The Best Airbnb Experiences in New York City
When visiting New York City, travelers often gravitate toward traditional tours, but a unique and enriching alternative lies in Airbnb Experiences. These curated activities allow you to connect with locals who share their passions and insights, making for memorable explorations off the beaten path. Unlike larger group tours, Airbnb Experiences often focus on intimate settings where participants can engage directly with their hosts. From culinary adventures to historical walking tours, these experiences offer a way to delve deeper into the city’s culture and history.
One standout experience is the Brooklyn Pizza Tour led by travel writer Dani Hienrich. This tour not only takes participants to some of the best pizza spots in the borough but also weaves in a fascinating history of pizza in NYC—did you know that pizza slices didn’t become popular until the 1940s? Dani’s engaging storytelling and the tour’s smaller group size make it a more personal and enjoyable experience compared to larger, more commercialized tours. Another unique offering is the sketching experience at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, guided by a seasoned artist. Participants get hands-on with sketching iconic artworks while learning about the history of art techniques, making it a creative way to explore one of the world’s most renowned museums.
For those interested in history, the walking tour exploring African American heritage in Lower Manhattan led by guide Larry is a must. This tour uncovers the rich yet often overlooked tapestry of Black history in the city, from the site of Bowling Green where enslaved Africans helped build the city to the African Burial Ground National Monument. Larry’s engaging and informative style ensures that participants leave with a deeper understanding of the historical context of the area. Lastly, for pizza lovers looking for a hands-on experience, the Create and Taste a New York Pizza session at Paulie Gee’s allows participants to shape their own dough and craft a personalized pizza masterpiece, all while learning about the history of New York-style pizza from the charismatic host, Logan.
In conclusion, Airbnb Experiences provide a fresh and engaging way to experience New York City, offering insights and activities that traditional tours may overlook. Whether you’re indulging in the local pizza scene, sketching at the Met, or exploring the historical roots of African American culture, these experiences promise to enrich your visit in unique and memorable ways. If you’re planning a trip to NYC, consider diving into these local-led adventures for a more authentic and enjoyable exploration of the city.
There’s a lot of tours in
New York City
(I’ve highlighted
my favorites here
) but I think one thing people don’t do enough of is Airbnb experience. Most of us know Airbnb through their stay features but they also have a lot of experiences where you can get a local to show you around. I actually like these experiences more than traditional tours because they have locals who share something they are passionate about, they are small groups, and they are usually a bit more off the beaten path.
I don’t think people take these tours enough and they are always one of my favorite things to look for whenever I travel anywhere in the world. New York City has a ton of options you can choose from. Here are my favorites:
Explore Brooklyn’s Pizza Scene
Pizza and NYC go hand in hand like bread and butter and this Brooklyn pizza tour run by travel writer Dani Hienrich takes you to some of the best spots in the city while also giving you a really detailed history of pizza in the city (who knew slives weren’t a thing until the 1940s!). I’ve taken a lot of pizza tours in the city and I think dani runs the best one because she explains the history, is super fun, and it’s a more off the beaten path tour so you’re not being herded around in a large group of twenty.
Book here!
Sketch Masterpieces at the Met Museum
In this fun experience, you visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and meet,X, a seasoned artist who will guide you on a sketching journey. You’ll begin with a friendly introduction and sketching warm-ups, then walk through selected galleries pausing to draw iconic sculptures and artworks of your choice. Along the way, he’ll also explain the history of sculpting and painting techniques and the sotry behind some of the exhibits. It’s definitely a fun and hands on way to explore the MET.
Book here!
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 a tapestry of hidden Black New York: from the site of Bowling Green (where enslaved Africans helped build the city), to remnants of Fort Amsterdam, and to the location of the 17th-century enslaved houses. You’ll pass Wall Street to learn about its slave-market past, visit Federal Hall and a former free-African oyster house, walk through Foley Square (site of the original execution grounds), and conclude at the African Burial Ground National Monument. Larry is one of the best tour guides I have ever had. He’s so fun, engaging, funny, and filled with a ton of knowledge. I love this tour and learned a lot on it. It’s such a cool and unique way to see lower Manhattan. He also runs an amazing Harlem tour too!
Book here!
Create and Taste a New York Pizza
If you want to do more than eat pizza, visit Paulie Gee’s, where your host Logan will guide you through the history of New York–style pizza before you shape your own dough, choose from a variety of sauces and toppings, fire your creation in a wood-fired oven. Afterwards, you’ll sit down to eat your creation as well as some other famous dishes from the restaurant. It’s run and interactive and Logan is a really interesting and personable host. Located in Greepoint, it’s an area most tourists skip so afterwards be sure to explore this locals only part of town.
Book here!
***
The next time you’re in NYC and looking to do something fun and unique be sure to look into Airbnb Experiences as they are really fun and interesting. I’ve done a dozen or so of these and these ones I think are the absolute best out of those. But if you find one you love be sure to email me about it so I can check!
Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to New York City!
For more in-depth tips on NYC, check out my 100+ page guidebook written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel in the city that never sleeps. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more!
Click here to learn more and get your copy today.
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 around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with
Hostelworld
as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use
Booking.com
as 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 the city.
Additionally, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in,
here’s my neighborhood guide to NYC!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Safety Wing
(for budget travelers)
World Nomads
(for mid-range travelers)
Insure My Trip
(for those over 70)
Medjet
(for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my
resource page
for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Need a Guide?
New York has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is
Take Walks
. They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company!
Want More Information on NYC?
Be sure to visit my
robust destination guide on NYC
for even more planning tips.
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The Best Airbnb Experiences in New York City
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