walking tour downtown nyc

Walk This Way NYC

38 nyc self-guided walking tours.

The beating heart of New York City where towering skyscrapers blend with historic neighborhoods.

Central Park

Chinatown & Civic Center

Columbia University

East Village

Financial District

Governors Island

Hudson Yards & High Line

Little Italy & Nolita

Lower East Side

Roosevelt Island

Upper East Side

Upper West Side

West & Greenwich Village

Where tree-lined streets lead to hipster enclaves and historic brownstones against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Brooklyn Heights

Williamsburg

Bedford-Stuyvesant

Coney Island

Downtown Brooklyn

Dyker Heights

Fort Greene

Green-Wood Cemetery

Prospect Heights

Prospect Park

Sunset Park

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Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration

Walk New York: a FREE Self-Guided Walking Tour of Manhattan

I think one of the best ways to experience New York is to walk around the city, so I decided to share my free self-guided walking tour route for Manhattan.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you may know I love big, vibrant cities. And that New York City is one of my favourite cities in the world .  And you also may know that I love to walk the streets of the cities I visit. I get out on foot as much as I can – it helps me get a real feel for the atmosphere and character of a city. It also helps me get to know it, to understand its layout and how the different areas and landmarks are connected. 

Why Manhattan?  Well, it is the borough I know best. I’ve been to New York City many times and always spent most of my time in Manhattan. I’ve been to a few places in Brooklyn and Queens, but I don’t know those boroughs as well – and I know the other boroughs even less. Plus, Manhattan has so many iconic landmarks packed into that one island! Thanks to the grid system, it’s pretty easy to navigate, with a lot to see and experience.

If you follow my free self-guided walking tour of Manhattan, rather than joining an organised tour, you won’t have to pay anything AND you get to do it on your own, at your pace. This is a bonus for those on a budget and for introverts like me who avoid group tours!

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. These are links to products or experiences I recommend and if you were to buy something after clicking on them, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Any earnings go towards the upkeep of this blog, which I appreciate.

Table of Contents

About My Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Manhattan

The walking tour route I am sharing here takes you from downtown Manhattan, through mid-town to Central Park and the Upper East Side, taking in many NYC icons along the way, including:

• Greenwich Village & Washington Square Park

Flatiron Building & Madison Square Park

• Empire State Buiding

New York Public Library

• Fifth Avenue Shopping
• Rockefeller Centre & Top Of The Rock
• Plaza Hotel & Pulitzer Fountain

Central Park

There are other routes that I like in Manhattan and other neighbourhoods which are great to explore – but I wanted to start with something that was doable in one day, and which covers several of the major landmarks in New York. I walked this route on a visit to New York with a friend who had never been to the city before – so I have literally road-tested it, haha.

The whole route I am recommending here is just short of 5 miles (8km) and would take approximately an hour and 45 minutes to walk non-stop according to GoogleMaps. However, it will take longer because you’ll be stopping to cross the street, take photos, grab refreshments and go into some of the attractions along the way. Using the photos I took when I walked this route as a reference, it took me around 7 hours to do this route. This included going to the Top of the Rock (but not the Empire State Building) – and I was pretty tired afterwards! That’s why I think you should allow most of the day for this.

When I walk around a new city, I don’t always take a fixed route. If possible, I like to know the general direction I’m headed but to have some freedom to walk down the streets that look most interesting to me.  Therefore, I’d encourage you to take some liberties with the route I recommend and to take detours if you feel like it.

This route does require you to be able to walk for extended distances – and I’ll share some walking tips at the end (as well as a map).

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Manhattan – Step By Step

Start in greenwich village.

Greenwich Village was the bohemian capital of New York in the 1950s and 60s, the epicentre of art, counter-culture and the LGBT community. These days, the quiet, leafy streets of Greenwich Village are amongst the most expensive places to live in the United States.

Start in your walk in St Luke in the Fields Garden , which is a small church garden on the corner of Hudson and Barrow streets, in the heart of the West Village. It’s a very pretty spot that remains somewhat off the beaten path in New York .

From here, head up Hudson Street then right onto Grove Street, where you might recognise the Friends building – the building that was used for the exterior shots of Monica & Rachel and Joey & Chandler’s apartment in the 1990s TV show. Carry on along Grove Street until you get to Christopher Park, which is home to the Stonewall Inn , the location of landmark riots against police persecution of gay or queer people. There is a monument in the park and some plaques outside the inn if you want to read about the uprising.

From here, head along Waverley Place to the next stop, Washington Square Park .

If you want to detour from the walking route, here are some other Greenwich Village highlights you could check out:

• Joe’s Pizza – a famous and reliably good spot for pizza by the slice
• Jefferson Market Library – this historic red brick building with a clocktower was once a courthouse and is now a branch of the New York Public Library
• Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment . The exterior of Carrie’s brownstone building was shot at 66 Perry Street (even though she is written as living in the Upper East Side). It’s also just a lovely leafy street to wander along!
• Angelika Theatre – a legendary arthouse cinema in the village

Alternative: Start in the East Village

The East Village is another historic neighbourhood in Manhattan – and you could also start your walking tour here, rather than in the West Village, if you prefer.

It was an upscale area of New York, built when the city expanded in the early 1800s. Then in the late 1800s, the East Village’s population swelled with immigrants, at one point being known as ‘Little Germany’.  In the 1950s and 60s, the area absorbed some of the beatnik creativity of neighbouring Greenwich Village. Allen Ginsberg, W. H. Auden, and Norman Mailer all moved to the area in 1951–1953. Like a lot of New York, the area became run down in the 1970s and 80s. Since the early 2000s it has been gentrified – but it does remain somewhat rougher around the edges than Greenwich Village (the West Village in particular).

At the heart of the East Village is Tomkins Square Park , which you can wander around.  But I definitely recommend starting your walking journey with a drink – of water or coffee. Try The Maiden Lane, which is on the corner of Tompkins Square Park at 10 th Street and Avenue B, or at B Cup, a couple of blocks north on 13 th Street.

From Tompkins Square Park, head west toward Washington Square Park .  The distance is approximately 0.8 miles, so it should take around 17-18 minutes. Along the way, you could check out Veselka , a favourite for Ukrainian cuisine; the attractive houses on Renwick Triangle , and (if you don’t mind a slightly indirect route) the pretty church garden of Grace Church .

Washington Square Park

Whether you start in the West Village, as I suggest, or the East Village, the next stop is Washington Square Park . This is one of the best-known of New York City’s parks and spending time in it is one of the many free things to do in NYC . It features two key landmarks: the ornate marble Washington Square Arch and a large fountain.

Take some time to rest and absorb the energy of the park. Its atmosphere is often vibrant, with street performers and people milling about. In the south-west corner, there are chess boards set up, if you fancy your chances in a match.

Just north of the park is the start of Fifth Avenue and the location of one of the most well-known addresses in Manhattan, the Art Deco skyscraper at One Fifth Avenue .

Union Square Park

From Washington Square Park, walk up University Place towards Union Square Park.  This route takes through the heart of the NYU campus. The distance is 0.4 miles and should take approximately 8-9 minutes. On the way, you’ll pass by a restaurant I like: the Gotham Bar & Grill. Just mentioning it in case you’re hungry for lunch at this point.

Union Square Park also has a chess scene, so you could watch some games here – or play if you fancy your chances! There’s also a statue of George Washington here, and a farmer’s market on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

From Union Square Park, walk up Broadway to Madison Square Park .   The distance is 0.4 miles and should take approximately 8-9 minutes. On the way, if you’re peckish, there’s a great bakery called Levain Bakery a block or so off-course on 18th street. They do the most amazing thick and gooey cookies!

Madison Square Park is surrounded by gorgeous-looking skyscrapers from the early 20 th century, including the gold-topped New York Life Building and a clock tower, which was once the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company’s headquarters and is now a hotel.

However,  at the southwest corner of Madison Square Park is one of the first truly iconic buildings you will see on this walking tour of Manhattan: the Flatiron Building . The Flatiron Building is a 20-story steel-framed building that was built in 1902. Officially a New York City Landmark, it is well known and loved for its triangular shape with a narrow-angled corner facing north at the junction of Fifth Avenue and 23rd Street – it really is a marvel!

You’ve been walking a lot by this point, so you may want some refreshments and there’s a great option for that near the Flatiron building at Eataly , which has a great selection of different food counters and eateries in its complex.  My choice was an Italian gelato, which I took outside to eat in Madison Square Park.

Empire State Building

From Madison Square Park, you’ll see your next stop way before you reach it (although I’ve heard locals are rather annoyed by the emergence of a new skyscraper that obscures the view of the ESB from the south)!  Walk up Fifth Avenue towards the impressive and inimitable Empire State Building , which occupies an entire block between 33 rd and 34 th streets.   The distance is 0.5 miles and should take approximately 9-10 minutes. Along the way, there’s a popular rooftop bar nearby: 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar – in case you’re interested in getting an elevated view at this point.

Along the way, you can snap pictures of this Art Deco architectural masterpiece from various distances – the Empire State Building really does dominate Midtown! It was the tallest building in the world when it was built in 1931 and it held this record until the World Trade Centre towers went up in 1970. 

There are observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors of the Empire State Building, which give amazing panoramic views of New York City and six states.  Taking the view from the top of the Empire State Building is on many people’s New York bucket list.

However, if you only have an appetite (or time, or budget) for one observation deck, I personally think the Top of the Rock is better. And don’t worry – that is also on this walking tour of Manhattan!

From the Empire State Building, carry on up Fifth Avenue for 7 blocks until you come to the New York Public Library on the left.  The distance is another 0.5 miles and should take approximately 9-10 minutes. Along the way, be aware that the Morgan Library & Museum is a block over on 37th Street.

By this point, Fifth Avenue is like a man-made canyon: the road is a deep chasm between towering skyscrapers. But the next stop is not a high rise.

The New York Public Library is an NYC institution and has been providing access to books and information for more than 125 years. Even if you’re not in the market for some literature, the building itself is worth a detour from your walk. The Beaux-Arts style building, guarded by two marble lions called Patience and Fortitude, was built in 1911 and is a National Historic Landmark. The whole building is wonderful but the Rose Reading room, with its grand arched windows, chandeliers and rows of lamp-lit tables, is really stunning.

And if you’re a movie fan, like me, you may remember scenes from the New York Public Library in NYC-set movies like Ghostbusters, The Day After Tomorrow and Sex & The City: The Movie.

Once you’ve had your fill of the library itself, do check out the park behind it: Bryant Park is a handsome park with lots of seats and views of the surrounding skyscrapers, including the Art Deco American Radiator Building – and the very top of the Empire State Building.

Rockefeller Centre & Top of the Rock

From the New York Public Library, carry on up Fifth Avenue for another 8 blocks until you come to the Rockefeller Centre.  The distance is another 0.5 miles and should take approximately 9-10 minutes. 

At 42nd Street, look right for a glimpse of the Chrysler Building , which is a couple of blocks east of Fifth Avenue. This is my favourite skyscraper in Manhattan – I just love the elegant Art Deco style and silver finish. If you want to take a detour to see it, there’s a good viewpoint on Lexington Avenue, and you could stop by Grand Central Station at the same time. You’ll also start to see lots more shopping opportunities as you go further north on Fifth Avenue.

At Rockefeller Centre , I highly recommend you go to the observation deck in the Rockefeller Tower. It is called Top of the Rock and is 70 stories high with stunning views of the city – it is one of the best observation decks in New York City .  Looking northwards, you can see Central Park and uptown – It is amazing to see the park from so high up and to see just how huge it is, and to see those ornate towered buildings that line it on both sides. 

However, in my opinion, the best view is south, towards midtown and lower Manhattan.  Standing proud in the middle of this view is the Empire State Building. It really is the cherry on the top of the views of Manhattan. You can’t admire the view of the Empire State Building from the top of the Empire State Building, so that’s why I said earlier the view from the Top of the Rock is the best one.

The Rockefeller Centre is also a good place to grab a bite to eat.  At street level, there’s a restaurant with an outdoor terrace right by the fountains.  It’s not cheap – but it is scenic and the salads are great. And Radio City Hall is just down the street, in case you want to check that out while you’re there.

By the way, if you like views of NYC, you might consider staying in one of the hotels with the best views of New York City .

The Plaza Hotel & The Pulitzer Fountain

From the Rockefeller Centre, carry on up Fifth Avenue for another 9 blocks until the buildings give way to Central Park.  On the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street are the Pulitzer Fountain and the Plaza Hotel.  The distance is another 0.5 miles and should take approximately 9-10 minutes. 

On the way, just across from the Rockefeller Centre, on the right side of Fifth Avenue is the St Patrick’s Cathedral , its Neo-Gothic style contrasting with and dwarfed by the modern skyscrapers around it.

The shops become more high-end as you get closer to the park, including Saks Fifth Avenue opposite the Rockefeller Centre and the Tiffany & Co flagship store (made famous by the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, of course) at 57 th Street. And, just so you know, the Museum of Modern Art is on 53rd Street (but I don’t think you’ll have time to go in on this walking tour of New York).

The Plaza Hotel is another New York icon.  If I can continue my movie location theme, it features in The Way We Were and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. I can highly recommend the cocktails in the Champagne Bar , which is pretty good for people-spotting: I saw Princess Diana’s brother, the Earl of Spencer, there a few years ago.

The Pulitzer Fountain is opposite the hotel and was bequeathed by Joseph Pulitzer, who also established the journalism prizes. There are benches and trees around it, making it a nice spot to sit and rest, if you need it.

Once you get to Central Park, I say just have a good wander around – that’s what it is there for! Exploring Central Park is one of the best free things to do in New York . If you want to go as far as the Boathouse, the distance is approximately a mile, so will take 18-20 minutes if you walk non-stop – but of course, there is plenty to distract you in the park!

For example, you might come across talented skaters practising on the paths, or a free performance in the Naumberg Bandshell .  The Bethesda Fountain is a lovely spot, and it is lovely to watch the rowboats on the lake.

Loeb Boathouse has wonderful views over the lake. After completing this self-guided walking tour of Manhattan, you will have earned a rest and some refreshments!

If you still have some energy left, you could continue north and visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum , which is on the edge of Central Park. However, I should warn you that my friend and I did this and our feet felt pretty sore by that point!

When you’re ready for dinner, consider one of the unique restaurants in New York City . Or you could end the day with a cocktail in my favourite cocktail bar of all time, the Bemelmans Bar, in the Carlyle Hotel.

Map: Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Manhattan

Here’s a map of my free self-guided walking tour of Manhattan, with various attractions I have mentioned marked:

How To Use This Map : Click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each one.  If you click the star next to the map’s title, it will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu, go to ‘Your Places’ or ‘Saved’, then click Maps and you will see this map in your list.

Tips For This Walking Tour Of Manhattan

This walking tour of Manhattan is fairly long, so it will pay to be prepared:

• Wear comfortable shoes!
• Bring water and something waterproof in case the weather changes (& check the forecast in advance)
• Respect traffic & use crossings
• Be aware the streets of New York can be dirty, cracked and uneven (it’s a gritty city, but I still love it!)

And if this is your first time in New York City, check out these NYC tips for first-time visitors .

When To Go To New York City?

I think the best time to do this walking tour of Manhattan is in the shoulder seasons: March to May and September to October.  I originally did this on the last day of April, and it was glorious!

Don’t be put off visiting New York when it is colder, though: there are lots of things to do in New York in winter and so many things to do in NYC at Christmas .

Where To Stay In New York City

Here are a few places I have stayed in New York recently (in 2024):

The best hotel I’ve stayed in in NYC is, perhaps unsurprisingly, a luxury 5-star hotel: The Wall Street Hotel . It was spacious, plush, very comfortable, and came with all the amenities you could hope for. It was a wonderful oasis of calm to retreat to at the end of a day spent exploring the city. Service was great and the food and cocktails from the lobby bar were also top-tier.

A good 4-star option is the Nolitan , which has a contemporary urban style blending steel, concrete and velvet textures. I had fairly big room, with a balcony and a nice bathroom. They have a restaurant on site, but I opted to eat out in the neighbourhood – there are several good choices nearby on the north end of Mulberry Street. 

For a budget hotel, I was really pleased with my stay at the 3-star Pod 39 , in Midtown. It’s hard to find good low-priced accommodation with private bathrooms in Manhattan, but I was impressed with the package here. My single room was clean and space-efficient (small, but not too small). There was free coffee in the bar downstairs in the mornings, and they gave me a discount card for the rooftop bar.

The Last Word

I hope you like this self-guided walking tour of Manhattan! If you follow this route, do let me know how you get on. If you need more inspiration for NYC, check out this list of movies set in New York City , romantic things to do in NYC and unique things to do in NYC .

I’ve also written a 4-Day New York itinerary , showing how to make the best of a few days in the city, and a list of things to do in New York at night .

And if you are interested in more NYC walking tours, I did another one for Lower Manhattan !

Enjoy your walk in New York!

If you like this article, I'd be delighted if you shared it!

About The Author

Martha Knight

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4 thoughts on “walk new york: a free self-guided walking tour of manhattan”.

Martha, I love this free walking tour of NYC. I have visited NY many years ago, I have always wanted to return. It is a city that one can visit many times and never get bored. Great post.

Thanks so much, Gilda! I completely agree – I’ve been to NYC several times now and I would happily return again 🙂

This is great! Any suggestions of a hotel for 2 people on a budget along that path? Just a place to sleep, actually. We will be walking the entire day!

Thanks! On the trip I did this walking route, I stayed in an AirBnB in the East Village. I’ts tricky to find any low-cost accommodation in Manhattan, tbh – even hostels charge a lot! But, depending on your dates, you might find a bargain on Booking.com (affiliate link): https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?city=20088325&aid=2164994&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA

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The 27 Best Walking Tours of NYC (Ranked & Sorted)!

Among the most popular ways to experience the Big Apple are guided walking tours, which offer something for everyone. Here I show you the best walking food tours , street art walking tours , the best  Hamilton Musical Walking Tour , Haunted Walking Tours and (of course) the best walking tours through neighborhoods like Soho, Chinatown, the Lower East Side or the Theatre District.

You'll love this:

• Things to Do in NYC
• 30+ New York City Neighborhood Guides

The choice is huge and unfortunately not every tour is really worth the money. All walking tours that made it to our best list are really really good! Many of them we have done ourselves (several times) – which ones we show you here in our personal recommendations .

New are Self Guided Walking Tours , where you can explore the city at your own pace and at any time of day, private walking tours  and last but not least, here is an overview of free walking tours .

Table of Contents

The Best Walking Tours of NYC

01 A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour

The A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour is a combination of sightseeing tour, bus and walking tour. It starts not far from Union Square Park in Manhattan: with your New York guide you drive to Brooklyn to get to know one of the most important neighborhoods like  Sunset Park, DUMBO, Bay Ridge and also Coney Island. 

On this sightseeing tour you will learn where movies like Goodfellas, Once Upon in America or Annie Hall were filmed and you will stop at two of the best pizzerias in Brooklyn. Because pizza and New York simply belong together!

02 Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour

Brooklyn is known for its good pizzas and great coffee. You can go on a journey of discovery through different countries like you can in hardly any other borough. There are many different cultures that have brought their recipes from home to the Big Apple. This Food on Foot tour offers the best of everything: from savory to sweet, from European variations to Mexico and Asia.

03 Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Walking Tour

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and learn about the exciting and dramatic history of this world-famous New York City neighborhood, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. On the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge you will discover DUMBO, a newly popular and up and coming part of Brooklyn. 

Meeting point is 52 Chambers Street in front of the Tweed Courthouse.

04 Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest

Explore the flavors and traditions of  New York’s Chinatown and Little Italy during this exciting food tour. You’ll leave with a full stomach and lots of interesting information about the history and culture of these two neighborhoods.

05 Food on Foot Tours

This is one of the best ways to discover the culinary highlights of NYC! Taking you around the city to explore the best of the best in terms of food, this award winning tour is an excellent way to explore the taste of different areas of NYC.

06 Gangsters and Ghosts Tour in NYC

Immerse yourself in the rich history of New York City with an intriguing Gangsters and Ghosts walking tour. Join your guide for a unique journey into the city’s past, exploring its infamous crimes, notorious gangsters, clandestine deals, and haunted structures. Meander through a variety of downtown neighborhoods, including Little Italy, Chinatown, and the West Village, as you soak up chilling tales of spirits and mobsters. Experience downtown Manhattan’s history on this one-of-a-kind tour, gain insightful knowledge about local history from your guide, and explore several neighborhoods all in one fascinating journey.

07 Hamilton Musical Walking Tour

Did you know that Alexander Hamilton spent most of his life in New York? He is the main character in the musical “Hamilton”, which is one of the most successful shows on Broadway (it won 16 Tony Awards!). This Walking Tour will take you to the most important stages of his life and show you which spots have made an impact on the story. 

Highlights of the Walking Tour include many important historical sites such as Thomas Jefferson’s home, Kings College and Trinity Church. It’s the perfect tour for anyone looking to get in the mood for an evening on Broadway – and for all fans of the musical “Hamilton.”

08 High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour

This is the most popular walking tour along the High Line, starting in the Meatpacking District at the Whitney Museum, running through Chelsea and ending at Hudson Yards. The High Line is my personal favorite park in NYC and always worth a visit. I find the High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour really exciting because you get told the history and significance to New York. Your guide will tell you many secrets that the High Line, the Chelsea Market and the Meatpacking District has to offer.

For me personally, this tour is one of the best walking tours in NYC ever, because you see a lot of the old and the new New York City. That’s what makes this district so interesting for me!

09 High Line Park and Greenwich Village Food Tour

This walking tour through Greenwich Village and Chelsea is one of the best food tours New York City has to offer! Because in this part of the city there are many wonderful little food spots that you must discover. 

In addition, you will learn many exciting anecdotes about the High Line, which connects the Hudson Yards with the Meatpacking District. This former elevated railway line was saved from demolition due to an initiative and is now one of the most popular sights in New York. All the more reason to book this awesome walking tour!

10 High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking Tour

Go on a fun adventure in New York’s only park above street level- the Highline. Experience the Chelsea neighborhood from a whole new vantage point and find out more about the history of the famous Meatpacking District including how it developed into one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the world.

11 New York City Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour

Learn more about the dramatic history of slavery and its connection to the New York subway. Listen to the stories of those New Yorkers who risked their lives and property to help others escape. During this Walking Tour you will gollow the NYC Freedom Trail, and learn how a group of brave men and women forged the network that became the Underground Railroad. View the former city stations that were included on the Underground Railroad, and discover how New Yorkers risked their lives to help people escape slavery.

12 New York: Central Park Movie Sites Walking Tour

On the tour she passes countless locations of TV series and movies: feeds the pigeons like Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone 2, takes pictures in front of the Wollman Rink, as seen in Serendipity, and visits the Boathouse Café, where Harry and Sally have already sat. Also on the tour are locations from comedies such as Date Night – Gangster for a Night, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Gossip Girl, Ghostbusters and more.

13 NYC Lower East Side Food and Culture Small-Group Tour

This is a really unique walking tour in NYC that will introduce you to the wonderful Lower East Side. The Lower East Side Food and Culture Tour shows you the many lovely little delis, Jewish specialties, bakeries and everything that makes up the soul of the city. 

You’ll visit places that are an important part of the community, having operated in the same spot for generations. You’ll get a glimpse of authentic life and become part of the real New York. 

With nearly 300 positive reviews, it’s the most popular walking tour in New York of them all!

14 NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour

The Lower East Side is still an absolute insider tip among the neighborhoods of New York City and a part of Lower Manhattan that I love to visit. There are countless authentic bars and delis, some of which have been family-owned for more than 100 years and are thus an important part of the community.  

The NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour deals exactly with these small spots and stores and is therefore a TOP Thing to do for foodies!

15 NYC Private Walking Tour

If you are traveling as a family or small group and already know exactly what you want to see in New York City, then this private walking tour with Oli is a great option. Here you can let a New York guide show you the best parts of the city and sights from a local’s point of view. You can decide individually which attractions you want to see, because together with Oli you can build your perfect itinerary!

As a bonus, you can even be picked up directly from your hotel, so that the sightseeing program starts directly from your accommodation. And the best part? I personally know Oliver and can only recommend him to you: he loves New York and you will notice that 200% during your tour with him!

16 Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour

The Stage Door tour is great for everyone who is interested in theatre and the entertaining arts. Find out everything about the Rockettes and their history as well as a lot of behind the scenes information about the Radio City Music Hall.

17 Soho, Little Italy & Chinatown Walking Tour

Now known for their many excellent restaurants, shops and tourism, Manhattan’s SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown neighborhoods offer the most varied stories of New York City. Take a 2-hour tour with a local guide and discover hidden gems and 19th century buildings.

18 Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: 4-Hour Guided Tour

Enjoy a guided tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You will have reserved access to the ferry to get to the statue and then you can explore these 2 major attractions with a 4 hour guided tour.

19 Statue of Liberty Pedestal, Ellis Island & Pre-Ferry Tour

A 30-minute English-language guided tour of Battery Park followed by a transfer to the Statue of Liberty with a German audio guide and guaranteed admission to the base of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

20 The Secrets of Grand Central Terminal

The Secrets of Grand Central Terminal Walking Tour not only shows you the most important parts of New York’s famous train station, but focuses on the secrets and special features that only a New York guide would know. Did you know that there is a hidden tennis court in Grand Central Terminal? Or that the painting of the ceiling is mirror-inverted? You will learn much more on this exciting walking tour in NYC!

My Recommendations

I’m a big fan of the

• the 4-Hour Guided Tour of Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
• Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Walking Tour as well as the
• High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour , because you can do sightseeing and learn a lot of interesting things from a local guide at the same time.

And then I would like to recommend the

• NYC Slavery and Underground Railroad Walking Tour , the
• Lower East Side Food and Culture Tour and the
• Tours by Foot!

If you want to customize a walking tour to your own preference and schedule, I recommend this private walking tour with Oli, who I also know personally!

The 13 Best Walking Food Tours

Walking Food Tours bring together several things I like: you learn about the food culture and the neighborhoods of NYC through a local guide, and you get to eat delicious food!

Here you can find the best food walking tours of NYC :

NYC Lower East Side Food and Culture Small-Group Tour

Best of brooklyn walking tour, high line park and greenwich village food tour, chinatown and little italy food fest, flatiron food, architecture, and history tour.

The Flatiron Building is one of the most photographed buildings in the city. But there is much more to discover in the direct neighbourhood. Thanks to the organization “Flatiron 23rd Street Partnership” you will be guided through the district every Sunday by a free guide. Meeting point is the southwest corner of Madison Square Park.

NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour

2-hour cupcake tour of greenwich village.

If you’re into sweets and desserts you should try the famous Cupcake Tour. Sample colorful cupcakes at boutique bake shops, and build your own custom cupcake during this 2-hour tour in Greenwich Village. New York clearly has the best cupcakes and this will be the chance to try the best of them.

Greenwich Village Pizza Walk

Pizza and New York simply belong together! Next to the famous Brooklyn Pizza Walking Tour, this tour through Greenwich Village and Little Italy is one of the most popular food tours in NYC. Included in the price are 3 slices of pizza from different stores and during the tour you will also learn a lot about these neighborhoods from a New York guide.

A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour

New york west village food tour.

Go on one of the famous Food on Foot Tours. During the 3-hour tour, you will discover many great little restaurants and bakeries. A total of 6 of them are on your program on this walking tour, which is one of the most popular in the West Village. For foodies this tour is a must!

New York: Midtown Manhattan Street Food Walking Tour

Food trucks are very popular with New Yorkers: as a quick snack between meals or as a lunch. The Gourmet Snack Truck Tour takes you either through the Financial District or Midtown. From Korean short ribs to souvlaki, curry, falafel, hot dogs or brownies – you will be surprised!

Williamsburg Brooklyn Food Tasting and Walking Tour

The Williamsburg neighborhood has a lot of bars, restaurants, pubs and delis and for me is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Brooklyn (one of our favorite BBQ spots called “Die Fette Sau” is located here). A visit to Williamsburg should definitely be on your itinerary because it’s a nice contrast to hectic Manhattan.

On the Williamsburg Brooklyn Food Tasting and Walking Tour, a New York guide will show you the most important corners of the neighborhood and where to get the most authentic and best food. 

The 3 Best Street Art Walking Tours

Street art is an expression of art that is very common and popular in New York. If you keep your eyes open while walking around the city, you will see a lot of them.

Especially Brooklyn with the Bushwick and Williamsburg neighborhoods are known for their variety of graffiti and street art. These street art walking tours will take you to the most important spots – and you will learn a lot about the artists and the context of the motifs.

Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour

Brooklyn is famous for its bold and bright street art, but it’s not easy to know where to find these creative works. With this walking tour of the Bushwick neighborhood, take in the diversity and culture of the neighborhood’s urban street artists. Check out massive murals and intricate designs as you take to the streets to learn how Brooklyn’s best can turn anything with a surface into a stunning work of public art.

Sidewalks and Skyscrapers: Street Art Is This Way

This walking tour shows that there is also street art and graffiti worth seeing in Manhattan. You start your exploration in Soho , and then in two hours learn the stories behind the large and small works of art. Some of the graffiti is an impressive 20 meters high, so always have your cameras ready!

Private Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour

The Bushwick district is probably the most famous part of New York when it comes to street art and graffiti. Here there are many colorful, very elaborately designed and creative murals. You will see the different techniques that the artists have to master and learn a lot about this own culture and art. 

For many artists, this is their main profession and their graffiti just look awesome! For this reason, take a look at this Start Art Walking Tour!

The Best Hamilton Walking Tour NYC

The musical Hamilton on Broadway has broken many records: it has won the most Tony Awards, the visitors are enthusiastic, the story is unique and until today it is not so easy to get tickets for this musical. The reason? It is always fully booked!

Alexander Hamilton was one of the founding fathers of the United States and spent most of his life in New York City. Reason enough to take a closer look at the Hamilton Walking Tours, where you will learn a lot about his life, his works but also a lot about the history of NYC, which is strongly associated with him.

Hamilton Musical Walking Tour

Alexander hamilton's haunts and hangouts tour.

This walking tour is the second tour that deals with the life of Alexander Hamilton. While the first one has a focus on historical sites, here you will learn more about the person himself. From his favorite pub to his grave, everything is included. Nevertheless, the New York Stock Exchange and Wall Street are not missing from the program!

The 4 Best Haunted Walking Tours

If you’re looking for Ghost Tours or Haunted Walking Tours, you definitely need to check out these tours (not only during Halloween in NYC !):

01 Gangsters and Ghosts Tour in NYC

02 Ghost Stories: A Mysterious, Macabre Interactive Tour at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dive into a world of the spectral and spine-chilling with our Ghost Stories adventure, encompassing everything from the eerie to the unnerving, the morbid to the enigmatic, and the phantasmal to the monstrous. This immersive journey at the Metropolitan Museum presents a spine-tingling exploration of all things terrifying. Attendees will traverse through different eras and cultures to explore the myth of the Flying Dutchman, enigmatic funerary masks, captivating still life art, and striking sculptures. 

Knowledge about the works of art from Egypt, America, and Europe, among others, will be imparted, along with tales of supernatural occurrences within the museum itself. Throughout this experience, we’ll delve into how various cultures portray the daunting and the macabre, seeking to understand the essence of our fears and their origins.

When? Fridays: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturdays: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Important note: Upon your arrival, the guide will provide your tickets (avoiding the need to queue for purchase!), which remain valid for all the exhibitions in the museum after the conclusion of the tour.

03 Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village NYC

Greenwich Village is for me one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of New York and has a lot to offer. But it also has a haunted side in stories, which will be shown to you on this walking tour. This ghost tour through Greenwich Village is full of spooky tales of lost children, phantoms and celebrity ghosts – and not only at Halloween a popular tour. 

Along the way, you’ll learn many interesting anecdotes as you stroll through Washington Square Park, West 10th Street and the campus of New York University. The Greenwich Village Ghost Tour is a real highlight!

04 East Village Haunted Manhattan Walking Tour

On this haunted walking tour you’ll explore one of the oldest neighborhoods in Manhattan: the East Village (and Alphabet City). And at night! There are 13 haunted locations on the list – from historic pubs to the Public Theater to a subway stop known for its “ghost train”.

05 Ghosts of Greenwich Village: 2-Hour Private Walking Tour

Do you like stories about ghosts? Then this private haunted tour of Greenwich Village in the evening is a great option! In two hours, you’ll hear lots of haunted stories about people who have suddenly disappeared or are haunted around Washington Square Park and New York University. And of course: also a lot about this beautiful neighborhood of NYC!

06 Alexander Hamilton's Haunts and Hangouts Tour

07 West Village Ghost Pub Crawl

The West Village Ghost Pub Crawl presents an exciting journey through the haunted corners of the bohemian West Village. Meander through charming, tree-lined streets with 19th-century brownstones, engaging in a thrilling ghost hunt throughout the neighborhood. Your guide will lead you through a series of haunted landmarks including a piano bar, a famous speakeasy, a popular inn, and a historic carriage house, each harboring its own spectral inhabitants. Embark on this spirited expedition to uncover the ghostly mysteries hidden in one of New York’s spookiest neighborhoods.

My Tip: Here you find my comparison of the best ghost tours in NYC !

The Best Private Walking Tour

Nyc private walking tour, manhattan neighborhood private customized walking tour.

You already have an idea of which neighborhoods and sights of New York you want to see? Then this walking tour is perfect for you, because you can create your individual route with your New York guide. 

Each of the many neighborhoods has its own charm and character, which is what makes New York so charming and interesting. Therefore, the right mix can show you the best picture of the city. Combine Times Square and Broadway with Greenwich Village and Soho, or schedule Greenwich Village or Chelsea with the High Line. The beauty of this private tour is that you set the schedule. If you particularly like a place, you can just stay longer!

With over 350 positive reviews, this private walking tour of NYC is one of the best!

The Best Self Guided Walking Tour

Nyc grand central terminal self-guided walking tour.

With its majestic cieling, a series of roman-inspired walk ways, and 18-metre high arched windows, the Beaux Arts style terminal is one of the busiest and most beautiful stations in the world. A comprehensive restoration in 1998 restored this jewel to its former splendour for thousands of passangers to enjoy daily.

Free Walking Tours

Central park conservancy.

Free Central Park tours are offered by the Central Park Conservancy. Here you will learn all kinds of interesting facts about the history of Central Park, its highlights and most important corners. The meeting point depends on the tour.

Grand Central Partnership

If you want to know what makes the Grand Central Terminal so special, the 90-minute free walking tour from the Grand Central Partnership is something you should definitely consider. With a historian as your guide, you’ll learn lots of exciting things about the beautiful building every Friday from 12.30 p.m.

Friends of the High Line Walking Tours

The High Line Park takes you along the old tracks of the elevated railway to the Meatpacking District. Thanks to the initiative “Friends of the High Line” the park exists at all, because originally the construction was supposed to be torn down. And the best thing? They offer free tours!

Things To Do

New York Neighborhood Guides

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

Hole dir deine wöchentliche Dosis New York mit meinem Loving New York-Newsletter! Er ist vollgestopft mit den neuesten Artikeln, Videos, Erfahrungsberichten und allem, was gerade Interessantes und Wissenswertes im Big Apple passiert.

Ich selbst war über 25x in meiner Lieblingsstadt und möchte dir mit meinen Emails dabei helfen, eine sensationelle Zeit vor Ort zu haben.

Und als BONUS bekommst meine ✔️ "24 Tipps für deine New York-Reise" ✔️ die U-Bahn-Karte und ✔️ die offizielle NYC-Karte zugeschickt. Ganz KOSTENLOS!

Start of your trip: We will remind you with current events when you are in NYC!

NYC Self-Guided Walking Tour by a Local (Lower Manhattan & Midtown Routes)

By: Author Charles

Posted on October 6, 2023

As a local New Yorker, I have spent the last 10+ years walking the ins and outs of the city. During this time, I have continued to explore different attractions, activities, viewpoints, and neighborhoods all over NYC.

Taking into consideration everything I have learned over the years, I put together this holistic NYC self-guided walking tour. It takes you along a Lower Manhattan walk, a Midtown Manhattan walk, and then ends up by Central Park. You can decide to stick to one long route combining the two, or just opt for one or the other.

Throughout the Lower Manhattan and Midtown Manhattan routes, this self-guided itinerary will have you seeing many of the top highlights that NYC has to offer.

Read on to learn more about the walk and how to see the city for yourself!

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) NYC Self-Guided Walking Tour Details

Experiencing the city on foot is by far the best way to go about exploring NYC. As you head from one highlight to the next you will be able to really get to know different neighborhoods along the way.

When it comes to the full route, we are going to start all the way at the southern tip of the city at Battery Park, and then head up to Central Park from there. Breaking up the route into two is Union Square, located at 14 th Street. The Lower Manhattan route heads from Battery Park to Union Square, while the Midtown Manhattan route goes from Union Square to Central Park.

During the walk up there will be many attractions to embrace as you get to see a little bit of everything that the city has to offer.

Here are some helpful metrics about the walks, followed by a list of helpful things to know.

Lower Manhattan Route

• Starting Point : Battery Park
• Ending Point : Union Square
• Distance : 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
• Duration : 2 hours (walking only)

Midtown Manhattan Route

• Starting Point : Union Square
• Ending Point : Central Park
• Distance : 4 miles / 6.4 km

Lower + Midtown Route

• Distance : 8.5 miles / 13.6 km
• Duration : 4 hours (walking only)

Who is the Long Route For : the full downtown and midtown route is meant for those people who have a more limited amount of time to spare and are in the city for the first time. By taking part in this entire self-guided tour, you will be able to see so much in a single day & fully take advantage of your time.

Shorter Routes : if you want to take a shorter tour, I have broken out the route between a Lower Manhattan walk and a Midtown Manhattan walk. The two routes are nearly identical to one another in terms of mileage. You can do them over the course of two days, or just pick which one you are most interested in.

Stops : be aware there are spots along the way, which you can stop and visit for a longer period of time. Whether that be an observatory deck or a museum, there are several opportunities that will extend the day. Take this into consideration as you plan your route.

Central Park : the final stop of the day is going to be Central Park. While you can just take a quick walk around the southern end of the park, you may want to consider a separate Central Park self-guided walking tour . This will of course add additional mileage to the day, so be sure to factor that in as well.

Bus Tours : if you happen to want to opt for a guided tour at a faster pace, feel free to check out some of the best NYC bus tours .

2) Route Map & Directions

Below is a Google Maps view of the route from beginning to end. You can see that this is not just a straight-line up Manhattan. Instead, you will be going in and out as you stop by some top highlights along the way.

From a direction standpoint, it should be simple enough to just type in your next destination on Google Maps (or another navigation app), and follow the walking route provided. There are a couple of caveats here, which I will point out throughout this overview.

3) Lower Manhattan Walking Tour

Whether you are opting for the full walking tour or just want to focus on downtown, we start the route at the tip of Manhattan in Battery Park.

Battery Park

First up is Battery Park, also known as just The Battery. The park/neighborhood makes up the southern tip of Manhattan island and is a great place to take in some panoramas.

Since it is located at the tip, this is where you will be able to take in views over New York Harbor, where the Hudson River and East River meet up.

While the park is beautiful on its own, it is really the waterside walkway that makes it special. All around the edge of the park, you will find views of the Statue of Liberty , Ellis Island, Governors Island , New Jersey, and more.

This is also right near the Staten Island Ferry and the departure point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty .

Spend some time walking along the area, before continuing northbound out of the park and into the Financial District.

Charging Bull

Perhaps the most famous sculpture in New York City is the Charging Bull in the Financial District. This bronze piece of art weighs over 7,000 pounds and comes in at 11 feet tall!

The bull was built by an Italian immigrant artist named Arturo Di Modica. He built it as an ode to Wall Street and the optimism of financial growth.

Today, the bull sits on Broadway just north of Bowling Green. Plenty of tourists flock to the bull to take photos and enjoy this massive piece of Wall Street history.

It should take just about 5 minutes from the Battery Park waterfront to reach the bull and the surrounding Financial District.

Learn More : Check out this 4 Day NYC Itinerary to help you plan a longer trip

New York Stock Exchange

As you continue northbound through the district, it is just another five minutes or so until you reach the New York Stock Exchange at 11 Wall Street.

Within the building, there is the famous NYSE trading floor. It used to be one of the (if not the most) chaotic trading floors in the world before electronic trading really took over.

While visitors cannot go inside the exchange itself, they are able to take in the views of the iconic landmark & its columns from the outside.

From the NYSE, you can continue northwest towards the next stop at the Oculus. Here you will find one of the more unique pieces of architecture in NYC. This giant white structure is home to a transportation hub and mall.

Before going inside, you can enjoy the views from the outside and admire the design. From there, head into the Oculus and walk through it all. There are many shops, food options, and more sprawled throughout the complex.

You can exit the Oculus from the top floor on the western side, which then opens up into the 9/11 Memorial Pools.

9/11 Memorial Pools

As you make your way around this memorial, you will see the two large pools that symbolize where the original Twin Towers of the World Trade Center once stood.

It is a humbling experience walking around the memorial and seeing the names etched into the pools’ exterior. Nearby is also the 9/11 Museum . If you have the time and are interested in learning more, the museum is an extraordinary place to visit.

For an elevated view over the memorial, head to Liberty Park on the southern side of the pools.

One World Observatory

Rising up 1,776 feet above the ground is the new One World Trade Center. The building was completed in 2014 and is one of many new buildings built around the area since 9/11.

While you can just take in the view from the outside near the Memorial Pools, you can also head on up to the very top floors. Here you will find the One World Observatory , Manhattan’s only downtown observation deck.

From the top, there are 360-degree views of the NYC skyline and outer boroughs. Depending on your overall route for the day, you may be able to take an hour to enjoy the top before continuing onwards.

Brookfield Place

Just opposite One World Trade is Brookfield Place and the Hudson River. After spending some time within the city streets, you can head into Brookfield Place, where you will find shops, food options, and restrooms.

This can just be a quick pitstop, as you then head outside of the building and begin to walk all along the Hudson River waterfront.

Hudson River Park

Next up is a relaxing walk up Hudson River Park . In its entirety, the park runs from Brookfield Place all the way up to 59 th Street. For the purposes of this walking tour, you will get just about a mile of waterfront to enjoy before heading back into the city streets.

Be sure to exit Brookfield Place on the waterfront, and then simply follow the path that hugs the river. You will first pass by Rockefeller Park before the promenade takes a turn and then continues past Pier 25 and Pier 26.

Pier 26 is one of my favorite piers in the city as it has its famous tide deck, lawn chairs, kayaking, and swinging benches to enjoy.

From there it is northbound until you reach the Pier 35 walkway. You can check that out for some of the most underrated views of the downtown skyline and Statue of Liberty.

Next up is SoHo, the shopping center of NYC and one of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods. Be sure to pay close attention to your navigation here as it is easy to take a much longer and less scenic route.

Cross over the West Side Highway near Pier 35 / Canal Street. Once across the street head north for a block to Spring Street. Once at Spring Street, just continue eastbound until you reach the heart of SoHo.

There is really a never-ending assortment of shops around the SoHo neighborhood. Everything from large designer brands to small boutiques, there will be something for you to find.

SoHo can get crowded with people so just be aware of the busier sidewalks and the hustle & bustle of NYC.

In addition to the stores, SoHo also has its fair share of art galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. So, if you are in the mood to take a break at some point, you will have plenty of options.

Washington Square Park

After enough time strolling through SoHo, make your way up into the Greenwich Village neighborhood. There is always something going on in the streets of Greenwich Village as you make your way into NYU (New York University) territory.

The focus area of the Village is Washington Square Park. Here is where the famous fountain and arch can be found. All throughout the park will be an endless array of entertainment, hangout spots, music, and more.

I find the area to be one of the most diverse spots in NYC as you can really find a little bit of everything happening at once. There is no dull moment in Washington Square!

Union Square Park

From Washington Square Park, you can continue northbound for 10 minutes as you soon reach Union Square Park. The park sits right on 14 th Street, which unofficially marks the ending point of Lower Manhattan.

While the park itself is not too vast, the outer walkways of the park are what people come here for. Throughout the week there are farmer’s markets and artist’s markets that line the area. In addition, you will always find a game of chess or backgammon to play with a local.

Depending on your overall itinerary, you can end your NYC self-guided walking tour here or you can continue northbound as you take part of the Midtown Manhattan route.

Brooklyn Bridge Note : if you would like to include the iconic Brooklyn Bridge on your walking route, feel free to start your day in Dumbo. From there, make the walk across the bridge and into downtown Manhattan. This would add around 2 miles to the overall route.

4) Midtown Manhattan Walking Tour

For those who want to continue onwards (or who simply want to take part in the Midtown Manhattan self-guided walking tour), we begin the journey at Union Square.

From Union Square, head up Broadway for a half mile until you reach Madison Square Park.

Madison Square Park

Located between 23 rd Street and 26 th Street is Madison Square Park. The park marks the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, where the famous Flatiron Building can be found.

While not that large, the park offers some scenic walking paths to make your way around as you take in views of the Empire State Building out back.

The famous Eataly supermarket is also located on the outskirts of the park and can make for the perfect spot to have a food or drink break.

Empire State Building

Just 10 minutes north along Fifth Avenue is the Empire State Building. You will begin to get a glimpse of it as you make your way up before the full building comes into view.

This is without a doubt it is one of New York’s most iconic skyscrapers and is a highlight of the skyline. While you can just take in the view from down below, you can also head on up to the top.

The Empire State Building has two observation deck floors – the 86th-floor outdoor deck and the 102nd-floor indoor deck. During a visit, you can opt to just go up to the 86 th floor, or you can buy a ticket for both .

It is also the only observation deck that offers select sunrise hours , for those that want to see the city come to life to start your day.

Bryant Park / New York Public Library

Another 10-minute walk northbound along Fifth Avenue is the New York Public Library building. When it comes to libraries, this is one of the most beautiful out there.

You can walk around the various floors taking in the architecture, and checking out different rooms. Once all done inside, make your way outside, where Bryant Park is located.

The Bryant Park lawn area is one of the best in the city. During the winter months, it is transformed into a market, ice skating rink, and holiday-themed restaurant . During the summer, you can find various events such as yoga and movie nights taking place here.

Learn More : Check out the list of 100 things to do in NYC !

Grand Central Terminal

Now, once you leave Bryant Park, it is time to make a detour to the east as you walk a couple of avenues toward Grand Central Station.

Grand Central is one of the transportation hubs in NYC . In addition, it is also one of the most photo-worthy spots both inside and out.

The reason behind this is because of how beautiful the architecture is, most prominently its main concourse. The concourse comes in at 35,000 square feet with 125-foot ceilings (the windows themselves are over 60 feet tall!).

Attached to Grand Central is also another observation deck – SUMMIT One Vanderbilt . This is going to be a much more interactive and artistic experience compared to the other decks around the city.

The famous Chrysler Building also stands tall right next to Grand Central, so you are sure to see it up close and personal during a visit.

Times Square

Once all wrapped up near Grand Central, retrace your steps 10 minutes westbound to the next stop at Times Square.

While I am not the biggest fan of Times Square , I certainly see the reasonings for people to visit the area during an NYC trip. There is no place in the city like it, with its giant billboards, bright lights, and constant entertainment all around.

The Times Square area is quite large spanning from 42 nd Street up to 50 th Street give or take. The intersection of 7 th Avenue and Broadway is where you will find most of the action, but there really is something happening on every corner.

Rockefeller Center

From Times Square, head a couple of avenues eastbound, where you will soon come across Rockefeller Center.

At Rockefeller Center, there is a complex full of buildings, plazas, dining options, NBC Studios, and the famous Christmas tree (during the holiday season of course).

It is a scenic area to walk through as you have fountains lining the promenade up to the main plaza itself. During the winter the plaza is transformed into its iconic ice rink for all to enjoy.

Another highlight is the Top of the Rock observation deck , which is one of my favorites in the city. From the tri-level deck, you will get some of the best-unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline.

Fifth Avenue

It is now time to slowly end your self-guided walking tour as you make your way northbound to Central Park along Fifth Avenue.

While it is just 10 blocks away, you can stop at a few additional highlights near Rock Center.

The St Patricks Cathedral is located just across the street from the center. It is one of the most well-known cathedrals in the city and can be visited as part of a guided or unguided tour.

Another nearby highlight is the Atlas Statue , a figure from Greek mythology. The statue stands at 45 feet in height and weighs 15,000 lbs.

From there, you can continue up 5 th Avenue, take some breaks at some shops, and arrive at Central Park South right near the Plaza Hotel.

Central Park

Without a doubt, Central Park is one of my favorite destinations to visit in NYC. The park is one of the most famous in the United States (and the world) and has plenty of New York photo spots to enjoy. I am there nearly every week or so, strolling the paths and taking photos.

As you may imagine, there is just so much to see all throughout the 843 acres of Central Park. Some of the fan favorites of Central Park include:

• Wollman Rink
• The Mall & Literary Walk
• Bethesda Fountain & Terrace
• Conservatory Water
• Loeb Boathouse
• Belvedere Castle
• The Reservoir
• Among plenty of others!

Now, if you want to get more than just a glimpse of Central Park, you will need to add extra mileage to the overall day. In my opinion, the park deserves at least a half day to fully appreciate what it has to offer.

You can check out this self-guided walking tour of Central Park for a step-by-step overview. Similar to this article, I will walk you through how to see the park through long (or shorter) loops.

Other highlights near Central Park include The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim, and Frick Collection museums on the Upper East Side. You can also find the Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side and a great shopping/dining center near Columbus Circle.

5) Walking Tips

Before you head out for your self-guided NYC walking tour, note a few helpful tips & tricks to get you started.

Comfortable Shoes : since you will be on your feet a bunch, wearing comfortable walking shoes is essential. Try to avoid flip-flops or dressy shoes as those are not ideal for city walking.

Food/Water : you should have no issue finding food & drinks along the route. Restaurants, food carts, take-out spots, and more are frequent throughout the city.

Bathrooms : there will be some public restrooms along the route too. If you are having trouble finding any, many coffee shops or bars have restrooms that you can quickly run into.

Dress Accordingly : be aware of the weather for the day you are taking the tour. You will be outside for the most part so the weather elements will be at play. That could mean shorts and a T-shirt in the summer or a warm coat in the winter.

Directions : as mentioned earlier, Google Maps (or simply leveraging the map above) will best direct you from one attraction to the next. If you want to take a walking break / skip an attraction, then simply hop on the subway as you see fit.

No matter if you opt for the Lower Manhattan walk, Midtown Manhattan walk, or a combination of the two, this self-guided tour is sure to bring you to the top attractions in the city.

If you have any questions about the tour, feel free to add them below. Also, don’t forget to check out the other New York itineraries and guides up on the site.

Have fun out there and safe travels!

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Tuesday 2nd of January 2024

Excellent blog here Also your website loads up very fast What web host are you using Can I get your affiliate link to your host I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol

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New Tour Alert! SWEETS AND SCREAMS: A SUGARY SWEET GHOST WALK OF GREENWICH VILLAGE

MANHATTAN WALKING TOUR

It’s like having a friend show you around, historic walking tours, food tours, half and full day combo tours, midtown architecture, historic tours, double combo tours, triple combo tours, why manhattan walking tour, 8 people or less guaranteed, great local guides.

It’s like having a friend show you around. What better way to experience all that Manhattan has to offer than with real New Yorkers! Our licensed tour guides have years of experience helping guests learn the history and culture that is NY. We can also accommodate Spanish speaking guests if requested with advance notice.

Semi Private Tour

Never more than 8 people on a tour. Your guide is always standing right next to you and interacting with the group. He/she not only gives you great information but is available to answer all your questions, from the history to where to get the best cocktails. This is a unique intimate personal experience.

Discounts on Combos

We offer eight individual tours. You can combine them to be a 2, 4, or 6 hour tour. We’ll travel with you from one neighborhood to another. Our combo tours are a combination of historic tours as well as a food tour. All of our food tours include the price of the food and are enough for a full lunch. Nothing comes on little toothpicks, we feed you well!

CUSTOM TOURS

Private • corporate • school groups.

Whether you want to spice up your night with a few drinks in some of the best bars in NY or you’re a group wishing to see NY in a different way than our standard tours, these custom tours will fit all your needs. Check out why our tours have been joined by companies such as Microsoft, IBM, TTS Energy and many more…

Custom Tours

You deserve the best nyc experience.

Embark on an exclusive journey with Manhattan Walking Tour and discover the finest food tours in NYC and captivating historic walking tours of New York. Immerse yourself in the vibrant history and culinary delights of New York City, a true paradise for food enthusiasts. Our meticulously designed tours guarantee an unforgettable sensory experience, unveiling hidden gems and untold stories of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Prepare to indulge in mouthwatering flavors on our delectable food tours, where you’ll savor local delicacies while immersing yourself in captivating anecdotes and fascinating historical insights. Experience the authentic spirit of the Big Apple as our expert guides lead you through the bustling streets, sharing their insider knowledge and revealing the city’s best-kept secrets.

To ensure an intimate and personalized adventure, our tour groups are limited to a maximum of 8 guests. With such a small group size, you’ll enjoy an exclusive and immersive experience like no other. Join our semi-private tours and embark on a captivating journey filled with culinary delights, entertainment, and enriching facts as you explore the mesmerizing cityscape. Our exceptional guides will be there every step of the way, ensuring that you have an unforgettable NYC food and walking tour. Let us be your friendly and knowledgeable companions, showcasing the top spots and hidden treasures of the city.

Choose from our captivating historical tours or tantalizing food tours of New York City below, and get ready to satisfy your appetite while unraveling the wonders of New York. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to be part of an intimate group of 8 guests or less, allowing for a truly personalized and immersive experience. Join Manhattan Walking Tour and create memories that will last a lifetime!

READ WHAT OUR HAPPY GUESTS HAVE SAID

Just returned from a family reunion in New York with my two sisters and their families (ages ranged from 18-65 years old). The highlight of our trip was the Greenwich Village food tour with Alex. This was my third food tour with Alex and my daughter’s fourth. […] We had a larger group than normal and Alex was able to manage all the different personalities while making each person feel special. Read full testimonial (opens in a new tab)

This tour was a great way spend the afternoon. Since we had such a small group, our guide Nancy was able to answer everyone’s questions. She treated us like we were her friend’s visiting. I was not expecting such a large amount of food at every stop. Read full testimonial (opens in a new tab)

January 2019

We went on the Hells Kitchen food tour during our recent visit. Our guide was Annabel and she was awesome. I’m so glad we got to go with her. She was very knowledgeable and friendly. She remembered everyone’s names, which is very impressive as our group had 8 people on it. […] If you are looking for a Hell’s Kitchen food tour, this is the one you want. Read full testimonial (opens in a new tab)

Kudos to Alex and Manhattan Walking Tours for an excellent afternoon spent touring Greenwich Village

What a great experience for the Leadership Team – after two long days of meetings, this tour gave them energy and they were really thrilled to learn more about Greenwich Village

WHO ARE WE?

Here at Manhattan Walking Tour, we are New Yorkers through and through. We love New York City, and have been sharing our passion with visitors from around the globe since 2010. Our guided walking tours are like having a good friend show you around their NYC neighborhood, sharing all of their favorite places and the stories that go along with them. What makes a Manhattan Walking Tour so unique is our 8 person or less guarantee, resulting in an intimate, engaging New York City activity.

Dialogues with Gods of Beaux-Arts and Art Deco New York

Finding seneca village in central park, new york city’s historic downtown (pt. 1), check us out on instagram, @manhattanwalkingtour, manhattanwalkingtour.

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The Best Walking Tours In NYC For A Day Of Sightseeing

Sure, bus tours are cool, but nothing beats touring NYC on foot!

Whether you’re commuting to work, meeting with friends, or exercising, it’s no secret that New Yorkers see much of the city by foot. However, walking the same paths day after day may keep you from seeing some of the most unique parts of the city, and what fun is that?

Though typically taken by tourists, walking tours in NYC can be one of the best ways to bust out of your usual routine and expose yourself to something new! Whether you’re looking for new hidden gems in your neighborhood, wanting to learn more about the city, or explore somewhere you’ve never been, we’ve got some guided tours that’ll do the trick.

1. Catacombs by Candlelight Tour

Are you brave enough to explore the catacombs of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral by candlelight? In this walking tour, you can get an up close and personal look at the sealed off catacombs that are 200 years old and closed to the public. You’ll be able to walk through the chilling crypts by candlelight, all while learning about how the church served as a notable final resting place for many famous New Yorkers.

🕯️ Get your tickets to the Catacombs by Candlelight Tour here!

2. Inside Out Tours

This black woman-owned NYC tour operator offers some of the best walking tours in NYC, focused on hidden history, architecture, team-building, diversity and inclusion-themed experiences. This organization takes great pride in this outlook, and it reflects in their diverse subjects of tours! They too have both public and private tours available, and they truly dig deep into topics that made NYC what it is today. Check out just some of their options via their website !

3. Viator Tours

You’ve probably heard of Viator, and that’s because they service different experiences across the world’s most famous cities. Here in NYC it’s no different and their range of of unique walking tour experiences are some you can not find anywhere else! Check out our favorites below and remember to keep them in mind if you travel to other cities!

• Gangsters and Ghosts Tour in NYC, buy tickets here
• Greenwich Village Small-Group Haunted Ghost Tour in NYC, buy tickets here

4. Chinatown Official Historic District Tour

In partnership with the Chinatown Little Italy Historic District and Two Bridges Neighborhood Council , this walking tour allows guests to explore one of the most exciting neighborhoods in downtown Manhattan! The 90 minute walking tour will lead you down Chinatown landmarks, like Doyers Street, Confucius Plaza, a Taoist Temple, and more . Don’t forget to try some of the neighborhood’s restaurants too while you’re there!

Learn more about this tour here !

5. Haunted Manhattan Walking Tours

Take a journey on a tour “where horror and history meet.” Haunted Manhattan Tours offers 4 different options, separated by neighborhood (East Village, West Village, Greenwich Village, Five Points). Have a drink with a troubled bartender in the East Village, or get to know the spooky souls of Manhattan artists in the West Village; each tour is riddled with crime scenes, ghosts past, and historical tales that will have you feeling spooked out.

Learn more about these tours here .

6. Broadway Up Close Tours

Get ready for a behind the scenes look at Broadway like you never have before! Broadway Up Close offers tours of different NYC Broadway theaters that you normally wouldn’t get access to. We’re talking everything from the Hudson Theatre to the Gershwin Theatre. They have three tours separated by street sections (41st-44th St, 44th-46th St, and 47-54th St), as well as variety tours too like a Haunted Broadway tour as well as a tour all about the play Hamilton .

Learn more these tours here .

7. New York Historical Tours

We highly recommend New York Historical Tours , whose unrivaled bundle of knowledge and fun is a great way to spend a day around NYC. With 15 signature tours covering every major district of the city, there’s sure to be one to enlighten and inspire you. Our favorite tours they offer include the Historic Lower Manhattan and Financial District Tour , the Downtown, Tribeca and SoHo Tour , the Alexander Hamilton and the Founding Fathers tour , The Gilded Age tour or The Jazz Age tour !

Learn more about the tours here .

8. Little Italy Official Historic District Tour

Want to be transported back in time? At this 90-minute Little Italy Official Historic District Tour, you’ll uncover the rich heritage of the iconic neighborhood through a tour of Petrosino Park, Mulberry Play Street, the Old Police Headquarters Building, and beyond. The walking tour is filled with tales of triumph, struggle, and cultural contributions that shaped Little Italy into its present-day community. Be sure to save room to sample the authentic flavors that the neighborhood has to offer!

9. Free Tours by Foot

For some casual, and costless fun, check out Free Tours by Foot whose 5 featured tours all run under a pay-as-you-wish system. To start your journey with them, you could try the SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Tour , or their Brooklyn Bridge, Heights and DUMBO Tour . A few other of our favorites are the Harlem Tour and the Lower Manhattan Tour , and the Lower East Side Food Tour . Since these tours are free, they’re the perfect way to have a fun day at a low cost. They also have bike and audio tours too if you’re interested in that.

Learn more about Free Tours by Foot here .

10. NYC Gangsters & Ghosts Tour

This 2 hour and 1.2 mile walking tour takes you through the gangsters and ghosts of NYC’s past ! Walk through the most famous neighborhoods of Downtown Manhattan (The Five Points, Chinatown, Little Italy and The West Village) and learn about the shady partying, speakeasy saloons, secret underground tunnels used by bootleggers throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The haunted locations and old crime scenes will leave you feeling chilled, as a historian guides you through the city, telling old stories along the way.

11. Like a Local Tours

Get ready to literally feel “like a local” with Like a Local Tours! With the help of their guides, they connect locals and tourists alike to discover NYC through food, fashion, art, history and immersive experiences. They offer both public and private tours, and even social impact tours that offer tourists a chance to make a difference in the NYC community while they’re on it. Be sure to check out our favorite ones below, and keep an eye on their calendar for even more:

• Flatiron Food, History, & Architecture Tour, buy tickets here

12. On Location Tours

Ready to feel like you’re on a movie set? On Location Tours in NYC specializes in entertainment, film, and TV-based walking tours that will take you around the most seen places of NYC on the big screen! If you don’t feel like the main character after one of these tours, we don’t know what will! Check out our favorite below and their website for even more:

• Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour, buy tickets here

13. Bowery Official Historic District Tour

Originally a Native American footpath and Dutch farm road, Bowery is NYC’s oldest street. At the Bowery Official Historic District Tour, you can uncover the site of the first free Black homesteads, gang wars, Lincoln’s famous anti-slavery speech at Cooper Union, and more. Steeped in history, the area was also home to NYC’s first entertainment district, Beat literature, improvisational jazz, and iconic artists such as Marc Rothko and Maya Lin.

14. Real New York Tours

For real people, real stories, and the real New York you know and love, Real New York Tours shows the city as it is. The founders of the company, Luke and Amber, are NYC locals that show you how the city should be admired. Their tour styles vary in location and size, so you’ll have to inquire online to see what’s available. For example, they have a classic Midtown tour or even a three-hour Downtown tour that will take you through a foot and subway trek through the Big Apple. We love the charisma these two bring to their guided tours!

For more details on tours, visit here .

15. Foods of NY Tours

If you’re looking for a walking tour in NYC that’s actually less walking, and more eating, Foods of NY Tours has a flavor for you! With seven mouth-watering tours in New York’s most historic neighborhoods, you’ll mingle with fellow New Yorkers over warm meals and even warmer conversations. The tour styles here combine food, history, culture, and storytelling to create an experience that will feed your mind just as much as your stomach! Some of our favorites include the Heart and Soul of Greenwich Village tour, the Flavors of Chinatown tour and the Secrets of Little Italy tour !

Learn more about Foods of NY Tours here .

16. Manhattan Walking Tour

If you’re looking for a casual, personable experience that feels like a friend is showing you around, Manhattan Walking Tours will happily be your guide. The tours here are kept small, with only eight people max per group! Manhattan Walking Tours gives you the chance to make friends, find new scrumptious foods, and just savor a day on your streets. With tours ranging from tasty eateries to architectural discovery, there’s a tour everyone can enjoy. Plus, we love the fact that they offer combo tours into a two, four, or even full six-hour package deal.

Find more information on tours here .

17. True Tales of NYC Walking Tours

The True Tales of NYC Walking Tours have a sweetly irresistible range of tours just for you. Most of their tours are around the East Village area, like their delicious East Village Food and East Village Dessert Tours . But they do have some good historical tours too! The True Tales of the East Village tour and the True Tales of Greenwich Village tour are both history-focused walking tours that will tell the tales of artists, oddballs, and provocateurs in those neighborhoods since the 1950s!

TYPE IN YOUR SEARCH AND PRESS ENTER

Suggested One Day NYC Itinerary and Self-guided Tour

by:  Max Vishnev , founder of CityRover Walks NY and licensed NYC tour guide

Are you visiting New York City for the first time?  Will you only have a day or two to try cover as many of the famous places and attractions as possible?

If you answered “Yes” to one or both of the questions above, then this detailed One Day NYC itinerary and guide is for you!

You might also find our “ Top 10 Must See Places to Visit in New York City ” guide useful.  It’s full of rich detail, including maps and places to eat and drink near famous NYC attractions.  It complements this guide really well!

If you have any questions or are interested in customizing a private guided walking tour , feel free to browse our private tour offerings at https://cityroverwalks.com/tours .  You can also drop us a line at [email protected] , or call us at +1(347)464-9335.  We’ll be glad to help!

2 notes before we dive in:

1.  This one-day guide is geared toward first-time visitors, but repeat visitors should find it useful as well.  Be prepared to walk a lot and to use the NYC subway system .

2.  Obviously, it is impossible to see all New York has to offer in a single day, but this should give you a good feel for the city and some of its most famous places, buildings, and landmarks.

One of the landmarks included in this suggested one-day itinerary is the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.  Check out this clip (featuring the author of this post) from a Canadian TV show called “America Over the Edge”:

Now without further adieu, let’s get your one-day NYC adventure started!

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Top of the Rock FAQs
• 1.2 There are two main ways to get Top of the Rock tickets
• 2 30 Rock and Rockefeller Plaza
• 4 Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
• 5 New York Public Library
• 6.1 Food options inside Grand Central
• 7 Chrysler Building
• 8 Brooklyn Bridge
• 9 Dumbo, Brooklyn
• 10 East River Ferry
• 11 Wall Street
• 12 Charging Bull
• 13 Bowling Green
• 14 Custom House
• 15 Staten Island Ferry
• 16.1 Fun facts about the Statue of Liberty
• 17 Ellis Island
• 18 Stone Street
• 19 Federal Reserve Bank of New York
• 20.1 Here are a couple of tips before visiting the 9/11 Museum
• 21 WTC Transit Hub/Oculus

Top of the Rock

We suggest starting your day early with a morning visit to the popular observation deck at Rockefeller Center called Top of the Rock.  Enter the flagship building, 30 Rockefeller Center, at 50th street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue (look for the neon “Observation Deck” sign).

It’s a great way to take in the city from the sky before exploring it on foot. You can’t really fully appreciate New York’s density, scale, visual diversity, and unique skyline until you visit Top of the Rock.

Top of the Rock FAQs

Top of the Rock is just a clever name for the observatory atop 30 Rockefeller Center, the flagship (and tallest) building in the entire 1930s-era complex. You’ll need to enter 30 Rockefeller Center and follow the signs for Top of the Rock. The best way to do that is to enter at 50th street, between 5th and 6th avenues. You’ll see a marquis with “Observation Deck” displayed on it. Enter there and follow the instructions of the staff.

Top of the Rock is open 7 days a week, from 9am to 12am. The first elevator goes up at 9am, while the last elevator leaves at 11:10pm. The closer you get there to the time it opens, the smaller the crowd will be, which not only means a faster security line but more room to walk around and admire the incredible views at the top.

The observatory goes from the 68th floor up to the 70th floor of 30 Rockefeller Center. There are stairs, escalators and elevators available to go from one level to the next.

Don’t worry, if you stick to the first level (the 68th floor), you will be completely surrounded by thick glass and far enough from the edge of the building where you wouldn’t be able to look straight down. That said, you would still be on the 68th floor of a Manhattan skyscraper, so if you have serious acrophobia, you might want to skip it and just get a cup of coffee or a bite to eat in the Dining Concourse, while others in your travel party enjoy the views and show you the pictures later.

It really depends. Are you coming in the slower months (January through early March)? If so, you can just buy tickets when you get there. But if you’re visiting during the busier months (which is the rest of the year, really) and you want to go on a Saturday, you’re better off buying tickets online. We have more info on ticket options below.

A standard adult ticket is $40 (plus 9% sales tax). They charge a $15 “sunset” surcharge if you want to go up there with everyone else that’s trying to catch the sunset from Top of the Rock (another reason to follow our advice and go there earlier in the day). Other options are their “Express Pass” for $85, and the “VIP” ticket, which is $125 before tax. Both allow you to skip lines, but the VIP ticket includes a tour and a photo pass) .

There are two main ways to get Top of the Rock tickets

Buy them online and reserve a specific date and time. This is the way to go if you know exactly when you will be going up there.  The main risk with this option is that the weather may not cooperate and Rockefeller Center does not issue refunds due to weather conditions, though they may issue you a ticket for another date in case of inclement weather.  

Buy your tickets at 30 Rockefeller Center in person. This is the better option if you are not sure about the date or want to check the weather forecast once you arrive in NYC.  The ticket “office” is in the Dining Concourse of 30 Rockefeller Center (lower level).  There are vending machines as well as several ticket agents inside.  The line usually moves pretty quickly.  The biggest risk with this option, especially during the peak tourism months in New York (late March through December), is that they may be sold out for certain time periods on a given day.  For example, if you were to show up on a warm and sunny Friday in June hoping to go up with the first elevator at, you may discover that they are sold out.  So it’s a trade-off between weather risk and ticket availability risk.

Whichever ticket option you choose, the views up at the top will be the same – amazing.  You’ll see the Empire State in all its Art Deco splendor if you look south and 843 acres of Central Park if you look north.  And who knows, maybe you’ll bump into Jimmy Fallon or one of the cast members of Saturday Night Live on your way out.

After returning back to ground level, there are lots of good options for a quick bite in the Dining Concourse, including Black Seed bagels, Ace’s Pizze, among many other good lunch options.  And don’t forget Chip City for an amazing cookie from a popular local brand.

If you are a coffee connoisseur looking for a great cup of coffee in NYC , skip the Starbucks and head to Blue Bottle Coffee, located near the bathroom facilities in the Dining Concourse.

Next:  Walk 2 minutes

Take the escalator from the Dining Concourse up to the main lobby of 30 Rock (which faces the Plaza and ice-skating rink)

30 Rock and Rockefeller Plaza

From the Dining Concourse, take the escalator back upstairs and check out the beautiful lobby of 30 Rockefeller Center before exiting.  The fantastic mural on the main wall is called “American Progress” and was created by Jose Maria Sert, a Catalan artist, and completed in 1937.  Abraham Lincoln is the tall figure in the top hat (left of center).  The building looming in the background is the very building you are standing in (30 Rock).

A quick aside for art history (and drama) lovers: The Rockefellers originally awarded this very prominent commission to a famous Mexican muralist named Diego Rivera, who was a well-known Communist.  His sketch for the mural was approved, but as the giant fresco was nearing completion, Rivera decided to add the face of Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the Russian Bolshevik Revolution.  This act of artistic propaganda, needless to say, did not please his famously rich and very capitalist patrons.  After refusing to remove Lenin, Rivera was quickly fired , his mural covered up, then unceremoniously chiseled off the wall piece by piece (it was a fresco, so it couldn’t be removed).

Now look up at the ceiling.  Jose Maria Sert, who gladly replaced Diego Rivera, painted this incredible work as well.  It is simply called “Time”.  The colossal figure in the center is “Present”, who is flanked by “Past” and “Future”.  He strikes a difficult balance between mankind’s past failures and accomplishments and the uncertain prospects and hopes for the future.

Exit through the revolving doors towards the flags of the Plaza.  If you turn around, you’ll see the building’s name is chiseled onto the stone façade.  The “Comcast Building” is actually the building’s third name.  It was originally the “RCA Building” when it opened in 1933.  Then, in 1988, it became the “GE Building”.  The current name was made official in 2015.  We prefer “30 Rock”.

If you gaze up while looking at the building’s façade, you’ll see a really stern-looking giant with a long white beard.  That’s old man “Wisdom” pushing away clouds of ignorance to bring us Sound (left) and Light (right).  This incredibly complicated work of art was designed by Lee Lawrie, who would go on to create Atlas on Fifth Avenue (more about Atlas later).  The giant bearded sage was carved out of a single piece of limestone.  And the glass background is comprised of 240 pieces of hand-cast glass blocks.

The reference to Sound and Light is no accident.  The art of Rockefeller Center (created in the early to mid-1930s) was meant to inspire and lift people’s spirits during the Great Depression.  Celebrating mankind’s recent achievements was a way to do that, so Sound can be viewed as celebrating the radio and the telephone, while Light might reference the relatively recent proliferation of electric light, as well as the development of the motion picture industry.

Now, if you turn around, you’ll see the flags that correspond to members of the United Nations (unless you are visiting during a national holiday or around Christmas season, when the UN flags are temporarily replaced).  As we wrote in our post about the  top places to visit in NYC , the Rockefellers played a vital role in the establishment of the U.N. Headquarters in New York City.

The Lower Plaza, where the famous ice skating rink is, draws large crowds in the colder months.  Flying above the rink is the gilded Greek mythological figure of Prometheus, bringing fire (that he stole from Mount Olympus) to mankind (that he created out of clay), represented by the smaller male and female bronze figures in front of the Lower Plaza.  This got Zeus really riled up, and as punishment, Prometheus was chained to a rock, while a vulture pecked out his liver every night.  But then, his liver would grow back during the day, only to be pecked out again at night.  That lasted for 30 years until Hercules killed the vulture and freed Prometheus.

Next: Walk 3 minutes

Walk up the promenade, also known as the “English Channel,” heading towards Saks on Fifth Avenue. 

The French building will be on your right, the British building on your left.  Once you reach Fifth Avenue, make a left and head towards the twin Gothic spires of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.  Across from the famous cathedral is the enormous Art Deco sculpture of Atlas holding up the weight of the world.

Atlas, according to Greek mythology, was the brother of Prometheus and a fellow Titan.  Atlas is the largest sculpture in Rockefeller Center and the most impressive (rising 45 feet above the sidewalk!).  It is supposed to represent “internationalism”, which explains its prominent placement in front of the International Building.  According to Greek mythology, Atlas fought against Zeus and the gods of Mount Olympus for ten years and lost.  His punishment was to hold up heaven and earth forever.  That’s a long time to hold up anything, especially when you can’t even stretch or scratch an itch.  Key takeaway: Don’t mess with Zeus, a lesson both Prometheus and Atlas learned the hard way.

For a great photo, stand behind Atlas.  This view offers multiple contrasts: Bronze vs. marble, Art Deco vs. Neo Gothic, dark vs. light, Greek Mythology vs. Roman Catholicism.

And while you’re there, you’ll notice that it appears as if Atlas is kneeling towards Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.  While that was not the intention of the artist, Lee Lawrie, this view allegedly placated an angry archbishop, who felt that the 7,000 kilogram bronze figure was a massive insult heaved upon the Roman Catholic institution right across Fifth Avenue.  A mythological Greek Titan holding up the earth and heavens right across from the Cathedral was a slap in the face, in his view, until he stood behind Atlas and saw him “kneeling”.

By the way, residents of Queens (New York’s second-most populous borough) should be proud to know that the final plaster model of Atlas was cast in bronze in a Long Island City studio.

Next: Look across the street!

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Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

The iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue recently underwent a full restoration , which took 3 years and cost $177 million.  This included the washing and polishing of the nearly 8,000 pipes that make up the main organ.  The restoration was completed in the nick of time — a week before the visit of Pope Francis!

The land for the cathedral was acquired in 1858 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of NY at a time when the area was still largely undeveloped, which is hard to fathom today!  It took two decades to build the magnificent cathedral, with the project costs being funded mostly by poor Irish immigrants contributing nickels and dimes.  By the time it was completed in 1879, this section of Fifth Avenue had become “Millionaire’s Row”.  Its neighbors, living in their stately mansions, didn’t look too fondly upon the new cathedral, given that most of them were “blue-blooded” Protestant families.

The splendid cathedral is open to the public, so walk inside if you have the time.  The dimensions will stun you, as will the stained glass work.  The Roman Catholic Archdiocese holds regular services as well.

Next: Walk 10 minutes

Walk south along Fifth Avenue for about 10 minutes until you reach the classical marble building with the two dormant stone lions in front at 41st street.  You’ll know you’re walking in the right direction if the street numbers are going down (i.e. 50th, 49th, 48th…)Next

New York Public Library

New York City has no shortage of stunning buildings, and the flagship NY Public Library on Fifth Avenue has to rank near the top.  It is considered one of the best examples of the Beaux Arts style of architecture that was so popular in New York in the early part of the 20 th century.  In fact, some of the most famous buildings in the city were designed in this style, including Grand Central Terminal, NY Stock Exchange, Custom House, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (though the original building by Calvert Vaux was in a different style).  All of these famous landmarks were built during the so-called “City Beautiful” movement that became all the rage in New York City after the popular Chicago World’s Fair of 1893 that introduced America to the “ Great White City ”.

The Library is guarded by two massive stone lions.  These friendly pussy-cats go by two different sets of names.  Originally, they were called Leo Astor and Leo Lenox (named after John Jacob Astor and James Lenox, whose privately built libraries were combined to form this one).  During the Great Depression, however, they were renamed Leo Patience and Leo Fortitude by then-mayor Fiorello LaGuardia to boost morale in a city crushed by the Crash of ’29.

Movie buffs reading this might recognize the classical façade from the opening scene of the original Ghostbusters (1984), or the tsunami scene from the 2004 apocalyptic thriller, The Day After Tomorrow.

You might also notice that the building is actually called the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.  What gives?  Isn’t this the famous New York Public Library?  Who is this Schwarzman guy and why is his name on the building?  He is a private-equity billionaire whose net worth is estimated to be over $12 billion, and in 2008, he donated $100 million to the library to help fund a $1 billion overhaul and restoration.  This enormous donation, the largest unconditional private donation to a public institution in New York City at the time, got his name to appear on and in the century-old building not once but five times!  The Landmark Preservation Commission had to approve the carving of his name on the main façade.

The massive building itself, took over a decade to build (it took 2 years just to dismantle a giant stone reservoir that occupied the site), and when completed in 1911, it was the largest marble building ever constructed in the United States.  It quickly earned the nickname the “People’s Palace” because it was not only classical and monumental but also free and open to all – whether you were a highly educated professor or a poor kid from the tenements of the Lower East Side.

If you have the time, go into the building.  You’ll feel like you’re in a museum in Europe, not a library.  And if you want to see one of the library’s architectural highlights, take the grand stairs (or the far less grand elevator) to the top floor and check out the stunning McGraw Rotunda, the famous Rose Reading Room is only open to the library’s official tour or library users. 

The library has many rare books and documents , including the first Gutenberg Bible brought to America .  It’s hard to believe that the ink (and the pages it’s printed on) dates back to 1455, when Johann Gutenberg printed this copy and approximately 179 other copies on his revolutionary invention – the printing press – in Mainz (Germany).

Another priceless object is a handwritten final draft of the Declaration of Independence, penned by Thomas Jefferson in the pivotal summer of 1776.  The Library showcases this historic document every Fourth of July weekend.

After leaving the library, head east on 41 st street (the library should be behind you), also known as “Library Walk”.  Be sure to look at the bronze plaques on both sides of the sidewalk.  You’re in for some treats if you stop to read them.  Our favorite is the following quote: “Truth exists, only falsehood has to be invented.”

When you get to Park Avenue, make a left.

Grand Central Terminal

From the People’s Palace to another Beaux Arts beauty nicknamed the “Gateway to America.”  Grand Central Terminal was completed in 1913, two years after the library, and was the largest train terminal ever built.  It earned its nickname because New York City was receiving a record number of immigrants in the early 20 th century – 1 million immigrants were processed in 1907 at Ellis Island, for example.  Some stayed in New York, but many others took a train to Anywhere, America.  Perhaps they had a sibling in Chicago or Detroit, or heard about abundant farmland in Iowa or Nebraska.  To get there, they had to take a train.  And for many, that meant getting to Grand Central Terminal.

But the enormous terminal was by no means used only by poor European immigrants looking to go West.  It offered luxury travel for first-class passengers on super-fast modern trains with fancy names like “20 th Century Limited” and the “Empire State” that could get you from NY to Chicago in style in just 16 hours .  Wealthy customers and business travelers would enjoy red carpet treatment, luxurious accommodations, top-notch dining cars, and “Redcaps” to carry their luggage.

The terminal took 10 years to build at a staggering cost of $80 million (about $2 billion in today’s dollars) in the early 20 th century and 10 years to restore in the 1990s (at a cost of $100 million ).

To see a reminder of how neglected and dirty the Terminal’s celestial ceiling once was, find the Cancer zodiac and look for the dark rectangular patch near the crab’s claws.  That dark patch is mostly tobacco and nicotine pollution accumulated over 80 years.  The patch was intentionally left unrestored to remind people of Grand Central’s once-sorry state and to showcase its splendid condition today.

After exploring the Main Concourse, head downstairs to the Dining Concourse for a bite to eat, a beverage, or just for a rest.  And while you’re there, look for the Oyster Bar (NY’s oldest) and test out the secret acoustic features of the “Whispering Gallery” in front of it.  If you see others talking into corners, follow their example.  You just need someone to stand in the opposite corner from you, so people won’t think you’re crazy.

Food options inside Grand Central

1. Head downstairs to the Dining Concourse , which features an impressive variety of casual lunch options, including great ethnic foods, as well as the popular burger chain, Shake Shack, and the iconic Oyster Bar circa 1913.  You can also treat yourself to a slice of cake from Magnolia Bakery!

2. Or stay on the Main Concourse level and head towards the 42nd street exit.  You’ll see the popular  City Winery inside the splendid Vanderbilt Hall.  A beautiful grand setting for a drink or a meal.

3. For a fancy cocktail and small bites in a 1920s-inspired “speakeasy bar” setting, head up to the Campbell Bar (formerly known as the Campbell Apartment).

5.  You can also dine in style removed from the fray, while overlooking the Main Concourse from the West Balcony.  Just head up the grand staircase to Cipriani Dolci for a high-end Italian meal and a cocktail above the foot traffic and below the “celestial” ceiling. 

OK, meals aside, let’s get back to our self-guided tour!

Next: Walk 5 minutes

If you exit Grand Central on the Lexington Avenue side (or exit on 42nd street and make a left), you can visit the Art Deco lobby of one of New York’s most famous and iconic skyscrapers – the Chrysler Building.

Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building is instantly recognizable, even if you don’t know it by name.  You’ve seen it in countless photographs, TV shows, and movies.  Most recently, Will Smith (Agent J) jumps off the famous skyscraper to travel back in time in Men in Black 3 (2012).

Hollywood time-travel aside, the building serves as a terrific contrast to Grand Central Terminal.  Classical vs. modern (Art Deco was the epitome of modern architecture in the 1920s and 30s), horizontal vs. vertical, trains vs. cars.  The building was commissioned by Walter Chrysler, the automobile kingpin, who wanted to showcase his success with the ultimate phallic symbol for extremely wealthy early 20 th century industrialists – a really tall building.

As his building was going up in 1929 on 42 nd street, a major Wall Street bank was constructing another skyscraper in the heart of the Financial District in Downtown Manhattan.

That building, called 40 Wall Street, was completed first to become the world’s tallest in April of 1930.  However, Walter Chrysler had a trick up his sleeve: A 125-foot stainless steel needle erected last minute to claim the title of world’s tallest a month after 40 Wall Street was completed.

But Chrysler’s celebration was short-lived because the Empire State Building beat his skyscraper just 11 months later.  The only consolation was that the Chrysler was (and remains) the world’s tallest brick skyscraper supported by steel.  In fact, nearly 4 million bricks were laid by hand during its construction.  What’s even more amazing is that despite the extreme height (total height of 1,046 with the spire) and hectic pace (4 floors per week) not a single worker died during the construction process!

For a terrific read about the famous race for the world’s tallest building, check out a book called Higher by Neal Bascomb.

To learn much more about these (and other) famous Midtown landmarks, check out our private  walking tour of “Must See” Midtown NY attractions .

Next: Take the Subway! About a 10-minute commute.

We are going to head Downtown towards the Brooklyn Bridge using the NYC subway. Deep breaths — you’ll be fine!

Look for the subway signs on the Grand Central side of Lexington Avenue and 42 nd street.  Enter the station, use our detailed subway guide to figure out how to buy a Metrocard or pay with OMNY, then head for the 4/5/6 subway in the direction of Downtown & Brooklyn .  Do not go down the steps to the platform if the sign shows “Uptown & The Bronx”, as that would take you in the opposite direction.  Take either the 4, 5, or 6 train downtown to the “Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall” stop, then exit to the street and look for the pedestrian ramp to the Brooklyn Bridge.

Brooklyn Bridge

Walk over the famous 1-mile suspension bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn.  Please stay to the right of the dividing line, unless you want to be yelled at (or worse, hit by) a speeding cyclist.  We are especially talking to you Britons and Aussies, with your strange “left side of the road is the ‘right’ side” customs.

Once you reach the first Gothic tower of the bridge, you’ll notice a bronze plaque on the center stone column.  The top line on the plaque reads: “Erected by the cities of New York and Brooklyn.”  The key word here is “cities”.  When construction of the bridge was scheduled to begin in 1869, it was to connect the separate cities of New York (then, just Manhattan, but already the largest city in America) and Brooklyn (America’s 3 rd largest city – behind New York and Philadelphia at the time).  In fact, the two identical Gothic towers — still so iconic 133 years later – were designed to serve as timeless monuments to the two great cities the bridge was to unite.

Towards the bottom of the same plaque, you’ll see two names under “Engineers”: John A. Roebling and Washington A. Roebling.  This famous father-and-son duo built this incredible span that for the first time physically connected America’s largest and third-largest cities.

Unfortunately, they didn’t build it together.  A freak accident at a ferry landing on the Brooklyn side of the East River crushed John Roebling’s right foot, just as he was preparing to start construction on what was supposed to be his masterpiece.  His toes were promptly amputated (without any kind of anesthetic), and he died 3 weeks later in excruciating pain after developing gangrene and tetanus.

The bridge’s brilliant designer (and its Chief Engineer) was now dead, and construction hadn’t even begun yet!  Panic ensued, since the bridge was already considered “unbuildable” at the time, and now the only man in America deemed qualified to build it was dead.  Luckily, cooler heads eventually prevailed and nominated his eldest son – Washington – who was chosen to replace the deceased Roebling.

Thus, 32-year-old Washington Roebling assumed his father’s position as Chief Engineer and was now tasked with the unenviable task of taking his father’s designs and figuring out how to actually build the bridge – one which would be the world’s longest suspension bridge by far.  No pressure!

Tragically, not only would more men die during its 14-year construction, but Washington himself would become disabled in the process from a mysterious condition that became known as the “bends”.

If you walk to the Brooklyn tower, you’ll notice another bronze plaque.  The first name listed is Emily Warren Roebling, who was Washington’s wife.  She gets top billing on the plaque because, as Washington himself stated, the Brooklyn Bridge would not be built without her involvement and contributions.  She sat by her husband’s bedside for over a decade, as the disabled engineer guided the enormous project along using his trusted wife to be his eyes and ears.  She became the public face of the project and is considered the first female civil engineer in America.  The quote on the bottom of the plaque sums it up: “Behind every great work we can find the self-sacrificing devotion of a woman.”  Go Emily!

Next: Exit Bridge on left side

Get off the bridge by taking the stone staircase on the left (do not follow the bike path along the ramp!).  

Sad historical aside: These stairs were the site of a terrible tragedy a week after the opening of the bridge, when unfounded panic caused a human stampede that resulted in 12 people being crushed and trampled to death on this very staircase.

Once down the stairs, make a left and head downhill. Walk 3 minutes.

Welcome to Brooklyn, New York City’s most populous borough, home to more than 2.6 million people! 

Dumbo, Brooklyn

When you reach Water Street you can take a great photograph from a famous spot in a trendy post-industrial neighborhood now called “Dumbo” (which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) .  The street scene features converted brick factories and the steel tower of the Manhattan Bridge, with the Empire State Building visible straight down the middle on a clear day.  This same shot (without the Empire State Building) was used on the movie poster for the 1984 gangster saga, Once Upon a Time in America, starring Robert De Niro.

Make a left on Water Street and walk a few blocks to Old Fulton Street.  Here, you can get a good burger from Shake Shack, delicious pizza from Juliana’s , or your pick of artesenal ice cream from Brooklyn Ice Company, Van Leeuwen, or our local favorite for odd flavors, OddFellows.  Or walk into the massive and recently gut-renovated Empire Stores warehouse complex, a mid-19th century coffee warehouse now home to West Elm, restaurants, a cafe, and even a public rooftop viewing area with great views of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge!

And if you want to learn more about the Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn, check out our popular private tour over the  Brooklyn Bridge and into Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights .

Next: Walk 3 minutes

Walk along Water Street, past the landmark brick Tobacco Warehouse (circa 1860), with a new theater space inside that is home to St. Ann’s Warehouse , an innovative non-profit theater company. Look for the ferry landing on your right when you reach Old Fulton Street.

East River Ferry

After enjoying breathtaking views of the Downtown Manhattan skyline from the water’s edge at the Fulton Ferry Landing buy a one-way ferry ticket from the NYC Ferry vending machine ($4 per ride or 10 for $27.50).  For the latest seasonal ferry schedule, check out the NYC Ferry website  and click on “East River”.

Make sure you take the ferry heading to “Pier 11/Wall St” not the one that has the sign for “Midtown/34 th St”.

The short ferry ride you’ll experience is the only way residents of Brooklyn were able to commute to Manhattan before the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge in1883, which was fine in nice weather, but not so much during really cold winters, as the river tended to freeze.

The first commuter ferry (the Fulton Ferry) began service here in 1814 thanks to Robert Fulton’s successful commercialization of steam engine technology to power ships.  Sadly, Fulton died of pneumonia just a year later.  This reliable ferry service made Brooklyn an attractive “suburban” destination for some New Yorkers, which helped Brooklyn grow quickly to become America’s 3 rd largest city by the middle of the 19 th century.

Today, the ferry ride from Brooklyn to Manhattan actually takes you from New York’s most populous borough (with 2.7 million residents) to its most famous but only 3 rd -most populous borough (behind Brooklyn and Queens).  So two centuries after the launch of the Fulton Ferry, Brooklyn is home to a million more people than Manhattan, a figure that would be very hard to imagine in 1814.

Next: Get off the ferry and head to the edge of Wall Street (3 minute walk)

Hungry? Thirsty? Need a coffee fix?

When you reach Wall Street, which is perpendicular to the East River, look for Westville (110 Wall Street) for a great sit-down lunch option, or walk a bit further along the street to sweetgreen (67 Wall Street), a very popular casual/healthy lunch spot. Lastly, if you want or need a really good cup of coffee, check out La Colombe (67 Wall Street), a highly-regarded specialty coffee house.

Wall Street

The name “Wall Street” may be synonymous with money and power, but it’s actually named after a wooden wall built in the 1650s.  Erected by the Dutch after the outbreak of the first Anglo-Dutch War at the northern edge of New Amsterdam, this wall (which ran from the East River to the Hudson River) proved utterly useless, since the English attacked from the sea and not by land (insert self-administered palm slap to the forehead if you’re Dutch).  The wall was broken down by the end of the century and used for firewood and free lumber.  But the wall lives on in the famous street name.

As you stroll down Wall Street today, one thing that would never come to mind is slavery.  Unfortunately, that is a big part of the early history of our great city.  The slave trade was an important part of the local economy going as far back as our Dutch days as New Amsterdam.  The Bloodless Surrender to the British in 1664 did not stop this heinous but profitable trade.  In fact, in the 18 th century, there was a bustling slave market at the foot of Wall Street, close to where you got off the ferry (look for the recently installed historical plaque near the corner of Wall and Water streets).  Slavery wasn’t abolished in New York State until 1827!

As you pass William Street, notice the very tall skyscraper on your right with the gilded “Trump” name on the façade.  That is 40 Wall Street, the building that lost to Chrysler just a month after becoming the world’s tallest.  Donald Trump bought it in 1995, and, not surprisingly, quickly put his name on it in very large font.  It remains a commercial building today.  40 Wall Street (to use its original name) recently fell out of the top 10 tallest buildings in New York City.

On the next corner, you will reach what’s considered the “heart” of Wall Street at the intersection of Wall and Broad Street. Here you’ll find the New York Stock Exchange (circa 1903) on your left and the Federal Hall Memorial on your right.  The oversized bronze statue of George Washington commemorates the spot where the heroic Revolutionary War General of the Continental Army was sworn in as America’s first President on April 30, 1789.

Of the 8.8 million people that call New York home, how many do you think know the fact that Washington became our first president on Wall Street or that New York City was America’s first capital?  Our guess is probably not many.

Speaking of statues, be sure to get a photo with “Fearless Girl” standing up to all the male big-shots at the Stock Exchange.

Across from Washington is the nameless sturdy-looking stone building that looks short compared to the skyscrapers around it.  This used to be the J.P. Morgan headquarters, also known as the “House of Morgan.”   Look for the shrapnel holes on the Wall Street side of the building (23 Wall St), which are remnants of an explosion that shocked Wall Street on September 16, 1920.  A terrorist act, by the way, that remains an unsolved crime a century later, though Italian anarchists were blamed.

For a great cup of coffee while you’re exploring Manhattan’s Financial District (or FiDi, as it’s called today), check out our NYC coffee guide .  Oh, and if you get a craving for a great NYC bagel while exploring Downtown, stop by Leo’s Bagels on Hanover Square, or head down Stone Street for a sit-down meal and a drink, inside or out (in the warmer months).

Next: Walk 3 minutes to the end of Wall Street (where it hits Broadway)

Take this guide with you on the road as a free and printer-friendly PDF file! Click on the link below to get on your email list, and we’ll send it to you in a “New York Minute”!

Trinity Church

Head west for one more block along Wall Street until you reach Trinity Church, which once towered over Wall Street.  This is the third Trinity Church on this site.  The first one burned down during the American Revolution, while the second had to be taken down due to structural damage.  The church you see today was built in 1846 and is considered one of the best examples of Neo Gothic architecture in the United States.

Some of the most prominent New Yorkers are buried in the church’s graveyard, including Robert Fulton, whom we met earlier.  To the left of Fulton lies buried one of America’s Founding Fathers and one of the most famous New York historical figures – Alexander Hamilton.  Hamilton, who was America’s first Treasury Secretary, died at the age of 47 in 1804, a day after a duel with his archrival, Aaron Burr.  Who would have thought that two centuries after his tragic death, Hamilton would be the star of a smash-hit Broadway musical that bears his name?

By the way, Hamilton’s wife, Eliza, who is buried nearby, outlived her husband by 50 years!  

Next: Walk 3 minutes south along Broadway (same direction as car traffic)

Charging Bull

This 3.5-ton bronze bull at the southern tip of Broadway is often referred to as the “Wall Street Bull”.  In fact, many tourists wandering up and down Wall Street will ask where the famous bull is located.  There is only one problem – it’s not on Wall Street.

The Wall Street connection is two-fold.  First, a bull is a symbol of a strong (rising) stock market.  When stocks are steadily rising, finance types talk about a “bull market”.  On the other hand, if stocks are falling sharply, it’s a “bear market”.  The simple explanation for the bull and bear monikers is that a bull charges and uses his horns in an upward motion, while a bear usually pounces on his victim (downward motion).

Second, the giant bronze bull was originally dropped off in front of the NY Stock Exchange, in the heart of Wall Street, right before Christmas in 1989.  So that might help explain the confusion.

It was the idea of a sculptor named Arturo Di Modica , who wanted to celebrate the “can-do” spirit of America, and New York in particular, where a shoeshine boy can one day become a successful trader.

He and some friends dropped off the bull in front of the Christmas tree outside the NY Stock Exchange in the middle of the night.  But the chairman of the Exchange wasn’t too pleased and got the NYPD to take it away by the end of the day.  Luckily, it soon found a permanent home at the tip of Broadway.  And for nearly 30 years, people from all over the world (as well as Wall Street traders) have rubbed its horns and testicles for good luck in business and romance, respectively.

Next: Enter the small park with the black iron fence located right behind the Charging Bull

Bowling Green

Just behind the bull is the New York’s first public park – Bowling Green.  If the name sounds strange to us today, that’s because we don’t go bowling on the lawn on Sunday afternoons anymore (unless you are British or Scottish).  But when the park was officially created in 1733, “bowling on the green” was a popular British pastime (a few centuries before Netflix).

This little circular park was also the site of a famous revolutionary scene.  After New Yorkers heard the Declaration of Independence read to them for the first time on July 9, 1776, they ran to Bowling Green to pull down the biggest symbol of the oppressive English monarchy – a gilded equestrian statue of King George III.  But pulling down the giant statue and chopping off the king’s head didn’t end the scene of revolt, as the fervent crowd proceeded to saw off the finials on top of the cast-iron fence that resembled crowns.

You can touch the rough and uneven surfaces on the original fence today to connect with the American Revolution.

Next: Exit the small park and come to a massive classical building with four female figures in front

Custom House

Just behind New York’s oldest park is one of the most beautiful buildings in New York City – the Alexander Hamilton Custom House.

This Beaux Arts beauty built in 1907 gives you an idea of how important the customs house was to cities with major ports.  And New York being the largest city and the busiest port in America in the early 20 th century had to have a building to reflect the importance of New York’s shipping industry.  And it wasn’t just important to New York but to the country as a whole, since the US government generated about 2/3 of its revenue from collecting taxes on goods arriving on ships before the introduction of the Federal Income Tax in 1913.

The four large female figures in front of the classical façade represent Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa (from left to right), reflecting the global nature of trade and shipping.

The Custom House sits on the site of Fort Amsterdam, which was built by the Dutch in the 17 th century to protect New Amsterdam from attacks by land or sea (including potential ambushes by Native American tribes).  It is more than a little ironic that today the building houses the National Museum of the American Indian .

Next: Walk 3 minutes south along Whitehall Street to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal

Staten Island Ferry

Continue walking south past the Custom House (Battery Park will be on your right) until you reach the Staten Island Ferry terminal at the southern tip of Manhattan.  This is a great and free way to enjoy scenic views of the NY Harbor, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and surroundings while avoiding ticket lines and airport-style security screenings (which you would go through if you chose to take a ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island from Battery Park).

The Staten Island Ferry departs from the Manhattan terminal every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour (i.e. 12:00, 12:30, 13:00).  You can view the schedule here .  The ferry ride to Staten Island takes about 25 minutes, then you’ll have 5 minutes to get off one boat and run around the corner to get on the next boat back to Manhattan.  If you miss that boat, you’ll have to hang out in the Staten Island Ferry terminal for 30 minutes (there are bathrooms, seats, and shops for snacks and refreshments, as well as two fish tanks for your viewing pleasure).

So all in all, budget 60 to 90 minutes for the round trip journey.  But try to get there before rush hour (5pm).  Otherwise, the ferry will be pretty crowded and you won’t be able to enjoy the views.

Next: Get on the right side of the boat en route to Staten Island to enjoy views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty

The statue needs no introduction.  This French gift has been a welcome sight in the harbor since it was unveiled in October of 1886.  Of course, in 1886, when the city skyline was still dominated by church steeples, she appeared even taller than she does today.

Fun facts about the Statue of Liberty

Lady Liberty looks green because her “skin” is comprised of very thin sheets of copper hammered by hand in Paris.  Copper oxidizes over time, which makes it appear green.  She was brown originally!  Feel free to use that during your next trivia night.

If you were to peel back her skin, you’d discover that the famous Lady has an iron framework.  This metal “skeleton” was designed by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel , whose name graces the most famous structure in France (and tallest structure in the world until the completion of the Chrysler Building and its steel spire), which he designed right after the Statue of Liberty.

Eiffel did not design the statue itself.  That was fellow Frenchman Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, who wanted to create a colossal female figure to present to America in time for America’s centennial celebration.  Unfortunately, all we got for our 100 th birthday in Philadelphia was her giant arm holding the torch .  It would take another decade for the completed statue and the stone pedestal she stands on to be unveiled on Bedloe’s Island (now Liberty Island).

Millions of immigrants would break into tears of joy at the site of the enormous Liberty Enlightening the World (the statue’s official name) after surviving a 2-3 week ordeal in the steerage compartment of a huge ocean liner crossing the Atlantic.  For them, she was the ultimate symbol of hope, freedom, and a new start.

But before they could start a new life in America, they would first have to be “processed” on Ellis Island.

Ellis Island

Just north of the Statue of Liberty is Ellis Island.  12 million immigrants were processed here (most of them between 1892 and 1921).  The impressive French Renaissance Revival building located on the island, which served as the main building, now houses the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration .  This structure is important not just for immigrants but for a hundred million Americans whose ancestors were processed here.

This was the “Island of Hope” for the millions of poor hungry souls coming to America for a better life.  Sadly, it was also the “Island of Tears” for the approximately 2% who were rejected and sent back to Europe.  Reasons for rejection were many, but the most common were: “Insane, old and lame, infected with a loathsome disease, criminal, prostitute, contracted laborer, anarchist.”

So if there is an anarchist or lunatic in your family tree, then he or she must have gotten past the inspector.

Next: Time for a much-deserved break back on solid ground!

Stone Street

After returning from Staten Island take a break for food and drinks on Stone Street , the first paved street in New York.  This little cobblestone street (just a 5-10 minute walk from the Ferry Terminal) is one of the best places Downtown to get a meal and a drink without breaking the bank.  There are several pubs and restaurants to choose from and plenty of communal outdoor seating in the warmer months.

The street was the first one paved with stone in New Amsterdam in the 1650s.  In the 1990s, after decades of neglect, it was restored, repaved and has become a great dining destination in the heart of the Financial District, also known as FiDi, since we love acronyms in NYC.

If you are interested in learning more about some of the most famous  Downtown places, buildings, events and historical figures, check out our  private  Downtown NYC “Must See” walking tour .

Next: Time for the final leg of this self-guided tour!

Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Once you’ve satiated your thirst and hunger on Stone Street, it’s time for the final stretch of your one-day NYC adventure! Head north along William Street past Wall Street until you reach Liberty Street (a short walk from Stone Street). When you get to Liberty Street, make a left and you’ll reach a building that, despite not being very tall, is quite intimidating to look at. This fortress-like building, with the bulging stone facade and crime-deterring wrought-iron work is the Federal Reserve Bank of NY, arguably the most important of the dozen regional banks that together comprise the Central Banking system of the United States.

The block-long structure, completed in 1924 was designed to instill a sense of confidence, security, and safety, in a country that had only created the Federal Reserve in 1913. But there was another very practical reason for the building’s impenetrable appearance: It is believed to be the largest gold repository in the world, housing approximately 500,000 individual gold bars, most of which are owned by foreign banks. The gold was brought over the Atlantic during and after World War II and is kept 80 feet below ground (at bedrock level) in what’s definitely the safest basement in New York City.

Next: Walk 5 minutes

Follow Liberty Street west, cross Broadway, and walk another couple of minutes until you reach the South Pool of the 9/11 Memorial.

9/11 Memorial & Museum

The Memorial was designed by NY-based architect, Michael Arad, who was chosen as the winner of an international design competitio n in 2003, which drew 5,201 entries. The Memorial is comprised of twin pools representing the approximate footprints of the Twin Towers. We use the word “approximate” because the pools are actually 31% smaller than the footprints of the original towers. The architect, who was just 34 years old at the time he won the competition, called his submission “Reflecting Absence.”

The twin pools are surrounded by bronze parapets bearing the names of the nearly 3,000 victims who died on September 11, 2001, as well as the six people who died in the February 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center (when a van loaded with explosives blew up in the basement-level garage of the North Tower). More than 1,000 people were injured that day, including many first responders.

While the Memorial is a public space accessible at street level to all, the Museum (which is the downward-sloping structure between the two Reflecting Pools) requires timed admission tickets (we strongly suggest buying them ahead of time, if you plan to visit) and has hours of operation (open every day except Tuesday from 9am to 7pm. Last entry is 5:30pm).

Most of the Museum artifacts are located 70 feet below ground, the bedrock foundation level for the Twin Towers. These include a burned and damaged NYC fire truck, as well as steel tridents from the facade of one of the Twin Towers.

Here are a couple of tips before visiting the 9/11 Museum

The 9/11 Museum is not something to be rushed through, nor should it be a quick “Check!” on your NYC to-do list. While the Memorial can be seen and experienced in as little as ten or fifteen minutes, you really need at least a couple of hours to do the Museum justice. If you don’t have the time, save it for another trip.

The Museum entrance lines outside become quite long, especially on weekends between March and December. So plan ahead (purchasing your tickets online is a good first step).

To avoid ending on such a heavy note, we also want to mention one of the most striking additions to the redesigned World Trade Center:

WTC Transit Hub/Oculus

Santiago Calatrava’s $4 billion “winged bird about to take flight,” which opened just a couple of years ago, has quickly become one of the most popular attractions in New York. Officially a transit hub connecting the subway system to the PATH train to NJ, the Oculus is also a huge mall operated by Australian-based Westfield (a global mall operator). When you step in, you might feel like you’re either inside a spaceship or a whale (like in Finding Nemo).

It’s a really unique (and VERY white) public space that’s definitely worth visiting while you’re Downtown. And as a grand finale, head down to the bottom level and walk west, following the signs for Brookfield Place. You’ll walk through a gleaming white corridor that will feel a bit like walking on the Star Trek Enterprise (not that we would know what that’s like, but that’s beside the point). You’ll then take an escalator back up to street level and emerge inside the glass walls of Brookfield Place, right across the road from One World Trade. If you walk inside and past all the fancy global fashion chains, you’ll find palm trees (yes, we have real palm trees in Manhattan!) in what’s called the Winter Garden. Head to Le District to your left for a glass of wine and some French food (open til 8pm) or upstairs to Hudson Eats, a very popular modern food hall featuring lots of great local eateries and Hudson River views (open til 8pm).

Phew — We did it guys! Your feet will probably be as tired after this self-guided itinerary as our fingers are right now from typing all this. So thanks for reading our 1-day Suggested NYC Itinerary.  If you have any questions or would like to discuss our private tour offerings , feel free to email us at [email protected] .

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Frolic through NYC's most beautiful  parks

Discover   the city's best lesser-known attractions

Eat through  the best food tours in NYC  

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Best NYC tours

1.  big bus new york hop-on hop-off tour.

The quintessential city tour of all tours, hop-on hop-off's get some major props for ease, accessibility, and price. Map-reading and subway-taking not your strong suit? No worries — even the most directionally-challenged traveler can enjoy Big Bus Tours, condensing a sightseeing fest including thirty landmarks into one trip. Be sure to watch out for famous points of interest as you go with the aid of a live tour guide (and go-to know-it-all about New York attractions). And if something catches your eye? Just hop off wherever you fancy — simple. Choose from routes running in downtown, uptown, Harlem, and Brooklyn and get from Wall Street’s Charging Bull statue to the green meadows of Central Park with ease. Basically, it's an easy option for seeing as much or as little as you want of the city in one day – and not stress out about maps or super expensive Uber fairs.

2.  Lower East Side Food and History Walking Tour

Come hungry: This food tour is really what NYC dreams are made of. You'll start this feasting adventure with a mammoth pastrami and rye at Katz's  Delicatessen, then head to a Dominican breakfast counter to sample a classic local speciality. After that, your guide will get you to taste your way through a legendary local market, legacy cheese shop, Chinatown, historic bodegas, a 19th century Jewish family pickle recipe, and finally (if you've got the room) an artisan donut shop where the flavors promise to delight you. It’s also not all about the food: Your guide will explain how a diverse spread of cultures and people have shaped, this neighborhood and the food it eats as you walk.

3.  Sex and the City Hotspots Tour

What Sex and the City fan hasn’t daydreamed about switching lives with Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, or Charlotte for the day? The over-the-top outfits, glamorous parties, and outrageous dates might be too good to be true, but at least the scenery is true to life. You'll hop around to 40 iconic locations, including  Carrie’s brownstone , some of the girls’ favorite bars (including the one owned by Steve and Aiden), and an X-rated store featured on the show during this epic bus tour. There might even be time to stop for a Cosmo.

4.  Small Group Central Park Bike Tour

You’ll cover much more of Central Park’s 843 acres of meadows, woods, and ponds on a bike than you ever could on foot. Meet up with the guide from Central Park Tours Inc. to pick out your wheels for the day, then set off from the south end of the park. You’ll spy iconic landmarks, plus a few lesser-known gems. And since the tour is always capped at just eight people, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions along the way and maybe even make a new friend or two. Oh, and you know, we could think of worse ways to stay fit and save the planet. 

5.  Circle Line: New York Landmarks Cruise

As far as skylines go, Manhattan's is a hard one to beat. There's the Statue of Liberty leading the way from Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge showing off its architectural beauty, and the Empire State standing tall – all of which make for a stunning view from the water. Sail around New York harbor on the Circle Line cruise, which heads up the Hudson, as well as rounding the Brooklyn bay areas. You'll also hear the history and stories behind all of the sights, so fill up on the facts and don't hesitate to ask a question or two. 

6.  9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero Walking Tour

Remember the lives lost during the tragedy that was 9/11 by visiting the site where the World Trade Center once stood. Now known as Ground Zero, your guide will share facts, figures, and real-life stories with you – making for a trip that is insightful, informative, and moving all at once. Starting at Broadway 203 E, you'll stop at the  Fireman’s Memorial,  twin reflecting pools, One World Observatory, and  St Paul’s Chapel. For a little more, you can choose to book a tour that includes ticket access to the 9/11 Museum. 

7.  Central Park TV and Movie Sites Tour

With 843 acres of meadows, woods, and streams, Central Park offers a gorgeous green backdrop for filmmakers. So perhaps it’s no surprise that countless movies have been set here, from When Harry Met Sally to Ghostbusters . Movie buffs will recognize the skating rink featured in Serendipity , the people-watching scene from Annie Hall, and the path that Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Jules Munshin biked along in On the Town . This two-hour walking tour takes you to 40 film locations within the park, though hundreds more exist.

8.  Champagne Brunch Sail

Fresh air, ocean waves, unlimited prosecco, and a massive brunch spread of bagels, lox, cream cheese, quiche, fresh fruit, and more—it’s fair to say that this midday cruise on a roaring twenties-style yacht really does have it all. Sit back and relax as the crew guides the restored 1929 sailboat out into the harbor.  Sip champagne and mimosas, gaze at the skyline, and, if you’re lucky – the captain will even let you take a turn at the helm.

9.  Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour

Boasting some of the most jaw-droppingly spectacular views in the city, the Brooklyn Bridge is a beacon for snap-happy tourists. But don't let your only experience of this stunning structure and its incredible views be through the viewfinder of your camera. Put the gadgets down and take a bike ride across the bridge to really soak up the scenery. This 'Bike and Roll' tour takes about three hours, running at a  leisurely pace with  plenty of time for photo stops. Make sure you make the most of your guide, who is sure to have bags of knowledge about the bridge's history and architectural details. 

10.  Sugar Hill and Washington Heights Tour

Sugar Hill got its name during the Harlem Renaissance, as “life was sweet” for the wealthy African Americans who lived in the district. Thurgood Marshall, Langston Hughes, and Duke Ellington all spent time in the row houses here. Peep the stunning Queen Anne–style architecture and immerse yourself in the vibrant community on this walking tour of the area.

11.  Roosevelt Island Tour

Few visitors know anything about Roosevelt Island, a secluded residential community that feels worlds apart from the rest of the city. Once used for insane asylums and hospitals, Roosevelt Island is now home to a thriving population of about 14,000 residents. But, if you have the stomach for it, revisit the island's troubled past on the 'Island of Lost Souls: Madness and Medicine' tour. Pass eerie sites, like the neo-Gothic ruins of the smallpox hospital, the first pathological and bacteriological research lab, and the NYC Lunatic Asylum which opened in 1841. After you learn about the island’s history, board the aerial tram for a sky-high trip over the East River into Manhattan.

12.  Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture Bus Tour

Despite Manhattan's abundance of white-clothed, Michelin-starred dining rooms, some are now touting Brooklyn as the epicenter of food culture in NYC. Either way, it's impossible to deny that Brooklyn's dining scene is incredible, from pierogis in Greenpoint's Polish stronghold to tacos and pupusas in Sunset Park and trendy farm-to-table newcomers in Williamsburg. To provide a thorough understanding of the borough's eats, this half-day tour will take you through all those neighborhoods, as well as Dumbo, the waterfront neighborhood where you'll enjoy sweets from the renowned Jacques Torres chocolate factory.

13.  Statue of Liberty Express Cruise

Perfect for the sightseer who knows exactly what they want, this Circle Line express tour goes right to the Statue of Liberty – no pit stops this time. Listen to an expert guide point out some lower Manhattan landmarks before pausing for photos right next to Lady Liberty. And since this cruise only takes an hour, it’s easy to fit into even the busiest itinerary.

14.  High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District Walking Tour

What started life as an unremarkable elevated railway is now famous across the world and one of New York's most photogenic landmarks. The High Line is a public park, rotating art gallery and perennial tourist attraction stretched, as the name suggests, high over the bustling city streets below. Take a two-hour walking tour and explore the full span of this green oasis, making sure to take in the architecture and unique history of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District while you do it. Make sure you save some time to shop in Chelsea Market afterward – and don't forget to snap a pic of the lush greenery. 

15.  Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village

You’d never know it from the looks of Washington Square Park, but Greenwich Village has a sinister past. At the northwest corner of the park is the Hangman’s Elm, one of the oldest trees in the city and the site of at least one public execution. Master of horror Edgar Allan Poe once lived in the neighborhood, and rumor has it that artist John La Farge still haunts the nearby Church of the Ascension. Delve into the neighborhood’s gruesome past on this two-hour ghost tour, and discover all of its haunting secrets. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

16.  The Sopranos Filming Locations Tour

Technically speaking, this tour takes you outside the five boroughs, but The Sopranos is such an iconic New York show that we couldn’t leave it out. After you board the bus in Midtown, you’ll go through the Lincoln Tunnel – the site of the show’s unforgettable opening sequence – on your way to the New Jersey suburbs. There, you’ll check out the Bada Bing! strip club, Big Pussy’s auto body shop, and the restaurant featured in the final scene of the series.

17.  Brooklyn Graffiti and Street Art Walking Tour

There's much more to art in New York than just the paintings, photography, and sculptures exhibited in its many prestigious museums. Graffiti started life in the Big Apple and NYC remains at the very forefront of the street art world to this day. Discover some of the city's very best outdoor artworks and murals across Brooklyn. You won’t find these artists hanging in any gallery. Yet.

18.  Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise

There's only one thing more spectacular than New York's skyscrapers glimmering in the sun – the famous skyline dramatically lit up against the night sky. This twilight boat cruise whisks you across New York Harbor as the sun goes down. A climate controlled boat will be your base as you sail past (and under) the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges.  The 105-minute trip is a great way to get awe-inspiring views of the city and a much-needed moment of calm out on the water.

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These Are the Most Scenic Walks in New York City, According to a Tour Guide

NYC is best seen by foot.

The five boroughs of New York City are huge, with miles upon miles of things to see, restaurants to try, and history to unravel. And with more than 650 miles of subway track and countless tour options, you'll never run out of things to do in the city that never sleeps.

But there's a benefit to traveling the city at a slower pace. Often, the best way to experience the spirit of a neighborhood here is to simply stroll through it. As a licensed New York City tour guide (and lifelong New Yorker), I regularly tell people to skip the big bus tours and take a walk instead. You'll find the best Instagram photos, the best food, and the best hidden gems by exploring the city on foot — the way we New Yorkers do it.

Here are my favorite places to take a walk in New York City.

The Brooklyn Bridge

The view from the Brooklyn Bridge is almost as iconic as the view of the bridge itself. First opened in 1883, the bridge is a National Historic Landmark and a New York City Landmark, and at more than a mile long, it offers unobstructed views of the downtown skyline.

Walk from lower Manhattan and over to DUMBO before tucking into a pizza at Juliana's (half red, half white if I'm invited).

Central Park South

Exploring Central Park is a must for any weekend trip to New York , though you'll have to plan ahead to decide which of its 843 acres to traverse. The sprawling lawns and hilly paths of this Manhattan icon weave a labyrinth that'd be easy to get lost in.

To avoid that fate, stick to one of my favorite routes: walking the park's southernmost edge. While it's one of the most touristy parts of the park, I also find the stroll along the pond to be one of the most relaxing. Adding to the appeal, the view from nearby Gapstow Bridge of the high-rises surrounding Central Park happens to be one of the most breathtaking in the city.

SoHo Side Streets

SoHo is full of quaint, narrow cobblestone streets paired with an industrial edge, making it one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city. Full of designer boutiques, galleries, and hip restaurants, you could easily spend an entire day shopping and dining to your heart's content in this downtown neighborhood. While major thoroughfares like Broadway and even Prince and Spring Streets are nearly always clogged with pedestrians (especially on weekends), the smaller side streets tend to be much quieter and very pleasant to walk down.

Stroll along Greene and Wooster Streets for some of the best window shopping in the city before stopping in at Sadelle's for an "everything 2.0" bagel and some salmon salad.

Christmas Tour in NYC | Historical New York Holiday Walking Tour | Walk with Travel+Leisure

Greenwich village.

With its long history of countercultural buzz, Greenwich Village is one of the most exciting spots in the city. Yet it's peaceful, too, boasting a wide array of beautiful homes and amazing restaurants.

Venture down Bleecker Street and pop into Murray's Cheese (one of the best cheese shops in the country) or John's of Bleecker Street , where you can grab a classic pie at a restaurant that's been serving them since 1929. Later, head to the Washington Mews , a gated cobblestone block of homes that began their lives as horse stables in the early 1900s. Once converted, these lofts became a hub for the area's art community, including the painter Edward Hopper, who lived there until his death in 1967.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

We already told you that walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must — but admiring it from solid ground is worth your time, too. This waterfront park at the bridge's southern end offers unmatched views of the city and the East River. The 85-acre park was once an industrial set of piers, but today it's a public space complete with a sandy beach and multiple gardens. Don't forget to leave room for an ice cream cone from the outpost of Van Leeuwen located near Pier 1.

After, head up the block to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade for an elevated view of the city and plenty of space to go for a jog or simply take a seat on a bench and enjoy the view.

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Fort washington park.

If you walk about a half-mile into Fort Washington Park, you'll find the Little Red Lighthouse , a quaint reminder of the city's past before high-rise buildings took over. The 40-foot-high lighthouse was first built in New Jersey in 1880 before being brought to New York in 1921 to be used as a navigational aid on the Hudson River. It's stood in the same Hudsonside location ever since (though it's now decommissioned), and today it's one of the best-known landmarks of this park near Manhattan's northern tip.

A small pedestrian bridge on Riverside Drive offers access to the park, which is a great place to get away from the city's hustle and bustle. Zig zag down toward the water to enjoy views of the lighthouse, the river, and the George Washington Bridge.

Coney Island Boardwalk

A stroll along the boardwalk on Coney Island is like stepping back in time: the waves of the ocean crashing at one end and the thrills of amusement rides on the other. Hop on the Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster, which first opened in 1927, before going for a ride on Deno's Wonder Wheel , built in 1920 (hint: make sure you grab one of the swinging cars).

Later, step off the boardwalk and onto Surf Avenue to grab a hot dog and crinkle-cut fries at Nathan's Famous — no visit to Coney Island would be complete without them.

Madison Avenue

Nothing says luxury quite like Madison Avenue. Though the iconic street has a somewhat touristy reputation below 70th Street, it takes on a quieter, understated affluence as you head north, with high-end designer stores placed one after the other.

Window shop at Ralph Lauren and Valentino's flagship stores or swing by Christian Louboutin — they're all within a few blocks of each other. Stop into Eli Zabar's E.A.T. for a lunch of New York classics like lox and eggs, then grab cocktails at Bemelmans Bar . Several of New York City's best hotels are located on or near this stretch of Madison, and The Carlyle (home to the famous Bemelmans) is the jewel in the crown.

Malcolm X Boulevard

The area around Malcolm X Boulevard and 125th Street is full of tree-lined blocks and enough good food to ensure you can go days without eating the same thing twice. Start your day with brunch at Red Rooster Harlem (try the cornbread, you'll thank me) and finish it with traditional soul food at Sylvia's Restaurant , which is just down the block.

Take a walk down West 130th Street to see beautiful brick row homes with covered porches and front gardens that will make you feel as if you've stepped right into a charming Southern town.

Carl Schurz Park

This Upper East Side park is full of calming greenery overlooking the East River. Sit on a bench and take in the views of Queens across the water, or keep your eyes peeled for a peek at Gracie Mansion . Built in 1799, the mansion has been the official residence of the mayor of New York since Fiorello H. La Guardia moved there in 1942 (with rare exceptions like the tenure of Michael Bloomberg, who opted to remain in the house he already owned a few blocks away).

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The 11 Best New York City Walking Tours

Stroll around the Big Apple with a local by your side on these top tours.

Courtesy of Rock Junket

Explore New York City's musical past with a tour from Rock Junket.

Note: Some tour providers on this list have ceased operations through the end of March 2020 due to COVID-19. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book if you’d like to tour during this time.

Tourists journey from all over the world to experience New York City 's top-notch cuisine, vibrant live music and theater scene, distinctive skyline and fascinating history. To see the Big Apple like a New Yorker, you'll want to hoof it through the city on your own two feet. And with a local leading the way, you're sure to learn more than you would going solo. Considering expert insight and tourist opinion, U.S. News determined that the following are the best walks in the city.

Rock Junket – East Village Rock n' Punk Tour

Revel in New York's famous rock music scene during Rock Junket's walk through the East Village. The two-hour excursion visits venues where music greats like the Ramones, Blondie and the New York Dolls once performed. Among the tour highlights is a stop at CBGB, which closed its doors in 2006. Guides recount neighborhood history with special attention paid to lauded artists who once lived and worked there. Audiophiles find this a thoroughly enjoyable way to learn about the area and its colorful history and describe the guides as insightful. Tours take place Monday through Saturday at 1 p.m. and cost around $45 per person. Rock Junket leads a number of other music-oriented tours, including a Greenwich Village tour.

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TopDog Tours – Marvel & DC Superheroes of New York

If you're a fan of superhero comic books and the movies based on them, this might be your ideal tour. The approximately two-hour walk visits sites that have appeared in comics and films, such as the United Nations building, the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Terminal , as well as locations where some comic book creators worked. Enthusiastic guides share insights regarding both the real New York and the city's portrayal in comics, which tour-takers appreciate. TopDog Tours offers this outing every day starting at 3:30 p.m. Tickets cost about $35 per adult and $26 for children 12 and younger. The company offers other specialty tours, including the Ghosts of Greenwich Village tour.

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Manhattan Walking Tour – High Line Park and Greenwich Village Food Tour

On this 3 1/2-hour combo tour, you'll explore Greenwich Village and the High Line while enjoying food and drinks at five different restaurants. Along the 2-mile stroll, your guide will share information about the High Line's creation, and offer tips about where to find the best independent bookstores and underground jazz clubs in Greenwich Village. Reviewers love the intimate feel of the tour, which is capped at eight participants, and say the food portions are generous (you'll want to come hungry). Travelers also applaud the friendly guides, who share plenty of historical and architectural tidbits. Tours depart daily at 11 a.m. Tickets start at $124 for all ages. If you'd like to explore more, consider booking the company's combo tour of Chinatown.

Free Tours by Foot – Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO Tour

For a quick overview of Brooklyn, take this three-hour tour with Free Tours by Foot. The experience begins with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge that includes both photo stops and educational interludes along the way. You'll then reach Brooklyn Heights, a much sought-after residential area once home to numerous famous authors. It then proceeds to Dumbo (as in Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), a former industrial area transformed into an artists' haven. The tour ends at the Fulton Ferry Landing. From there, you can catch the East River Ferry back to Manhattan. Guides consistently win praise for their knowledge and candor. Though tours operate on a pay-what-you-wish basis, reservations are required. Tours commence at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Free Tours by Foot offers a number of other excursions around the city, including street art tours and food-themed outings.

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9/11 Ground Zero Tour

Each of the 9/11 Ground Zero Tour's guides have a personal connection to Sept. 11, which helps them to provide the passionate, informative tours visitors rave about. The 90-minute walking tours begin at St. Paul's Chapel, which served as an impromptu rescue center during the attacks, and then moves to the 9/11 Memorial. Guides may also stop at different locales related to the events, as each guide gives a slightly different tour based on their personal experiences. Tours take place at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Tickets cost approximately $35 for adults and $30 for children 6 to 12. Tours that combine the 9/11 Ground Zero Tour with a visit to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum , to the observatory atop One World Trade Center or both are also available.

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Take a walk through the iconic Central Park, and learn a bit about its history, during a tour with the Central Park Conservancy.

Central Park Conservancy – Iconic Views of Central Park Tour

Bethesda Terrace, the Bow Bridge, Cherry Hill, the Lake and Sheep Meadow are among the Central Park sights visited on this 90-minute, 1.3-mile walk. Along with the park's iconic landmarks, the tour also highlights the park's history, as well as insider secrets. Participants find the guides friendly and well-informed. Tours leave from the Columbus Circle Information Kiosk select days at 11 a.m. Tickets start at $15 for the general public. The conservancy also offers several other seasonal tours and walks devoted to specific areas of the park.

Broadway Up Close Walking Tours – Broadway's Beginnings

Get the behind-the-scenes scoop on New York's renowned theater district with the Broadway's Beginnings tour. The nearly two-hour, half-mile walk visits several venues in the southern end of the district, starting with the Nederlander Theatre. All of the guides are professional stage managers or actors, and they share their personal experiences as well as Broadway history and legends. Tour-takers report learning a great deal about Broadway shows from the engaging guides. Tickets cost around $40 for adults and about $35 for anyone younger than 13. Tours occur every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 11 a.m. Groups are limited to 15 participants. Broadway Up Close offers several other themed walking tours, including one all about the ghosts that purportedly haunt the district's theaters.

Tommy's New York – Catacombs by Candlelight Tour

Set beneath the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral (which is a different institution than St. Patrick's Cathedral ) is a series of catacombs that hold the crypts of past New York City residents and religious dignitaries, dating back to the early 19th century. Tommy's New York has an exclusive arrangement with the basilica to show the winding catacombs to visitors. Travelers generally find these excursions and their guides both informative and highly entertaining. They also enjoy seeing the catacombs. Tickets for the 90-minute candlelit tour start at $37 for adults and $30 for children younger than 12. Tours depart Friday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Note: Tours may be canceled or postponed due to church activities.

Urban Adventures – Hamilton Tour

With renewed interest in Alexander Hamilton, no doubt due in part to the wildly popular musical based on his life, tourists may want to check out his old stomping grounds. The Hamilton Tour starts where the first secretary of the treasury's journey ended: the cemetery at Trinity Church, where Hamilton is buried. The trip through the financial district also encompasses the New York Stock Exchange and Federal Hall. It concludes at Fraunces Tavern, where Hamilton (and rival Aaron Burr) once ate and where tour participants may opt for a post-walk drink or snack. Guides are regarded as adept and talented storytellers. Tickets for the two-hour outings, which are offered daily at 3 p.m., cost about $40 per person; there is no charge for children 5 and younger. Urban Adventures offers numerous other New York City tours with a variety of themes, including a food tour of the Lower East Side and a Brooklyn history tour.

Inside Out Tours – NYC Slavery & The Underground Railroad Walking Tour

This 2 1/2-hour tour explores slavery in colonial New York as well as the efforts of enslaved Africans to escape. During the tour, you'll visit the sites of the city's first slave market and view a former station on the Underground Railroad. The approximately 1 1/2-mile walk also stops at a memorial dedicated to enslaved people, a burial ground and a related archaeological site. Travelers regularly extol guides for their informative and thoughtful storytelling. Tours are offered at 1 p.m. on Saturday throughout the year. Tickets cost approximately $35 for adults with discounts for children, students and seniors. The company also leads tours highlighting the city's art, architecture, gospel and food.

ExperienceFirst – SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown Tour

Three adjacent, but very distinctive Manhattan neighborhoods together form the perfect route for a fascinating two-hour walk. Starting at the corner of Spring Street and 6th Avenue, ExperienceFirst's tour navigates the blocks of SoHo, where high-end shops and upscale apartments came to occupy buildings that formerly housed factories and slaughterhouses. It then proceeds to Little Italy and Chinatown, where immigrants' eventful histories continue to shape the neighborhood. Guides narrate the colorful, sometimes tumultuous backstories of the three areas. Participates consistently call the guides both entertaining and well-informed. Tours commence at noon daily. Tickets start at around $35, with reduced rates for children ages 4 to 12. ExperienceFirst also offers this tour in Spanish, in addition to tours that explore other parts of town like the High Line and Chelsea, as well as Wall Street.

You may also be interested in:

• Best New York City Tours
• Best New York City Food Tours
• Best Statue of Liberty Tours
• Best New York City Boat Tours
• Best New York City Bus Tours

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Downtown Budapest Walking Tour

Discover the captivating essence of downtown Budapest on a comprehensive walking tour . Led by knowledgeable guides, you will explore the Pest side’s iconic landmarks , from the grandiose St. Stephen’s Basilica to the poignant Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial. Along the way, scenic views of the Danube Promenade and opportunities for memorable photos at sites like the Chain Bridge and Gresham Palace await. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a casual visitor, this flexible and locally-informed tour promises an enriching glimpse into the city’s rich heritage . But what secrets might lie beyond the well-known sights? Delve deeper to uncover the hidden gems that define the true spirit of Downtown Budapest.

• A 2-hour guided walking tour of the Pest side of Budapest, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks, including St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian Parliament Building.
• Includes a scenic stroll along the Danube Promenade with photo opportunities at Gresham Palace, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and the Chain Bridge.
• Provides insights into Budapest’s rich history, thermal bath culture, and recommendations for museums, galleries, and local eateries.
• Offers a flexible booking process with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option for private group tours.
• Pickup from District V., Elizabeth Square, and live English-speaking guide included in the starting price of CZK 1,303 per person.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Budapest Danube Cruise With Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music
• Budapest Evening Sightseeing Cruise and Unlimited Proseccos
• Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Etyek Wine Country Near Budapest
• Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise With Live Music

Tour Overview

The downtown Budapest walking tour offers a comprehensive 2-hour exploration of the capital’s historic Pest side .

Priced from CZK 1,303 per person, the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a live English-speaking guide .

Pickup is provided from Elizabeth Square in District V.

Highlights include St. Stephen’s Basilica , the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and scenic spots along the Danube Promenade.

Participants can expect a mix of orientation and historical insights, with a focus on local culture, urban legends , and hidden gems.

The guide also provides recommendations for cafes, restaurants, and ruin bars, as well as guidance on public transport and the city’s renowned spa culture.

Itinerary Highlights

St. Stephens Basilica, the largest church in Budapest, welcomes visitors with its grand Neo-Renaissance architecture .

The tour then proceeds to the Shoes on the Danube Bank, a memorial honoring those who were executed along the river during WWII.

Nearby, the Hungarian Parliament Building, the third-largest national assembly building in the world, stands tall as a symbol of Hungarian democracy .

The Danube Promenade offers a scenic walk with breathtaking views of Buda.

The tour also includes photo stops at the Gresham Palace, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and the iconic Chain Bridge.

• St. Stephens Basilica
• Shoes on the Danube Bank
• Hungarian Parliament Building
• Danube Promenade
• Gresham Palace, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Chain Bridge

Experience Description

This tour offers a captivating mixture of orientation and historical exploration, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant Pest side of Budapest. Throughout the journey, the knowledgeable local guide will introduce you to iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and insights into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. As you stroll along the Danube Promenade, you’ll be enchanted by the scenic views of Buda. The tour also includes photo stops at the Gresham Palace, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and the stunning Chain Bridge. Prepare to be immersed in the local lifestyle, discover urban legends, and receive recommendations for the best cafés, restaurants, and ruin bars.

Local Insights

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable local guide will share insightful perspectives on Budapest’s renowned spa culture .

Attendees can expect to learn:

The history and significance of Budapest’s thermal baths and their role in the city’s social life

Tips on navigating the public transportation system to access the top spa destinations

Recommendations for the best museums and galleries based on personal interests and preferences

Insider knowledge on hidden gems , off-the-beaten-path locations, and local eateries and ruin bars

Guidance on the most efficient ways to experience the city’s diverse cultural offerings during their stay.

Booking Information

Booking the downtown Budapest walking tour is easy and flexible. Travelers can reserve their spot in advance without any upfront payment.

The tour operator allows guests to check availability and choose from various starting times that fit their schedule. For those looking for a more private experience, a private group option is available.

Once booked, guests can rest assured that they can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, providing them with the flexibility to adjust their plans if needed.

The booking process is straightforward, allowing visitors to secure their spot on this immersive walking tour of Budapest’s iconic landmarks.

Tour Duration and Price

The downtown Budapest walking tour spans a duration of 2 hours and is priced from Kč1,303 per person.

This tour offers excellent value , with the following key highlights:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours for a full refund
• Live English-speaking tour guide
• Pickup included from District V., Elizabeth Square, Budapest
• Explore the Pest side of the city, including iconic landmarks and hidden gems
• Receive local insights , recommendations, and guidance on the best Budapest experiences

Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

Availability for various start times can be checked online, and private group options are also available.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Guided Tours in Budapest on Monsteroller E-Scooter
• Budapest All in One Walking Tour With Strudel Stop
• Welcome to Budapest Walking Tour
• Budapest Danube Sightseeing Cruise With Drink and Audio Guide
• Budapest Tuk Tuk City Tour
• Budapest Essentials Private Tour (Highlights and Hidden Sights)

Tour Inclusions

The downtown Budapest walking tour offers an exceptional array of inclusions to ensure an immersive and enriching experience.

Guests will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour led by an English-speaking local , with pickup provided from District V., Elizabeth Square.

The tour showcases the city’s iconic landmarks , including the grand St. Stephen’s Basilica, the poignant Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, and the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building.

Along the way, guests will stroll the scenic Danube Promenade , snap photos at the Gresham Palace and Chain Bridge, and learn about Budapest’s rich history, culture, and local lifestyle.

The tour also provides valuable insights into the city’s renowned spa culture , public transportation, and museum recommendations tailored to personal interests.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Budapest: 2-Hour Private TukTuk Tour
• Budapest: Ruin Bars Walking Tour With Drinks and Snacks
• Budapest: Express Walk With a Local in 90 Minutes
• Chimney Cake Workshop in Budapest City Park
• Budapest: Dinner Cruise With Live Music and Folk Dance Show
• Budapest: Grand City Tour With Parliament Visit
• Szentendre Bike & Boat Tour From Budapest Bike Breeze
• From Budapest: Gödöllő Royal Palace Tour
• Budapest: Best of Downtown and Jewish Quarter Private Tour
• Budapest: City Highlights Guided Cycling and Walking Tour
• Solo Spirits – Private Cocktail Smoking Workshop
• Budapest: Private Transfer To/From Budapest Airport or City
• Budapest: Buda District Walking Tour With Cake and Coffee
• Hungary: Full-Day Private Danube Bend Tour
• Budapest: Private Exclusive History Tour With a Local Expert

The Downtown Budapest Walking Tour is a captivating 2-hour exploration of the Pest side, showcasing iconic landmarks and offering scenic views along the Danube Promenade. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides local insights and memorable photo opportunities, making it a perfect choice for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike with its flexible booking and free cancellation options .

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New York Walking Tours

See our Calendar Below for All Tours, as well as Things to Do & Travel Tips

Featured tours.

Chinatown and Little Italy Food tour

Chinatown and little italy food tour highlights.

• Mott St Fish Market —This informal market consists of shops selling fresh-caught fish, seafood, and a colorful array of fruits and vegetables. It is a popular destination for Chinatown locals and in-the-know foodies everywhere!
• Di Paulo’s Fine Foods - This Importer of fine Italian meats and cheeses has been family-owned and operated since 1925. 7-Cafe Roma A little Italy institution owned and operated by the same family since 1891
• Nolita Pizza —A relative newcomer, this little gem of a pizzeria has swiftly captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and tourists alike, earning rave reviews on Google and becoming a popular spot for Instagram-worthy moments.
• Cafe Palermo - Since 1973, Caffé Palermo has provided residents and travelers with delicate pastries. Home of “the Cannoli King” for 51 years!
• Mei Lai Wa - This dim sum bakery has been THE goto spot for baked buns since the late 1960’s
• Doyers St - Known as “murderer’s ally” in 1900, this now quaint street is famous for its murals and restaurants.
• Church of the Transfiguration —Completed in 1801, this little church has been a center of worship for the immigrant groups in the neighborhood for over 200 years.
• Supreme Restaurant - Small, laidback Shanghainese restaurant known for its signature soup dumplings.

• Ghosts of Greenwich Village

Ghosts of Greenwich Village Highlights

• The Hanging Elm : Discover the macabre history behind The Hanging Elm, where the spirits of the unfortunate still linger, sharing their stories from beyond.
• Triangle Shirtwaist Factory : Understand the tragic events that unfolded at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, where the echoes of the past still resonate with sorrow and pain.
• Mark Twain's House of Death : Walk in the footsteps of literary legend Mark Twain and visit his haunted home, where his spectral presence fuels the imagination and sends shivers down your spine.
• Emma Lazarus' House : Explore the former residence of Emma Lazarus, the poet whose spirit is said to still roam the halls, inspiring and haunting visitors alike.
• Hidden Cemetery at Congregation Shearith Isreal : Uncover the secrets of the Hidden Cemetery, where the past meets the present in a hauntingly beautiful intersection of history and mystery.
• Jefferson Market Library: Wave to the friendly woman who smiles and then fades away at this former courthouse and site of an old jail.
• Cherry Lane Theatre : Experience the eerie allure of the Cherry Lane Theatre, where ghostly inhabitants are said to perform for an audience of the afterlife.
• House of Mayor Jimmy Walker: where the former mayor's ghost is rumored to be still living out his flamboyant life.

Midtown Manhattan: Times Square & Skyscrapers

Midtown manhattan: times square & skyscrapers highlights.

• Times Square:  Start your adventure at the vibrant crossroads of the world. Times Square's bright lights and towering billboards are a sight to behold, making it one of the most photographed spots in the city.
• Bryant Park : Take a leisurely stroll through Bryant Park, an urban oasis nestled amidst skyscrapers. Enjoy the lush green space and perhaps catch a glimpse of local artists and performers.
• New York Public Library : Next, we stop outside the New York Public Library, an architectural marvel and a treasure trove of knowledge. Meet Lord Leo and Lady Luxor, the two lions who guard the famous stairs.
• Fifth Avenue:  See the famous avenue renowned for its upscale shops, historic landmarks, and iconic sights. A shopping paradise and a cultural landmark all rolled into one.
• Chrysler Building : Marvel at the art deco elegance of the Chrysler Building, one of New York's most recognizable skyscrapers. Its distinctive spire makes it a quintessential part of the city's skyline.
• MetLife Building : Formerly known as the Pan Am Building, the MetLife Building is another towering structure that epitomizes the architectural grandeur of New York City.
• Grand Central Terminal : Step inside the majestic Grand Central Terminal, where the celestial ceiling and opulent architecture will leave you in awe. It's not just a transportation hub but a historic landmark teeming with stories of the past.
• Park Avenue : Travel along the iconic Park Avenue, lined with luxurious apartments and renowned corporate headquarters. This avenue is synonymous with affluence and style.
• St. Patrick's Cathedral : Visit the magnificent St. Patrick's Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture. Its serene ambiance and intricate details make it a must-see landmark.
• Rockefeller Center : Conclude your tour at Rockefeller Center, a hub of entertainment and culture. Whether it's ice skating in winter or enjoying the panoramic city views from the Top of the Rock, there's something for everyone.

Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO (With East River Ferry Tickets)

Brooklyn bridge to dumbo (with east river ferry tickets) highlights.

Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge:

The highlight of your adventure will be a breathtaking stroll across the historic Brooklyn Bridge. Enjoy panoramic views of Manhattan and Brooklyn, capturing stunning photos along the way.

Explore DUMBO:

Discover the charming district of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). Once a manufacturing and industrial district, economic change sapped the area of its economic strength, leaving large and vacant factory lofts as attractive destinations for artists starving for large and affordable living space.

Manhattan Bridge View:

Marvel at the unparalleled views of the Manhattan Bridge. This scenic spot is a perfect backdrop for your travel photos.

TimeOut Market:

Walk through TimeOut Market, a bustling modern food hall in a historic warehouse.

Jane’s Carousel:

Take a moment to enjoy Jane’s Carousel, a beautifully restored carousel offering a touch of nostalgia and fun.

East River Ferry:

For an added adventure, take a ferry excursion on the East River Ferry to return to Manhattan. End your tour with a picturesque ferry ride from Brooklyn to Manhattan's Pier 11 / Wall Street (though you can choose to stay in Brooklyn if you want!) 

Harlem Highlights

• Abyssinian Baptist Church
• Apollo Theater
• Sites related to Malcolm X
• Headquarters of William J. Clinton Foundation
• Schomberg Center
• Sylvia's Soul-food Restaurant
• Strivers Row
• and much more!

Lower Manhattan: Wall Street, Hamilton & 9/11 Memorial

Lower manhattan: wall street, hamilton & 9/11 memorial highlights.

The Charging Bull : Start your adventure with a visit to the famous Charging Bull, a symbol of financial optimism and prosperity. Snap a photo and feel the energy of Wall Street.

Federal Hall : Step back in time at Federal Hall, where George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States. Learn about its historical significance and its role in shaping American democracy.

Wall Street & The New York Stock Exchange : Walk down the legendary Wall Street and stand in front of the New York Stock Exchange, the world's largest stock exchange. Experience the pulse of global finance and hear stories of market triumphs and crashes.

Trinity Church: Marvel at the Gothic Revival architecture of Trinity Church, one of the city's oldest and most historic churches. Discover its rich history and its connection to early American life.

Zuccotti Park (Occupy Wall Street site) : Uncover the recent history of Zuccotti Park, the birthplace of the Occupy Wall Street movement. Understand its impact on modern financial protests and social movements.

St. Paul's Chapel : Visit St. Paul's Chapel, a site of solace and remembrance. Learn about its role during the aftermath of 9/11 and its significance as the oldest surviving church building in Manhattan.

World Trade Center & 9/11 Memorial : Pay your respects at the World Trade Center site and the 9/11 Memorial. Reflect on the events of September 11, 2001, and honor the lives lost.

Fraunces Tavern : Visit a landmark steeped in Revolutionary War history. Discover its role as a meeting place for the Sons of Liberty and glimpse colonial New York.

The Oculus: Hear about the unique architecture of this new addition to Lower Manhattan before you end your tour at this transportation hub and shopping mall

Welcome to Tours by Foot, offering small-group New York walking tours, including food tours.

Our tours are led by experienced and real New Yorkers who are the most highly rated in the city. Don't take our word for it, check our review section to see what actual tour guests think about the service we provide.

• Guided Walking Tours
• Free Self Guided Tours (written and researched by our team of professional guides)
• Audio Tours (written, researched, AND recorded by the same guides!)

Book a tour on a specific date or jump below for the full weekly calendar.

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A 32-min condensed video version of our Central Park Tour

WALKING TOURS

This is a city of neighborhoods and we focus on tours designed to show you what the Big Apple is made of.

Walking tours are our specialty, and we offer a number of daily and weekly, guided, walks of NYC.

You can browse our tours by clicking the links below, scrolling through our public tours calendar, or going to our booking page to see what we have available.

Some tours focus on single neighborhoods, and some combine parts of several.

Food and night tours are detailed in their respective sections, but you can find them on the calendar below.

We also offer dozens of  self-guided tours as well as audio tours .

We have over 6000 reviews with a 5 out of 5 stars rating. Read the reviews for yourself.

Daily (and Almost Daily) Scheduled Tours

• SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown
• Across the Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO
• 3 Hour Downtown Manhattan (Financial District, Soho, Little Italy & Chinatown)
• Bushwick Graffiti and Street Art
• Central Park tours
• Greenwich Village Tours
• 6 Hour Downtown Combined 
• Midtown Manhattan
• Lower Manhattan

NOTE: For the holiday season, we run special daily tours

• Midtown Manhattan Holiday Lights Tour
• Dyker Heights Brooklyn Lights Tour
• NYC Christmas Movie Tours

Weekly Tours (Tours that run 1 - 3 times a week)

• Central Park
• Grand Central Terminal
• Graffiti and Street Art Tours
• Manhattan Street Art and Pop Culture
• Williamsburg Street Art
• Rockefeller Center
• Alternative New York
• Meatpacking District, Little Island and High Line
• NYC Shopping Experience
• World Trade Center 
• Midtown Manhattan Night
• Greenwich Village Food Tour
• Lower East Side Food Tour
• Chinatown and Little Italy Food
• East Village Food

Our New York tours are also great for meeting fellow travelers and making new friends.

Our guests come from all over the world, which means that the questions asked by our tour guides reflect many different perspectives and contribute to more enriching experiences for our guests.

We offer over 30 different NYC tours .

OTHER TOURS

There are other ways to explore New York City! Read our guides to the various bus, bike, and boat tours.

• NYC Boat Tours Compared
• How Much Is a Helicopter Ride in NYC?
• Which NYC Dinner Cruise to Choose?
• Which NYC Bike Tour is Best?

Be sure to consider one of our pay-what-you-wish New York City food tours .

With competitors charging anywhere from $45-$65 for their food tours, a food tour experience is often out of reach for most travelers.

There is so much good food at affordable prices; there's no need to be forced to pay so much money.

Our two most popular and regularly scheduled guided tour options are:

We also offer weekly food tours of the East Village ,  Manhattan's Chinatown , and Williamsburg Brooklyn , as well as free self-guided food tours so that you can experience the flavors of the city at your own pace.

Since we do not offer any of our food tours on a daily basis, we have also included the food tour schedules of other companies that we trust.

AUDIO AND SELF-GUIDED TOURS

If you can’t fit any of our tours into your schedule, check out  our anytime audio tours , where you will find several of our most popular tours narrated by Tours by Foot tour guides.

These audio tours go deeper than our self-guided maps and allow you to enjoy our guided tours whenever they fit your schedule.  We are constantly adding new audio tours to our collection.

Listen to a sample of our Lower Manhattan Tour (an archaeological site of old New Amsterdam)

Available Tours:

• 9/11 Memorial and World Trade Center
• Greenwich Village
• Times Square
• Food Tour of Greenwich Village
• Little Italy and Nolita
• The Brooklyn Bridge (in both English and Spanish versions)
• The High Line

New York doesn't have to be expensive if you know how to avoid paying too much.

We know a thing or two about saving money from our pay-what-you-like guided walking tours, audio tours, and free self-guided tours.

If you are even considering visiting two of NYC's top attractions, say the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, you must read our post reviewing the top tourist attraction passes .

Below are some of the most popular articles:

• Save money on attractions and tours with a tourist attraction discount pass .
• Learn how to use the NYC Subway and which MetroCard to buy .
• Find highly rated but inexpensive hotels and other accommodation options.
• List of museums and galleries that offer free admission.
• Tips on discount shopping .
• Don't pay full price for tickets to Broadway shows .
• Find the best cheap eats .

Check out our post titled " Travel Guide for NYC on a Budget " for all of our helpful articles.

Reviews From Our Guests

We don't like to toot our own horn too much, but if you're wondering just how much travelers and locals enjoy our free walking tours, you need look no further than our New York City Travel Tips group on Facebook.

As you can see, Gina shares her experience with us and some pictures from the tour. This is really helpful for getting a sense of what to expect when you join us!

Gina notes something quite important: we usually don't have a limit on how much you should tip. Any tips are welcome.

If you're curious about our food tours, Yvonne offers several pictures that give you a pretty good idea of the kinds of food you can expect to enjoy.

Our audio tours are also quite popular, and Kelly notes that the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour was particularly useful.

If you can't manage to join us for a fully guided tour, these audio guides are an excellent alternative that can allow you to explore at your own pace.

Please read our New York City Travel Tips group on Facebook for even more opinions and advice about our tours.

And much, much more

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