Tour operator
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
A long-running sightseeing cruise company sailing from Pier 83 on West 42nd Street, with full-island, half-island and evening harbour tours.
Free Tours by Foot New York
A walking tour company running guided tours in Manhattan and Brooklyn since 2009, with a pay-what-you-wish option on most public tours.
At a glance
- Type
- Pay-what-you-wish walking tours
- Area
- Citywide, New York, United States
- Official site
- freetoursbyfoot.com
- Last checked
- October 23, 2026
Good to know
- Pay-what-you-wish option
- Food tours
- Private tours
- Audio tours
Why we recommend it
Free Tours by Foot has been leading guided walks in New York since 2009, and its model makes it one of the most flexible ways to explore with a local guide. On most public tours you can either prepay a ticket or choose to pay what you wish at the end, though some tours are ticketed only.
Routes cover SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown, Harlem, Greenwich Village, Midtown, Lower Manhattan and Central Park, along with a Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO walk, food tours and seasonal holiday lights tours. Book online in advance, as places are limited, and cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund.
Reviewed by Lifestylemetro · Details checked October 23, 2026
Free Tours by Foot New York FAQs
Are the tours really free?
Most public tours offer a pay-what-you-wish option alongside prepaid tickets; some tours are ticketed only.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds with at least 24 hours' notice for public tours; private tours have a two-week policy.