1–2 hours
Taking safety measures
Recommended by 91% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$128.00
per adult
Literary, art & music tours in New York City
THE 10 BEST New York City Literary, Art & Music Tours
Literary, Art & Music Tours in New York City
- Traveler favoritesTours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked according to revenue made by Tripadvisor on those bookings, plus the number of page views by Tripadvisor users, and the quantity and quality of reviews
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89 places sorted by traveler favorites
4 hours
Taking safety measures
Free cancellation
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from
$80.00
per adult
2 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 100% of travelers
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$62.00
per adult
3 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 96% of travelers
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$62.94
per adult
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 100% of travelers
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$115.54
per adult
2 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 95% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$32.00
per adult
1–2 hours
Taking safety measures
Recommended by 92% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$128.00
per adult
150–180 minutes
Recommended by 100% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$88.00
per adult
2 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 100% of travelers
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from
$190.00
per group
2 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$45.00
per adult
3 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 95% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$79.99
per adult
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$206.76
per group
4 hours
Taking safety measures
Free cancellation
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from
$80.00
per adult
2 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$150.00
per adult
2 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 100% of travelers
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from
$49.00
per adult
1–2 hours
Taking safety measures
Free cancellation
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from
$32.00
per adult
2 hours
Recommended by 98% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$46.94
per adult
2 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$32.00
per adult
2 hours
Taking safety measures
Free cancellation
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from
$50.00
per adult
3 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 90% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$45.00
per adult
3–4 hours
Taking safety measures
Free cancellation
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from
$41.60
per adult
1–2 hours
Taking safety measures
Free cancellation
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from
$7.63
per adult
3–4 hours
Taking safety measures
from
$65.32
per adult
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 93% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$40.00
per adult
5–6 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 97% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$221.54
per adult
5–6 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 100% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$221.54
per adult
3 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$45.00
per adult
2 hours
Taking safety measures
Free cancellation
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from
$124.00
per adult
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$310.65
per group
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- NSC1 contributionThis was the favourite part of my trip to NYC. Such a Christmassy and festive feeling, the musicians played jazz versions of Christmas carols and songs. The views were spectacular, something you wouldn't be able to see on your day to day walking in NYC. I would 100% recommend this trip. The only thing I would say is if you are sat in the middle tables and not one but the windows, you really do miss out on the beautiful skyline at night unless you go out on deck to see. This would be fine in summer but when we went and in the winter with the wind, it was bitterly cold so you wouldn't want to spend more than 2 minutes outside even when all wrapped up!! Definitely try and book to get a seat with a viewWritten January 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tony BLondon, England, United Kingdom7 contributionsAlvin is a warm, enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guide and focuses on African American luminaries and their personal connections to Harlem and the Bronx, as well as the early history of these districts.
I understand there is a commercial element to the Church service and I had been prepared for something staged specifically to funnel tourist money into struggling communities. If that was the case, I didn't notice and the whole experience felt genuine and welcoming. The gospel singing (choir and congregation) was excellent.
The tour bus was clean and comfortable and has an onboard rest room (important, as very few public ones in Harlem).
I think you could skip the optional Cotton Club lunch element without missing the best of the experience. The entertainment was well executed but felt dated. The food was welcome but not standout. The European waitresses are there for their language skills with the mostly European customers, but they need a little more training in how to communicate with paying customers.
Overall I thought the whole morning's package was good value for money.Written December 29, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mandy C1 contributionKatie was phenomenal and clearly extremely knowledgeable - I could have stayed for 5 hours! Just loved itWritten February 4, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Pamela BBelfast, UK3 contributionsA must do while in New York. Our tour guide was Leo. He was friendly, knowledgeable, funny and professional. A great insight into the history behind the musical. I went to see it the morning before the show. Really recommended it!Written December 11, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Skip-the-Line Metropolitan Museum of Art Guided Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max
New York City
Highly recommend the private Metropolitan Museum Tour
876203360
I set up a private tour of NYC’s Metropolitan Museum bc 9 family members visiting ages 86 - 19. About 1/2 enthusiastically embraced the opportunity for the private tour and 1/2 aren’t “museum fans” and planned to “hop out” after an hour to stand on the coat line for the rest of us. Our tour guide Mark texted me 24 hours in advance to set up the meeting location, greeted us with warmth, a big smile, helped us settle in and off we went. From the first moment Mark skillfully managed the group, shared secret nooks and crannies of the Met, its history, the fun human background on donors to the building and art collections, weaved us through the various rooms, and enlightened us with a fun, interesting dialogue of art history including history of the artists, the pieces and culture at the time of the painting. I watched our entire group smile, laugh, ask questions, and, before we knew it, 2 hours had elapsed!!! Our mixed group of 9 all agreed we need to meet with Mark on our next trip for another tour of a NYC landmark. What a fun afternoon!!! Thank you Mark!!
I recommend Mark’s tour for young and old. A testament to his exciting and interesting tour is we were followed by young and old trying to hear what he was saying bc other people at the museum who weren’t on our tour were also intrigued by his insight. Highly recommend this tour.Written February 2, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Michael BNew York City, NY26 contributionsInformative, knowledgeable and professional guide. Outstanding street art. Great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Recommend!Written January 28, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Carianne R1 contributionAbsolutely phenomenal experience. The jazz was amazing, the crew was friendly & attentive, & the views were spectacular. Book this one…do not hesitate.Written December 30, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TexInNCCharlotte, NC6 contributionsIf you're on the fence, go for it. Suzanne will size up your style and take you to the best shops around -- the ones you'd never find on your own. She's part tour guide, part personal shopper and stylist, part new BFF. I had a great time exchanging stories about Manhattan back in the day., While I saw lots of vintage,and second-hand things I loved, my big score was a pair of purse cashmere knit pants – and they were a steal from a very high-end sample sale. Hope to shhop with Suzanne again soon.Written November 6, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Pathfinder598482 contributionsthe personal insights of our guide were of huge value - we had the privilege of our tour guide being a local artist with the inside knowledge of the area. In addition, the details that she showed us in the graffiti murals would never have been picked up if we were just walking the area on our own.Written December 12, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kim J1 contributionI would definitely recommend this tour for anybody who loves hip hop, or just wants to know more about it. Our guide was Reggie Reg who knows everything about hip hop and Harlem (seeing that he's a native and also a member of Crash Crew). A must do while in New York!!!!!!Written January 30, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cristina ZDallas, TX5 contributionsThis was the highlight of our trip. I brought my son for his 13th birthday and he absolutely loved it. He is a hip hop die hard fan but didn’t really know about the history of it and this tour was amazing.
Our tour guide rayza was so cool and knowledgeable!!
We definitely recommend this tour is so worth it.. you get to go places where you couldn’t just go by yourself and learn the history about it!!Written January 29, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Gemj33Garstang, UK11 contributionsWhat an amazing experience this was… I booked as a surprise for my husbands 50th birthday whilst we were visiting NYC from the UK ..
My husband was made up with his surprise ..
It really was a fun trip in a sidecar and we loved seeing Brooklyn & Brooklyn bridge .. Will showed us places we would never have gone too or known about..
Will was so much fun and so knowledgeable.
The sidecar itself is a fantastic machine and got a lot of attention whilst we were traveling around with lots of people waving and smiling as we were on our tour.
I would highly recommend this trip whilst in New York.
We would definitely do it again!!
Thanks Will…. It was smiles per mile.Written December 28, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Judy H6 contributionsInteresting bus tour of renovated portions of Harlem. At least I think there were parts we did not see. An hour and a half in the church (including a collection) with a very energetic gospel choir. There was also an opportunity to sing with the choir which was fun. Now I would like to hear more gospel music.Written May 6, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- VBJMLos Angeles, CA6 contributionsGreatly enjoyed our private tour of the Met with Kevin Draper. He was knowledgeable, friendly and enthusiastic, and made our first-time visit to the museum truly enjoyable.
I would note that the tour is geared more towards showing you pieces in the museum that you might not otherwise see when you're fixated on the Rembrandts and the Van Goghs but are incredibly interesting in their own right (e.g. the Faberge eggs that I'm sure we never would have seen on our own). It might not be what a hardcore art enthusiast is looking for, but it's perfect for the general public, especially anyone traveling as a family or group with diverse interests (like we were - parents with teens).
Highly recommended.Written December 31, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - nikiAthens, Greece4 contributionsIt is very interesting selection of galleries and art work which I wouldn’t have discovered myself. Explaining by using comparison with other artistsWritten April 30, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about New York City
- These experiences are best for literary, art & music tours in New York City:
- NYC Secrets of Grand Central Walking Tour
- Skip-the-Line Metropolitan Museum of Art - Exclusive Guided Tour
- Hamilton Musical Walking Tour
- Harlem Sunday Morning Gospel Tour
- The Best of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2 Hours
- These places are best for literary, art & music tours in New York City:See more literary, art & music tours in New York City on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for kid-friendly literary, art & music tours in New York City:
- Hush Hip Hop Tours
- Fable & Lark: Storied Adventures
- Art Smart
- Manhattan Mark Tours
- ArtMuse Private Tours
- These are the best places for couples seeking literary, art & music tours in New York City:See more literary, art & music tours for couples in New York City on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for groups seeking literary, art & music tours in New York City:See more literary, art & music tours for groups in New York City on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for budget-friendly literary, art & music tours in New York City:See more budget-friendly literary, art & music tours in New York City on Tripadvisor
- These are the most romantic places for literary, art & music tours in New York City:See more romantic literary, art & music tours in New York City on Tripadvisor
- These are the best hidden gems for literary, art & music tours in New York City:See more hidden gem literary, art & music tours in New York City on Tripadvisor