New York City Guide

New York City Museum Tours

Explore world-class museums: MET, MoMA, Natural History, and more!

88+ tours
From $30
2-6 hours
New York City Museum Tours

Experience NYC's incredible museums - world's greatest concentration of art and culture! Museum tours explore The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET - largest art museum in Americas with 2 million works!), Museum of Modern Art (MoMA - Starry Night, Picasso, Warhol), American Museum of Natural History (dinosaurs, planetarium, 45 million specimens!), Guggenheim (Frank Lloyd Wright spiral building), 9/11 Memorial Museum (moving tribute), Whitney, Frick Collection, and countless specialized museums. Tours provide skip-the-line access, expert art historians explaining masterpieces, hidden gems, must-see highlights, and historical context. NYC has 100+ museums - you could spend weeks exploring!

Featured Museum Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for museum tours in New York City

9/11 Memorial Museum Admission Ticket
From $36
Free Cancellation

The 9/11 Memorial Museum in Lower Manhattan preserves the history of the attacks on the World Trade Center, and documents the significance of those events through building remnants, personal artifacts, first-person accounts and multimedia displays. With this admission ticket, take a self-guided tour of the museum's memorial exhibition and 3-part historical exhibition, which commemorates the 2,983 people who were killed, honors those who risked their lives to save others, and reflects on the courage and compassion shown in the aftermath.

4.7(6,349)
2h
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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket
From $30
Free Cancellation

Awe and marvel at one of is one of the largest and most renowned museums in the world, The American Museum of Natural History. Both educational and entertaining, this celebrated New York institution is perfect for adults and children alike. From dinosaur bones to far-off galaxies, spend a day and explore the world, past and present. Add this popular Manhattan attraction to your New York itinerary for a day of wonderment you won't soon forget. General admission includes access to permanent exhibitions, the Rose Center, and the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation. General admission + One Ticketed Exhibition includes General Admission plus one ticketed exhibition, including Invisible Worlds, Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs, the Butterfly Vivarium, the Hayden Planetarium Space Show - Encounters in the Milky Way narrated by Pedro Pascal, the giant-screen film, or other ticketed exhibitions.

4.0(1,925)
3h
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Museum of Ice Cream New York City Admission Ticket
From $48

Immerse yourself in the Museum of Ice Cream, where flavor meets fun! In line with our mission to unite and inspire through imagination and connection we offer a unique adventure that is ideal for everyone, regardless of age. From families, groups of friends, to those celebrating special occasions, everyone will find joy in our world of unlimited ice cream. 12 diverse multi-sensory installations deliver an enchanting blend of creativity and sweetness, exemplifying our unique position as the best and only immersive museum where you can play like a kid while savoring unlimited ice cream. Come make a splash in our iconic sprinkle pool and take a flavorful journey through ice cream’s captivating history. Join us for an unforgettable scoop of joy!

3.8(1,138)
1h
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Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island and Immigration Museum
From $49
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

No trip to New York would be complete without visiting and learning about one of the most well-known monuments in the world: the Statue of Liberty and the Immigration Museum at Ellis Island. Experience the Statue of Liberty and the Immigration Museum at Ellis Island as you learn their history and their importance to this country and enjoy breath-taking views of the New York City skyline The tour includes priority and reserved access to the islands, a professional tour leader you through both islands (if option selected) and access to the Statue of Liberty Museum and the National Museum of Immigration on the island Ellis.

4.2(438)
4h
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The Museum of Modern Art Admission Ticket
From $30
Free Cancellation

Your ticket to The Museum of Modern Art includes a free audio guide, special exhibitions, films, and gallery talks. MoMA's renowned collection of modern and contemporary art includes Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night and Andy Warhol’s Gold Marilyn Monroe, along with works by Jackson Pollock, Jasper Johns, Cindy Sherman, Elizabeth Murray, and many other great artists of our time.

4.3(725)
3h
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Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology Admission Ticket
From $56.62
Free Cancellation

Explore Mercer Labs, the museum where cutting-edge technology powers one-of-a-kind art installations. Discover our Limitless and After Dark exhibitions, featuring 15 ultra-sensory, 360°, immersive experiences designed to stun and inspire guests of all ages. Located in the heart of downtown NYC, this one-of-a-kind, multi-level gallery sprawls across 15 fully interactive exhibition rooms. From hypnotic sonic experiences to perspective-shifting video installations, Mercer Labs offers an inspiring and creative playground you must see, hear, touch–and feel–to believe. EXPERIENCE THE EXTRAORDINARY only in New York City at MERCER LABS.

3.9(131)
1h
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SPYSCAPE Museum and Experience
From $39
Free Cancellation

At SPYSCAPE you’ll explore hidden worlds, break codes, run surveillance and spot liars - while a system developed with MI6 experts reveals your personal spy role and profile. SPYSCAPE is a unique mix of museum and experience with personailzed insights and inspiration - find out why we are NYC’s #1 Rated Museum & Experience.

4.2(216)
1h 30m
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Intrepid Museum Admission Ticket
From $38
Free Cancellation

Discover the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise, the world’s fastest jets, and a guided missile submarine at the Intrepid Museum in New York City. Visitors of all ages can connect them to history through hands-on exploration, stories of heroism, and firsthand accounts of the people who were there. Space Shuttle Pavilion, submarine Growler and all temporary exhibitions included in your admission.

4.6(1,027)
1h 30m
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Metropolitan Museum Guided Group Tour
From $65
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

One of the world’s greatest art museums, the Metropolitan Museum of Art — aka the Met — is so vast you could easily spend days inside. This tour cuts to the chase, taking you straight to the collection’s highlights for an in-depth look. A knowledgeable guide introduces you to a broad spectrum of art, jewellery, ancient relics and architecture on this small-group tour, limited to 15 people. This guided Met tour is the best way to take advantage of the riches that are inside one of the world’s greatest art museums, choose between the 2-hour or 3-hour options. A visit to the Met's rooftop garden for panoramic views of Central Park is included only from October to May and for the 3-hour option.

4.8(1,008)
2h
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"The Met" Metropolitan Museum of Art Exclusive Guided Tour
From $132.5
Free CancellationSkip The Line👤Private Tour+1

New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art attracts nearly as many visitors as other leading galleries, such as the Louvre or the British Museum. Spend roughly 2.5 hours on this exclusive guided museum tour, skipping the line and exploring the most famous pieces with the help of an engaging guide. Evening tours are available on Friday and Saturday, for a more intimate experience. Skip-the-line note: Please be aware that the initial security line cannot be bypassed and may vary in size depending on congestion.

5.0(855)
2h 30m
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Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Tour
From $65
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

Discover the vast Metropolitan Museum of Art with ExperienceFirst. Over 2 million artworks spanning 5,000 years await. Our guides will make this journey extraordinary. Be captivated by ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and European masterpieces. Explore contemporary expressions and gain profound insights into art's impact on our world. For first-timers or enthusiasts, our tour offers engaging narratives, delving into history, emotions, and themes. Ignite curiosity and leave with a deeper appreciation for artistic expression. Experience the Met with us.

4.8(341)
2h
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NYC: Metropolitan Museum of Art Guided or Self-Guided Tour
From $49.99
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses one of the greatest art collections in the world. With over two million works of art and artifacts, ranging from ancient Greece and Egypt to Modern art from Europe, it is New York’s must-see museum. Maximize your time with a small group guided tour or a private tour of popular galleries with an expert guide. Alternatively, explore on your own after a 30-minute orientation session. Walk through 5000 years of art history, seeing the Egyptian temple of Dendur, masterpieces of the Robert Lehman collection, the original facade of a Wall Street bank, and more! Art movements like impressionism, cubism, and abstract expressionism unfold before your eyes. If there's a specific area you're excited to visit, ask your guide. You can stay and explore the exhibits until closing. With your entry ticket, you can also visit The Cloisters uptown on the same day. The Met has extended hours on Friday and Saturday evenings for a quieter, exclusive experience.

4.0(55)
2h
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911 Ground Zero Tour & Museum Preferred Access
From $79.95
Free Cancellation

[Best Valued 4-Hour Experience] Join us on a tour of the World Trade Center Complex, covering the events of September 11, 2001. This experience is a celebration honoring the heroes and the survivors of “Stairwell B." Trace the path taken by the firefighters and learn how some withstood the collapse of a 110-story tower. Using historical photos of the attacks, this experience will chronicle the events of that day. You'll be astonished by the bravery of these First Responders. Discover how the “Angel of Stairwell B” helped save a team of firefighters and the miracle of the “911 Surfer”, who rode down with 88 stories of imploding debris. Finishing at the Memorial Plaza, you'll learn how the new World Trade Center Complex was designed and constructed. This is the definitive Ground Zero experience. Skip the Ticket Line access into the Official September 11th Museum is included, all guests must still check through security. The museum is a self-guided experience.

4.9(571)
4h
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Museum of Sex NYC Admission Ticket
From $33
Free Cancellation

Join us with our exclusive Viator ticket price! The Museum of Sex offers rotating exhibits exploring the history, evolution, and cultural significance of human sexuality. Super Funland: Journey into the Erotic Carnival features four floors of immersive fun including games, rides, and prizes. And don't forget to stop by our bar and award-winning retail shop.

4.5(380)
1h
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2-hour Metropolitan Museum Guided Tour
From $65
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

Easily one of the best art museum in the world, with works spanning 6 continents and over 6,000 years, the Metropolitan is so vast you could easily spend days inside. If you don’t have days to spare, our Met Express Tour cuts to the core. Your 2-hour tour starts when you meet your guide and small group of no more than 15 people at the entrance to the Met. The small group size ensures that you can ask all the questions you want and never miss a word of what your guide is saying. After a brief intro, it’s off to find some of the most bizarre and quirky pieces hidden within the enormous collection. A hippo with a limp? Check. A wardrobe malfunction from ancient Egypt? Yup. There’s even some kinky flemish dinnerware (if age appropriate, of course). You’ll also get the funny and fascinating backstories on more famous works and learn about the wild lives of artists like Monet and Van Gogh. Don’t forget about the butt-themed scavenger hunt; prepare yourself accordingly.

4.8(513)
2h
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Why Choose Museum Tours in New York City?

World-Class Collections

MET, MoMA, Natural History - best museums globally!

Skip-the-Line Access

Tours bypass long ticket lines - save hours!

Expert Art Historians

Guides explain masterpieces and hidden stories!

Iconic Masterpieces

See Starry Night, Egyptian Temple, dinosaurs in person!

Types of Museum Tours in New York City

MET Highlights Tour

Guided tour of Metropolitan Museum must-sees.

2-3 hoursSkip-the-lineMajor worksExpert guideMost popular

MoMA Modern Art Tour

Explore Starry Night, Picasso, Warhol, and modern masters.

2-3 hoursModern artFamous worksArt historianIconic

Natural History Tour

Dinosaurs, planetarium, and 45 million specimens!

2-3 hoursFamily-friendlyDinosaursInteractiveEducational

Multi-Museum Pass

Visit MET, MoMA, and Natural History in one day.

Full dayThree museumsSkip-the-lineEfficientComprehensive

What to Expect on Your New York City Museum Tours

Duration

Single museum: 2-3 hours. Full day: 6-8 hours for multiple museums.

The MET

Largest art museum in Americas - Egyptian Temple, European paintings, armor!

MoMA

See Starry Night, Picasso, Warhol, and modern art masterpieces!

Natural History

Dinosaur fossils, Rose Center planetarium, blue whale - kids love it!

Guggenheim

Frank Lloyd Wright spiral building - architecture itself is art!

Expert Context

Guides explain art history, techniques, and stories behind masterpieces.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

MET has "suggested" admission ($30) - pay what you wish for NY residents!

2

MoMA free Friday evenings (4-8 PM) - arrive early for massive crowds.

3

Natural History "suggested" $28 - also pay-what-you-wish.

4

Tours worth it for skip-the-line and expert explanations!

5

MET needs 3-4 hours minimum - it's HUGE (2 million works!).

6

CityPASS ($146) includes 6 attractions - good value if seeing multiple.

7

Wednesday-Friday mornings quieter than weekends.

8

Many smaller museums (Frick, Morgan) less crowded but excellent!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Which NYC museum is best?

A: Depends on interests! Art lovers: MET (encyclopedic) or MoMA (modern). Families: Natural History (dinosaurs!). Architecture: Guggenheim. History: 9/11 Memorial. Most visitors: MET first - it's world-class and enormous. Can't go wrong!

Q:How much do NYC museum tickets cost?

A: MET: $30 suggested (pay-what-you-wish for NY residents). MoMA: $30. Natural History: $28 suggested. Guggenheim: $30. 9/11 Memorial: Free (museum $33). Whitney: $30. CityPASS: $146 for 6 attractions. Tours $50-120 with skip-the-line!

Q:Can you visit museums for free?

A: Some yes! MET and Natural History "suggested" admission (residents pay what they wish). MoMA free Friday 4-8 PM. Many smaller museums have free hours. However, "suggested" technically applies to NY residents only. Budget $25-30 per museum.

Q:How long to spend at the MET?

A: Minimum 2-3 hours for highlights (Egyptian Temple, European paintings, Arms & Armor). Half-day (4-5 hours) for thorough visit. Full day for art enthusiasts! It's HUGE - second largest museum globally. Don't rush! Tours help navigate efficiently.

Q:Is MoMA or MET better?

A: Different! MET: Encyclopedic (5,000 years of art - Egyptian to contemporary). MoMA: Modern/contemporary only (Starry Night, Picasso, Warhol). MET larger and more comprehensive. MoMA more focused. Art lovers: Visit both! First-timers: MET.

Q:Are museum tours worth it?

A: YES for first-timers! Skip-the-line saves hours. Expert guides explain masterpieces and navigate efficiently. Self-exploring works but tours provide context you'd miss. MET/MoMA tours ($50-80) good value. Budget: Use audio guides ($7). Both options work!

Q:When is the best time to visit NYC museums?

A: Weekday mornings (10-11 AM opening) less crowded. Wednesday-Friday better than weekends. Avoid rainy days (everyone goes to museums!). Summer peak season busiest. Winter fewer crowds. Book timed tickets online - skip-the-line essential!

Q:Can you visit multiple museums in one day?

A: Possible but exhausting! MET or Natural History alone can fill day. Realistic: Two museums maximum (4-6 hours total). MET + Guggenheim works (both Upper East Side). MoMA + 9/11 Memorial feasible. Quality over quantity - don't rush!

Don't Miss the Perfect New York City Experience

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Why Visit New York City?

Iconic landmarks like Times Square and Statue of Liberty

World-class museums and cultural institutions

Diverse neighborhoods and authentic cuisine

Broadway shows and entertainment

Central Park and urban green spaces

Perfect blend of culture, entertainment, and urban life

Best Time to Visit

Weather

New York City enjoys four distinct seasons. Summers are hot (75-85°F/24-29°C), winters are cold (25-40°F/-4-4°C), and spring/fall offer pleasant temperatures.

Best Months

April to June and September to November offer the best weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for sightseeing.

Peak Season

June to August brings peak tourist season with hot weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

December to March offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with cold weather and occasional snow.

Plan Your New York City Trip

Transportation Tips

Excellent public transportation with subway, buses, and trains. Walking is perfect for exploring neighborhoods, and taxis/Uber are readily available.

Car Rental Deals in New York City

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your New York City adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in New York City

Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.

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