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  • Writer's pictureKaty Paulson

7 Splurge-Worthy Experiences to Make Your NYC Visit Unforgettable

Updated: Jun 4, 2021

New York City is reopening, a cause for celebration! And you don't need to be a candidate for Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous to enjoy an up-leveled approach. If the Big Apple is on your list, make your visit extra special with one of these experiences:


Enjoy the Best Views

Aerial view of Central Park in New York City
Beautiful views from above Central Park in New York City

The epic Manhattan skyline contains a range of historic structures and modern marvels. No matter how much you wander through the city streets, the sweeping views enjoyed from a distance are the most spectacular. Here are three ways to take it all in:

  • By helicopter - Enjoy a bird's eye view over Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and some of the city's most iconic buildings.

  • By private boat - Set sail for a two-hour excursion, complete with a gourmet lunch and your own personal tour guide

  • By jet ski - Pump up the excitement on this 90-minute tour that takes you under the Verrazano Bridge, from Brooklyn to Staten Island, and onto the Hudson River for remarkable views of the skyline and harbor.


Behind the Scenes at a Broadway Show

Actor in hat offstage
Imagine being backstage on Broadway, getting ready for a cameo stage appearance

Taking in a Broadway show is always a special experience, and you can make it even more memorable by heading backstage after the show to meet the cast. Take photos, score some autographs, and see first-hand all the details that make a Broadway show come to life.


Or, for a night you'll never forget, appear onstage as a walk-on in a Broadway show. You'll begin with rehearsal, so you're prepared for your cameo (don't worry, you won't have a tap-dancing solo!). Then, your friends will take their seats while you head backstage for your big moment. When it's time, the stage manager will make sure you're on point, and then you'll be on a Broadway stage! Afterward, hang out with fellow cast members, and invite your friends to join you for a backstage tour.


Ultimate Thanksgiving Parade Experience

Parade-goers take pictures of balloon anime character during parade
Spectators watch the balloons and floats pass by at NYC's Thanksgiving Day parade

Receive VIP treatment and the best seats in the city for this iconic New York tradition without the crowds. Dine on a delicious brunch and watch every float and balloon pass by. Make this the centerpiece of an unforgettable holiday visit.


Private Cooking Class

Group prepare pizzas in cookery class
The chef shares their personal recipes at Little Italy private cooking class

Experience a private culinary class in a charming studio in the heart of Little Italy. Trained chefs will share their favorite recipes in this hands-on session. Under their guidance, prepare a 3-course meal from fresh, seasonal ingredients, then sit down and enjoy the dinner at the studio's beautiful table.



Private Tour: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

View of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline
The Statue of Liberty sits on Liberty Island in the Upper New York Bay

Maximize your time and experience with a privately guided tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You'll avoid the crowds and have a more peaceful, stress-free visit. Your guide will share the remarkable history of these landmarks and accompany you to the viewing pedestal at the top of Lady Liberty.



Private Bike Tour of Central Park

Yellow and orange trees surround Bow Bridge in Central Park
Vivid autumn colors outline Bow Bridge in Central Park

The US's first landscaped public park is a must-see almost any time of year. Ride alongside a professional guide to discover the park's treasures: hidden waterfalls, picturesque cast-iron bridges, iconic movie scenes, celebrity homes, and views of many famous buildings. Learn about the fascinating history of the park and the city. After the tour, enjoy a delicious butler-serviced picnic in the park.


Whale Sail

A humpback whale's tail visible above the waterline
The humpback whale population in the waters surrounding NYC is on the rise

You don't have to travel all the way to Alaska or Maine to go whale watching. Whale sightings around NYC have risen dramatically in the last decade, thanks to cleaner conditions in the Hudson River and an abundance of food that draws humpback and other whales.

Whale watching tours depart out of Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn from June through December. Combined sightings of whales and dolphins on these tours top 90%.


As NYC reopens, attractions and experiences will have varied availability. Email me with any questions or to schedule your trip!


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