New York City has endless tours, but Airbnb Experiences are an underused way to see the city through a local’s eyes. They tend to be run by passionate hosts, come in small groups, and often take you off the typical tourist path. Below are some of my favorite NYC Airbnb Experiences that feel more like hanging out with a knowledgeable friend than joining a large tour.
Explore Brooklyn’s Pizza Scene — Dani Hienrich
This walking tour through Brooklyn focuses on pizza culture and history. Hosted by travel writer Dani Hienrich, it visits several standout pizzerias, explains how New York’s pizza evolved, and shares little-known facts (like when certain slice styles appeared). I’ve done many pizza tours in NYC; this one stands out for its history, personality, and relaxed small-group vibe.
Sketch Masterpieces at the Met
Meet an experienced artist and spend a few hours sketching inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The session starts with warm-ups and basic sketching tips, then moves through selected galleries where you pause to draw sculptures and works that catch your eye. Along the way the host explains techniques and the stories behind chosen pieces. It’s a hands-on, creative way to experience the Met.
Explore African American History — Larry
This powerful walking tour of Lower Manhattan begins near the National Museum of the American Indian and traces hidden layers of Black New York: Bowling Green and the labor of enslaved Africans who helped build the city, remnants of Fort Amsterdam, sites of 17th-century enslaved housing, Wall Street’s slave-market past, Federal Hall, a former free-African oyster house, Foley Square’s history, and the African Burial Ground National Monument. Larry is a deeply knowledgeable and engaging guide; his storytelling brings this often-overlooked history to life. He also leads an excellent Harlem tour.
Create and Taste a New York Pizza — Paulie Gee’s (host: Logan)
If you want to do more than eat, make your own pizza at Paulie Gee’s in Greenpoint. Your host guides a short history of New York–style pizza, then lets you shape dough, choose sauces and toppings, and bake your pie in a wood-fired oven. Afterward you sit down to taste your creation alongside other dishes from the restaurant. It’s interactive, delicious, and sends you into a neighborhood many tourists skip — so plan to explore Greenpoint afterward.
Why choose Airbnb Experiences
They’re intimate, often led by locals who love what they do, and can reveal corners of the city visitors rarely see. I’ve tried a dozen of these in cities around the world; the ones above are some of the best in NYC. If you find a great experience while you’re in the city, share it with friends or leave a thoughtful review to help future travelers.
In-depth New York resources
If you want more practical tips, there’s a 100+ page budget guide to NYC that covers suggested itineraries, budgets, money-saving tips, offbeat sights, restaurants, safety notes, and more. It’s written for travelers who want practical, no-fluff advice.
Book your trip: quick logistical tips
– Flights: Use a broad search engine like Skyscanner to compare fares across many airlines and sites.
– Accommodation: For hostels try Hostelworld; for cheap hotels and guesthouses, Booking.com often returns good rates. If you want neighborhood or hostel recommendations, look for curated lists from seasoned travelers.
– Travel insurance: Protects against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. Recommended providers by traveler type include SafetyWing (budget travelers), World Nomads (mid-range travelers), Insure My Trip (older travelers), and Medjet (additional medical evacuation coverage).
– Tours and guides: For expert-led walking tours and behind-the-scenes access, companies like Take Walks are worth checking.
– More planning: Look for a comprehensive NYC destination guide to help plan neighborhoods, transit, and multi-day itineraries.
Final note
When you visit NYC, consider swapping one big, crowded attraction for an Airbnb Experience led by a passionate local. You’ll likely come away with deeper context, memorable stories, and a more personal slice of the city.
