There are tons of tours in New York City (I’ve highlighted my favorites here ), but one thing I think people don’t do enough of is Airbnb experiences. Most of us know Airbnb through its accommodations feature, but they also have a lot of experiences where you can have a local show you around. I actually prefer these experiences to traditional tours because they involve locals sharing something they are passionate about, they are in small groups, and they are often more remote.
I don’t think people take these tours enough and they are always one of my favorite things to look for whenever I travel anywhere in the world. New York City has many options for you 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 run by travel writer Dani Hienrich will take you to some of the city’s best spots while also detailing the city’s pizza history (who knew pizza didn’t exist until the 1940s!). I’ve been on many pizza tours in the city and I think Danny runs the best because she explains the history, it’s very interesting, and it’s a more out of the way tour so you’re not surrounded by a big group of twenty people.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Drawing Masterpieces
In this fun experience, you’ll visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and meet X, an experienced artist, who will guide you on a sketching tour. You’ll start with a friendly introduction and sketching warm-up, then move through selected galleries, stopping to draw iconic sculptures and artworks of your choice. Along the way, he will also explain the history of sculpture and painting techniques and the stories behind some of the exhibits. This is definitely a fun and practical way to explore the MET.
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 walk through a hidden tapestry of Black New York: from the ruins of Bowling Green, where enslaved Africans helped build the city, to the remains of Fort Amsterdam to the site of 17th-century slave houses. You’ll pass by Wall Street and learn about its slave market past, visit Federal Hall and the former Free African Oyster House, walk through Foley Square (site of the original execution site), and end at the African Burial Ground National Monument. Larry is one of the best tour guides I have ever had. He is very funny, charming, funny, and very knowledgeable. I loved this trip and learned a lot from it. This is a cool and unique way to see Lower Manhattan. He also gave a great tour of Harlem!
Make and taste New York pizza
If you’re craving more than just pizza, head to Paulie Gee’s, where your host, Logan, will guide you through the history of New York-style pizza before you make your own dough, choose from a variety of sauces and toppings, and bake your creation in the wood-burning oven. Afterwards, you’ll sit down and enjoy your creation along with some of the restaurant’s other famous dishes. It’s runnable and interactive, and Logan is a very funny and personable host. Located in Greepoint, it’s an area that most tourists skip, so be sure to explore this locals-only part of town afterwards.
Next time you’re in New York and want something fun and unique to do, be sure to look into Airbnb experiences because they can be really fun. I’ve completed a dozen of them and I think these are definitely the best of them all. But if you find one you like, be sure to send me an email so I can check it out!
Get an in-depth budget guide to New York City!
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Booking a trip to New York: Logistical tips and tricks
Book a flight
Find cheap flights with Skyscanner. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first as they have the greatest coverage!
Book accommodation
You can book hostels through Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory and the best prices. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com as they always have the cheapest prices for guesthouses and budget hotels.
If you’re looking for a more affordable place to stay, here’s a list of my favorite city hotels.
Also, if you’re wondering what part of town to live in, here’s my guide to New York neighborhoods!
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It provides complete protection in case any issues arise. I wouldn’t travel without it as I have used it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
Looking for the cheapest company?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I’ve listed all the ways I use to save money while traveling. They also save you money when you travel.
Need a guide?
There are some very interesting tours in New York. My favorite company is Take Walks. They have professional tour guides who can take you behind the scenes of the city’s best attractions. They are my go-to hiking tour company!
Want to learn more about New York City?
Be sure to visit my powerful New York Destination Guide for more planning advice.
