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If you are searching for the perfect gift for someone visiting New York, or even someone who lives there, an experience gift is a wonderful choice.
The Big Apple, New York City, inspiration for hundreds of rom coms, television series and songs, is definitely a popular destination. We’ve rounded up the best New York experience gifts for all sorts of budgets, so that you can spoil someone no matter how much you’re willing and able to spend.
From thrilling adrenaline-pumping activities to romantic experiences for couples in NYC, we’re confident you will find the perfect choice no matter your recipient or the occasion.
Read on for our picks of the best experiential gifts in New York City at every price point!
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If you can't quite settle on what experience gift to get, a Tinggly box is an awesome option. Offering hundreds of cool experiences around the world in one easily wrappable box, it's a foolproof pick that anyone will love.
Best Experience Gifts for New York City Under $100
It’s possible to gift someone with a great NYC experience gift, even if you don’t have a huge amount of money to spend. These exciting New York experience gifts all cost less than $100, so you don’t need to be Rockefeller to buy them!
Photo by Ismael Lima on Unsplash
Help your gift recipient explore the coolest street art in New York as well as the hip neighborhood of Brooklyn on this fun and informative walking tour.
Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash
New York City is known for its donuts, so if you know someone who enjoys these baked delights, we bet they'd love to find out all the best spots to get some!
An Escape Room is always a fun experience, but if you gift this one to someone in New York there are even some unique American-style themes for them to choose from!
Photo by Kentaro Toma on Unsplash
New York is also famous for the many delicious food carts to sample, but only a local knows where to find the best ones. Your gift recipient will too, after they do this eating tour!
Photo by Harry Gillen on Unsplash
This is the most romantic way to experience Central Park - by boating on the lake! This bike and boat hire package is perfect for couples but would also be fun for a solo visitor.
Photo by Alexandra Nelson on Unsplash
Another fun and romantic way to explore Central Park is via a horse-drawn carriage ride. It might be slightly cliched but if Carrie and Big can do it, then anyone can!
Photo by James Genchi on Unsplash
Getting to go backstage on Broadway is amazing anyway, but for fans of Disney musicals (and who isn't?) this experience is even better! You can even see original props and try on costumes.
Photo by Dimitry Anikin on Unsplash
Sailing on the Hudson is a fabulous way to see New York, and on this excursion your gift recipient will also get to try different local beers and snacks at the same time.
New York Experience Gift Ideas Between $100-$200
For those with a bit more wiggle room in terms of budget, here are some wonderful experience gifts in New York that cost more than $100, but still less than $200. There are some excellent romantic experience gifts for couples in NYC here too!
Photo by Samantha Fernandes on Unsplash
This one we do think you need to go for the "for two" package, as a picnic and bike ride would be better with someone than alone. It would make for a very romantic date!
Photo by Dimitry Anikin on Unsplash
Wine-tasting is all well and good, but if you combine it with sailing on the Hudson River while looking at New York City's most famous sights, it's even better!
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
If you know someone who prefers bagels, pastries and bottomless champagne or mimosas with their sailing, then this brunch sailing excursion will definitely hit the spot.
Photo by Lucas Hoang on Unsplash
This daytrip through the Garment District's best wholesale designer emporiums is the ideal gift for someone who's very into fashion!
Photo by Jens Thekkeveettil on Unsplash
Anyone who is interested in history and music, particularly jazz, will find this jazz bar crawl through Harlem fascinating. You can even join in with local performers!
Photo by Carl Solder on Unsplash
For the ultimate sight-seeing experience, gift someone this scenic helicopter flight over New York City. They'll be able to make unforgettable memories and photographs.
New York City Experience Gifts Over $200
If cost is no object and you want to ensure you gift someone the ULTIMATE New York City experience, these baller ideas are sure to make your recipient feel like they’re in an Empire State of Mind!
Photo by Laura D Vargas on Unsplash
Whether they live there or are just visiting, you can gift someone this personal photographer package so they can get incredible NYC photos of themselves to treasure.
Photo by Kai Pilger on Unsplash
We know we've already included some cruises, but this one is the crème de la crème! Your recipient can enjoy a 3-course gourmet meal while seeing the New York skyline at night.
Photo by Thomas Tucker on Unsplash
If you know your recipient is a foodie but you're not quite sure which gourmet experience they might prefer - let them pick! If you buy this package they have a wide range of food and drink experiences to choose from.
Photo by Ludovic Gauthier on Unsplash
You could also gift an adrenaline-junkie this package where they can choose from a variety of exciting activities like learning to fly, hang-gliding, jet-skiing or learning trapeze!
Did We Miss Any Great New York City Experience Gift Ideas?
Let us know about them in the comments!