TOP NEW YORK CITY DESIGNER TOURS
by Mallory Passuite, nycgo.com
Sylvia's • Photo: Clayton Cotterell
Harlem Spirituals/New York Visions
Harlem Spirituals/New York Visions Group provides tours that illuminate the City's cultural history and rich diversity. The Harlem Spirituals Gospel Tours visit a number of the City's lively churches where you can experience the gospel renaissance while the Evening and Jazz Tours bring you to legendary music venues including the world famous Apollo Theater. The New York Visions Tours delve into ethnic neighborhoods across the five boroughs from Little Italy in the Bronx to Chinatown in Flushing, Queens, where you'll find a never ending smorgasbord of authentic food and vibrant attractions. Chauffeured and walking tours with multilingual guides are available.
Courtesy, Liberty Helicopters, Inc.
Liberty Helicopters, Inc.
Liberty Helicopters offers the chance to see the City and its legendary skyline on another level above it all, on a helicopter tour. See stunning views of sites like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty with one of three tour options: "New York, New York," which runs from New York Harbor to Midtown; "The Big Apple," which includes Governors Island, the Financial District and Central Park; and the "Romance/VIP Tour," which allows you, and up to three friends, to soar over the City in your own private helicopter and includes a souvenir photo.
Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall • Photo: © Jeff Goldberg/Esto
Carnegie Hall
This world famous concert venue, a New York City landmark, has been a must see attraction for music lovers since its opening in 1890. Namesake Andrew Carnegie said, "It is probable that this hall will intertwine itself with the history of our country" as he laid the cornerstone, and he was right: Carnegie Hall has hosted hundreds of major concerts and lectures in its 120 years including Winston Churchill in 1901, the world premiere of George Gershwin's "Concerto in F" in 1925, Duke Ellington's Hall debut in 1943, The Beatles in 1964 and more.
Courtesy, Adirondack Sailing Excursions
Adirondack Sailing Excursions
Another striking way for visitors and locals to see the City is on the water. Manhattan is, after all, an island. Adirondack Sailing Excursions has cruised through New York Harbor since 1999 and now boasts a fleet of three stunning ships: two classic late 19th century style pilot schooners and a Gatsbyesque 80 foot mahogany trimmed yacht. In addition to daily cruises with views of New York City landmarks, Adirondack offers special tours like the Sushi & Sake Sail during which passengers feast on a dinner by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto; the Beer & Cheese Sail, which includes samples of local craft brews and cheeses; and the romantic, drinks included Sunset Sail, all with the same breathtaking City views.
Courtesy, A PhotoTrek Tour
A PhotoTrek Tour
PhotoTrek Tours takes the hassle out of creating NYC memories. It provides licensed NYC tour guides who double as your personal photographers during your private tour. Customize your walking route to suit your interests by selecting from such iconic locales as Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge and SoHo. Discover insider secrets including the best dining, shopping and entertainment destinations. And receive a CD of your photos delivered to your hotel within 48 hours of the tour.
Style Made Simple Tour • Photo: Tanya Salazar
Style Made Simple
Style Made Simple experts can edit your closet or take you on shopping tours around the City's best shops, and the company also offers styling classes and special bridal consultations. It'll customize your shopping jaunt based on theme, whether you want to shop for yourself, your home or your child, or by neighborhood to hunt for vintage in the East Village, shop high end in the Meatpacking District or discover unique shops and designers in NoLIta. Finally, deal hunters, take note: Style Made Simple also provides access to exclusive discounts.
Signature Tours • St. Patrick's Cathedral • Photo: Will Steacy
Signature Tours, Inc.
The multilingual guides of Signature Tours custom design their tours to suit your interests and needs. They work carefully to craft your personal tour based on your choice of theme which can include anything from American history to authentic eats to the latest fashion or all of the above, or destinations from the New York Stock Exchange to Seinfeld's "Soup Nazi". They even offer a robust array of transportation options whether you want to make like a native and use the subway, stick with walking, pedal a bicycle, take a bus or ride in a chauffeured SUV across all five boroughs.
