NYC Highlights: Statue of Liberty, Times Square & Subway Tour

Summary

See Lady Liberty, cross the Brooklyn Bridge, ride the subway and wander Fifth Avenue with a real New Yorker

You’ll feel New York’s energy up close—riding subways with locals, catching wind off the harbor as Lady Liberty comes into view, wandering Fifth Avenue and pausing at Grand Central’s clock. With a small group and local guide leading you through six hours of classic NYC sights, you’ll leave with tired feet—and maybe something more lasting.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly lost my nerve at the Times Square subway entrance—so many people moving in every direction, neon everywhere, and our guide (Erin) just grinned like it was normal. “Stick close,” she said. I did. There’s something about hearing the rumble under your feet while you’re still above ground that makes you realize how alive this city is. My shoes were already squeaking from the drizzle outside, but somehow that felt right for New York.

We zigzagged through Midtown—St. Patrick’s Cathedral was quieter than I expected (the hush almost made me whisper), and then suddenly we were back out on Fifth Avenue, dodging taxis and smelling roasted nuts from a street cart. Erin had us duck into Grand Central Station just as some guy started playing piano by the clock—honestly, I got goosebumps. She told us about the secret platform under the Waldorf; I’d never even heard of it before.

The Staten Island Ferry was next. Wind whipped my hair all over my face while we watched the Statue of Liberty slide past—smaller than I thought but still kind of moving. Some local kids were laughing behind us, daring each other to lean over the rail (their mom didn’t look amused). The Brooklyn Bridge looked ghostly in the mist; I tried to get a photo but mostly ended up with blurry shapes and someone else’s umbrella in the frame.

By Wall Street, my legs were starting to protest (it’s about five miles total, Erin warned us). We paused at Trinity Church where someone left fresh flowers on Alexander Hamilton’s grave—felt weirdly intimate for such a big city. The tour ended at the 9/11 Memorial; even with crowds around, it was quiet except for water trickling into those huge square pools. I stood there a long time without really meaning to—I still think about that moment sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore NYC landmarks and ferry ride

• Start under George M. Cohan statue
• View Broadway Theatre from route
• Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral inside
• View Fifth Avenue from route
• See Rockefeller Center inside and outside
• View New York Public Library from route
• View Chrysler Building from route
• Visit Grand Central Station Main Concourse
• Take subway twice during tour
• View Trinity Church Wall Street from route
• View New York Stock Exchange from route
• Visit Federal Hall National Memorial inside
• View Wall Street from route
• View Trump Tower from route
• View Alexander Hamilton US Custom House from route
• View Wall Street again from route
• Take return trip on Staten Island Ferry
• View Brooklyn Bridge from ferry
• View Statue of Liberty from ferry
• End tour at National September 11 Memorial

Top questions

How long is the NYC in a Day tour?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and covers about five miles on foot.

Does this NYC tour include entry to the 9/11 Museum?

No, entry to the National September 11 Museum is not included in this tour price.

Is hotel pickup included for this NYC highlights tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet under the George M. Cohan statue in Times Square to start.

Are subway fares included on this day trip?

The tour includes two subway rides as part of your experience; fares are covered.

Is lunch provided during this NYC guided tour?

No lunch is provided; you may want to bring snacks or grab something quick along the way.

Is this NYC day trip wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and strollers/prams are allowed too.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

The tour operates in all weather conditions—bring an umbrella or dress appropriately for rain or shine.

How big are groups on this NYC highlights day trip?

The group size is capped at fewer than 15 people for easier movement around Manhattan.

What’s included

Your day includes two subway rides across Manhattan, ferry tickets for sweeping harbor views of Lady Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge, entry into iconic sites like Grand Central Station and Rockefeller Center when possible—all led by an entertaining local guide who keeps things moving (and shares stories you won’t find on plaques).