6 History Tours in New York City That Earn the Road Trip

1.American Museum of Natural History Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15,447 reviews · 1 day · from $37Our pick

Explore more than 40 permanent halls at New York’s American Museum of Natural History, including the dinosaur fossils, Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, Rose Center, and new Gilder Center. Choose general admission or add ticketed experiences such as the butterfly vivarium, planetarium show, giant-screen film, or Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs.

“very informative and extremely well presented lots of amenities which made the experience better. Overall a great family experience.”

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2.Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,666 reviews · 1h 30m · from $34Best value

Cruise New York Harbor and both rivers from Pier 78, with views of Hudson Yards, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan, DUMBO, and the Brooklyn Bridge. English-speaking guides such as Molly, Darius, Al, and Ryan add facts and humor. You get indoor and outdoor decks, restrooms, a snack bar, and a digital photo service.

“The cruise was amazing very memorable and the guide was brilliant with the information he gave out. I would highly recommend this cruise.”

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3.Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,073 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $34

Cruise the Hudson from Pier 78 for about 90 minutes, with close views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, and South Street Seaport. Live guides such as Darius and Molly add history and humor. Seating, window cleanliness, and VIP upgrades can vary by boat.

“Great staff for the boat tour...great people! The tour guide had good comments on all the sights and they played music the whole time.”

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4.American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,931 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $37

Visit the American Museum of Natural History on Manhattan’s Upper West Side at your own pace. Your admission covers more than 40 permanent galleries, the Rose Center for Earth and Space, and the Richard Gilder Center. Plan at least three hours for dinosaurs, Asian elephants, the huge blue whale, fossils, cultures, and the 13-billion-year story of the universe. Extra ticketed attractions cost more.

“Very thorough museum. Staff was so helpful for kids finding iconic characters from night at museum. Good mix of education for adults and children”

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5.Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 690 reviews · 1 day · from $54

Drive an electric cart along the 2.5-mile Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail, stopping for waterfalls, rock formations, the Bat Bar, and Eagle’s Nest views. Your ticket also includes the 35,000-square-foot Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, filled with prehistoric, Native American, Western, and Civil War exhibits.

“Very enjoyable. It was beautiful with the trees changing.”

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6.Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 474 reviews · from $36

Walk through Midtown with an English-speaking guide and visit three very different historic bars, lounges, and speakeasies. You will hear about gangsters, bootleggers, Gilded Age women, and the rise and fall of Prohibition. Guides such as Ariel, Ryan, Katie, and Katherine are known for lively storytelling and drink advice. Drinks cost extra.

“Katherine was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. We had a fantastic time learning about this fascinating era, all while enjoying delicious cocktails and a wonderful ambiance. Highly recommended for anyone looking to have a memorable night out in NYC!”

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