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5 incredible NYC experiences you have to see

From taste testing the best Chinatown eats to sailing under the Brooklyn Bridge, here are our must-try NYC experiences

Talia Stanton
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New York City never gets old, with a endless amounts of things to explore from the world-renowned museums and iconic theatre shows all the way down to the storytelling grafitti on the Manhattan Bridge. Take your tour of the NYC beyond Times Square and discover fascinating facts, food and maybe even a love of sailing... as you're accompanied by local guides who live and breathe the city. 

So without further adieu, here are some of the best NYC experiences for 2024 – hand-picked by our travel experts from the Airbnb Experiences hub.

And if you weren't already clued up, Airbnb Experiences is the home of unique, lesser-known activities that are perfect of travellers that want to see a city in its most authentic and raw light. They're also run by expert locals who make it their mission to share their knowledge and help you create memories that will last a lifetime. 

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At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Must-see NYC experiences

1. New York graffiti tour

Open your eyes to the overlooked beauty of those gritty Lower East Side streets with this fun, interactive tour that will take you on a deep dive into NYC's notorious grafitti culture. You'll be lead down part of the Manhattan Bridge by an expert in the field, who will recite tales of iconic New York writers and the meaning behind the art from an insider's perspective. You'll certainly be in good hands, with a guide who has an encyclopedic knowledge of the scene and is internationally recognised for his work. Round off the day with a slice of pizza from the famed Scarrs

2. Full-day 'see it all' NYC tour

Experience the best of NYC all in one day with this 'see it all' tour lead by a knowledgable college professor at the City University of New York. Expect a packed itinerary with no room for time wasting; feel like you're seeing it all without being rushed, with stops including Central Park, Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty and Freedom Tower, while still squeezing in a lunch break and pauses for a quick history lesson or two. You'll also learn a bunch of fun facts about underrated dining spots, as well as where to shop, party and spot celebs. 

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3. Walk-through NYC tattoo history tour

A tour that will leave a lasting impression? Immerse yourself in the world of tattoo art; start the day at Daredevil Tatoo for a private viewing, including machines that were responsible for some of the most iconic inked masterpieces of the last 100 years. Michelleyour trusted guide and professional tattoo artist—will take you to the birthplace of the first electric tattoo machine, as well as the Lower East Side and Chinatown for conversations about the area's rich immigration history and a brief lunch break. You can even get inked up yourself after the tour... 

4. New York sailing tour with Brooklyn Sail

Give your feet a rest and take to the water on a beautiful 1994 Catalina 34 sailboatdriven by a master sailor with years of experience riding around the Atlantic East Coast. Drift across New York Harbor while soaking up the views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center and Governors Island. Guests are welcome to bring any food or refreshments on board including alcoholic beverages (just not drinks that are likely to stain). 

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5. Chinatown food tour with a chef

Who better to show you round the highlights of Chinatown than a certified chef? This NYC food tour won't leave you hungry; as you weave through the aroma-filled streets you'll get to try three of your in-the-know guide's favorite dishes, including Beijing-style pancakes and BBQ pork buns. A stroll through Chinatown's largest food market will be accompanied by insights and explanations on the practices of Asian cooking techniques and the secrets behind the area's biggest businesses. 

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