there are a lot of trips new york city (I have highlighted my favorite is here) But I think one thing people don’t do enough is the Airbnb experience. Most of us know Airbnb through their stay features, but they also have plenty of experiences where you can find locals to show you around. I actually prefer these experiences more than traditional tours because they feature locals sharing something they’re passionate about, they’re small groups, and they’re usually offbeat.
I don’t think people pay enough attention to these trips and they are always one of my favorite things to do whenever I travel anywhere in the world. New York City has a ton of options to choose from. Here are my favourites:
Explore Brooklyn’s Pizza Scene
Pizza and NYC go together like bread and butter and this Brooklyn Pizza Tour, led by travel writer Dani Heinrich, takes you to some of the city’s best spots while also giving you a detailed history of pizza in the city (who knew sleeves weren’t a thing until the 1940s!). I’ve done a lot of pizza tours around the city and I think Dani does the best tour because she explains the history, is a lot of fun, and it’s an offbeat tour so you won’t be herded into a big group of twenty people.
Sketch Masterpiece in Met Museum
In this fun experience, you visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and meet X, an experienced artist, who will guide you on a sketching journey. You’ll start with a friendly introduction and sketching warm-up, then wander through selected galleries, stopping to draw your choice of iconic sculptures and artworks. Additionally, he will explain the history of sculpture and painting techniques and the story behind some of the exhibits. This is definitely a fun and practical way to explore MET.
Explore African American History
On this walking tour in Lower Manhattan, you’ll meet your host Larry at the National Museum of the American Indian and then walk through the tapestry of hidden Black New York: from the site of Bowling Green (where enslaved Africans helped build the city), to the remains of Fort Amsterdam, and to the site of 17th-century slave houses. You’ll walk through Wall Street to learn about its slave-market past, visit Federal Hall and a former freed-African oyster house, pass through Foley Square (the site of the original execution grounds), and end at the African Burial Ground National Memorial. Larry is one of the best tour guides I have ever had. He is very funny, charming, witty and full of lots of knowledge. I enjoyed this tour very much and learned a lot from it. This is a great and unique way to see lower Manhattan. He also runs an amazing Harlem Tour!
Make and taste New York pizza
If you want to do more than just eat pizza, visit Paulie Gee’s, where your host Logan will walk you through the history of New York-style pizza, before you prepare your own dough, choose from a variety of sauces and toppings, and fire up your creation in a wood-fired oven. Next, you’ll sit down to eat your creation as well as some of the restaurant’s other famous dishes. It’s moving and interactive and Logan is a really interesting and engaging host. Located in Greypoint, this is an area that most tourists skip, so make sure to check it out later as it’s the only part of the local town.
Next time you’re in NYC and looking to do something fun and unique be sure to check out Airbnb experiences because they are really fun and interesting. I’ve done about a dozen of these and I think these are the best of them. But if you find one you love, be sure to email me about it so I can check out!
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Book Your Trip to New York City: Logistical Tips and Tricks
book your flight
Use skyscanner To find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines from all over the world so you always know no stone has been left unturned. However start with Skyscanner first as they have the largest reach!
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel Hostelworld Because they have the largest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use booking.com Because they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly places to stay, Here is a list of my favorite hostels in the city.
Additionally, if you are wondering which part of the city to stay in, This is my neighborhood guide to NYC!
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellation. This is comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I have had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
Are you looking for the best companies to save money?
check out my resource page Use the best companies when you travel. I made a list of all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will also save you money when you travel.
Need a guide?
There are some really interesting tours in New York. my favorite company is take a walkThey have expert guides and can give you a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s best attractions. They are my go-to tour company!
Want more information on NYC?
be sure to visit me Strong Destination Guide on NYC For even more planning tips.
