Where to Go Private: the 8 Best New York City VIP Tours

1.From NYC: Woodbury Common Premium Outlets Shopping Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,472 reviews · from $47Our pick

Ride from Times Square to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets on a comfortable bus with reserved seating, then shop more than 220 stores and use a VIP discount e-booklet. Choose a departure and return time, with earlier or later buses sometimes available if space allows.

“Excellent. Everything went according to the instructions. The bus was air conditioned and v clean. Both driver and guide were v pleasant and helpful.”

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2.Carriage Ride in Central Park (VIP – PRIVATE) Since 1964™

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,074 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.)

Take a private horse-drawn carriage through Central Park for about 50 minutes, with room for up to five people. Guides such as Oscar and Matt share park history, movie locations, and local details while horses including Strawberry and Grace carry you past Bethesda Fountain, Cherry Hill, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields, and more.

“Oscar was very knowledgeable about Central Park and was eager to share his knowledge. My Granddaughter is autistic and loves horses. She was able to feed "Strawberry" the carrots we brought. Great time!”

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3.NYC: City Cruises Luxury Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 881 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $112

Sail from Pier 61 on a climate-controlled, all-glass dining vessel with a three-course meal, live music, and views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and more. Choose brunch, lunch, or a semi-formal dinner, with unlimited mimosas on selected brunch sailings.

“The brunch cruise was so much fun! This was my families favorite activity on our NYC trip. The crew and wait staff so cheerful and accommodating. Food was great and bottomless mimosas on Sunday! Great views! Five Stars!”

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4.“The Met” Metropolitan Museum of Art Exclusive Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 863 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $132Top rated

You’ll tour the Metropolitan Museum of Art with a private guide or small group of up to eight. Expect major works by Vermeer, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Seurat, plus Egyptian art, armor, American paintings, and odd museum treasures. Guides such as Rob, Charlie, Mark, and Michael tailor the route to your interests.

“It was a really nice experience with Michael showing us around. We were taken through all areas in the time window, which is not easy to do given the size of the museum. We also had special pieces pointed out through the tour. The only thing we felt would've made the tour a better value given it is quite expensive, is if our guide was able to explain the artists/sculptors/art pieces with a greater depth of knowledge. That being said, covering such a range is no easy task and we appreciated that we were able to move through the crowded museum efficiently and came away with a good understanding of…”

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5.NYC: Woodbury Common Premium Outlets Shopping Round Trip Service

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 784 reviews · from $65

Ride from Port Authority Bus Terminal to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, home to more than 200 designer and brand-name stores. You receive a VIP discount book on arrival and choose your return bus from several afternoon and evening departures. The service is unescorted and lasts about six hours.

“I purchased the tickets and my account got charged. But when i got to the bus station, the tickets were invalid and I couldn’t get into the bus.”

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6.Manhattan: Statue and Skyline Cruise Aboard a Luxury Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 540 reviews · 1h 30m · from $60

Spend 90 minutes aboard Classic Harbor Line’s 1920s-style yacht, with an assigned table, one included drink, and indoor or open-deck seating. Cruise past Ellis Island, Battery Park, the financial district, South Street Seaport, Governor’s Island, and the Statue of Liberty, with commentary from the captain and crew.

“We had a very nice and quiet cruise. We really enjoyed the fancy athmosphere and the crew, all very kind and ready to help. We highly recommend it, if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy every view in peace. There is plenty of space inside and on deck for everybody, really worth every penny.”

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7.Private Luxury Tour of NYC With Transportation

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 472 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $2,175

Cover Manhattan’s big sights in six hours with a private guide, air-conditioned vehicle, short walks, and a harbor ferry ride. Start at Rockefeller Center, visit Central Park and the 9/11 Memorial, pass famous neighborhoods, and finish near Times Square. Guides include Tom, Ray, Jared, Chris, and Kevin.

“This tour was a great value. Great blend of tour stops with only moderate walking and a spacious a/c bus for transport. Our tour guide was great …. Knowledgeable, funny, and a great job herding us cats. Highly recommend for first time travelers to NYC”

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8.NYC at Night: 3-Hour Luxury Bus Tour of Top Highlights

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 448 reviews · 3 hours · from $42Best value

Ride through New York after dark with an English-speaking guide such as Jared, Bryant, Garrett, or Percy. You’ll see Fifth Avenue, Grand Central, DUMBO, Wall Street, One World Trade Center, Hudson Yards, and Times Square, with stops for photos and city views from a comfortable luxury bus.

“Guides were very friendly, I recommend the trip. Although due to UN meeting there was huge traffic.”

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