During
these laid-back excursions, a native New Yorker guides visitors to the
cuisines, art and people of Brooklyn and Queens. They pass along their
knowledge and appreciation of the boroughs, let tour goers see what makes
various neighborhoods tick and give them the opportunity to interact with local
artists, restaurateurs and shop owners.
Find out
what the Brooklyn hype is all about on a Best of Brooklyn Tour, which takes you
around Williamsburg while offering a general overview of the borough's history
and arts scene. There's also the Graffiti and Street Art Tour venturing through
colorful Bushwick, during which participants can see wall murals, posters, tags
and stencils and learn about the artists behind the work. Brooklyn Unplugged
also runs personalized private tours focused on a neighborhood or theme of
interest to you—say, food, shopping or Coney Island.
Go
backstage at the Metropolitan Opera, one of the world's largest and most
respected classical music institutions. During the Met's season (which begins
in late September), visitors can take this 75- to 90-minute tour to learn about
the history of the organization and its Lincoln Center space—the current
Metropolitan Opera House opened in 1966, and the opera company itself dates
back to 1880. They also see the intricate work that goes into creating a major
stage production: the beautiful backdrops, the elaborate costumes and the
rehearsal rooms where the talented artists hone their craft.
Downtown
Manhattan has some of the most photogenic views in the City—and they look even
better from the water. These sightseeing cruises offer a chance to glimpse
attractions like the Statue of Liberty, the World Trade Center and Battery Park
from a vantage point you just can't get on land. If you don't get a good look
the first time, don't worry—the water tour heads back to its starting point the
same way for a second glance
New York
City is home to a great many celebrities, and on this tour pop-culture lovers
can see where some of these personalities live, eat and spend free time—all
from the comfort of an air-conditioned bus. Just take a seat, listen to
scandalous stories and maybe take notes so you can pass the juiciest gossip
along to your friends back home.