USA » New York » New York City | 🏛 Times Square Tours · Wall Street Tours

New York City: Walking & Boat Tour with Staten Island Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.92 (151 reviews) 96% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/10

Duration6h

GroupUp to 5

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

See NYC icons up close from Central Park to the harbor with a native guide

You’ll walk alongside a real New Yorker through Central Park’s quiet corners, stand beneath Times Square’s wild lights, pause at the 9/11 Memorial, then ride the Staten Island Ferry past Lady Liberty herself. Expect honest stories, city sounds, and moments that stick with you long after you’ve left Manhattan behind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stroll Central Park and take photos
Tour Plaza Hotel inside and out
Walk down luxury shopping district
See CNN and news network headquarters
Stop briefly outside Trump Tower
Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral
Explore Rockefeller Center and NBC
Pass by Radio City Music Hall
Explore Times Square and lunch break
Take pictures at Freedom Tower
Visit National 9/11 Memorial
See Wall Street and Stock Exchange
Pass by Trinity Church
Walk down Canyon of Heroes
Ride Staten Island Ferry past Statue of Liberty
Enjoy views of NYC skyline and bridges

The Experience

It started with our guide, Mike, waving at a pretzel vendor near Central Park—like they actually knew each other. He handed us all a map (old-school, but I kind of loved it) and told us not to worry about keeping up—“We’ll walk like New Yorkers, but I promise not to lose anyone.” The city felt big and loud right away. We stopped by the pond in Central Park, where there was this weird mix of birdsong and distant sirens. Mike pointed out how the skyline cuts into the trees—said it’s his favorite view in Manhattan. I get why.

Walking down Fifth Avenue was like flipping through a magazine—Armani, Tiffany’s, people hustling past with shopping bags and coffee cups. At St. Patrick’s Cathedral, we stepped inside for a minute; it was cool and hushed compared to outside, and someone lit a candle while we were there. I didn’t expect to feel anything in Times Square (I thought it’d be too much), but standing there with neon lights buzzing overhead and street performers everywhere… yeah, it gets under your skin. Lunch was just some pizza slices nearby—greasy in the best way.

Later we rode the subway downtown (bring your MetroCard or Apple Pay), which honestly wasn’t as intimidating as I thought. The 9/11 Memorial was quiet except for water rushing into those huge square pools—Mike told us stories about that day he’d heard from friends who were here. It hit me harder than expected; even people who’d never met each other stood together for a while without talking.

The last part was my favorite: riding the Staten Island Ferry across New York Harbor. The wind off the water smelled salty and sharp, and everyone crowded one side for photos when the Statue of Liberty came into view (someone dropped their phone but caught it—small miracle). Watching the skyline glow as we headed back felt sort of unreal. You see so much on this day trip through New York City—I still think about that view from the boat sometimes.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through iconic sites like Central Park and Fifth Avenue plus time at Rockefeller Center and Times Square—with plenty of stories along the way—and ends with a ride on the Staten Island Ferry across New York Harbor past Lady Liberty herself; just bring your own subway fare when needed since that’s not covered.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Timothy Rosen, Licensed NYC Tour Guide, College Professor, Native New Yorker!