Top New York Music Tours

If you’re a fan of “Hamilton” the musical, or are in New York City to see the Broadway show, you’ll love this Alexander Hamilton–themed walking tour. Take a deep dive into the Founding Father's life and the making of the hit musical. This tour provides context to the story and its songs as you explore lower Manhattan. Listen to your guide’s commentary, and music from the show, via a headset.

Hip-hop music began in New York City, and there's no better way to explore this iconic music genre than this insider’s tour led by one of rap's Grandmasters. Visit more locations than you could possibly find on your own as you embark on an interactive musical journey through Manhattan, Harlem, and the Bronx to uncover the origins and evolution of hip-hop and rap music.

Experience parts of New York’s Madison Square Garden that most people never see on this exclusive backstage tour. Rather than stick to the public areas, go behind the scenes in this world-famous sports and entertainment venue and hear history you’d otherwise miss. Prebooking online allows you to guarantee a tour on your preferred day.

Taylor Swift memorialized her love for New York in her album “1989.” Experience the city through her eyes in this walking tour of Manhattan, where Swifties of all ages can visit the places important to her life and art. Discover where she has lived, her preferred recording studio, favorite haunts, and more in this well-researched tour. Note that entrance fees are not included. Are you ready for it?

Immerse yourself in the music and food scene of Greenwich, one of New York City’s most storied neighborhoods, on this guided walking tour. Ideal for music lovers and foodies, this tour explores off-the-beaten-path attractions that you may not discover on your own, and includes stops to sample food. Along the way, hear stories about the folk music scene of the 1950s, jazz, and how this area got the moniker 'America's Left Bank.'

Break up the holiday stress with a classy and relaxing jazz cruise past the New York City skyline. Couples, families, and friends can enjoy a break from the city traffic and listen to live jazz while sailing past the Statue of Liberty and other classic Big Apple attractions. All the while, indulge in snacks and refreshments from the onboard bar, with a free hot chocolate (spiked or non-alcoholic) included.

Discover the Harlem neighborhood on a Sunday morning, without getting overwhelmed by deciding what to priortize on this group tour. Let your guide lead the way as you pass local landmarks whilst learning about the area's rich history. Enjoy an itinerary that includes taking in the Cotton Club, the Apollo Theater, and Morris-Jumel Mansion, along with a gospel choir service.

Greenwich Village is where some of the most successful music careers were launched. Without an expert by your side, it would be easy to miss the cafe where Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen played pre-fame or the recording studio that catapulted them to fame. This private walking tour visits these sights while you learn about the rise of these rock legends and the people who helped them along the way.

Follow in the footsteps of the Notorious B.I.G. on a Biggie Smalls-themed walking tour of New York City. Alongside a lifelong hip-hop fan guide, you’ll visit lesser-known places significant to the rapper's life and work, including his childhood haunts. Plus, a small group ensures you receive personalized attention and explore at a relaxed pace.

Harlem is at the heart of hip-hop history. Learn all about it on this guided walking tour led by a local insider, checking out important landmarks like the Apollo Theater and historic jazz clubs. See popular locations for hip-hop music videos and hear insider stories that you wouldn’t get walking around alone. You’ll also pass the Museum of the City of New York if you want to return later alone.

Discover the rich culture, history, and musical legacy of Harlem on this Wednesday morning tour. Stroll past landmarks such as the Apollo Theater, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and beautiful brownstones while learning about Harlem’s famous former residents and take part in an uplifting Wednesday morning service featuring the Harlem Gospel Acapella Choir.

Discover the three genres of music—rock, punk, and glam— that helped form a new kind of music culture in the 1970s and beyond on this small-group walking tour of New York City’s East Village. With your guide in the lead, see where bands such as the Ramones, the New York Dolls, the Velvet Underground, Iggy Pop, and others wrote music and performed, and spot sights that you'd otherwise walk right past on your own.

One of the US’ most iconic symbols, the Statue of Liberty rises up from New York Harbor, welcoming the immigrants who once entered through nearby Ellis Island. Visit Lady Liberty and learn the stories of those who passed through Ellis Island on this convenient tour with options that let you choose how long you want to spend at each attraction. Opt to visit the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.

Take a stroll down rock and roll history on this private walking tour though Greenwich Village. See the venues where acts such as Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix launched their careers. Learn about the music clubs and institutions that shaped modern American music and the origins of punk rock. Visit the locations that were central to famous album covers for the Ramones and Led Zeppelin.

Prebook your ticket to the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York City and guarantee your admission to the institution that tells the stories of that fateful day in 2001. Explore the museum's collection, including artifacts, first-person accounts of the day, exhibits on the history of the World Trade Center, and exhibits commemorating the 2,983 people who lost their lives, at your own pace.

Get a deep dive into music history and the iconic 1969 festival, as you explore the town of Woodstock on this walking music and history tour. Enjoy a leisurely walk through town on mostly flat terrain and discuss all the stories and events that led Woodstock to be such a legendary place. Hear about rock legends, including Bob Dylan, the Band, Jimi Hendrix, and more, and how Woodstock became a magnet for other artists over the years.

Discover the real-life places behind the songs of *Hamilton* on a small-group walking tour of Manhattan. Exploring with a guide who knows the history—and the music—unlocks fascinating details about places like Trinity Church and Federal Hall. And since the tour also features an audio guide and headphones, you can follow along line by line.

Get into the festive spirit aboard a holiday-themed cruise in New York City. Set sail aboard an elegantly decorated yacht from Chelsea Piers. Along the way, see the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan skyline, and other scenic vistas. You can also sing along to carols played by the live jazz band, nibble on Christmas cookies, and enjoy a cup of spiked hot cocoa from the bar.

Manhattan’s Harlem neighborhood is a must-do for jazz fans, but if you’re visiting from out of town, it can be hard to know where to go. Leave all the planning and logistics to your guide—and gear up for an evening of swinging tunes—on this small-group tour. Follow in the footsteps of greats like Miles Davis and Billie Holiday when you explore local musical landmarks; then, visit at least two venues to attend live performances.

Make the most of your time in New York City by taking a tour that includes transportation. Take a bus ride past the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and more. Then hop aboard the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Experience multiple aspects of Harlem’s culture and history in this walking tour that combines sightseeing along 125th Street with a live gospel concert and brunch. Listen to an authentic, soulful black gospel music concert at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll eat brunch at a local restaurant on Lenox Avenue.

Give your legs and feet a break—and your ears a treat—during this NYC sightseeing cruise, which includes a live jazz performance. Set sail in the New York Harbor on a 105-foot (32-meter) Schooner, enjoying sweeping sunset views overlooking the Manhattan skyline. Admire attractions like the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty while listening to jazz rhythms. Plus, a complimentary drink is included per person.

Marvel at the 360-degree, unobstructed views from the world-famous Empire State Building. Enjoy access to the open-air 86th Floor Observation Deck for stunning views of Central Park and beyond. Upgrade to the 102nd Floor Observation Deck with floor-to-ceiling glass windows for the ultimate skyline view that stretches up to six states. All tickets include access to exhibition displays on the 2nd and 80th floors. You can also upgrade for skip-the-line entry for faster arrival.