New York City is the most exciting place on earth. A global center for art, culture, and entertainment, its visitors have no shortage of options when it comes to attractions and activities. Whether it’s the hundreds of museums, the thousands of galleries, the tens of thousands of restaurants, or the hundreds of thousands of film locations to visit across the five boroughs, this megacity truly has something for everyone. 

There’s plenty of advice out there for solo travelers, couples, and families. But what about big groups who wish to take in the sights and sounds of New York? The city’s inevitable long lines and crowded streets aren’t always the most conducive to hosting large parties, but fear not. No matter how big your crew is, plenty of fun and excitement can be had in the big apple.

1. Take A Guided Bike Tour of Central Park

Nobody has truly lived until they’ve cycled the six mile loop in the heart of Manhattan. With world famous landmarks, a boatload of photo ops, and zero vehicular traffic, a Central Park bike tour is the city’s ultimate group activity. Unlimited Biking can provide everything needed to make an action-packed two hours fly by in a New York minute. 

2. Attend a Show at Madison Square Garden

The lights, the action, the roar of the crowd! Nothing comes close to the thrill of an event at the world’s most famous arena. Whether your group’s in the mood for basketeers, bank shots, or Billy Joel, The Garden is the ultimate facility to host a gathering. Contact Group Sales at 212-465-6080 or [email protected] for better deals than what you’d find on Ticketmaster or Stubhub. 

3. Take a Guided Food Tour 

It can be hard to snag reservations at New York’s hottest restaurants, no matter how big your party is. Skip the seating and let a licensed tour guide cater to your crew. Nice Guy Tours, Sidewalk Food Tours, and Eat Your World all provide excellent walking tours that serve up New York’s finest, block by block, bite by bite.

4. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

What do Picasso paintings, medieval armor, and ancient Egyptian artifacts have in common? They all live together at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the most visited museum this side of the Atlantic Ocean. While patience-testing admission lines aren’t ideal for large groups, you can fast track your party to the epicenter of global masterpieces at https://www.metmuseum.org/join-and-give/host-an-event

5. Book a Private Water Taxi

Before subways, buses, and cars took over New York, boats reigned supreme. These days, the best way to view all of Gotham’s 287 skyscrapers is from the upper deck of The New York Water Taxi. For more info on how to book a barge for your big brigade, click here: https://nywatertaxi.com/private-transportation/

6. Spend A Day at the Bronx Zoo

Think zoos are just for kids? You gotta be kidding!

One of the best spots in the city for group gatherings is just off the 2 train and contains over 6,000 animals. For group admission to America’s largest zoo, check out https://bronxzoo.com/plan-your-visit/group-sales

7. Attend a Candlelight Concert

What happens when you combine a string quartet, hundreds of flickering candles, and beautiful locations around New York? You get the Candlelight Concert Series. Held at various venues like Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church and The Ballroom at the Arlo Hotel, these semi-regular performances pay musical tribute to everyone from Vivaldi to Bad Bunny. 

Next time you visit NYC with a group, give one of these unique activities a try!