5 of the best ways to see New York

Arrive at the Big Apple and you’ll want to take a bite that’s packed with fun experiences, inspirational vantage points, and perhaps just a hint of the unique or unusual. There’s much debate over the best way to fully appreciate NYC, but here are Klook’s five top sightseeing tips for your next visit...

1. Straight to the top

When you can’t build out, you build up (and up!), resulting in a skyline that’s perhaps one of the most distinctive in the world. For 360-degree panoramic views, a visit to the iconic Empire State Building blends architectural history with its ‘Dare to Dream’ exhibit and New York’s highest open-air observation deck, found on the 86th floor. Alternatively, make your way to the Rockefeller Center where you can scale to the ‘top of the Rock’ on the 70th floor before a spot of shopping around the midtown area. Or, simply ride the Sky Pod Elevator 100-floors up to arrive at the One World Observatory and the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Plus, if you book the tour with Klook you can get queue jump access to speed your way to the top.

2. Flying High

Why stop at the top of the skyscrapers when you can soar above them? A brag-worthy New York Helicopter tour can take your sightseeing, quite literally, to another level with 15-, 20- or 30-minute flight options all lifting off from the Downtown Heliport. Flying with a certified pilot, you can admire the 120-year-old Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, Governor's Island, Ellis Island, and many other of the Big Apple’s most famous buildings from above.

3. Take a Ride

Bringing it down to the buzz of Manhattan’s busy streets, ‘The Ride’ is more like a mobile theatre than a mode of transportation. This fresh new way to tour midtown will see you board a specially-designed multi-million-dollar coach, complete with stadium-style seating and floor-to-ceiling windows. During your tour, famous landmarks turn into the stage for live StreetSide spectaculars featuring dancers and freestyle rappers, all hosted by award-winning comedic hosts.

4. Shop like a local

Why just see New York when you can live it like a real New Yorker? Eat and shop like a local on a walking food tour and discover areas such as the Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market, the High Line and Hudson Yards. As you explore, you’ll munch your way through a diverse fanfare of flavours that can only be found by those who know the city best – from grabbing a slice at local’s favourite Filaga Pizza to dishing on mini-doughnuts at the Doughnuttery, or even a hot sauce tasting guided by a hot sauce ‘sommelier’. You’ll also step into Artists & Fleas for some shopping and the chance to pick up some locally made, handcrafted goods.

5. Liberty Sailing

A quick cruise around the island always makes for a fun experience but why not go one step further and take to the Hudson on a private sailboat with a 2-hour statue sailing tour. See New York in its early morning wonder, bask in its late afternoon charm, or soak up the lights silhouetted against the night sky, complete with a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty for some spectacular snaps. As you pass by famous sites, such as Governors Island and Ellis Island, the captain will share commentary on their significance, and you might even be able to try your hand at steering the wheel of the boat.

Feeling inspired?

All these tours and more are available through Klook, which offers travellers a simple way to connect with amazing activities, attractions and things to do wherever you travel. With discounted rates and unique experiences to be discovered the globe over, find out what you can do on your next adventure.