There are numerous tours available in New York City (I’ve noted my top picks here), but one thing I believe is underutilized is the Airbnb experience. Most individuals recognize Airbnb primarily for their lodging options, yet they also offer many experiences where you can have a local guide you around. Personally, I prefer these experiences to traditional tours as they feature locals sharing their passions, are typically smaller groups, and often venture a bit off the standard path.
I feel that many people don’t take advantage of these tours enough, and they consistently rank among my favorite things to seek out whenever I travel around the globe. New York City presents countless options to choose from. Here are my top recommendations:
Discover Brooklyn’s Pizza Culture
Pizza and NYC are a classic duo, much like bread and butter, and this Brooklyn pizza tour led by travel writer Dani Hienrich takes you to some of the finest locations in the city while providing a detailed history of pizza in the area (who knew slices weren’t a thing until the 1940s!). I’ve participated in numerous pizza tours in the city, and I believe Dani hosts the best one because she dives into the history, is incredibly entertaining, and takes you on a less conventional tour, sparing you the crowds of twenty or more.
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Sketch Incredible Art at the Met Museum
In this enjoyable experience, you’ll visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and meet X, an experienced artist who will take you on a sketching adventure. You’ll start with a warm introduction and some sketching warm-ups, then explore selected galleries while stopping to draw iconic sculptures and artworks of your choosing. Throughout the experience, he’ll share insights into the history of sculpting and painting techniques along with the background of some exhibits. It’s certainly a fun and interactive way to discover the MET.
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Delve into African American History
On this walking tour in Lower Manhattan, you’ll be greeted by your host Larry at the National Museum of the American Indian and then journey through a tapestry of hidden Black New York: from the site of Bowling Green (where enslaved Africans contributed to the city’s development), to remnants of Fort Amsterdam, and to the site of 17th-century enslaved houses. You’ll traverse Wall Street to uncover its slave-market history, visit Federal Hall and a former free-African oyster house, stroll through Foley Square (the original execution grounds), and wrap up at the African Burial Ground National Monument. Larry is one of the most exceptional tour guides I’ve ever encountered. He’s engaging, entertaining, humorous, and brimming with knowledge. I adored this tour and gained a wealth of information. It’s a fascinating and unique method to explore lower Manhattan. He also offers an incredible Harlem tour as well!
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Craft and Savor a New York Pizza
If you want to do more than just eat pizza, head to Paulie Gee’s, where your host Logan will take you through the history of New York-style pizza before you shape your own dough, select from a range of sauces and toppings, and bake your masterpiece in a wood-fired oven. Once finished, you’ll enjoy your creation along with some other renowned dishes from the restaurant. It’s hands-on and Logan is a genuinely interesting and personable host. Situated in Greenpoint, it’s an area many tourists overlook, so be sure to explore this local-only neighborhood afterward.
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The next time you find yourself in NYC and are on the lookout for something exciting and unique, be sure to explore Airbnb Experiences as they truly offer a fun and engaging alternative. I’ve participated in around a dozen of these, and I consider these to be the absolute best among them. If you discover one you adore, don’t hesitate to email me so I can check it out!