The Best Tours and Excursions From New York City

Its possible to visit the majestic Niagara Falls on a day trip from New York City
It's possible to visit the majestic Niagara Falls on a day trip from New York City | © Laura Ragsdale / Getty Images
Jessica Dellow

A visit to the electric streets of New York City is a must for any avid explorer. But, not too far from the city center are plenty more enchanting spots which are well worth a look. Whether you want to experience the Amish way of life in Pennsylvania, or dip a toe into A-list living in the affluent Hamptons, these tours are all within driving distance of the Big Apple.

1. Philadelphia and Amish Country Day Trip from New York City

Tours

Hop on an air-conditioned mini-van or coach and head southwest to the electric city of Philadelphia, before experiencing the minimalism of rural Pennsylvania. See the oldest, continuously inhabited residential street in America, before stopping at some of Philadelphia’s most important landmarks such as the Liberty Bell and the famed city hall. Next up is an important lesson on how the Amish live in rural Pennsylvania; swap the subway for a horse-drawn carriage and immerse yourself in the simplicity of this welcoming, and often misunderstood, culture.

2. Highlights of New Jersey Day Trip from New York City

Tours, Activities

Frank Sinatra fans, head to the state of New Jersey on this day tour, where high-tech headquarters are juxtaposed with pine tree forests and rolling landscapes. Admire the Statue of Liberty in all her glory from across the Hudson River, and ogle at Manhattan skyscrapers from afar. See the local sights and pay your respects at the War Memorial in Hoboken, before hitting up Frank Sinatra’s childhood home. If you’ve got a sweet tooth (or a reality TV habit), you’ll appreciate the port of call: indulge in sweet treats at a local bakery, owned by Cake Boss star Buddy Valastro Jr, before getting dropped off back in the Big Apple.

3. Niagara Falls One Day Tour from New York City

Tours, Activities

Get up close with one of the greatest wonders of the world, Niagara Falls, on this easy tour from the city. Transportation on an overnight bus is included, which means you won’t waste valuable time in transit and can make the most of your time admiring this spectacular natural landmark. You’ll arrive around dawn, so you can beat the crowds and watch the waterfall light up with rainbows as the sun rises. You’ll also have free time to explore, with the option to hop aboard the Maid of Mist boat ride to get up close to the pounding water, before heading up to Terrapin Point to marvel at the sheer scale of the falls with sweeping views.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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