bike rental and receive an extra hour free! Or, enjoy $5 OFF per person for any bike tour or Segway tour.

NYC: The Story of the Lower East Side's Food Culture

2. NYC: The Story of the Lower East Side's Food Culture

Stroll through the streets of the Lower East Side of Manhattan to discover the history of different immigrant communities on a guided foodie walking tour. Treat your taste buds to food samples from all over the world, displaying the melting pot of cultures and cuisine that characterized the Lower East Side.  Meet your guide just outside the African Burial Ground Monument and the New York Supreme Court. First, learn about the origins of the African-American community in New York.  Head next to the famous Chinatown district and learn more about the Chinese community that once lived in the area. See some of the stores and restaurants that remain in the area, and try some delicious fried dumplings at a spot that is popular with locals. Discover the adjacent district of Little Italy, which was once home to thousands of immigrants from southern Italy. Enjoy some classic Italian flavors that have formed the basis of some of the most popular contemporary American snacks.  Next, enter the Nolita neighborhood and stop outside St Patrick's Old Cathedral, a key focal point of the Irish Catholic community, followed by a short stroll through Sara D Roosevelt Park.  Learn about the history of the Jewish community which also left a lasting legacy on the Lower East Side. Try some knishes, a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish snack made with potato-based dough and a variety of tasty fillings. As you explore the various neighborhoods, learn about how the various immigrant communities influenced modern American cuisine and culture, before ending your tour outside the Tenement Museum.

NYC: Sightseeing Night Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide

3. NYC: Sightseeing Night Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide

Experience a completely new perspective of "The City That Never Sleeps" as the sun sets over the beautiful skyline of New York City. This 2-hour panoramic night tour takes you past Times Square's famous lights before heading downtown to view the illuminated Empire State Building and the iconic Flatiron Building, with its art deco facade. Cross the Manhattan Bridge for eye-popping views of the stunning skyline, great for photo ops! Listen to an entertaining live guide as they take you to the past and present with fascinating stories and hidden gems waiting to be revealed. The tour finishes with a view up the Avenue of the Americas, where you can see Macy's Department Store and Radio City Music Hall, which hosts live performances and stage shows like the Rockettes. You haven't truly seen the Big Apple until you've seen it at night!

New York City: Bus Tour from Manhattan

4. New York City: Bus Tour from Manhattan

This sightseeing tour of New York City features comfortable bus transportation and narration to ensure you get the most out of your New York experience. Your driver will start the tour by taking you through Central Park West, where you can view the Dakota Building. From here, you will continue to the Upper West Side. You will later drive past a number of famous New York museums including the American Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum. Next, you will go into Midtown to drive along Fifth Avenue. Here, you will see the renowned Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall before stopping to view the Empire State Building. Continuing from the Flatiron Building, you will journey into Little Italy and take a stroll over to New York’s famous Chinatown. The bus will then take you to Wall Street in the Financial District and  stop at Battery Park for a view of the Statue of Liberty - those who would like to can end the tour here. The tour continues through the West Highway, where you’ll be able to see the site of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex. The tour ends at Herald Square. This tour features numerous photo stops for you to capture your New York experience.

New York City: Christmas Holiday Tour of Manhattan

5. New York City: Christmas Holiday Tour of Manhattan

Meet your guide in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral and get the chance to go inside to see the interior decorated for Christmas. Continue to the Rockefeller Center, famous for its winter ice rink and magical Christmas tree. Learn how the complex of buildings became such a popular place for holiday celebrations. Take a souvenir photo of the famous Christmas tree. Then, walk to Radio City Music Hall, where the Rockettes create magic every day. Move down town to the Bryant Park Holiday Market and walk past the window displays of the 5th Avenue shops. End in front of Macy's and learn the history of the world's largest department store.

NYC: Underground Subway Guided Tour with Local New Yorker

6. NYC: Underground Subway Guided Tour with Local New Yorker

Venture into the New York subway with a local guide and learn about the history of this famed mass transit system that transports hundreds of thousands of passengers every day. See famed stops, discover lesser-known abandoned stations, and explore the city like a local. Meet your local New Yorker guide in one of the transportation hubs of Lower Manhattan. Have a quick chat about the origins of public transportation in NYC. Hear the story of the very first subway which was built illegally under the cover of night and many other surprising stories. Using the 6 train as your 10-car time machine, ride through and catch a glimpse of abandoned stations that riders unknowingly pass by every day, including the famed City Hall Station. Discover a hidden art installation right inside the bustling Union Square Station. Ride alongside local commuters and get a sense of the busy lives of New Yorkers. The subway tour will end in what was meant to be the "Grand Central of Downtown." Admire the stunning Guastavino tiles on the exterior of the subway stop and Municipal Building.

Brooklyn: 2-Hour Manhattan & Brooklyn Bridges Bike Tour

7. Brooklyn: 2-Hour Manhattan & Brooklyn Bridges Bike Tour

This 2-hour tour starts on the waterfront in Dumbo, Brooklyn and takes you through 10 miles of New York City’s most interesting sights. You will head across the Manhattan Bridge to see sweeping views of Midtown Manhattan’s East Side, Williamsburg and Wallabout Bay before heading into Chinatown. You will travel under the FDR on the East River Esplanade on a protected bike path before continuing on to see views of the Freedom Tower and One World Trade. You will then make your way to City Hall Park, which boasts views of The Woolworth Building, The Tweed Courthouse, The Municiple Building and Park Row. Next up, head across the Brooklyn Bridge to see grand views of downtown Manhattan and The Statue of Liberty. You will then see Brooklyn’s Court Houses and make your way to the first historically preserved neighborhood in the US, Brooklyn Heights. You will end your tour back in Dumbo, where you can enjoy great shopping, a beautiful waterfront parks and awesome food options!

NYC: Highlights of Manhattan Tour in a Classic Car

8. NYC: Highlights of Manhattan Tour in a Classic Car

Our incredible vintage car tour takes you on a unique journey through the iconic streets of Manhattan. Learn about the rich history of New York’s Roaring Twenties, the Prohibition Era as well as the rise of speakeasies in the city. This experience will unlock a stimulating and unprecedented journey through the original roots of Manhattan that you will never forget. As you ride in your vintage vehicle, you'll witness the recognizable landmarks and skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan, such as the Empire State Building, Times Square, Chrysler Building, and Rockefeller Center. Your personal tour chauffeur will regale you with stories and anecdotes about the city's colorful past.

SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Guided Tour

9. SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Guided Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the soul of New York City as our expert local guide leads you on a captivating tour. Starting at the iconic New York City Hall, we'll delve into the cultural tapestry of the city, immersing ourselves in the unique atmospheres of SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown. In SoHo, you'll wander through cobblestone streets lined with art galleries and boutiques, soaking in the district's artistic essence. Our guide will unveil the history and evolution of this trendy neighborhood, from its industrial roots to its current status as a hub for creativity. Next, we'll venture into the culinary delights of Chinatown, where you'll sample mouthwatering dumplings, learning about their significance in Chinese culture. Your taste buds will thank you as you savor these delectable morsels while our guide shares the neighborhood's rich history and traditions. Our journey then takes us to the charming streets of Little Italy, where you'll indulge in the sweet pleasures of cannoli, a beloved Italian pastry from famous Ferrara's bakery. As you enjoy this treat, our guide will recount tales of Italian immigrants who left an indelible mark on this neighborhood, preserving their heritage and culinary traditions. But the adventure doesn't end there. We'll also see the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and the East River. Along the way, you'll learn about the bridge's remarkable engineering and its role in connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. This tour is a sensory and cultural feast, allowing you to explore the heart of New York City through its neighborhoods, cuisine, and history. Join us for an enriching and delectable experience that will leave you with lasting memories of the Big Apple.

Secret bars and Speakeasy NY experience

10. Secret bars and Speakeasy NY experience

Established in 2014, me and my team have proudly been the first to operate Speakeasy experiences in New York City. We will take you to 3 completely concealed and hidden establishments. All 3 locations are completely hidden, no obvious bars in between. Some through vault doors with a required code and some that are down an alleys with multiple doors where you would need to know which door to open. Some even have all the drinks still in tea cups in case the police would raid them back in 1920's and was featured in the TV show Boardwalk Empire for its historical accurate decor and atmosphere. We provide historical facts by history teachers with educational and tour guide licenses. Our facts are solely from cross referenced academic sources. We furthermore work in conjunction New York City Hall and the New York City Hall of Records to ensure the authenticity of the historical claims by each establishment we visit.

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What people are saying about City Hall Park

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 2,866 reviews

Great tour it was a very crowded night and even with the difficulty for walking around with so many people Gabi took us on a great tour Thank you

Our guide, Claire, was so informative and interesting! The Christmas lights were beautiful! We had a wonderful time.

Loved it all! Such a great use of our time. The food was all amazing! Thanks Alex for the great tour!

Great tour so you can actually look around without wandering off somewhere not so nice.

Always a great trip and sitting on top able to get a great view.