There’s no one in New York City who knows pizza better than Scott’s Pizza Tours founder, Scott Wiener. This self-proclaimed pizza nerd and author of “Viva La Pizza”, had such an obsession with pizza—not just eating it, but we’ll get to that—that he decided to dedicate his life to educating others with his encyclopedic pizza knowledge.

Photo Credit: Kiri Tannenbaum/Bitesee

Yes, Scott loves pizza. But Scott also loves the science, the history, and the box. In fact, he holds the Guinness Book of World Records for owning the largest pizza box collection, at 1,000 and counting, from pizzerias around the globe, which even landed him in a documentary about his diverse collection. For that reason, and so many more, we wholeheartedly recommend setting aside time to take one of Scott’s Pizza Tours.

Photo Credit: Kiri Tannenbaum/Bitesee

What to Expect :
Scott’s Pizza Tours offer seven different walking tour options ($45) led by his team of expert guides. Each run approximately 2.5-3 hours and explore different neighborhoods around New York City including “Deconstructing Pizza” offered at Eataly downtown, where guests take a deep dive into the components and various pizza styles.

Photo Credit: Kiri Tannenbaum/Bitesee

On Sundays, you will find Scott personally leading the “NYC Pizza Bus” tours ($65) in which the group hops on a rockin’ yellow school bus, after getting the first slice of pie and a history lesson, to tour New York’s outer boroughs and visit four pizzerias in 4 1/2 hours. You’ll not only taste authentic pizza, you’ll get a behind the scenes look, meet the pizzaiolos, study the nuances of this beloved food, and experience Scott’s infectious enthusiasm for pizza first hand. Even if you’re a pizza connoisseur and/or a born-and-bred New Yorker, like myself, you’ll a) learn something new, b) gain a deeper appreciation for pizza, and c) have more fun than you’ve had in a long time (or likely all of the above).

Note: Stops on the NYC Pizza Bus tour vary each week, so if you love it the first time (which we promise you will) sign up for the following Sunday!

Photo Credit: Kiri Tannenbaum/Bitesee

Bitesee’s Pick :
The groovy NYC Pizza Bus tour!

Where They Explore :
In addition to the bus tour that covers multiple boroughs in New York, Scott’s Pizza Tours operate seven (7) walking tours which explore Greenwich Village, the East Village, the Lower East Side, Brooklyn, Times Square, and at Eataly’s downtown location just steps from the World Trade Center Memorial. Here is a closer look at each tour option to help you decide:

The Original Crosstown Pizza Walk covers New York pizza from a historical perspective. You’ll visit pizzerias in the Soho and Greenwich Village.

The North Village Pizza Walk visits pizzerias in both the Village and Soho for tastes of Neapolitan, Sicilian and New York styles.

The South Village Pizza Walk visits pizzerias across Greenwich Village, starting in the northern part of the neighborhood.

The Lower East Side / East Village Pizza Walk visits pizzerias in the East Village and Lower East Side.

The Brooklyn Pizza Walk alternates between the neighborhoods of Williamsburg (Saturday nights) and Cobble Hill (Saturday afternoons).

The Times Square Pizza Walk visits pizzerias in or near Times Square, the Theater District, Hell’s Kitchen, and the Garment District. This tour operated seasonally.

Note: Private group tours are also available. Fill out this request form if you’re interested in a private tour.

What’s Included :
On the tours, participants are provided with at least one slice at each pizzeria visited. Walking tours include three (3) slices, while bus tours offer four (4) slices. Drinks, other than tap water, are not included. It is suggested you bring a refillable container and/or cash if you want to purchase a beverage (or more slices) as several pizzerias do not take credit cards.

Need to Know :
Tickets must be purchased in advance. If you are bringing your entire posse of friends, plan ahead to insure there are enough spots for everyone in your group.
Wear comfortable shoes! Walking tours usually cover about a mile of territory and there are restrooms along the way.
All tours run rain or shine. However, in inclement weather itineraries may be altered slightly. Know you’ll always get your money’s worth as no tour will get short changed!
Check the forecast and dress appropriately for the weather.

Kid Policy :
Bus Tour: Tickets must be purchased for anyone requiring a seat on the bus. Children between the ages of 4 and 12 are invited to purchase a CHILD ticket (reduced price). Children under the age of 4 are invited to join us free of charge, but must share pizza and seats with their guardian. There is a limit of one non-paying child per adult.

Walking Tours: Children under the age of 4 years are welcome to join the tour free of charge, but they will have to share your pizza (or you can purchase additional slices). Limit is one child under 4 years of age per adult. All others must purchase a general ticket.

Who This Tour is For :
This is hands down one of the best things any pizza-loving New Yorker or first-time visitor to the Big Apple should do. This tour is NOT recommended for those with dietary restrictions.

Scott’s Pizza Tours
Location: New York City
Cost: Bus tour, $65; Walking tour, $45
Dates: Tours run 7 days a week, check the calendar for dates of each tour
Phone: (212) 913-9903