New York is a unique city where you're sure to enjoy your vacation. However, if you're planning a long stay, you may be overwhelmed by the constant hustle and bustle of New York. So why not opt for excursions from New York to discover the surrounding area and get the most out of your trip? After enjoying the charm of the Big Apple, we now invite you to venture out to nearby cities and attractions by opting for one of the best excursions from New York!
Take the opportunity to visit Niagara Falls, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Boston and much more. You can also take advantage of shorter excursions, which will take you to shopping spots in the suburbs. And if you're looking for something to do in summer, we recommend a quick visit to the Hamptons, known as one of the filming locations for Gossip Girl.
1. Visit Niagara Falls from New York City
Niagara Falls is a natural spectacle that can be visited from New York or Toronto. You can choose a one- or three-day excursion, depending on the time you have available. A trip to Niagara Falls from New York allows you to visit this tourist area in a very short time. To make the most of the day, the experience usually begins early in the morning, at sun rise. During your trip, you'll enjoy the sunrise, especially if you're visiting the Falls in summer, and make strategic stops, such as visiting Niagara Falls State Park with a bilingual guide. You can also visit the Wind Caves, the biggest attraction on the American side of the Falls. From here, you'll enjoy the descent of the great gorge, the red footbridges offering beautiful views, and the Hurricane Desk overlooking the Bridal Veil waterfall.
Note that this tour is a great option if you plan to be in New York for at least 5 days. Here are a few things to keep in mind for this visit:
- Visa required for the falls: if you're visiting the New York side, you'll only need your U.S. tourist permit, but the Canadian views are exceptional and not for rent. To visit the Toronto side, you'll need to fill out an eTA form and bring your passport.
- Precautions to take when visiting Niagara Falls: avoid crowded areas, wear seasonal clothing, bring shoes that can get wet and avoid taking people with health problems, pregnant women or the elderly.
Practical information
- Price: from around 189 euros, per person, you can find cheaper options that do not include certain services.
- Duration: approximately nine hours.
- Means of transport: usually in a comfortable bus.
- Advantages: usually includes admission to the main attractions.
- Disadvantages: not usually wheelchair accessible, check with your travel supplier.
2. Visit Washington DC from New York
If New York never sleeps and is an American icon, Washington is the country's capital and remains a must-see. A trip from New York is therefore ideal, as both cities are within easy reach of each other. These tours usually allow you to discover Washington D.C. with a professional guide , so all you have to do is relax and enjoy yourself.
Here are just a few of the sites you can visit:
- The White House: a historic site not to be missed on your itinerary, this is the residence of the American president and first family. It can usually only be visited with authorized guides.
- The Capitol: located on Capitol Hill, the Capitol is a popular tourist attraction. This is where the Senate and House of Representatives meet. During your visit, you can see the Library of Congress, the Senate Chamber and much more.
- Arlington National Cemetery: this is a very interesting visit, but don't forget that you'll need your passport to enter. This is the largest cemetery in the United States, where you can visit the final resting place of veterans who fought in the War of Succession, as well as the grave of John. F Kennedy.
- Lincoln Memorial: a monument to Abraham Lincoln, one of America's most beloved presidents.
- National Air and Space Museum: features artifacts from important space missions, as well as American aircraft throughout history. Access is by reservation only.
Practical information
- Price: from around 86 euros per person.
- Duration: around 15 hours, recommended if you plan to visit New York in at least 6 days.
- Means of transport: you won't have to worry about how to get to Washington from New York, as the round trip is usually included in the tour. When you arrive in Washington, you can combine walking and driving, depending on the areas you wish to visit.
- Advantages of this option: there are a wide variety of options to suit your time and budget. For example, you can find one- or two-day tours to Washington from New York.
- Disadvantages of this option: the activity is not available in bad weather, so bear this in mind when choosing dates.
3. Philadelphia tour from New York
Pennsylvania's largest city and its wonderful history await you. To discover it, we recommend this Philadelphia tour from New York. There's no shortage of fun to be had in the city's beautiful neighborhoods. Interestingly, it was once the capital of the United States, and you're likely to discover :
- Independence National Historical Park: this is an area of very old buildings, typical of the American Revolution. You can stroll around the Liberty Bell and take some great photos. This is one of Philadelphia's most interesting museums, as it houses historic collections.
- Constitution Square: Philadelphia saw the first steps of the United States. Indeed, this monument houses the building where the U.S. Declaration of Independence was signed. Keep in mind that the ideal time to visit the square is from April to November.
- Bronze Rocky statue : this is a statue in honor of the character Rocky from the iconic film.
- Elfreth's Alley: a museum located on one of Philadelphia's most beautiful streets. It's located in Old Town, which has existed in the area since 1703.
If you opt for a trip to Philadelphia and Washington from New York, you can experience the contrast of the three cities and soak up the national history. Of course, a stop in Washington will take you to the White House, the Capitol and other iconic buildings.
You can also opt for a tour of Philadelphia and the Amish region departing from New York, an experience that will enable you to meet the Amish, an ethnoreligious group that refuses to adopt new technologies and leads a simple lifestyle. It's a culture shock worth exploring.
In this region, you can only get around by horse-drawn cart, the old-fashioned way. Take the opportunity to visit the local market, where you'll find fresh seasonal produce.
Practical information
- Prices: from approx. 99 euros per person. There are more expensive packages, at around 155 euros, offering tours further from New York.
- Duration: approximately fifteen hours.
- Means of transport: this type of excursion takes place in a comfortable bus and generally includes a round-trip transfer.
- Advantages of this option: it usually includes a professional bilingual guide, available in your language.
- Disadvantages: not usually wheelchair accessible.
4. Boston tour from New York City
You can travel to the capital of Massachusetts from New York City to visit Boston with this tour. It's a cosmopolitan city with a long history, founded by the first British settlers around 1630. Here are just a few of the places you can visit:
- The Freedom Trailis an area steeped in history, where you'll find the most interesting tales of Philadelphia's independence. It's open year-round.
- Boston Common Park: this is the oldest park in the region, and the best part is that it's completely free. It's well worth a stroll through its green spaces.
- Harvard campus: the campus of this famous university is undoubtedly a historical epicenter not to be missed. Locals say that if you rub your shoe against the library floor, you'll have good luck.
Note that if you're traveling as a family, children under two can travel free of charge. Just remember to let your guide know so he can arrange transport.
Practical information
- Price: from 90 euros per person.
- Duration: approx. 14 hours.
- Means of transport: the tour usually takes place in a comfortable private bus.
- Advantages: this option usually offers free WiFi in the vehicle, so you won't get bored. It can also include a quick stop in Connecticut.
- Disadvantages of this option: meals and drinks are generally not included, so you have to pay for them yourself.
5. Excursion from New York to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
The Big Apple is known for its antique and thrift stores, but there are some unique experiences in the surrounding area that can't be found in the city such as this tour of the best Woodbury Common Premium Outlets from New York. This iconic destination is only an hour's drive from the city, so it's easy to get to and from. It's home to around 220 stores, all of which offer special discounts at different times of the year. Although there are many similar options on the streets of New York, prices are higher and the stores are usually crowded with tourists.
Practical information
- Price: from around 40 euros per person.
- Duration: three to four hours.
- Means of transport: you can travel by private bus.
- Advantages: this type of excursion offers additional discount vouchers, which you can spend on your afternoon shopping.
- Disadvantages: generally not wheelchair accessible.
6. 4-day tour of America from New York City
If you're feeling adventurous, now's your chance to take part in a 4-day tour of America from New York City. These tours are very comprehensive, as you'll visit Philadelphia, Washington and Niagara Falls with a professional guide, and usually include three nights' accommodation and some breakfast. If you want to get away from the glitz and glamour for a few minutes, be sure to visit the Amish farm located between New York and Philadelphia. It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in America's history and natural beauty.
Good to know: you can request separate rooms if you're traveling with a group or family. What's more, a maximum of three people can sleep in a room. If you are traveling with children under the age of two, there is no charge, but you must inform your travel supplier.
Our main advice is to pack light, so that you can get around all the cities without any problems.
Practical information
- Price: approx. 680 euros per person.
- Duration: around four days.
- Means of transport: you'll travel in a very comfortable bus from New York, with around 50 other passengers.
- Advantages: most services are included for a modest price.
- Disadvantages: not suitable for people with health problems, as this is a long bus journey.
7. The Hamptons tour from New York City
What better way to end your tour than with a trip to the Hamptons from New York? It's undoubtedlyone of Long Island's most iconic locations, featured in teen series such as Gossip Girl, which has made this vacation destination even more popular. You're likely to meet celebrities who live in and around the Big Apple.
Most of the time, this type of excursion is intended for shopping afternoons, so be prepared if you want to take home some souvenirs. If you're planning a 6-day visit to New York (minimum), we recommend scheduling this tour, as it's a five-hour drive. This is afull-day program.
Here are just a few of the places you can visit:
- Southampton: this is a small town in the region, located close to beaches that are an ideal summer destination. The area is also home to iconic museums, where you can learn and have fun.
- Sag Harbor: this is a village near Suffolk, where there's plenty to do, including cruising, venturing into watersports, as well as sampling local wines and dishes. Luxury yachts are often parked on the shore, but don't get too close as they are privately owned.
- Tanger Outlets shopping center : offers the best discounts, with a variety of designer boutiques and antique shops. It's a great place to spend the afternoon while your guide shows you the best shopping spots in the Hamptons.
Practical information
- Price: from around 150 euros per person.
- Duration: eleven to thirteen hours.
- Means of transport: round-trip transfer in a comfortable coach. Check with your travel agent for departure and pick-up points prior to the experience.
- Advantages: usually includes wine tasting for those over 18, and a professional Spanish-speaking guide.
- Disadvantages of this option: tends to sell out quickly in summer, as this is a highly sought-after activity at this time of year.
