By Dale P & Jessie Festa. This guide to NYC night tours contains affiliate links to trusted partners!
Are you looking for the best night tours in NYC?
Then you’re in the right place!
As a local New Yorker, I can vouch that New York’s nickname of “The City That Never Sleeps” is very appropriate. This doesn’t just go for nightlife, but also the many great tours you can do after dark.
Exploring NYC by night is one of the best ways to see the city, and it offers a totally different perspective compared to sightseeing during the day. Not only that, but some of the best tours in NYC happen after the sun has gone down.
You can admire the glittering lights of the NYC skyline at night on these tours, which allow you to explore the city on foot, by bus, by boat, by helicopter, and more.
You can also experience different sides of the city in the evening, from nightlife tours that take you to NYC’s best bars and clubs to ghost tours that explore the city’s haunted history.
On that note, keep reading for some of the best NYC night tours that will show you all that New York has to offer after dark!
Want beautiful photos taken of you in iconic New York locations? Book a Private Photo Journey, a walking tour that includes photos of your group to keep. Or get a styled, custom shoot that tells your unique story through an NYC Influencer Shoot or Professional New York City Shoot. Experiences are hosted by Jessie on a Journey’s sister company, NYC Photo Journeys. Email info@nycphotojourneys.com with inquiries.
How To Choose The Best NYC Night Tour
How do you choose the best New York night tour? There are a few important factors to consider when booking a night tour in NYC.
First, decide how active you want to be. If you’ve been walking around all day and want to get off your feet and rest, exploring by comfortable tour bus or boat tour is the best option; however, if you want to be more active, consider a nighttime walking tour or an NYC nightlife tour.
Similarly, don’t forget about the weather. If you’re visiting NYC in the winter, an outdoor tour at night may not be the best idea; but in the summer, nighttime can be the most pleasant time of day to be outside.
Finally, consider what you want to see. As a local New Yorker, some of my favorite sites to see after dark include the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, and the Chrysler Building.
Additionally, if you can get a view of the entire skyline lit up, such as from an evening boat tour or helicopter tour, that can be truly special.
Best Night Tours In NYC
On that note, let’s go over some highly-rated New York night tours to add to your itinerary. These are some of the best tours in NYC and can help make your trip truly memorable.
Best Night Bus Tours In NYC
1. New York City at Night Bus Tour
One of the best night tours in New York City is this excursion that combines sightseeing by bus with short stops for walking around some of NYC’s most famous landmarks.
On this four-hour evening outing, which is possibly the best night bus tour in NYC, you’ll drive through some of the most iconic neighborhoods of Midtown—home to iconic places like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building—and Lower Manhattan, where you’ll find Wall Street, the Brooklyn Bridge, the World Trade Center, and other important landmarks.
You’ll get to enjoy the sights from the comfort of your coach as you listen to narration from your guide.
You’ll also have the chance to get out and stretch your legs, exploring fascinating attractions like Grand Central Terminal, the High Line, and Little Island on foot with your guide.
Click here for full details and to book!
2. Brooklyn Dyker Heights Christmas Wonderland Bus Tour
If you’re visiting New York in December, you cannot miss this Dyker Heights Christmas lights excursion. It’s one of the best NYC evening tours that will get you into the holiday spirit.
Dyker Heights is a neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its over-the-top Christmas light displays. This convenient bus tour will pick you up and drop you off at centrally located points in Manhattan.
In addition to visiting Dyker Heights, you’ll also make a stop in DUMBO, where you’ll have a chance to hop out and snap some incredible photos of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline at night.
Pro tip: If doing this NYC night bus tour, just make sure to pack appropriately for winter, as it can get cold. Consider wearing thermals for extra protection and bringing HotHands Warmers to put in your gloves.
Click here for full details and to book!
3. New York NYC Private Tour By Stretch Limo
Want to splurge on an unforgettable evening in NYC? Book this private limo tour! Rather than sharing a tour bus with dozens of other travelers, you’ll have a stretch limousine just for yourself and your travel companions (up to six people total).
You’ll spend three hours cruising around the city in style, passing by NYC’s most famous landmarks and stopping for photos whenever you’d like. You’ll also enjoy free bottled water and soft drinks, with Champagne service available for an additional fee.
While you can book NYC limo tours for any time of day, doing it at night is a special experience because you’ll get to see the glamorous lights of the city.
This NYC night tour is also a great option if you’re celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary.
Click here for full details and to book!
Best Night Boat Tours In NYC
4. New York City Lights and Skyline Cruise on Yacht
If you’re looking for one of the best night boat tours in NYC, check out this city lights and skyline cruise on a luxurious 1920s-style yacht.
Over an hour and 15 minutes, you’ll sail around Lower Manhattan, taking in views of the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and other iconic NYC buildings at night.
This is a great tour for couples looking for a romantic nighttime activity in NYC thanks to the glamorous ambiance, though solo travelers in New York will also enjoy it.
Included in the tour is one complimentary drink, with other drinks available for purchase. There is both indoor and outdoor seating on the boat, so you’ll be comfortable regardless of the weather.
Click here for full details and to book!
5. New York City Harbor Lights Cruise
One of the best New York evening tours by boat is this two-hour sightseeing cruise around the New York Harbor. It kicks off at sunset, so you’ll get to see the twinkling lights of the NYC skyline flicker on as dusk settles over the city.
As twilight fades into darkness, the lights of the city will be at their most beautiful, and you’ll sail past landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and the iconic Manhattan skyline.
You’ll also hear live narration from a guide who will point out the most important landmarks and share more about New York City’s history with you.
Click here for full details and to book!
Best Night Helicopter Tours In NYC
6. New York Helicopter Tour: City Lights Skyline Experience
One of the most unique ways to experience New York City at night is on a helicopter tour. And one of the best NYC helicopter tours at night is this 30-minute flight over the skyline and city lights.
After you take off, you’ll soar above NYC, getting a bird’s eye view of famous landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square.
It’s incredible to see these places lit up at night, and even more special to see them from high above the city. If you’re looking for New York tours focused on architecture, this will give you a very unique perspective of the cityscape.
You’ll also fly over the George Washington Bridge, before returning to land.
Click here for full details and to book!
Best Night Ghost Tours In NYC
7. Greenwich Village Haunted Tour
If you’re looking for spooky haunted tours in NYC, check out this nighttime tour of Greenwich Village.
Known for being one of New York’s most haunted places, this evening walking tour will fill you in on the dark history and creepy legends of the neighborhood.
Beginning in Washington Square Park, you’ll spend 1.5 hours exploring with a local guide. Some stops include the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, home to the deadliest fire in NYC history, and a townhouse allegedly haunted by the spirit of Mark Twain.
Altogether, you’ll make 13 stops on this haunted Greenwich Village tour.
Click here for full details and to book!
8. Gangsters and Ghosts Tour in NYC
Another one of the best ghost tours in NYC is this eerie walking tour focused on gangsters and ghosts of New York City’s past.
You’ll stroll through several neighborhoods, including Chinatown, Little Italy, and the West Village, hearing about history and ghost stories as you go.
As the name of this tour suggests, you’ll spend a lot of time focused on the dark and bloody history of New York’s gangs, from Chinatown crime rings to the Italian mob.
You’ll learn a lot of true New York City history on this two-hour tour, but you’ll also hear spooky stories about local paranormal legends.
Local tip: These neighborhoods are home to some of the best restaurants in NYC, so you’ll be in the perfect place for some late-night eats after your night tour. Personally, I’d go for some paella and sangria at Sevilla Restaurant.
Click here for full details and to book!
9. Five Points Haunted Tour
Explore New York City by night and learn about the city’s spooky history on this haunted walking tour. You’ll begin the tour by learning the dark history of NYC’s City Hall, including the ghosts that are said to haunt the building.
You’ll also learn about iconic NYC landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, which has a darker history than many tourists realize.
Additionally, this tour takes you through the Five Points neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, known for its history of bloody gang battles and organized crime.
Click here for full details and to book!
Best Nightlife Tours In NYC
10. Ultimate Rooftop Bar & Lounge Night Tour NYC
If you’re looking for fun things to do in NYC at night, check out this awesome nightlife tour! There’s a lot to do in New York City after midnight—obviously, that’s why it’s called “The City That Never Sleeps.”
For all the night owls out there, this tour is a great way to get a taste of NYC nightlife and meet new friends.
You’ll head out for a night on the town with a local guide, and you may end up visiting a bar, speakeasy, live music hall, rooftop lounge, or dance club depending on the evening.
The excursion includes three different stops, giving you a chance to check out some of the coolest nightlife venues in Manhattan with skip-the-line access.
Click here for full details and to book!
11. The Bar Crawl and History Experience
Explore NYC by night on this fun Prohibition-themed bar crawl and history tour. During the 1920s when alcohol was banned in the United States, underground speakeasies popped up all over NYC.
On this tour, you’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time as you have a drink at some of the best historic cocktail bars in New York City. You’ll also visit landmarks like Times Square and Grand Central Terminal accompanied by your local guide and host.
In total, you’ll hit up three different cocktail bars around Midtown Manhattan on this fun nightlife tour. You’ll also learn more about NYC’s fascinating history during the Prohibition era.
Click here for full details and to book!
12. Fall in Love with Brooklyn Nightlife
Have a big night in New York City on this exciting Brooklyn nightlife tour. Some of NYC’s coolest bars and clubs can be found beyond Manhattan, and this Brooklyn walking tour specifically focuses on the hip Williamsburg neighborhood.
On this nightlife tour, you’ll check out some of the best bars and clubs in Williamsburg with newfound friends and your local guide. You won’t pay a cover charge at any of the venues, and you’ll also enjoy special discounts on drinks.
Finish off the night with spectacular views of Manhattan as you walk right under the Williamsburg Bridge and look across the East River toward the glittering lights of the city.
Click here for full details and to book!
Other Top-Rated Night Tours In NYC
13. NYC Central Park Night Time Photography Tour
If you’re a photography enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this unique nighttime photography tour in Central Park. It’s one of the best NYC skyline tours by night.
Accompanied by an experienced local guide who’s also a professional photographer, you will explore various photogenic corners of Central Park. While many tourists only see Central Park during the day, it’s equally as beautiful after dark.
You can learn the ins and outs of nighttime photography from your guide and will come away with some incredible snaps of the skyline and the park at night that make the perfect New York souvenirs.
Click here for full details and to book!
14. New York City Skyline Tour by Night
One of the best NYC tours at night is actually located in…New Jersey! Many visitors don’t realize that the best views of the NYC skyline at night can be seen from across the Hudson River in New Jersey.
This four-hour tour will show you the full beauty of New York City at night as you take in skyline views from various vantage points in Jersey City and Hoboken (Frank Sinatra’s hometown!).
Travel by bus from Manhattan across the river to New Jersey, where you’ll visit several destinations including Liberty State Park in Jersey City and the Hoboken Waterfront Walkway.
Don’t forget your camera for this nighttime skyline tour, as you’ll take in some of the best views of NYC possible!
Click here for full details and to book!
15. Empire State Building By Night
One of the best places to go in New York City at night is the Empire State Building. With this self-guided Empire State Building tour, you’ll be able to visit the building’s immersive museum and learn about the history of this iconic skyscraper.
Make your way up to the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory, where you can take in sweeping 360-degree views of Manhattan.
There’s nothing quite like seeing the skyline of New York City by night. For a really special experience, book your Empire State Building time slot for just before sunset so you can watch as twilight sets over the city and the lights of the skyline flicker on.
Click here for full details and to book!
Want beautiful photos taken of you in iconic New York locations? Book a Private Photo Journey, a walking tour that includes photos of your group to keep. Or get a styled, custom shoot that tells your unique story through an NYC Influencer Shoot or Professional New York City Shoot. Experiences are hosted by Jessie on a Journey’s sister company, NYC Photo Journeys. Email info@nycphotojourneys.com with inquiries.
NYC Night Tours: FAQ
Now that we’ve gone over some of the best New York City night tours, let’s answer some frequently asked questions:
Q) What is a night tour?
A night tour is a guided excursion or sightseeing experience that takes place after dusk, allowing participants to explore and discover landmarks, attractions, and the city’s ambiance illuminated by night lights.
Q) Are there tour guides in New York?
Yes. It’s recommended to go with a licensed NYC sightseeing guide, as getting licensed is a requirement, though not everyone abides by it.
Q) How many days do you need in New York?
A minimum of 4 days in NYC is recommended, though staying longer will allow you to explore beyond Manhattan to also sightsee around the other boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
Q) Are food tours in NYC worth it?
Yes, a New York City food tour offers the chance to try a variety of different dishes for one price while also learning about the neighborhoods you’re exploring. You can find many of the best food tours in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Q) Is a guided night tour in NYC worth it?
Yes, a guided night tour can be worth it as it often provides insightful commentary, exclusive access, and a curated experience, enhancing your understanding and enjoyment of NYC’s attractions after dark.
Q) Is there a hop-on hop-off night tour in NYC?
Big Bus New York, the most popular provider of hop-on, hop-off bus tours, does not run at night. You can book a pass for their daytime tours here.
Best Hotels In New York
Looking to stay overnight in NYC? There are so many hotels offering epic skyline views at night, like 1 Hotel Brooklyn (DUMBO), The William Vale Hotel (Williamsburg), citizenM New York Bowery Hotel (Lower East Side), and The Langham (Midtown).
Click here for a full list of New York City hotels!
Prefer self-contained stays?
Click here to check out unique local rentals!
You can also use this map to search for local stays:
New York City Travel Insurance
When visiting New York City — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get travel insurance.
One of the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.
Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.
Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.
Final Thoughts On Booking NYC Sightseeing Tours At Night
While it’s fun to explore New York during the day, no itinerary would be complete without taking in the city’s most fascinating attractions at night.
After dark, the entire cityscape is lit up in a truly dazzling array of lights that reflect off of the East River and Hudson River and blanket New York in an energetic glow.
Many of the city’s most beloved sites look completely different after dark thanks to their own light displays, like the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the Chrysler Building. These attractions are arguably even more beautiful at night than they are during the day.
This beauty is enhanced through interesting stories and historical accounts told to you by a local tour guide.
In short, don’t miss your chance to see NYC’s most beautiful structures and places in a new light on an evening tour of New York City.
What best night tours in NYC would you add to this list?
Enjoyed this night tours NYC guide? Pin it for later!
