famous walking tours in nyc

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The 19 best tours and walks in NYC

Take one of the best NYC tours and let an expert show you the city like never before

With so many must-see attractions in NYC , a visit to the city can be overwhelming. The best NYC tours — whether by land, sea or air — can help you make the most of your visit. Even locals will enjoy these tours and maybe learn something new (or discover a few secret NYC destinations) by taking an off-the-beaten-path tour . Choose your own adventure: walking tours, boat tours, bike tours and helicopter tours are all great ways to see the city, and the expert guides will leave you with a satisfying taste of the city. Looking for something more specific? There are food tours, movie tours, art tours, architecture tours and more. Whatever part of NYC you want to explore, there’s a tour for you, and you’ll have fun while learning everything you need to know about the Big Apple.

Recommended:  the best lesser-known attractions in NYC   Recommended: the best non-touristy things to do in NYC Recommended: the best parks in NYC Recommended: 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.  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. 

3.  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. 

4.  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 City Tales Sightseeing, you'll also stop at the  Fireman’s Memorial,  twin reflecting pools, One World Observatory, and  St Paul’s Chapel .

5.  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 30 film locations within the park, though hundreds more exist.

6.  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 the Shearwater really does have it all. Sit back and relax and the crew guides the restored 1929 sailboat out into the harbor. If you’re lucky, the captain will even let you take a turn at the helm.

7.  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. 

8.  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.

9.  Lower East Side Bagel Tour

Come hungry: You start this walking tour of the Lower East Side with a piping hot bagel smeared with cream cheese. The eats only get better as you visit venerable New York institutions like Katz’s Delicatessen, Russ and Daughters, The Pickle Guy, and Economy Candy. It’s not all about the food either: Your guide will explain how immigrants shaped both this neighborhood and its cuisine as you walk.

10.  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' 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.

11.  Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture 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.

12.  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. Visit Carrie’s brownstone, some of the girls’ favorite bars, and an X-rated store featured on the show on this epic bus tour. There might even be time to stop for a Cosmo.

13.  Statue of Liberty Express Cruise

Perfect for the sightseer who knows exactly what he or she wants, 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 and Chelsea 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 hosted by New York Tour 1 to explore the full span of this green oasis and take in the architecture and unique history of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. 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.  Lower East Side Food and Culture Tour

This is one for the foodies. The Lower East Side’s culinary scene is as vibrant as its culture. It's impossible to separate the two: as different immigrant communities moved in over the decades, each brought the foods of their homelands with them. These days, you can find everything from knishes to stroopwafels to fresh mozzarella within a few blocks. This three-hour walking and eating expedition around the neighborhood lets you t aste all the foods it has to offer – and learn about their origins. 

16.  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!

17.  The Sopranos Sites 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.

18.  Alternative New York Street Art 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 on an Inside Out Tour of either the Lower East Side or Bushwick and Williamsburg. You won’t find these artists hanging in any gallery. Yet.

19.  New York City Lights Sail

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. Board the Shearwater for a cruise around the harbor after dark. 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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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.

[View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2 .]

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.

[View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 .]

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.

[ View & Book Tickets .]

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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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
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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 500 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 and the
• Lower East Side Food and Culture Tour .

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 !

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The Best Walking Tours of New York City

New York City has tons of walking tour companies. There are free tours, food tours, neighborhood tours, expensive private walking tours. New York has a walking tour for everyone’s needs and interests!

Personally, I love walking tours. I think they’re a wonderful way to see a city, get your bearings, and learn about where you are from a local expert. After all, why visit a place if you don’t want to learn about it?

To help you decide what tours to take while you’re exploring the Big Apple, I decided to sample a big chunk of the city’s historical walking tour companies in order to find the best ones. While it took a toll on my feet (I definitely got my steps in!), I learned a lot about NYC history!

Here’s a review of the best walking tours in New York City:

Best Overall Tour

Take Walks specializes in behind the scenes access that other tours don’t offer. Their Met tour is hours of educational fun and their Statue of Liberty and Ellis Islandtour as well as their Disney tour take you behind the scenes and give you insider access you won’t get anywhere else.

They are my FAVORITE tour company in the city. Any of their tours will be great!

Best Free Tour

Free Tours by Foot

These free tours are offered throughout the city by licensed guides. The company really shines in its diverse catalog — there’s a tour for everyone. They add a bit of quirky history to each tour and, since there’s no set script, each tour differs based on your guide. (My SoHo tour guide waxed poetic on gentrification.) Just make sure to sign up in advance and be sure to tip your guide at the end!

In addition to these two awesome tour companies, New York has over a dozen other insightful, educational, and delicious tours in the city. Here are my top suggestions:  

1. Big Apple Greeter

Big Apple Greeter was founded in 1992 and connects visitors with local residents who show them around their neighborhood for a day. These aren’t professional guides, just locals showing you their favorite spots. I haven’t taken a tour with this company in many years, but the concept is still spot on and it’s something I highly recommend first-time visitors do.

After a pause due to COVID, Big Apple Greeter is back, but at the moment they ask you to fill out a visit request 4 weeks in advance. Currently, they are not accepting restorations within 10 days so make sure to book in advance! Meeting a greeter is free of charge and there is a no-tipping policy. However, please consider making a donation to help this service continue.

2. Explore the Real Brooklyn

Friend and fellow travel writer Dani Heinrich runs this off-the-beaten-path tour around Brooklyn. She’s a diehard Brooklynite and loves taking people around the city to show them there’s a lot more to NYC than just Manhattan. She has been leading these tours for over 4 years and will take you all over Brooklyn (so be prepared to walk). Tours last 4.5 hours.

Tours from $44 USD.

3. Central Park Conservancy Tour

Ever wanted to know about the flora and fauna of Central Park? Well, now you can. Several free tours highlight the various features of the park. Not only do you get to walk around the park on a beautiful day, but you learn about what you’re looking at too! There are tours that cover the main sights, family-friendly tours, tours that focus on statues and monuments, and more. The tours usually last 90 minutes. You can purchase tickets online in advance.

Tours from $25 USD.

4. The Village Alliance

The Village Alliance offers free self-guided walking tours of Greenwich Village. You can get the itineraries and maps on their website so you can learn about the history and social culture of the area. Tours cover everything from LGBTQ landmarks to the 1960s to important women in history. Their website also has tons of information on the bohemian art scene, food, and gentrification. Since tours are self-guided, they last as long as you want them to.

5. Big Onion Walking Tours

This is one of the biggest walking tour companies in New York. Using Ph.D. candidates as tour guides, this company runs about 50 tours on varying days each month. I took their Prohibition walking tour. I liked my guide, and she provided a lot of historical information, but much of it wasn’t directly related to Prohibition. While that was a personal bummer ( I’m a sucker for anything Jazz Age! ), I still really liked the tour and would recommend the company.

Tours from $30 USD ($20 for students and seniors).

6. Bowery Boys Walks

The Bowery Boys started off as a podcast back in 2007, focusing on the unique history of the Big Apple. Since then, they’ve branched out and created their own walking tours based on some of their most popular episodes and topics. They offer over a dozen distinct tours that cover specific areas around the city as well as different historical periods, such as their Gilded Age Mansions tour (which is super interesting!). Their tours last around two hours. Be sure to book in advance since there is limited space.

Tours from $40 USD.

7. Honorable Mention: Get Your Guide

Get Your Guide is a massive online platform for finding all kinds of fun activities, including walking tours, bike tours, and food tours. Whenever I’m in a new city, I check their app to see what new activities I can find. There is really something for every interest and budget, and booking is a breeze. I can’t recommend them enough!

Some suggested tours worth checking out are:

• Chinatown & Little Italy Food Tour
• MoMA Before Hours Guided Tour
• Speakeasy & Prohibition History Tour

Devour Tours is my go-to food tour company as they always have amazing itineraries and use expert local guides. In NYC, they currently have two epic tours on offer. Their Ultimate Greenwich Village tour lasts three hours and includes a filling 9 stops at a handful of family-run eateries around this iconic bohemian neighborhood.

Their Dumplings, Delis, & History tour explores the Lower East Side, including a visit to the oldest and most famous deli in the city!

Other suggested food tour companies to check out are:

• Scott’s Pizza Tours
• Foods of NY
• Famous Fat Dave’s Five Borough Eating Tour
• Beyond the Plate

No matter what company you tour with on this list, you’ll learn a lot, have fun, and discover parts of NYC with these walking tours you wouldn’t have found otherwise. Nothing can replace an insider’s tour of a city! Try a couple over the course of your visit. (Again, my favorite is Take Walks but any company on this list will be phenomenal!)

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to New York City!

For more in-depth tips on NYC, check out my 100+ page guidebook written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel in the city that never sleeps. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to New York City: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here my complete list of favorite hostels the city.

Additionally, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood guide to NYC!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on New York City? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New York City for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Explore The Big Apple On Foot: 10 Best New York City Walking Tours Led By Local Insiders

Discover the Big Apple on foot by taking part in the walking tours in New York City, led by local insiders who know exactly where to go.

• Take a step behind the scenes of Succession with an unofficial tour that explores iconic filming locations all over Manhattan.
• Experience the deliciousness of NYC's Chinatown and Little Italy on a food tour that samples over a dozen bites.
• Discover the hidden wonders of Grand Central Terminal on a tour that reveals its secrets and majestic galleries.

There are plenty of top-rated tours in New York City. Visitors can choose from culinary journeys through iconic neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy, explore famous filming locations in the fan-favorite series Succession , or experience NYC's iconic Grand Central Terminal . More adventurous types can investigate the true stories of New York's Italian mafia families in Little Italy or brave a mysterious after-dark tour of underground catacombs.

Architecture buffs will appreciate learning about Gilded Age mansions, and Brooklyn also offers options like street art tours in Bushwick. Plus, one of the best NYC tours by oneself is to go walking the Brooklyn Bridge like a local at sunset. Whichever tour is chosen, guests are assured an educational and entertaining experience through New York's diverse streets, especially when they're led by passionate local guides.

For those seeking the best guided tours in New York City, look no further than these top NYC walking tours led by local guides who know exactly where to go to showcase the best of the Big Apple to tourists.

10 Surprisingly Free Things That You Can Do In New York City

10 the unofficial succession tour in manhattan.

Those who love the hit HBO show Succession will enjoy this unofficial tour that steps behind the scenes of the television magic. For two hours, visitors will follow in the footsteps of the Roy family as the guide points out iconic filming locations all over Manhattan.

Some highlights include strolling through the Upper East Side spots where the members of the Roy clan reside and chatting about epic show moments that were captured on the streets of NYC.

• Cost: $39 for adults, $35 for children
• Time: 10 am daily tours , with extra 3 pm tours Friday-Sunday

We're Guiding You Through A Walking Tour Of Central Park, To Help You Explore All The Best Parts

9 chinatown and little italy food tour.

Foodies will salivate over this mouthwatering tour that delves into NYC's iconic Chinatown and Little Italy neighborhoods. This is one of the best foodie tours in NYC, as it explores the many fun things to do in New York City's Chinatown .

Guests will sample over a dozen bites while learning about immigrant cultures and hidden culinary treasures. Expect to try specialties like steamed pork buns, espresso at a historic cafe, homemade gelato, and more.

• Cost: $75 per person
• Time: Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 2 pm

The guide shares fun facts and history to enhance the delicious experience.

8 Mafia History Walking Tour In Little Italy

Dive into the fascinating and true stories of New York's Italian mafia families on this historic walk through some of the best neighborhoods in NYC. Visitors will also uncover the roles of infamous mob bosses while passing landmarks from The Godfather films.

Highlights include learning about the original Italian gangs that held power on Mulberry Street and details on modern organized crime families still active today. It's an entertaining glimpse into the real lives and dealings that inspired popular mafia movies and books.

• Cost: $25 per person
• Time: Tours run Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 am

7 The Secrets Of Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City, transporting over 750,000 people daily. However, most commuters are unaware of the station's hidden wonders. On this tour, visitors discover those secrets while exploring majestic galleries and exploring minute details.

Fun facts shared include the astronomy-inspired ceiling mural, whispering arch, famous restaurant, and more. Guests gain a newfound appreciation for Grand Central Terminal's beauty, both inside and out.

• Cost and Time: Tours run daily for $35

10 New York City Resorts & Hotels That Are Near The City's Most Popular Attractions

6 brooklyn: bushwick street art walking tour.

Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood is renowned as one of the top street art destinations in the world. This artistic NYC walking tour highlights over 50 murals and unique installations spread across 1.5 miles. From iconic works to fresh pieces, guests will see cutting-edge styles showcased on warehouse walls, apartments, and unexpected spots.

The energetic guide provides fascinating context on the area's history and cultural evolution through visual art.

• Cost: $20 per person
• Time: Tours run Fridays and Sundays at 1 pm

5 Greenwich Village Ghost Tour

Those seeking paranormal activity won't want to miss this chilling Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour . One of the best ghost tours in New York City, stops include historic Bleecker Street, eerie graveyards, and haunted cafes where former celebs still linger.

Storytellers share strange apparitions and unexplained phenomena. En plein air séances invite guests to try and summon spirits themselves. It's an eclectic 90-minute blend of occult investigations, costume characters, and earnest attempts to commune with the other side.

• Cost: $70-300 per person
• Time: Tours run Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 pm

4 NYC: Gilded Age Mansions Guided Tour

Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate this enlightening trip, which is easily one of the best NYC walking tours through Manhattan's last remaining Gilded Age mansions. Along the way, guests learn the histories of the excessively opulent homes where titans of industry like Rockefeller once lived.

Highlight stops include the massive Schermerhorn Row and the infamous Villard Houses. The guide provides unique facts on how these lavish mansions exemplified America's new-found wealth and status at the turn of the 20th century.

• Cost: $39 per person
• Time: Tours run Saturdays at 10 am

New York Botanical Garden In Three Hours: Here's What To See

3 brooklyn bridge and dumbo guided walking tour.

Newcomers and NYC natives alike will enjoy this scenic tour showcasing Brooklyn Bridge Park and the buzzing Dumbo neighborhood.

Pass underneath towering suspension cables for panoramic waterfront views of Manhattan skyscrapers. Continue onto cobblestone walks beneath soaring structures like fulfillment centers and luxury high-rises before winding down into postcard-perfect Dumbo. Delve into the area's industrial past while also learning about its rapid transformation. It's the perfect stroll for appreciating Brooklyn from new perspectives.

• Cost: $34 per person
• Time: Tours run 7 days a week at 9:30 am

2 New York City: Catacombs By Candlelight

For a unique after-dark adventure, reserve a spot on this intimate catacombs tour , which teaches guests all about the intriguing catacombs underneath New York City . With flickering lanterns in hand, visitors safely navigate narrow twisting passageways beneath old brownstone foundations.

Learn all about the historic secrets they hold, from eerie stories that bring the shadows to life to silhouette-filled insights into the location's past. Those seeking mystery won't want to miss hearing about ghosts, long-forgotten bones, and urban legends in one of NYC's darkest places.

• Cost: $35 per person for adult, $30 for children and senior
• Time: Tours run every day except Tuesday-Wednesday from 9 am-5 pm

1 Madison Square Garden Guided Arena Tour

Sports enthusiasts will love getting behind-the-scenes access to the iconic Madison Square Garden . A seasoned guide shares stories while escorting visitors through the bowels of "The World's Most Famous Arena."

See player tunnels, luxury suites, the MSG kitchen pumping out 20,000 hot dogs a game, and more. Different celebs have been spotted at Madison Square Garden , including Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

• Cost: Adult $35, Child $30
• Time: Tours run Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 11 am and 2 pm

It's a must for any fan of the Knicks, Rangers, or live entertainment in general.

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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.

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.

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).

Metropolis Tours

Walking tours in nyc, discover the stories of new york city, 9/11 ground zero walking tour, 5 neighborhoods walking tour, book tours with your sightseeing pass, at metropolis tours our mission is to share the energy, history, and excitement of the city with visitors from all over the world by bringing them into the story of the city..

New York City is made up of over 8 million people, over 300 square miles, and over 400 years of history. Each one of them has a story to tell.

Take a tour with us. Be a part of the story.

Reviews 29 Reviews .YFmODRhODJjLNYXRpYypbWFnZXMvYTUZGQOWYxZjcYjdkYjNhOTYMEyYjFkZTFiNjEucGn { } .YFmODRhODJjLNYXRpYypbWFnZXMvYTUZGQOWYxZjcYjdkYjNhOTYMEyYjFkZTFiNjEucGn:after{ ; ; } }

9/11 walking tour with Jonathan was great! For the first time we really enjoyed these kind of tours. He provided to us very intersting information, ... Read more

Jonathan was our guide. He was full of knowledge and make the walk fun. He provided pictures to see prior verses today.

An excellent tour and one of the highlights of our trip to New York. Jonatan was so friendly and informative. We learnt so much that we didn't already ... Read more

Had a great 9/11 tour today with Jonathan! He was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all the hard questions! He had a lot of respect for the ... Read more

I took the 9/11 Ground Zero Walking Tour with Jonathan as our Guide. It was a very informative, engaging and entertaining tour, Jonathan provide us a lot ... Read more

THANK YOU JONATHAN! It was the best walking tour we did in NYC. 100% recommended! We received so many informations that without this tour, we would have ... Read more

We did the 'heart of New York' tour as a couple. Since we were coincidentelly the only ones, it was a private tour. Jonathan, the guide, was very friendly ... Read more

Jonathan was a great guide. We learned many things we didn’t know. The sites and points of interest kept you interested and encouraged to learn more.

Jonathan ci ha condotto lungo un bellissimo ed interessante percorso nei dintorni di ground zero, raccontando storia di 9/11 con riferimenti unici e ... Read more

We can highly recommend the tour. Jonathan showed us many interesting spots and gave us a lot of background information and history. He also gave us some ... Read more

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24 Best NYC City Tours for an Unforgettable Exploration of the Big Apple

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It’s America’s tourism posterchild — and the best NYC city tours manage to communicate the raw, unique essence that has made New York the city of all cities.

Around every corner, down every street, there’s something new to discover. It’s the birthplace of jazz, bagels and hip-hop, a melting pot of cultures (à la Chinatown, Little Italy and Harlem for starters), and it’s been aptly crowned the City That Never Sleeps.

With so many things to do in NYC , you could spend weeks here and barely scratch the surface. That’s exactly why first-time travelers opt for guided city tours; in the space of just a few hours, you’re treated to a highlight reel of New York City – its art, history, food and architecture.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

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1 – New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 8859 reviews )

“Absolutely brilliant tour and day in the hands of the fantastic Hayley and Manny, would absolutely recommend this tour as a ” must” for anyone visiting NYC.” Ian, Viator

Ticking off a hand-picked selection of the best places to visit in New York City back to back, this USA Guided Tours adventure covers Manhattan from top to bottom, showing off as many quintessential landmarks as possible in one day.

With a combination of walking, driving and cruising on the Staten Island Ferry, you’ll tick off over a dozen world-famous attractions. Starting from Central Park, you’ll pass by the Rockefeller Center, the New York Public Library, the 9/11 Memorial and more, with insights into neighborhoods like SoHo , Times Square, Chinatown and Greenwich in between.

With time to wander around Fifth Avenue and soak up views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty as well, this tour is perfect for first-timers wanting to get the most out of their stay.

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• Starting from Midtown, this tour first ventures north via Times Square toward Central Park, where you'll get to see Strawberry Fields and the John Lennon Memorial. Then, you'll head south en route to Lower Manhattan, passing several landmarks along the way, such as the Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, the Flatiron Building and the New York Public Library.
• After a 30-minute stop at the Gansevoort Liberty Market, you'll then wander around the Financial District and Battery Park. Finally, you'll hop on the ferry to Staten Island for a round-trip that lets you admire Lady Liberty from afar. You'll then be escorted to the original meeting point where the tour ends.

If you’re short on time and want to squeeze in as many iconic New York City as possible into a day, this tour is a great option! Rachel, Jim, Tyler and the crew are all experts in all things NYC – history, architecture and culture – so you’ll learn plenty as you cover most of Manhattan. If you don’t mind sharing a few dozen other tourists, this tour comes highly recommended.

2 – Boroughs of NYC: Harlem, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn & Coney Island

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1378 reviews )

“As a first timer to New York, this is a great tour to give you a high-level understanding of 4 of the 5 boroughs.” Jack, Viator

With skyscrapers aplenty, Manhattan steals the spotlight. But in reality, it’s only one of five boroughs that make up New York City, and each boasts its own energy, landmarks and fantastic attractions.

On the Amigo Tours USA Boroughs Tour, you’ll get to discover Harlem , the birthplace of jazz and hip hop, Queens , home to the most diverse population in the world, the Bronx , renowned for its eccentric street art and Brooklyn , the NYC hipster capital.

Throw in an optional stop at historic Coney Island (widely considered to be one of the best things to do in Long Island ) and you’ve got yourself an all-encompassing, highly educational day out!

• After meeting your group near Grand Central Terminal, your local guide will first take you up to Harlem, where you'll see the iconic Apollo Theater. Next stop is the Bronx, where you'll pass by the Big Pun Mural and the Bronx–Whitestone Bridge.
• You'll then head toward Queens where you'll have some time to explore the Flushing Meadows Corona Park before crossing the Kosciuszko Bridge to Brooklyn. After wandering around Crown Heights, Williamsburg and DUMBO, you'll then either cross the Brooklyn Bridge and finish your tour or head to Coney Island.
• The tour's finishing point is up to you: choose from Coney Island, DUMBO, or Grand Central Terminal.

Very few tours cover as much ground as this one. With stops in all 4 boroughs, you’ll get a real taste of the distinctly different vibes that, when put together, make up the NYC charm. The guides are professional and humorous too.

If you want to learn about the history and culture of each neighborhood, plus see the sights, we’d certainly recommend this tour.

3 – New York City: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 2493 reviews )

“It was very cool not having to worry about transportation all day and just being able to get on and off pretty much anywhere and at any time. This way you can get a good overview and check out the most famous sights. It was really fun!” Sam, Getyourguide

The big, double-decker buses are touristy for good reason: they hit up almost all of the best tourist attractions in New York City , with the bonus of being able to hop on and off whenever and wherever you like.

The Big Bus Tours sightseeing adventure is all about convenience and flexibility. Whether you opt for the Downtown Loop (which passes places like Battery Park, SoHo , Chelsea and Greenwich ), the Uptown Loop (Grand Central Terminal, Central Park and more), or both, you’ll see a huge range of notable landmarks.

All buses come with an audioguide to give you the rundown about each attraction too. What’s not to love?

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• Prices vary depending on which route you choose and any extra add-ons you wish to purchase.
• The classic 1-day Downtown Loop ticket is the cheapest, at US$54 for adults and US$45 for kids (3-12).
• The 1-day Downtown and Uptown loops combo costs US$72 for adults and US$63 for kids.
• The 2-day Downtown and Uptown loops combo ticket costs US$90 for adults and US$81 for kids.
• Add-on: A 1-day Downtown and Uptown loops combo plus a cruise around Liberty Island costs US$100 for adults and US$90 for kids.
• Add-on: A 1-day Downtown and Uptown loop combo plus entry to the Empire State Building AND a ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands (museum access not included) costs US$130 for adults and US$120 for kids.

A fantastic way to get your bearings! These are more affordable than small group tours AND you can also see the sights at your own pace. You won’t get the personalized feeling of a private tour, but you can spend more time at the places that interest you most.

We recommend the Uptown+Downtown loops at the beginning of your NYC trip.

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4 – Private Custom New York City Tour by SUV

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 387 reviews )

“Absolutely great experience, my kids will remember it for ever. Even the car was perfect Thank you Ryan!!!” Manuel, Viator

All about that VIP feeling, this tour ditches the touristy big buses and cookie-cutter itineraries; you choose the route and the duration, and then your very own tour guide will make sure that your day is as fun and insightful as possible — that’s the beauty of New York City private tours .

Of course, you’re more than welcome to leave your destiny in the guide’s hands, who’ll happily whisk you to iconic landmarks and hidden gems while sharing insights into each neighborhood.

Whether you want to spend your day shopping at designer boutiques, indulging in delicious food, or snapping selfies at famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, Best New York Tours ‘ SUV adventure has got you covered.

If you want to craft your own experience, the private SUV tour is ideal. Bernice, Sheldon, Ryan and the team are so incredibly caring and helpful. It’s amazing how much sightseeing and storytelling they can squeeze into half a day.

The downside is the price; however, if you’re traveling with a large group it becomes much more reasonable. A fantastic option!

5 – 20-Min Ultimate NYC Helicopter Tour from Downtown Manhattan

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 2591 reviews )

“This was a brilliant experience, a unique birds eye view of the Big Apple.” Theodore, Headout

Short, sweet, and serving up incredible views of America’s posterchild, helicopter rides invite you to ditch the foot traffic and see the entire Manhattan Island from a whole new perspective.

Taking off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, the chopper soars high above famous sights like the Statue of Liberty , Central Park , the Brooklyn Bridge , and the Palisade Cliffs (just a handful of the 15+ quintessential landmarks en route).

But it’s not just sightseeing; with a professional pilot doubling as your VIP tour guide, you’ll learn all about the city’s major landmarks too.

Being such a quick experience, you’ll have stacks of time to do a few of the other top things to do in Manhattan afterward.

A bucket list activity worth splurging on, this exciting helicopter tour is worth every penny. The views are second to none, and the insightful pilot comments make this experience even more special. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned NYC veteran, seeing the Big Apple from above is worth doing once in everyone’s life. 10/10.

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6 – SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 1592 reviews )

” would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the history of these 3 very unique neighborhoods!” Judith, Viator

A huge part of Manhattan’s charm comes from the dynamic subcultures scattered throughout its streets, and this walking tour shows off three of the most unique enclaves one after the other.

Led by knowledgeable guides from ExperienceFirst , you’ll wander through SoHo, a neighborhood renowned for its high fashion and trendy stores, before heading to Little Italy where you can indulge in authentic Italian cuisine and learn about the area’s 19th-century architecture as well as the decades of gang violence.

On top of Soho and Little Italy , throw in Chinatown , where buzzing markets and bustling streets will immerse you in Eastern culture and tradition, and you’ve got yourself quite the whirlwind tour!

Affordable, enjoyable, and an excellent way to dive into the NYC cultural melting pot, this walking tour is a must-do. Mindy, Andrea, Esa, Tim and the ExperienceFirst crew know so much about SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown – not just their modern sides, but also about their rich histories. We would certainly recommend this activity.

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Read more: Best walking tours in NYC

7 – 1 Hour Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 5560 reviews )

“Nice quick ride to the Statue of Liberty and back. Good guide and good music and good boat.” Jeffrey, Getyourguide

Description: 100 words – mention Statue Walks LLC , Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Once a gift from France, the Statue of Liberty has become an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy. On this hour-long sightseeing cruise, you’ll sail past Lady Liberty herself, getting an up-close look at her stunning features and learning all about her transformation into a national monument.

You’ll also cruise past Ellis Island, the gateway for over 12 million immigrants, with plenty of stories to be told by the Statue Walks LLC team. Besides being blessed with a unique perspective of these two historical landmarks, you’ll also be treated to wonderful views of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. What’s not to love?

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No visit to NYC is complete without the Statue of Liberty. So you might as well see her on a wonderful boat ride! The crew are extremely friendly (sometimes they let you steer the boat), the boat has restrooms and a bar, and views across the harbor are spectacular. Given the reasonable price, this gets out tick of approval.

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Read more: Best boat tours in NYC

8 – Private New York Tour with Native and Professional Photoshoot

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 555 reviews )

“Best $$ I ever spent on a vacation. This was the highlight of our trip to NYC and the bonus is we have amazing pics to have forever. Everyone that visits the city should absolutely do this!” Tara, Viator

Description: 100 words (include the official website link if we mention the company name)

If crowded walking tours and cliché big buses give you the ick, a private tour is the perfect antidote. Sure, you’ll get to witness quintessential landmarks (think Times Square, the Theatre District, etc.), but you’ll do it in style, with your very own passionate NYC historian.

The other standout part of this tour is the photos. Forget about selfies all day; your private guide doubles as a professional photographer. You’ll end up with around 75+ high-quality snaps when it’s all said and done!

The best part? The tour is completely customizable based on what YOU want to see, whether it’s hidden eateries, movie backdrops, iconic landmarks, or a bit of everything!

• There is no standard ticket price for this tour. Instead, prices vary depending on how many people are in your group.
• Tickets cost US$172.50 each when booking two tickets.
• Tickets cost US$123 each when booking three tickets.
• Tickets cost US$99 each when booking four tickets.
• Tickets cost US$89 each when booking five tickets.
• Tickets cost US$74 each when booking six tickets.
• Tickets cost US$67 each when booking seven tickets.
• Finally, tickets cost US$62 each when booking 8 or more tickets.

It may seem a little touristy to have your own photographer, but make no mistake, this tour is one of the best for tourists wanting to capture their time in NYC!

Marc is amazing at making sure you get great shots without the insane crowds of people around too. For first-timers, it’s a fantastic way to get your bearings. 5 stars from us!

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9 – NYC TV & Movie Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1053 reviews )

“Loved this tour! Comfortable ride, awesome sights, and Benji was so knowledgeable and kind! I would highly recommend this tour!” Heather, Viator

Forget about Tinseltown because when it comes to movie and TV filming backdrops, New York City is the real star.

From the iconic Central Park Home Alone bridge to the Empire State Building (King Kong, When Harry Met Sally, and dozens more), and countless locales featured in titles like Seinfeld, Friends, and SATC (see #20), this silver screen deep-dive lets you relive all your favorite cinematic moments

Led by an On Location Tours actor-guide, you’ll get to drive around Midtown and Central Park, checking off places like the Wollman Rink, Fifth Avenue, the Friends Building, and even the GhostBusters Firestation. All the while, you’ll hear stories and fun facts about the movie sets, characters and actors. How good!

Cinephiles, this one is a non-negotiable afternoon activity! Benji, Chris and the team have phenomenal energy and are undisputed experts in all things NYC film and TV.

Besides snapping selfies at dozens of famous movie locations, you’ll also hear all the insider gossip about your favorite shows. Highly entertaining and certainly worth doing!

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Read more: Best TV & movie locations tours in New York City

10 – New York City: Highlights of Central Park Bike Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 ( 414 reviews )

“We stopped at the sights and were given some time to take a better look around. It was definitely worth it and you get to see the park well at a fast pace.” Ricardo, Getyourguide

If you’re on the hunt for family things to do in New York City with kids , you can never go wrong with Central Park . Spread across 843 acres, this slice of world-famous greenery acts as a much-needed breath of fresh air from the loud, crowded city streets.

Due to its size, you’d need at least an entire day to cross off all the main things to do in Central Park . Instead, why not speed things up with Unlimited Biking ‘s Central Park Bike Tour?

Led by local New Yorkers, you’ll pedal through the park, stopping at locations like Strawberry Fields, the Bethesda Terrace, and The Central Park Zoo, as well as lesser-known gems like the Alice in Wonderland statue and Belvedere Castle.

Central Park is world-famous, but it’s hard to cover all of it on foot, especially in just a few hours. That’s why Unlimited Biking’s tour is a great option. On top of the amazing sightseeing, the tour guides are also super knowledgeable about the history and fun facts of the park. We recommend this tour, especially for families.

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Read more: Best bike tours in NYC

11 – Broadway Theaters and Times Square with a Theater Professional

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 435 reviews )

“Loved learning about the history of the theater district! Our guide was very informative! I will look at the theaters in a new light now.” Jennifer, Viator

NYC’s beating heart is its Theatre District – from Times Square to the dozens of Broadway theaters, the energy and excitement is palpable year-round.

Led by the theater-obsessed ExperienceFirst crew, this walking tour shows off the history, the culture, and the behind-the-scenes magic of Broadway . From the first show in 1866 to today’s record-breaking hits, you’ll learn about the evolution and impact of Broadway on New York City – and hear all about the best Broadway shows to see right now as well.

Tours usually run at 4pm, leaving you with plenty of time to catch a show afterwards (one of the quintessential things to do in New York City at night ) or check off some of the other things to do in Times Square .

Keith, Chris, Tim and the ExperienceFirst crew make sure this tour is well worth your time. For budding performers and theater enthusiasts alike, it’s one of the best city tours in NYC.

Times Square can get very chaotic, so having a local by your side to navigate the crowds is a huge plus. If you don’t mind the hustle and bustle, it’s a great option.

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Read more: List of Broadway theaters – which one is best?

12 – Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 702 reviews )

“This was a great way to look at all of New York famous buildings and learn about their history! I would go again!” Jessica, Viator

All about luxury, sophistication and (as the name suggests) architecture, this NYC cruise is definitely one for those who like to travel in style. Once on board the 1920s-style yacht, you’ll spend almost 3 hours cruising around the Hudson and East Rivers while taking in stunning views of staple Manhattan landmarks.

While you’ll pass by the Freedom Tower, the Chrysler Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, Roosevelt Island and more, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill sightseeing boat cruise. The expert American Institute of Architects guide waxes commentary about the city’s rich architectural history, making it a great learning experience as well.

With an architectural landscape that changes daily, if there were ever a city to study the different styles of buildings, bridges and monuments, it’s this one.

While more expensive than regular cruises, the architecture yacht tour dives into themes of which other tours barely scratch the surface. The crew are experts, and the boat itself is stunning. Highly recommended!

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13 – New York City Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 331 reviews )

“My friends and I loved the tour, it was very interesting! I definitely have some new facts to share with my family 🙂 The tour guide was amazing and was able to answer all of my dumb questions about the city!” Caroline, Viator

Modern-day Greenwich is known as the home of Manhattan counterculture; a hipster, groovy district with art galleries and trendy bars around every corner. But dig beneath the glamorous surface and you’ll discover that this neighborhood also has a long history of hauntings, crime and paranormal activity.

And there’s no better group to share the spine-tingling stories than Top Dog Tours . Taking a moonlit walking tour through the Village’s winding streets, you’ll hear tales of murder, mystery, and mayhem as you visit haunted places like Washington Square Park, the Jefferson Market Library, and the Cherry Lane Theatre, to name a few.

A refreshing alternative to the traditional sightseeing tour, this bone-chilling Village walkthrough truly brings the spooky history of Greenwich to life. Luke, Katie and Rory are expert storytellers, keeping the tour engaging from start to end. If you want to venture off the beaten path, we highly recommend this tour.

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14 – Private Harlem Soul Food and Jazz Evening Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 127 reviews )

“Extremely knowledgeable regarding Harlem; very pleasant personality; enjoyed the music and atmosphere; food excellent!” Melody, Viator

Undeniably one of Manhattan’s most fascinating neighborhoods, Harlem is renowned for its rich history as the birthplace of jazz, hip hop and everyone’s favorite soul food. On this private evening tour (run by the great team at Harlem Spirituals ), you’ll get to wander through the lively Harlem streets, popping into jazz clubs, passing by well-known landmarks and, of course, tasting some traditional soul food dishes at the one and only Sylvia’s restaurant.

All the while, you’ll learn all about how this dynamic enclave rose to fame in the 1920s, becoming a hub for African-American culture. Being a private tour, you can guarantee a more personalized, intimate experience too.

If you prefer budget-friendly experiences, look elsewhere. If you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks for a personalized tour that covers everything from history and culture to music and food, then this Harlem walkthrough is unbeatable. The live show at the Cotton Club, in particular, is top-notch. Worth doing!

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15 – NYC: 3-Hour Gossip Girl Sites Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 321 reviews )

“It was a very nice experience for my family to be able to enjoy this experience and see serious places that I liked so much.” Cesar, Getyourguide

Calling all Gossip Girl fans! Get ready to step into the glamorous world of Manhattan’s elite, following in the footsteps of Blair and Serena as you make your way to a stack of the 40+ NYC locations (!) featured in the hit TV series.

From Grand Central Terminal to the beautiful Upper East Side, you’ll be whisked away to the Vera Wang boutique where Blair tried on her wedding gown, the candy store where Dan helped Vanessa shop, Chuck Bass’ new business, and a whole lot more.

And since the tour guides are usually diehard fans of the show, you’ll hear all sorts of insider trivia along the way.

This tour isn’t for everyone, but if you’re a fan of the show, it’s as bucket list-worthy as they come. Abby and co. are nice, engaging and funny (doubling as photographers) and the sites are all really interesting. The macaroons at Ladurée are a bonus! The verdict? Worth doing for diehard fans.

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Read more: Gossip Girl tours in New York – everything you should know

16 – The Original Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture, Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 737 reviews )

“This was a great tour of Brooklyn. We learnt so much about the culture and history from our amazing tour guide Laurie. And to top it all off, the food stops were absolutely delicious!” Ian, Viator

Move over, Manhattan! NYC’s most hipster borough is a smorgasbord of cultural and culinary delights waiting to be discovered. Renowned as one of the best NYC city tours, this half-day foodie adventure (led by the experts at New York Fun Tours ), takes you on a lip-smacking journey through the premier Brooklyn eateries.

Sure to tantalize the tastebuds, you’ll get to dig into shawarma, pierogies, pizza, cannolis, and French bonbons. But it’s not exclusively about eating. You’ll get your fair share of sightseeing too, passing by the likes of the Brooklyn Bridge (one of the top things to do in Brooklyn ), Prospect Park, DUMBO, and Williamsburg.

The Best of Brooklyn excursion is a non-stop highlight reel of the city’s biggest, most dynamic borough. Regardless of where you go on any given day, expect exceptional food tastings from all kinds of international cuisines. For the amount of food you get, the price is very reasonable too. We consider this a must-do tour for foodies!

• food tours in New York City

Read more: Best food tours in NYC

17 – Free Walking Tour: VIP Financial District Stroll

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 ( 1008 reviews )

“Omar was a great guide. It was a great introduction to the city. I will highly recommend this tour to everyone visiting NYC for the first time.” Sameer, Guruwalk

Where modern skyscrapers contrast centuries-old churches and taverns; where the oldest immigration hub meets Wall Street; where the sobering 9/11 Memorial stands, the Financial District is so much more than finance.

This tour highlights the district’s most iconic landmarks — think the New York Stock Exchange, Trinity Church, Federal Hall and the Freedom Tower. Like you would on Wall Street tours , you’ll wander through the story-filled streets, hearing all about the city’s rich history, its status as the nation’s economic heart, and the impact of major events like the 9/11.

The best part? It’s totally free, making the Guru Walk one of the best cheap things to do in New York City .

• free walking tours in NYC

Informative, entertaining, and totally free! What’s not to love? Besides being experts in local history and culture, Omar, William and the Guru Walk team are also happy to give recommendations on what to do later on. If you’re on a budget, we couldn’t speak any higher of this tour.

18 – High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 699 reviews )

“We loved the entire tour. Especially the stories about the meatpacking district were fascinating. Great mixture of History, current facts and humour.” Clara, Viator

A former elevated railway line transformed into a modern urban park, the High Line has rapidly risen the ranks to become one of the Big Apple’s must-visit attractions.

The ExperienceFirst small group tour reveals the history and architecture of the area, showing off the hidden gems in gentrified Chelsea and the Meatpacking District too (where great food, quaint bars and designer boutiques are aplenty).

Come hungry; a highlight of the tour is a walkthrough of the buzzing Chelsea Market – a hundred-year-old former factory that’s now home to more than 50 shops and eateries.

Based on the flawless 5-star ratings, the people have voted this one of the best NYC city tours.

Chelsea and the Meatpacking District have so much character! Jon, Ben, Evan, Maki and the whole ExperienceFirst team share great stories as you stroll through the charming streets.

You’ll learn about the economy, the architecture, the history and the culture all in one — we’d definitely suggest giving this tour a go!

• High line tours

19  – New York City: The Sopranos Filming Locations Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 146 reviews )

“Great tour which took us to most of the sopranos regular filming sights! Would recommend to get better insight and little places you wouldn’t think of as we had considered hiring a car and doing ourselves but never would have spotted so much.” Katie, Viator

Walk in the shadows of Tony, Jennifer, Christopher and the rest of the Soprano gang on this fascinating bus tour that takes you to all of their famous filming locations.

With the On Location Tours experts (read: diehard Soprano fans) leading the way, you’ll see fan-favorite spots like the Bada Bing, Pizzaland, Fr. Phil’s Parish, and no less than 40 more TV-featured haunts. Along the way, expect to hear all kinds of behind-the-scenes stories about the making of this beloved show.

If you love the Sopranos, this is easily one of the best NYC city tours.

If you’re a Sopranos diehard, this tour is truly unmissable. You squeeze heaps into 4 hours but everything runs seamlessly. The major haunts are well-documented, but this tour shows off stacks of little places you wouldn’t even think of visiting (or know where to find).

Stefan is terrific and we definitely recommend this tour.

• The Sopranos tours in NYC

20 – Sex and the City Hotspots Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1119 reviews )

“Seeing all the places that were important, the tour covered all the seasons. The behind-the-scenes stories were very entertaining. Having a Cosmopolitan at Steve and Aiden’s bar was the best.” Joni, Viator

Whether you’re a Samantha, Carrie, Miranda, or Charlotte, this tour screams out “join me!” for any true Sex and the City fan.

From Steve and Aidan’s Scout Bar (Onieal’s) where the girls have gossiped to cupcake stores they’ve shopped at, even Carrie’s West Village brownstone, you’ll get to see over 40 locations featured in the beloved show.

The On Location Tours team aren’t just chaperones either; they’re SATC fanatics who have carefully crafted this tour to be the ultimate experience for diehard fans – and they’ll share countless behind-the-scenes tidbits along the way.

This is a fantastic way to see lovely parts of Manhattan and discover locations from the beloved series at the same time. Expect loads of interesting trivia, plenty of jokes, and a few delightful SATC surprises. The highlight? Having a Cosmopolitan at Steve and Aiden’s bar, of course! Definitely a must if you love the show❤️

• Sex and the City tours

Read more: Sex and the City tours in New York – which one is the best?

21 – Brooklyn: Bushwick Street Art Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 264 reviews )

“Great tour of Brooklyn street art. The guide was superb and introduced us to the origin of graffiti in this legendary district of New York. My teenage son loved doing this activity.” Kia, Getyourguide

While Manhattan sits in the spotlight, its East River neighbor flies under the radar. With world-class eateries, stunning waterfront views and a hipster art scene that’s as colorful as its street murals, Brooklyn deserves your daytime attention.

On this walking tour of Bushwick, you’ll uncover the secrets of what’s dubbed the “largest outdoor street art gallery” in NYC, checkout out graffiti (by Fumero, Giz, Dasic and Danielle Mastrion), colorful murals and thought-provoking installations that liven up the area.

You’ll get to meet a real graffiti artist as well, and the Wandering Barman coffee is the cherry on top.

If you like to venture off the beaten path and discover the cultural gems of a city, then this Bushwick street art tour is a great shout.

You’ll learn about the history of graffiti art in New York and don’t have to walk too much to do so! Audrey and the team are knowledgeable and enthusiastic with a sense of humor too. Affordable and worthwhile!

• street art tours in New York City

22 – New York City: The Ride Interactive Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 210 reviews )

“The Ride experience totally made our trip to NYC. The reviews and photos on line do not do it true justice. (…) I would recommend this to all ages and guarantee a great time. I would do it again tomorrow.” Clare, Getyourguide

Part city tour, part Broadway musical, and collectively a whole lot of fun!

Combining sightseeing with music and theater, The Ride is an interactive 75-minute bus tour that whisks you through the characteristic streets of Manhattan while entertaining and educating you with live performances.

Unlike typical bus tours, you actually face sideways, with the streets becoming the stage. That means one moment you’ll be serenaded in front of Grand Central, and the next you could be seeing a live ballet show at Bryant Park or a freestyle rap performance at Columbus Circle!

With 3 rows of stadium-style seats, unlike your typical Broadway theater, there’s no bad seat in the house.

Embodying the essence of New York, The Ride is one of the best ways to experience the city’s deep-rooted musical theater culture. It combines the best of both worlds – Broadway talent and landmark sightseeing – to show off the city in a way you’ve never seen before.

It’s one of our top picks for NYC city tours!

• The Ride tours

23 – NYC: Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 297 reviews )

“The speakeasy tour was a highlight of our trip for sure! Our guide Jack was awesome and had great drink recommendations. The three bars we went to had great atmosphere and delicious drinks and weren’t places we would have found on our own. Highly recommend!” Brianne, Getyourguide

These days, NYC is chock-full of craft breweries and lavish cocktail bars. But it wasn’t always this way. In the 1920s, Prohibition forced New Yorkers to drink in hiding.

On this NiteTables Experiences walk down memory lane, you’ll travel back in time to experience the roaring ’20s, popping into 3 historical watering holes around Midtown Manhattan.

Unlike most pub crawls in New York City , this one’s heavily educational; Cocktails in hand, you’ll learn about infamous bootleggers, notorious gangsters and the women of the Gilded Age. Overall, not only is it one of the best New York City night tours , it’s one of the best NYC city tours, period.

The perfect combination of fun and educational, this thirst-quenching tour makes a point to venture away from the cliché tourist spots.

Since drinks aren’t included you have the freedom to order whatever libations take your fancy too. Thanks to Jack, Ariel and the guides being so welcoming and insightful, this tour is an excellent option.

• speakeasy tours in New York City

24 – Dyker Heights Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 486 reviews )

“After Dyker Heights we got to stop at a great photo spot for the Brooklyn bridge perfect quick pit stop to get some photos before heading back. Highly recommend and would do it again!” Nicole, Viator

When the annual festive season rolls around, the Big Apple lights up like no other city. But there’s one quiet Brooklyn neighborhood that puts the rest to shame: Dyker Heights.

Sure to ignite the holiday cheer, the Tour America excursion whisks you to the most elaborately decorated streets in Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge, passing by hundreds of animatronic and inflatable toy soldiers, Santa Clauses, elves and reindeer.

But you’re not just stuck on the bus – on foot, you’ll wander through the neighborhood and get to witness the dazzling, often music-synced houses up close.

The view of the lit-up Brooklyn Bridge at tour’s end is the cherry on top.

A lovely way to embrace the holiday season magic, this tour shows off a typically unseen part of NYC. Luiz, Alan and the team make it fun, entertaining and insightful, and the lights – well, they’re on another level! We rate this as one of the best NYC Christmas tours.

• Christmas lights tours in New York City

How to book city tours in NYC?

Don’t wait until you’re in NYC to book your tour. To secure the best price and your preferred timeslot, you need to book in advance.

But rather than spending hours scouring different tour companies, make your life easier by using an all-in-one search engine like TourScanner.

With TourScanner, you can compare all of the tours, prices, reviews and discounts to ensure you’re scoring the best possible deal.

• compare city tours in NYC

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Best Historic Walking Tours in New York

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New York City is the perfect walking town. The streets are laid out in a grid pattern so it’s easy to navigate and if you get lost or have questions, locals love to pave the way with directions and advice. (They may keep walking while tawking but they’ll go out of their way to help.) Still, while many will happily tell you where to find the best Chinese food, if you want to learn about the city’s history, best to go with an organized walking tour that will embellish the walk with insider knowledge. These tours take 2 steps forward and 1 step back into New York’s past, sharing anecdotes about neighborhoods, residents and iconic buildings. Personal History Tour Joyce Gold , a New York history teacher at New York University and The New School, has been giving visitors walking history lessons for 25 years. Her 2- to 2 1/2- hour “field trips” include tours about the bohemian and flamboyant Greenwich Village, the Irish in Hell’s Kitchen and New York gangs. Gold leads most of the tours herself, which she enlivens with insights culled from her years of teaching history. Central Park Tour The Central Park Conservancy offers several free walking tours that delve into the park’s fascinating history. The “Views from the Past” tour gives a glimpse into how the park was designed by landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1858. The tour, “A Road Once Traveled,” explores the role of the park’s wildlife habitat, Harlem Meer, during the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Custom-Made Tours The popular Big Apple Greeter tours are led by more than 300 volunteers who lead custom-made tours of the city in over 30 languages. The guides will meet you at your hotel, or wherever else you want in any of the boroughs, and show you whichever neighborhoods you’d like to explore. The tours vary in time. Oh, and they’re free. Tip: You must book at least 1 month in advance. New York Food Tour Foodies will eat up the Foods of New York Tours that take a bite into the Big Apple’s historic neighborhoods including Chinatown and Greenwich Village. Experienced guides feed you tidbits of info about the culture, architecture and history -- as well as food tastings from specialty and ethnic foods shops and restaurants. Grand Central Tour Grand Central Terminal isn’t only the world’s largest train station; it is also an architecturally stunning building with a past that most commuters don’t even know. Take the self-guided audio tour (the 30-minute “local” or 1-hour “express”) or free guided walking tours. On Wednesdays, the Municipal Art Society runs a tour that highlights the architecture and history of the Beaux-Arts landmark. On Fridays, a tour of the terminal and surrounding neighborhood, led by urban historians, is offered by the Grand Central Partnership. Neighborhood Tours The Big Onion Walking Tours offer 30 neighborhood history-based tours led by guides who hold an advanced degree in American history or related fields. The 2-hour tours, spanning 1 to 2 miles, include explorations of neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights where you’ll see the former homes and haunts of many literary types including Truman Capote and Walt Whitman. The Free Historic Districts Walking Tour by NYC by Foot explores a couple of the city’s oldest neighborhoods from a historical perspective -- SoHo, Little Italy, Lower Manhattan and Chinatown. Bonus: Your well-behaved dog can hoof it, too! The guides function as “part professor, part performer” and while the tours are free, the company’s motto is “We’re so hip, we know you’ll tip.” Ghost Tours There’s nothing too scary about the Haunted Greenwich Village tour offered by Gotham Walking Tours. Instead, this history tour led by Lina Viviano, a native New Yorker who taught American history and politics at Harvard, tells tales about sites linked to famous residents and events where ghosts are said to roam, like Mark Twain (who knows, maybe he had a ghostwriter) and the devastating Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire that still haunts New York. Walking is not only a great way to discover the Big Apple but ideal for working off those extra calories and getting some fresh New York air (well, okay, maybe not fresh.) So, bring some comfy walking shoes and explore away. Laurie Bain Wilson writes often about New York City and is the author of several travel guidebooks, including New York City Made Easy and New York City with Kids .

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New York Walking Tours

Welcome to Free Tours by Foot, offering pay-what-you-wish New York walking tours, including food, but also bike, audio, and free self-guided walks.

We provide a platform for licensed, local, freelance tour guides to lead tours at no upfront costs.

You determine what a tour was worth, if anything, after the tour.

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

Our model of live guided tours ensures that our tour guides strive to give their best on every tour.

It's the best money-back guarantee available!

Don't take our word for it, check our review section to see what actual tour guests think about the service we provide.

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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, pay-what-you-like walking tours of NYC.

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

There's no cost to book our walking tours, so there's no risk for you.

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

Food tours 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 rating of 5 out of 5 stars .

We are so well-reviewed, that TripAdvisor seems to hide us from you (probably because they can't sell our tours). 

Read the reviews for yourself.

Daily (and Almost Daily) Scheduled Tours

• SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown
• Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights + DUMBO
• 3 Hour Downtown Manhattan (Financial District, Soho, Little Italy & Chinatown)
• Chelsea and the High Line
• 6 Hour Downtown Combined 

NOTE: For the holiday season (through Jan 7th) we are running 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)

• Greenwich Village
• Central Park
• Lower Manhattan
• Midtown Manhattan
• Grand Central Terminal
• Graffiti and Street Art Tours
• World Trade Center 
• Greenwich Village Food Tour
• Lower East Side Food Tour

Our New York tours are also a great way to meet fellow travelers and make new friends.

Our guests come from all over the world, and this means that many different perspectives are reflected in the questions asked by our tour guides 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
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Be sure to consider one of our pay-what-you-wish New York City food tours .

With our 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

Can’t fit any of our tours into your schedule, then check out  our anytime audio tours , where you will find several of our most popular tours narrated by Free 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
• 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 an expensive trip if you know how to avoid paying too much money.

We at Free Tours by Foot know a thing a 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, then you have to 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 here not only shares her experience with us, but also some pictures from the tour. This is really helpful to get 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 and all tips are welcome.

If you're curious about our food tours, Yvonne offers several pictures which 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.

For even more opinions and advice about our tours, please read our New York City Travel Tips group on Facebook.

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NYC Walking Tour: Which is the Best One for You?

In the heart of towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, the enchanting charm of New York City shines through, captivating visitors with its vibrant energy, cultural diversity, and endless possibilities for adventure.

Leave the confines of traditional modes of transportation behind and let your feet guide you through the pulsating heart of the Big Apple. Keep reading to know the best walking tours NYC!

From guided walking tours that explore historic sites like the World Trade Center and Broadway , to walking food tours that will tantalize your taste buds from culinary delights. There’s a walking tour in NYC to suit every interest.

So lace up your walking shoes and get ready to experience the magic of the City That Never Sleeps on foot with these informative and entertaining walking tours of NYC!

Landmark and Sightseeing Tours

The best of new york city: private tour including top of the rock.

Begin your private full-day walking tour at the magnificent Grand Central Terminal, an iconic transportation hub and architectural masterpiece. Explore the rich history and grandeur of this bustling landmark, known for its celestial ceiling murals and Beaux-Arts design.

Book the Best of New York City: Private Tour, including Top of the Rock , and admire the intricate details and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of one of the most famous train stations in the United States. Your tour guide will provide fascinating insights into the terminal’s significance and share stories of its role in movies and literature.

Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour in NYC

Experience the mesmerizing world of street art on Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour in NYC in Bushwick, Brooklyn . Immerse yourself in the dynamic atmosphere of this renowned street art district as you admire incredible murals created by artists from around the globe.

Discover the diverse styles, techniques, and evolving trends in street art while exploring the energetic streets of New York City. Whether you’re a street art enthusiast or simply looking for unique tours in NYC, this experience promises an unforgettable journey through the awe-inspiring realm of urban creativity.

Wall Street & the Financial District: Private 2.5-hr Walking Tour

Embark on an alluring NYC walking tour through the historic streets of Wall Street, where the echoes of America’s triumphs and tribulations resonate. Explore iconic landmarks such as New York City Hall, St. Paul’s Chapel, and the New York Stock Exchange, as your expert guide unveils the intriguing stories that have shaped this financial hub.

Book our Wall Street & the Financial District: Private 2.5-hr Walking Tour and prepare to be awe-struck by architectural marvels like Federal Hall and Trinity Church while discovering the rich history of Wall Street’s role in America’s past. With a knowledgeable English-speaking guide leading the way, this private walking tour offers an immersive experience in the heart of NYC’s renowned financial district.

NYC in a Day: Private Walking Tour with the Statue of Liberty

If you’re visiting NYC without catching sight of the Statue of Liberty, then you’re doing it wrong. This iconic symbol of freedom and democracy is a must-see landmark, standing proudly on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the Statue of Liberty’s full name is “Liberty Enlightening the World”? This majestic statue stands at a staggering height of 305 feet (93 meters), equivalent to a 22-story building, making it an amazing engineering marvel that continues to captivate visitors from around the globe.

With our NYC in a Day: Private Walking Tour with the Statue of Liberty , you’ll get to explore the most popular tourist spots of New York City. From up-close views of the Statue of Liberty to visiting Ellis Island and the 9/11 Memorial Museum, this full-day tour is perfect for first-time visitors who want to make the most of their time in the city.

We’ve got even more walking tours that take you to Lady Liberty, such as:

• Early Access Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour

Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO: Private New York Half-Day Walking Tour

Looking to explore NYC while enjoying breathtaking views and vibrant surroundings? We’ve got you covered!

Embark on a scenic walking tour across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Immersing yourself in its rich history and savoring the panoramic beauty of the New York Harbor and Manhattan skyline.

Discover the trendy neighborhood of DUMBO, with its cobblestone streets, converted warehouses, and thriving art scene. Experience all these and more when you book our Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO: Private New York Half-Day Walking Tour !

Interested in seeing even more of beautiful Brooklyn? Take a peek at these other Brooklyn walking tours:

• Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour in Williamsburg
• Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Neighborhood Tour

Times Square and Midtown Sites & Bites Tour

Pssst…Want to explore the heart of New York City to the fullest? Midtown Manhattan is where it’s all happening.  From iconic landmarks like Times Square and Rockefeller Center to hidden gems waiting to be discovered around every corner.

Book our Times Square and Midtown Sites & Bites Tour and discover the rich history and evolution of this iconic destination as you stroll through the dazzling lights, giant billboards, and bustling crowds. Get ready to be swept away by the electrifying atmosphere of this world-famous spot through this walking tour NYC.

Looking for even more fun on foot? Check out these other great walking tours in NYC:

• Central Park TV & Movie Sites
• 9/11 Memorial Tour with Priority Entry Museum Tickets
• From Chelsea to Hudson Yards: NYC’s Coolest Neighborhoods Tour
• Iconic Central Park Filming Locations: Private New York City Tour
• Lower Manhattan and Ground Zero Guided Walking Tour

Food and Drink Tours

Chelsea market, high line & hudson yards food tour.

After you’ve explored the iconic landmarks and sights, why not indulge in a mouthwatering adventure through the diverse culinary scene of New York City on one of our delectable food tours?

Our Chelsea Market, High Line & Hudson Yards Food Tour takes you on a gastronomic adventure through the diverse flavors of the East Side of Manhattan. From the historic Meatpacking District and the iconic Chelsea Market to the elevated oasis of the High Line and the innovative culinary scene of Hudson Yards.

Flatiron Food, History and Architecture Tour

Savor the flavors of NYC’s renowned food culture with the Flatiron Food, History and Architecture Tour . This family-friendly food tour is not to be missed! It combines captivating storytelling, historical landmarks, and food samplings.

Indulge in an epicurean feast as you explore Flatiron District and Union Square. Filled with unique sights and a rich food scene that is a must-see (and must-eat!) experience during your visit to the city.

Midtown Mix Guided NYC Tour With Food – Choose What You Like

Embark on a delightful walking food tour NYC with Food On Foot Tours. And taste the authentic flavors of Manhattan’s local cuisine. Our Midtown Mix Guided NYC Tour With Food – Choose What You Like tour takes you off the beaten path. Allowing you to experience the city like a true local.

Enjoy delectable New York favorites and discover fascinating trivia at surprise destinations. This city tour guarantees a satisfying culinary journey that will leave you craving for more, unlike any other food tour experience.

Private Walking Tour of Little Italy, Greenwich Village, SoHo & Chinatown

Cap off your day with our Private Walking Tour of Little Italy, Greenwich Village, SoHo & Chinatown . Walk in the footsteps of literary icons like Hemingway and Poe. Meanwhile, soaking in the bohemian ambiance of this historic neighborhood.

Immerse yourself in the rich immigrant history of Little Italy and Chinatown. Then conclude your tour in Greenwich Village. Where your guide can point you to the best dining and shopping spots.

For even more foodie fun, check out:

• NYC Food Tour Fifth Avenue Hidden Secrets & History

Whether you’re a history buff, a food enthusiast, or simply seeking to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the city, NYC walking tours provide the perfect opportunity to explore every corner of this iconic metropolis.

Don’t miss out on all of the great NYC walking tours available:

• Lower Manhattan, Ground Zero & 9/11 Museum: Private Walking Tour
• Midtown Manhattan & Empire State Observatory: Private Walking Tour
• Midtown Manhattan History and Architecture Guided Walking Tour
• The Essential Central Park Guided Walking Tour
• Welcome to New York City: Private Half-Day Highlights Walking Tour

With a variety of tour options available, including landmark and food tours, Tripster’s walking tours in NYC are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and diverse culture. Don’t miss out on these incredible tour offers that will leave you with unforgettable memories of your time in the Big Apple!

Tell us, which walking tours NYC will you take?

Leave us a comment below!

Written by Archie Villaflores

Over the years, he has won numerous national contests for news and editorial writing, but he has recently discovered that his true passion...

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9 Best NYC Walking Tours | New York Walking Tour Guide

Things to do in New York New York Tours Walking Tours in New York Walking Tours In NYC

New York, “The Big Apple”, “The City That Never Sleeps”, “The Empire State”, call it what you want to call it, this city is well-known all throughout the world, and in fact, is one of the most visited cities in the world! Also known as America’s most culturally rich city, New York is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, with people from every corner of the globe making this city their home. With so many people and so much history, there is bound to be a lot to see and experience in New York and, lo and behold, there is. From exquisite art museums to goliath structures and monuments to mouth-watering food, there is literally nothing that this city doesn’t have. And with so much on offer, it can get overwhelming for a tourist visiting New York for the very first time. But worry not, for there is a simple and immensely enjoyable way to experience the best of New York - going on a good' ol NYC Walking Tour .

We have curated the best rated NYC Walking Tours, so strap on your best walking shoes and get going around NYC!

NYC Walking Tours

While the term 'Walking Tours' is self explanatory, the best part comes when walking tours have an added element to it. In New York, you can choose from a plethora of walking tours, but based popular ratings, the 3 best NYC Walking Tours are : Themed Walking Tours , Running Tours and Borough Tours. Read on to know more about each of these tours and what suits your interest best.

Best NYC Walking Tours

Choosing the best walking tour in NYC can be quite a task, considering the umpteen options you have. However, we have narrowed down the best walking tours nyc for you based on Tripadvisor reviews and Headout customer reviews. Take a look at the different types of walking tours in NYC - from themed tours to running tours to borough specific tours and enjoy walking around the Big Apple!

New York Themed Walking Tours

Central park tv and movie sites tour.

Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday

It is well known that New York, particularly Central Park , has been a set location for tons of movies and TV shows over the years. On this tour, you get to experience this side of Central Park and take a look at some of the famous places you must’ve seen on television. Some of the stops include the place where the cast of Glee danced and sang “I Love New York”, the famous ice-rink which was featured in “Love Story” and “Serendipity” and Bethesda Terrace which was in the final scene of “The Avengers”. The entire tour features 40 stops and takes place over the course of 2-hours, an absolute must do for TV and movie buffs .

Gossip Girl Sites Tour

Friday - Sunday

One of the most popular NYC Walking Tours, get a chance to see Manhattan from the eyes of the Gossip Girls ! On this tour, you get to explore one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in the city, the Upper East Side . Live the life of a Gossip Girl as you traverse through the streets of Manhattan as a young, elite socialite. And don’t forget to carry your camera, as you will have a ton of photo opportunities, when you come across many of the sites and places from the show. There’s only one thing left for you to decide, who do you want to be - Serena or Blair?

Sex and the City Tour

Monday - Sunday

One of the most popular TV shows to come out of the USA, this tour gives you the chance to relive the lives of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda from the series - Sex and the City . From the site of Carrie and Big’s wedding rehearsal dinner to Carrie’s famous brownstone stoop, you get to visit over 40 locations that were featured in the TV show and the movies. And to make it even sweeter, you get exclusive access to special discounts at some retail outlets! This 3.5 hour tour is bound to make you feel like you’re on an episode of the show.

New York Running Tours

America's roots.

Explore the roots of America on this 1.5 hour running tour starting from Castle Clinton Memorial in Battery Park . Learn about the series of events that occured in NYC from the time of Dutch settlement all the way till the birth of a New Nation. As mentioned earlier, New York is a city built by immigrants and ‘outsiders’, and on this tour you get the chance to see how these various groups built the very foundations of this city. Some of the stops on this tour include Wall Street , Fraunces Tavern , City Hall , African Burial Ground , Trinity Church and many more.

The Village

New York, since time immemorial has been home to many celebrities, including Bob Dylan, Ernest Hemingway and Carrie Bradshaw to name a few. You may be wondering why I chose these names, well, they all have something in common - West Village ! Explore this wonderful and quaint area of the city, as you run down quiet, tree-lined streets, something you don’t see very often in the concrete jungle that is NYC. Run along Washington Square Park and the High-Line walking park , a beautiful elevated park, before concluding your tour with a delicious, free coffee at a local coffee shop in the Village.

New York Borough Walking Tours

Brooklyn, portrait of a city.

Wednesday - Saturday

Explore the biggest of New York’s five boroughs, Brooklyn . During the course of this tour, you will get an idea of the social and economic history, the unique and famous architecture and the dynamic cultural makeup of New York’s most fascinating area. The tour starts off by walking across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge , before which you make your way to Brooklyn Heights, an affluent neighbourhood located here. Get a closer look at the federal-style brownstone buildings and the tree-lined streets which are often associated with this borough. Finish off the tour by strolling along DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), a trendy gallery zone.

Central Park, American Landscape

Monday-Sunday

Known as the physical and spiritual heart of New York, Central Park is a literal Garden of Eden in an otherwise concrete jungle. Designed and constructed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Central Park is a true testament to man’s unimaginable ability and vision. Join a local landscape architect, as he takes you through this epitome of urban design, for an in-depth exploration of the park, its social function, design and rich history. This 3-hour walk will take you to some of Central Park’s lesser known spaces and monuments, as well as enlighten you on a century-and-a-half’s worth of of local and national heritage.

Lower East Side Walking Tour

On this 3-hour tour, munch and explore your way through the eclectic neighbourhood of the Lower East Side . What was once an immigrant and working class rich area of NYC is now an upscale locale lined with trendy clubs, bars, restaurants and art galleries. Follow your expert guide as he walks you through the Lower East Side and describes the architectural development and general history of the area. You also get to discover and taste the history of the famous NYC bagel, along with some other scrumptious food tastings.

Meatpacking, Industrial Heritage and the High Line

Get a glimpse of a time forgotten, when New York was at the epicentre of American Commerce, as you explore and meander down Manhattan’s Meatpacking District . Also get a chance to learn about the High Line, an old elevated railway built for freights trains (in 1933) that has now become an icon of modern urban landscape architecture. You will be guided by an architect or historian, who will take you through the history and significance of these 2 areas and help you trace the rich and colourful heritage of New York’s industrial age, right from the 1840’s up until the modern day.

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Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More

W ith so much to explore in New York City, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where these NYC tours come in handy. There are so many innovative ways to see the city and explore and learn about New York from expert guides. From boat tours to walking tours to historical tours and food tours, we've rounded up 25 family-friendly tours of NYC guaranteed to help you find the perfect way to discover the city’s hidden secrets and fun facts.

We've got tons more picks for enjoying New York City with kids in our Visitors Guide for Families , which includes our picks for the top attractions in NYC and 100 things to do in NYC with kids before they grow up .

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Family-Friendly General Interest Tours of NYC

1. contrasts, color, and character bus tour of nyc – midtown west.

Best for : Ages 10+

The Contrasts, Color, and Character Bus Tour might jump off from Midtown, but it's an excellent tour if you want to step outside of Manhattan and explore New York City’s outer boroughs, including Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. On this tour, expect to ride around on a bus and hear about Harlem’s African American history at the Apollo Theater, see numerous graffiti murals and bold street art that decorates the outer boroughs, and learn about the culture and everyday life of Brooklyn’s Hasidic Jewish community.

2. Broadway and Times Square Walking Tour – Midtown West

Best for : All ages

1 hour, 45 minutes

If you want to be immersed in the heart of New York City, the Broadway and Times Square Walking Tour is the tour for you. On this NYC tour, guests learn about Broadway's different theaters and hear some spooky stories and behind-the-scenes tales. This a great New York City tour for kids as it’s less than 2 hours and kids under 4 get in for FREE!

3. Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo Neighborhood Walking Tour – Civic Center

2 1/2 hours

This tour steps off on the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge. Hear about the construction of the infamous Brooklyn Bridge as you walk across this NYC landmark. From the bridge, you’ll be able to see beautiful city views. Once you hit Brooklyn, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Dumbo’s galleries and shops, before snapping a family photo with the city skyline as your famed backdrop.

4. Secrets of Grand Central Walking Tour – Midtown East

1 1/2 hours

The famed Grand Central Terminal is full of surprises you’d never expect! This New York City transport hub is popular for many reasons, but even people who commute through it daily don’t know its hidden secrets. From a concealed tennis court to a backward ceiling, you’ll learn all the confidential history. Stick around once your tour is over to enjoy some of these fun, kid-friendly finds .

5. New York In A Day Walking Tour – Midtown West

This tour makes for an ambitious adventure for any family, so definitely note that it lasts six hours, and pack snacks and water accordingly! Explore all the highlights of New York City, from Times Square to the 9/11 Memorial to the Statue of Liberty on foot, via subway, and even by ferry. Make sure to bring good walking shoes.

Best Boat Tours of NYC for Families

6. circle line manhattan cruise – hell's kitchen.

Best for : Ages 3+

If you’re looking for a solid boat tour, the Circle Line Manhattan Cruise is a great choice. This guided boat tour circumnavigates the entire island, offering views of New York City’s waterfront. See the skyline, sail under the Brooklyn Bridge, and even snap a postcard-worthy picture of the Statue of Liberty. Guests learn about all five boroughs as you sail past. This boat tour of NYC lasts a whopping 2 1/2 hours. If you're crunched for time, consider booking the 50-minute Downtown Express Sightseeing Cruise  guided by the same company.

7. Freedom Liberty Cruise – Hell's Kitchen

1 hour, 15 minutes

The Freedom Liberty Cruise is another popular boat tour in NYC. As you cruise along the Hudson River, you’ll see major landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty and Freedom Tower. Instead of a guided tour, this boat tour of NYC is more free-form, and passengers take in the views with their families, take photos, and enjoy concessions from the boat. This more relaxed, less structured option may be a better choice for some families.

8. North River Lobster Company – Hell's Kitchen

What's not family-friendly about a Hudson River cruise that comes complete with a seafood lunch or dinner? As this boat sets sail up the Hudson River, its waitstaff gets to work, keeping cups filled and tummies full. There's a full bar on board. Feeding a crowd? Opt for The Shelly, a 28-inch classic lobster roll with slaw and chips served on a board and worthy to feed the entire family. Kids can top off their meal with a lobster-claw-shaped popsicle in a variety of flavors.

9. Manhattan Adventure Boat Tour – Battery Park City

Best for : Ages 5+

If you’re looking for a more exhilarating option, the Manhattan Adventure Boat Tour is the best option. This intimate, 12-person, narrated NYC tour cruise takes place on a speed boat, so expect to go fast while you explore some of New York’s must-see sights, including the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, The High Line, and the Freedom Tower.

RELATED : 3 Days in NYC an Ultimate Itinerary from a Local Mom

A guided tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art lets families connect to artwork in unexpected ways. Photo by Jody Mercier

Pop-Culture, Music, and Museum Tours of NYC

10. museum tour for theater lovers – upper east side.

Best for: Ages 8+

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a kid-friendly treasure , but if your family is into theater, take the Staged tour. Fun for the whole family, this interactive museum tour looks at the history of theater from ancient Greece to contemporary musicals that its stories inspired. It also examines other cultures and how they used theater for thousands of years. Throughout this NYC museum tour, there are activities and questions to keep your family engaged. This is definitely a fun one!

11. Super Tour of NYC: Heroes! Comics! More! – Midtown West

Best for : Ages 6+

The Super Tour of NYC is full of comic books and cinema lore! Visit the iconic locations where favorite superheroes “saved the day.” Guests see 40 locations over three hours. If you aren’t a fan of comics at the start of this tour, you will be by the end.

12. Walking Tour: All-of-a-Kind Family – Lower East Side

Even if you haven’t read Sydney Taylor's classic book All-of-a-Kind Family , families love exploring the story and its characters on the Lower East Side with this dedicated walking tour. To make the most out of the tour, try to read the book beforehand, and then immerse yourselves in the excitement of visiting the Main Sanctuary of the Eldridge Street Synagogue, the Allen Street tenements, Hester and Orchard Streets, Seward Park, Seward Park Library, and The Pickle Guys, which carries characters’ favorite snack.

13. Griffins, Goblets, and Gold: A Magical Arts Tour – Upper East Side

Another guided tour of The Met, the Griffins, Goblets, and Gold Tour is a must-see. This two-hour tour explores the museum’s magical items, including parts of an actual castle, depictions of mythical creatures, and spooky objects. The whole family gets a chance to create their own magical world! Intrigued? Better get your tickets!

14. NYC TV and Movie Tour – Midtown West

The NYC TV and Movie Tour invites guests to travel around New York City, learning about the filming locations for favorite TV shows and movies from the comfort of a coach bus. Led by an NYC actor, you get the inside scoop on all the stops along the tour, and the host even quizzes you and your family with some fun trivia.

15. Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour – Rockefeller Center

If you and your family haven’t visited Radio City Music Hall, booking the Stage Door Tour is a great way to experience this art-deco treasure. During this NYC tour, guests go behind the scenes of this iconic NYC location to explore its astonishing history. Plus, at the end of the tour, you meet a real Radio City Rockette! Read our full review here and book your tickets online .

Historic Educational NYC Tours for Families

16. chinatown official historic district tour – chinatown.

The Chinatown Official Historic District Tour is a 90-minute walking tour that sheds light on Chinatown's unique history. Aside from seeing a Taoist Temple, the largest Buddhist statue in NYC, and more, guests get exclusive access to places that are usually off-limits to the public.

17. NYC Slavery and the Underground Railroad Walking Tour – Financial District

On this historical tour, guests learn about the origins of slavery in colonial New York, visit the African Burial Ground National Monument, and explore a former stop along the Underground Railroad. Hear stories of courage and learn facts you won’t hear anywhere else.

18. Gilded Age Mansions Tour – Upper East Side

Sometimes it’s fun to take a trip back in time and on this Gilded Ages Mansions Tour, you can do just that! Learn about historic scandals and romances while stepping inside a few of the only remaining Gilded Age mansions located on Fifth Avenue. Visitors learn about the families who lived in these houses, and take in the beautiful architecture of the era. This is a tour for the kids who love a great story!

19. Secrets of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Walking Tour – Battery Park

If you’re interested in immigration history and want to teach your children a little about their ancestors, the Secrets of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Walking Tour is a wonderful place to start. On this NYC tour, explore both Liberty and Ellis Island, while hearing stories of the immigrants who arrived through Ellis Island and their journey to America.

20. Catacombs by Candlelight – Little Italy

Best for : Ages 8+

If you’re looking for a unique NYC tour, the Catacombs by Candlelight Tour at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral is a stunner. This historic tour takes guests into the catacombs and explores parts of the building that are usually closed to the public. This is a tour your family will always remember!

21. Birthplace of Hip-Hop Bus Tour – Midtown West

The Birthplace of Hip-Hop Bus Tour gives families a new way to discover music history. Journey through Harlem and the Bronx while learning about hip-hop's early days. Hear personal, real-time narratives and see secret rap battle sites! After this tour of NYC, your children will know everything about the hip-hop pioneer legends.

Family-Friendly NYC Food Tours

22. tea around town: afternoon tea bus tour – manhattan, ny.

This tour is a magical moving tea room paired with live entertainment. Pass sights like Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library's main branch, and Radio City Music Hall as you sip tea and champagne and eat scones and sweets in a double-decker bus dripping with luxurious floral decor.

23. A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour – Union Square

4 1/2 hours

Everyone loves pizza, and this is New York pizza at its best! Whether you’re a seasoned local or just visiting, exploring the world of pizza on the Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour is a delicious option. This bus tour escorts visitors to two Brooklyn pizzerias and shows you sites along the way, such as Coney Island’s boardwalk.

24. The Original Cupcake Tour – Greenwich Village

If there is one thing kids love, it’s cupcakes! So, for a sweet treat, consider taking your family on The Original Cupcake Tour of Greenwich Village. Explore multiple bake shops and indulge in their treats during this guided food tour of NYC. Plus, get the chance to create your own cupcake. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it, too?

25. Walking and Food Tour – Flushing, Queens

Enjoy some tasty foods on the Walking and Food Tour in the melting pot of Flushing, Queens. This is a great tour for children who are open to trying new foods—diverse cuisines such as Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Indian are all on the menu. Little foodies get to try some of the best Flushing street food and snacks, guided by a local with a passion for cuisine.

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6 Best Free Walking Tours in NYC in 2024

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | 6 Best Free Walking Tours in NYC in 2024

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If you’re visiting the Big Apple and you’re on a budget, don’t worry, because there are free walking tours in NYC that help you discover the most famous places in the city. Plus, you’ll get insider tips that only the locals know about, all without breaking the bank.

We’ve spent lots of time in New York since we lived for five years just two hours from the city. We also quickly realized that we could explore different parts of the city without spending too much money.

If you don’t have much time to get out and see the most popular places in NYC , or if you’re traveling on a budget, this guide will give you several free walking tours in New York City . So, depending on how long you’ll be in the city, you can take one or more and get to know different areas of the Big Apple.

In a nutshell, these are the free tours in New York that I recommend:

• Free walking tour of NYC
• Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO walking tour
• SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown walking tour
• Central Park walking tour
• Broadway & Times Square walking tour
• Greenwich Village walking tour

1. The best free walking tour in New York City

A free tour of New York is one of the best ways to introduce yourself to the Big Apple’s main attractions. With this tour , you’ll visit the most famous NYC landmarks, so it’s a great tour to take on your first day in the city, especially if you are planning a 3-day trip to NYC . For me is a must-do walking tour in NYC.

This free Manhattan walking tour begins in the Financial District, where you’ll pass Wall Street , the New York Stock Exchange , the Fearless Girl sculpture, and the Charging Bull statue at Bowling Green. You’ll also walk by the World Trade Center and Ground Zero, the former site of the Twin Towers. Check out the 9/11 Memorial, a poignant reminder of one of the city’s most historic and tragic events.

Afterward, you’ll visit Battery Park , one of the best spots to see the Statue of Liberty . In addition, you’ll pass through the old town of New Amsterdam, where the last remaining Dutch-style houses are located. Overall, this is a basic tour, but perfect if it’s your first time in NYC.

• Highlights : Wall Street, World Trade Center, 9/11 Memorial, Battery Park
• Meeting point : In front of Bowling Green
• Duration : 2 hrs, 30 mins
• Description : This basic free walking tour of NYC takes you to some of the most iconic places in the city, such as Wall Street, the World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial, and Battery Park, where you can see the Statue of Liberty .

2. Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO walking tour

When you go to New York City, one of the things you must do is cross the Brooklyn Bridge , the most popular bridge in NYC . Fortunately, several free tours in New York take you across this iconic landmark, and you can learn interesting facts and anecdotes about the bridge from a local guide. In particular, I recommend this tour , which crosses Brooklyn Bridge and takes you through the DUMBO neighborhood , one of the best things to do in Brooklyn .

As you walk across the bridge, you’ll get lovely panoramic views of the New York skyline, so have your camera ready! Then, check out the modern neighborhood of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). Here, you’ll find alternative boutiques, luxury restaurants, and hip cafes, which is why it’s one of the most popular places in NYC.

This is another free on-foot tour of New York that I recommend, although since COVID began, the tour company has been charging a minimum fee of $25 per person to keep group sizes small.

• Highlights : Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO
• Meeting point : World Trade Center
• Description : This guided tour takes you across the Brooklyn Bridge, where you’ll get beautiful views of the New York skyline and cross over into DUMBO, one of the most modern neighborhoods in the city .

3. SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown, another NYC free walking tour

New York is full of interesting communities and neighborhoods, and this tour goes to SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown, three distinct parts of the Big Apple you can’t miss.

You’ll start with a walk through SoHo , one of the most expensive and artsy neighborhoods in Manhattan . Among the galleries, shops, and bakeries, you’ll also see impressive architecture, like the Haughwout Building, a five-story commercial loft.

Then, you’ll continue the tour by visiting Little Italy , an area with amazing food and rich Italian heritage. Your guide will tell you about Little Italy’s immigrant history and take you to the most famous eateries on Mulberry Street, where you can sample local cuisine like cannoli or cheesecake.

Finally, you’ll end up in Chinatown , stopping first at the Mahayana Buddhist Temple, home to a 16-foot Buddha statue. Then, visit the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory and walk down historic Doyer Street, one of the most famous streets in New York City , where you’ll see the notorious Five Points landmark and try traditional Asian dumplings.

Like the previous tour, this free walking tour in NYC now charges a minimum fee of $35 per person to keep the group to 10 people or less and adhere to COVID regulations.

• Highlights : SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown
• Meeting point : Duarte Square
• Duration : 2 hrs
• Description : This tour includes a walk through the artsy SoHo neighborhood, a visit to the local shops in Little Italy, and a look at the historic landmarks in Chinatown .

4. Central Park, NYC free walking tour

There are tons of great things to do in Central Park , one of which is a free NYC walking tour . I suggest doing this tour , which is led by a former Central Park employee who will share their favorite spots.

During the tour, you’ll learn about the history of the park and how it has changed over the decades. You’ll also pass by lots of famous movie and TV locations and see the park’s different landscape features like the Great Lawn , the Sheep Meadow , and The Ramble .

Get lovely views of The Lake from Bethesda Terrace , pass by Wollman Rink , and take a stroll along the Mall and Literary Walk . Your group will also visit Conservatory Water , a scenic pond with beautiful bronze statues, including Alice in Wonderland . You’ll want to bring your camera to capture gorgeous photos of landmarks like the Gapstow Bridge , the Bow Bridge , and Strawberry Fields , the John Lennon Memorial.

Since COVID began, this guided tour has a minimum fee of $25 per person, but it’s well worth the price!

• Highlights : Central Park
• Meeting point : 2 Columbus Circle
• Description : This guided tour is a wonderful way to see Central Park’s top attractions in a short timeframe. Check out sights like Wollman Rink, the Alice in Wonderland statue, Conservatory Water, Strawberry Fields, the Gapstow Bridge, The Lake, and Bethesda Terrace .

5. Broadway & Times Square, another free NYC tour

Broadway is one of the most iconic places to visit in New York, and if you’re a theater lover, this guided tour is for you. It’s led by a Broadway actor, so not only will you see famous landmarks, but you’ll also hear captivating insights and stories from an insider.

As you make your way through the Theatre District, you’ll walk along 42 nd Street and learn about New York’s show biz history. You’ll also pass Shubert Alley , the oldest gift shop on Broadway; the Edison Hotel , a vintage Art Deco hotel; and the George M. Cohan statue , named after the famous American singer, dancer, actor, and producer.

Your guide will also take you through Hell’s Kitchen and past the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin , or “Smokey Mary’s” church, which is known for its heavy use of incense. Then, make your way to Times Square , which was originally a horse-trading district, and pass by TV recording studios for The Tonight Show and SNL , among others.

This walking tour in NYC was free , but right now it costs $39 per person to adhere to COVID regulations and keep groups small.

• Highlights : Broadway and Times Square
• Meeting point : Dufy Square
• Duration : 1 hr, 45 mins – 2 hrs
• Description : This tour is led by a Broadway actor who will share interesting tidbits and stories about NYC’s Theatre District. Walk along 42 nd Street and pass by iconic sites like Shubert Alley, Smokey Mary’s church, the Edison Hotel, and the George H. Cohan statue .

6. Greenwich Village walking tour

Last but not least, Greenwich Village is an awesome hub for NYC’s counterculture that you must see. My recommendation is to do this 2-hour tour , which takes you to the most historic areas in Greenwich Village.

For example, this neighborhood was popular with artists, writers, and musicians, attracting legends like Jimi Hendrix, Edgar Allan Poe, and Jackson Pollack. During this free walking tour in NYC , you’ll see Jones Street , which was featured on Dylan’s album, The Freewheeling Bob Dylan , as well as Café Society , the first integrated club in NYC.

Other highlights on this tour include the Friends Apartment ; Cherry Lane Theater , the oldest off-Broadway theater in New York; and the Isaacs-Hendricks House, home to a renowned merchant family. You’ll also see the Stonewall Inn , the site of the 1969 Stonewall Riots that sparked the LGBTQ+ movement.

As you walk through Greenwich Village, you’ll see remnants of its bohemian vibe and gay rights history, as well as some of the most beautiful areas of Manhattan, like New York University and Washington Square Park , one of the best parks in NYC .

Like the other free tours in New York , this one now charges a fee ($35/person).

• Highlights : Greenwich Village and Washington Square Park
• Meeting point : Waverly Place & 6 th Avenue
• Description : This counterculture tour takes you through Greenwich Village, a historic bohemian neighborhood. Start at New York University and head to Washington Square Park, passing interesting sites along the way like Cherry Lane Theater, the Friends Apartment, and Stonewall Inn.

My experience with NYC’s free walking tours

Without a doubt, these free walking tours in NYC are one of the best free things to do in New York City . For five years, we lived just two hours from the Big Apple, so we’ve visited this place lots of times and have done several of these tours.

On our first visit, we did the basic tour to get an introduction to the city. We loved it so much that we decided to book another free New York tour , this time in Spanish, through Midtown Manhattan. At that time, there were more free walking tours in NYC , but most of them cost money now. That said, the price is about the same amount we’d leave as a tip, so we didn’t mind the added fee.

When COVID-19 allowed us to safely travel again, we took a tour through Chinatown and Little Italy, like this one , and the Central Park tour , both of which charge a minimal fee now. Despite having walked through Central Park plenty of times, we discovered so much about this landmark thanks to our guide, Sarah. We wouldn’t have gotten that experience without her, so we loved it!

Also, the cost of these tours ends up being more or less the same whether you pay when making the reservation online, or at the end of the tour as a tip, so either way, they’re totally worth it.

What should you tip for a free walking tour of NYC?

Even when there were more free tours in New York , it was still expected that you would leave a tip for the guide at the end. These knowledgeable tour guides work hard and do their best to provide an awesome experience (and they do!) so they deserve to be compensated.

We recommend tipping at least $20 per person, although we liked our tours so much that we ended up paying $30 ($60 for we two) for two of the free NYC walking tours we did. The only one we didn’t leave a tip for was the one in Central Park since we had already paid when making the reservation. However, some people in our group did leave a tip at the end of the tour because our guide, Sarah, did a phenomenal job. Honestly, if we had had some spare change at the time, we would’ve tipped, too.

For other paid tours that we’ve done, we’ve left $10 tips. So, even though some tours are advertised as free NYC tours , many guides rely on the tips, so I recommend giving an amount that works for you and that fairly compensates the guide for their hard work.

I hope this article helped you find a great tour, and that you enjoy the Big Apple as much as we do. If you’re going to spend several days here, I suggest reading our guide on the best tours in New York City so you can get a closer look at some of the top attractions.

If you have any questions or you’d like to share your experience with one of NYC’s free walking tours , leave me a comment below. Until then, have a great time in the city that never sleeps!

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Jane's Walk NYC - 190 free walking tours May 3-5, 2024 - New York City Forum

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Jane's Walk NYC - 190 free walking tours May 3-5, 2024

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https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/want-to-explore-nyc-heres-a-list-of-190-free-walking-tours-happening-next-month

Fans of strolls and deep dives into New York City minutiae can look forward to Jane ’s Walk NYC, an annual weekend event with more than 190 free walking tours in all five boroughs.

Jane’s Walks are all free but require registration online - info in the linked article

I actually signed up to Make a tour of Downtown Flushing , Queens

I guess they rejected it

I thought it was an interesting topic

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15 Best Things To Do In Greenwich Village, NYC

Greenwich Village is one of NYC's most popular neighborhoods and here's the best things to do, eat, and see in the area!

It can be said that Greenwich Village is New York City’s most cultural neighborhood , with history dating back to the city’s 1960s counterculture movement , it being an entertainment hub in the city , and a birthplace for LGBTQ+ activism . Bounded by 14th Street to the north, Broadway to the east, Houston Street to the south, and the Hudson River to the west, it’s situated right in the heart of Downtown and is truly the heartbeat to Lower Manhattan.

In this guide, we’re going to take you through some of our favorite things to do in Greenwich Village , including restaurants , bars , cool landmarks, and places to have a night out!

1. Washington Square Park

The crown jewel of Greenwich Village is Washington Square Park , one of NYC’s instantly recognizable parks and plazas. The iconic park truly the heart of Greenwich Village, and features a central fountain, tree-lined pathways, and the iconic Washington Square Arch! On any given day you can stop and read your book on a bench, situate a picnic in the grass, and even watch street performers. It’s NYC’s best in a nutshell.

2. The Stonewall Inn

Just steps away from the Stonewall National Monument , the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, comes an equally historic spot, the Stonewall Inn. This gay bar has become a community staple over the years and proudly boasts itself as one of the most important LGBTQ+ [hangout] spots in the city.

Where: 53 Christopher St

3. The Red Lion

Looking for a classic NYC bar to drink at? Stop at The Red Lion which doubles as one of the best live music bars on most nights. This laid-back spot on Bleecker Street welcomes intimate live rock and blues music most nights and makes for an extremely fun night out.

Where: 151 Bleecker St

4. Village Vanguard

The Village Vanguard is an iconic jazz club which has been open since 1935 and showcased some of the genre’s most celebrated musicians and bands. Renowned for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional acoustics, the Village Vanguard continues to attract jazz enthusiasts from around the world to see a place where the likes of Miles Davis, Horace Silver and many more have performed.

Where: 178 7th Ave S

5. Shopping in Greenwich Village

Our little secret is that Greenwich Village may just be the best NYC neighborhood for shopping ! Bleecker Street, MacDougal Street, and Stoney Clover Lane are just some of the cute little strips where you can find an eclectic mix of trendy boutiques, vintage shops , and specialty stores.

6. Murray’s Cheese

For all of our cheese lovers out there, Murray’s Cheese is an iconic institution that you must check out. It’s been open since 1940, so you know their selection of artisinal cheeses, gourmet foods, charcuterie, and specialty items are world class. Not to mention, visitors can explore the store’s cheese caves, attend cheese classes and tastings, or simply indulge in a delicious sandwich or cheese plate at the Murray’s Cheese Bar .

Where: 254 Bleecker St

7. Joe’s Pizza

Greenwich Village is a hotbed of pizza places …but we’re here to spill the tea on the best pizza spot in Greenwich Village. It’s Joe’s Pizza. Founded in 1975 by Joe Pozzuoli, it’s been a neighborhood classic for over 74 years and serves arguably the best pies in the neighborhood. When you want “real New York pizza” you go to Joe’s.

Where: 7 Carmine St

8. W 4th Basketball Courts

The West 4th Street basketball courts are always packed with some of the best amateur basketball action whenever you walk by. “ The Cage ” (as many locals call it) is always full of gritty and intense pickup games that are so enjoyable to watch. Plus, there’s actually bleachers where you can actually take a seat and watch. It’s also home to the citywide “Streetball” amateur basketball tournament that happens every once in a while.

Where: 272 6th Ave

9. Comedy Cellar

Greenwich Village is the comedy club Mecca of NYC, with tons of stoic establishments lining the blocks of the neighborhood. If we had to recommend one though, it’d be Comedy Cellar, who’s famously seen the likes of Dave Chappelle, Amy Schumer, Kevin Hart, and plenty more take the stage. It’s truly on the Mount Rushmore of famous comedy clubs in the world.

10. Off-Broadway shows at Cherry Lane Theatre

Sure NYC may be full of high-class theatre productions, but don’t forget about more intimate Off-Broadway shows like the ones at Cherry Lane Theatre. This is the oldest continuously running off-Broadway theater in New York City and only features 179-seats at the main stage, making it one of the best places to see a show up close and personal.

Where: 38 Commerce St

11. Walker Hotel Greenwich Village

Walker Hotel is one of Greenwich Village’s most stunning hotels , and surely one of the best in New York City . Blending together the novelty of “Old New York” with today’s vibrant thriving culture, it’s a great spot to book, stay, or even grab a bite to eat. The bohemian charm and cozy lobby and common areas make it the perfect place to seek quietness for a few minutes!

Where: 52 W 13th St

12. The “Friends” Apartment

Calling all sitcom fans! Greenwich Village is home to the iconic residence of the characters from the popular TV show “Friends.” The building’s exterior is a popular hotspot for fans of the show to come snap photos and pay homage to Rachel, Ross, Chandler, and the rest of the crew!

Where: 90 Bedford St

13. Caffè Reggio

Start your morning off with a cup of coffee at Caffè Reggio, the home of the “Original Cappuccino.” This quaint coffee shop has been a Greenwich Village staple since 1927 , and serves up some of the best coffee and Italian cafe treats in all of NYC. Not only is the food and drink incredible but it’s full of history too… like the original espresso machine made in 1902 , a bench from a palazzo of the Rennaisance-era Medici family , and original Italian pantings .

Where: 119 MacDougal St

14. IFC Center

The IFC Center is one of NYC’s best independent movie theaters and film houses , dating all the way back to 1937. It’s home to 5 state-of-the-art cinemas with luxurious seating, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, 3D capability, and 4K and 2K digital and 35mm projection . Their focus is on showcasing innovative and thought-provoking cinema , welcoming all sorts of independent films, classic retrospectives, film festivals, and special events, as well as filmmaker Q&A sessions and panel discussions . If you’re a cinephile at heart, you’ve got to check out this institution .

Where: 323 6th Ave

15. Greenwich Village walking tour

Greenwich Village is one of the most easily walkable neighborhoods in NYC . The beautiful cobblestone streets and lively crosswalks make it easy to navigate the historic neighborhood, making it one of the best places to take a walking tour ! Check out some of our favorite walking tours below which can help you see so much of the neighborhood in just a few hours:

• Greenwich Village Food Tour: Celebrating Culture & Diversity 
• Greenwich Village Small-Group Haunted Ghost Tour in NYC
• How Greenwich Village Made the Modern World
• The Original Cupcake Tour of Greenwich Village

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Where Are New York’s Best Acoustics? We Took a Listening Tour.

The composer Michael Gordon and members of Mantra Percussion tested the piece “Timber” in resonant spaces around the city. Here is what they learned.

By Joshua Barone

As three people struck wood with mallets under a viaduct in Queens during the morning rush hour one day in the fall, a man walked up and asked, “What do you call this music?” The players could have told him the title of the piece, Michael Gordon’s “Timber,” or given him some idea of the genre. But one, Caitlin Cawley, simply said, “Percussion.”

Cawley and her colleagues from the ensemble Mantra Percussion were at the viaduct, which runs along Queens Boulevard and under the 7 train, to test the sound of its vaulted ceiling. It was part of a project to perform “Timber,” an hourlong work from 2009, in man-made sites with idiosyncratic acoustics around New York City.

The result, called Resonant Spaces , begins on Sunday, with performances at three locations, followed by three more on April 21. In addition to the viaduct, they include Castle Clinton and Federal Hall in Lower Manhattan, and in Brooklyn, archways in Prospect Park and Dumbo, and a monument in Fort Greene Park. The free concerts will allow the public to hear New York the way percussionists do: as a limitless source of musical opportunity.

“Timber” was originally written for the Dutch group Slagwerk Den Haag. Six percussionists struck amplified two-by-fours — a take on simantras, planks of wood shaped to create specific tones, which have a history of being used in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

In the early performances of “Timber,” the simantras were made from pine, but Mantra Percussion has taken a different route. Michael McCurdy, a member, said that the score didn’t specify the wood. “When you are learning Xenakis , or anything,” he said, “when the composer says ‘wood block,’ the variety of sounds that can come from that instrument is vast.’”

For Resonant Spaces, “Timber” will be played with purpleheart — a wood so dense, McCurdy said, that the Mantra players exhausted and had to replace a circular saw for cutting the pieces. On that fall morning, he, Cawley and Joseph Bergen carried their boards and other equipment from location to location, on the subway and in rideshare cars, as they tested sites for the concerts to see where the piece would thrive.

They allowed me to join with a photographer, and to record audio at each stop.

Queens Boulevard Viaduct

Gordon described the viaduct’s grandly arched space as “really acoustically wild, almost fantastic.” As the players tested fragments of “Timber,” the sound ricocheted off the ceiling, shooting in all directions.

Under the Queens Boulevard viaduct

They tried different configurations — setting up their mounted boards close together, or far apart, in the center of the vaulted space or at the edge of it — as passers-by stopped to listen or interact with them. One woman wanted to give Cawley some cash.

Gordon was curious about a spot near the subway entrance, with a lower, flat ceiling. The sound wasn’t as spectacular, but the performance still caught the attention of a man who said with astonishment: “It’s wood. I’m walking over here wondering what’s going on, but it’s just wood. That’s astounding.”

After a brief pause, Gordon looked at him and, like any good New Yorker, said, “You know that you’re wearing a Red Sox hat, right?”

Endale Arch

After a car ride from Queens, the group arrived at the entrance of Prospect Park, and walked to the Endale Arch. The short tunnel, strikingly lined with alternating panels of pine and walnut, is one of the original architectural features from the park’s creation more than 150 years ago.

Under the Endale Arch

Under the arch, while runners, confused and frightened dogs, and school groups passed, Gordon and the Mantra players tried the most configurations of any location they visited that day. They found that the sound could be severe, but better if they let it reflect off one of the tunnel’s brick nooks, and best if they spaced out the instruments, especially at either entrance. McCurdy smiled as he asked the others whether they could hear overtones emerging from the resonance.

“It was a little harsh and loud,” Gordon said of the space. “It was amplifying the sound and also bringing out the bright overtones.” Milder, he added, was an area of Fort Greene Park in front of the Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument, where the Mantra musicians had previously played “Timber.” (They will be back there on April 21). “That,” Gordon said, “is not particularly loud or reverberant, but it’s much more subtle and kind of beautiful.”

Federal Hall

The group then hauled its equipment onto the 2 train, getting out at the Wall Street stop to test the rotunda of Federal Hall, the first home of the U.S. Congress and the site of George Washington’s swearing in as president.

Inside Federal Hall

On the way, the percussionists played in the subway exit — a tinny corridor lined with tile — as well as in Kevin Roche’s postmodern lobby of 60 Wall Street (now closed for renovation and likely demolition), before arriving at Federal Hall. There was a school group visiting, and the children began to gather around the trio as they played. Afterward, the students asked to try for themselves, and took turns striking the wood.

Of the day’s stops, the rotunda was the most naturally reverberant. “It was so thick with reverb and delay that you could hardly make out what they were playing,” Gordon said. “The distinction was almost completely lost. The sound is bouncing off the walls and off the floor, and it just doesn’t stop. You’re just really drenched in sound.”

Bethesda Terrace

From there, it was back to the subway and up to the Upper West Side for a stop at Central Park, where the musicians made their way to the arcade under Bethesda Terrace. When they arrived, they had competition, not so much from the wedding party shuffling around for a photo shoot or the children’s entertainer making large bubbles, but from other musicians: Cover Story Doo-Wop , an ensemble of four vocalists and a bass player that had attracted a large audience.

Inside the Bethesda Terrace Arcade

But after being offered cash and cutting a deal for the Mantra players to be quick, Cover Story took a break and stood the side while the percussionists set up their instruments and got started. This heavily trafficked area of the park offered the most passers-by yet, but also the most indifferent ones; few stopped to listen, and no one stopped for conversation.

Gordon and the Mantra musicians decided not to perform in Central Park. It seemed chaotic, Gordon said, and he got the impression that they “were not going to get the feeling or the focus of people who actually showed up and wanted to hear it.”

AFTER A DAY of hearing “Timber” around New York, Gordon said that he didn’t think the spaces materially changed the music. “The piece is the piece,” he said. “I think it’s less about what places do to the piece as what it does to our awareness of the spaces we walk through.”

That’s what audience members, those who plan to attend or those who stumble across the performances, could get out of Resonant Spaces. “Walking through the viaduct is a phenomenal experience,” Gordon said. “But it’s one we all have. We go to the park and walk through a tunnel. Central Park is full of them. These places aren’t hidden. But their acoustical properties — those kind of are.”

Joshua Barone is the assistant classical music and dance editor on the Culture Desk and a contributing classical music critic. More about Joshua Barone

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Breaking news, cameron young blew chance to close in on masters lead as wind left him guessing.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. — Westchester’s Cameron Young, who grew up playing Sleepy Hollow Country Club, is on the cusp of contention to win not only his first career PGA Tour event, but his first major championship.

Young stands at 1-under par entering the final 36 holes, five shots behind the lead.

But he could have been a lot closer.

Young, who shot a 2-under-par 70 in the first round, had his score as low as 5-under through eight holes of his second round, but gave four shots back in his final 11 holes.

“The wind is all over the place and nowhere at all, and it’s just trying to take the best guess as you can,” Young said of the blustery conditions .

Asked if he’s ever had to guess on the wind as often as he did Friday, he said, “Very few times. It’s very windy and the trees are all 190,000 feet tall.”

England’s Tyrrell Hatton, not known for his patience, was irked at the slow play of the group in front of him (Patrick Reed, Sungjae Im and Kurt Kitayama) for the past two rounds.

“Yeah, the lads in front have been so slow,” Hatton said. “It’s pretty poor from the officials that it took 32 holes to put them on the clock. [On Thursday], they’d lost a hole and a half, and then they weren’t any better even [Friday] morning. Then for the second round they were just brutal.

“It was really hard to get a rhythm, so it was disappointing that it took 32 holes for an official to go, ‘Oh, we’ve put the group in front on the clock.’”

Neal Shipley, a 23-year-old Pittsburgh native who finished runner-up in the U.S. Amateur, was the only amateur of the five in the field to make the cut.

Shipley shot a 1-under-par 71 in his first round and had it to as low as 3-under for the tournament through three holes of his second round.

But he slipped back from there, finishing with a second-round 76 to stand at 3-over for the week.

But that was good enough to get him into the weekend.

“I just had a few bad swings coming into the back nine, and didn’t really play my best golf on that stretch 10 through 12,” he said. “I was just able to get some momentum going with a really good putt on 13 and just kind of kept it steady coming into the clubhouse from there.”“I was certainly thinking about low am,’’ Shipley went on. “I thought I had a chance to compete with all those guys. I thought I showed that [Thursday] in those really tough conditions, to shoot 1-under, that I belong out here. It’s just kind of a matter of proving that.

He said he hopes this won’t be his only Masters.

“You never know with how your career goes, injuries, or just maybe things don’t turn out the way you want to,’’ Shipley said. “I certainly don’t think it’s going to be my last Masters, but I think you have to treat every Masters as if it’s your last probably until you win.

“That’s just a thought process, just to enjoy it. I think that kept me loose and not as nervous, just trying to enjoy the moment.’’

He said the walk up 18 on Sunday “is going to be really, really cool,’’ adding, “It would be cool if I could put in some low numbers this weekend and really climb up that leaderboard. I’d really enjoy that.’’

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Bad Bunny Electrifies NYC: 5 Standout Moments from His Most Wanted Tour

An equestrian entrance, a jigsaw-like stage, and over two hours of hits: here are the most memorable moments from his Barclays Center performance on Thursday night.

By Isabela Raygoza

Isabela Raygoza

Associate Editor, Billboard Español

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On Thursday night (April 11), the Barclays Center in New York City was electrified by the presence of Bad Bunny . The arena, filled to its 19,000-person capacity, buzzed with anticipation as the Puerto Rican superstar kicked off the first show of his three-night stint in the city.

“New York has been very important in my career, where dreams come true,” Benito told his fans in his native Spanish during the performance. “Being on the tour feels really amazing, going to each place and seeing it, all the cities, but New York, it’s something else. It feels more amazing than usual. Seeing all those PR and DR flags makes it even more special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here, it means a lot to me.”

Bad Bunny — who wore Prada sunglasses, a velour suit, and a gold cross necklace — delivered a dynamic performance that was an amalgamation of music and spectacle. It included a grand orchestra, an equestrian entrance, a surprise appearance by Bryant Myers to perform “Seda,” a jigsaw-like stage that transformed into the Brooklyn Bridge, and, of course, a repertoire of his biggest hits. (Here’s the complete setlist of the tour, which slightly changed to add “Amorfoda” and “Tití Me Preguntó.”)

This was part of his Most Wanted Tour — in support of his Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana album — which kicked off on Feb. 21 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Live Nation-promoted tour is halfway through its schedule, with forthcoming performances in cities including Austin, Texas (Apr. 26-27), Atlanta, Ga. (May 14-15), and Miami, Fla. (May 24-26). See the full dates here .

According to Billboard Boxscore, the tour has already been a commercial success, grossing $84.2M and selling 282K tickets over its first 18 shows. It has consistently sold out venues, demonstrating Bad Bunny’s continued widespread appeal.

Here are five standout moments from the first night of Bad Bunny’s Most Wanted Tour at the Barclays Center:

The Grandeur of an Orchestra

Bad Bunny’s grand entrance was enhanced by the stirring symphonic sounds of a grand orchestra. Setting a triumphant tone reminiscent of a championship bout or a cinematic Rocky Balboa moment, the orchestra filled the arena with melodious harmony for 10 minutes as the show commenced at 9:30 p.m. Adding to the immersive experience, orchestra members made surprise appearances throughout the audience, accompanying Bad Bunny’s rhythms, particularly during the opening numbers, “Nadie Sabe” and “Monaco.”

An Equestrian Entrance

The concert’s midway moment was marked by Bad Bunny’s dramatic arrival on a horse , embodying a masked cowboy in a fuschia outfit with fringes. Despite previous criticism from PETA, the superstar displayed gentleness towards the horse, who was also accompanied by a trainer. As arguably the first reggaetón artist to incorporate a horse into his act, he joins the ranks of regional Mexican icons like Joan Sebastian, Vicente Fernández, and Pepe Aguilar, who uphold this tradition.

Playing 'Amorfoda' on a Piano Upside Down

Displaying his entertainment abilities in unconventional ways, Bad Bunny played the first keys of “Amorfoda” on the piano — notably, upside down atop the instrument — to the astonishment of the audience. He also delivered a soulful rendition of “un x100to” accompanied solely by the piano, marking a poignant moment in the two-and-a-half-hour concert.

Surprise Guest Performance by Bryant Myers

The concert was further enlivened by a surprise performance from Bryant Myers, who joined Bunny on stage to perform “Seda” from Bunny’s latest album, Nadie Sabe . Their collaboration stretches back to 2017 with the hit “Pa Ti.” Previously, Myers had also made a surprise appearance at BB’s Los Angeles show in March. Their joy in their longstanding musical partnership was evident in their performances.

A Jigsaw-Like Stage Morphing into the Brooklyn Bridge

The stage was a dynamic piece of artwork, constantly shifting forms throughout the concert. With two stages positioned at opposite ends of the arena, and a bridge-like catwalk in between, the stage at one point transformed into an impressive replica of the Brooklyn Bridge, made possible by intricate light work. This captivating visual element added a unique dimension to the concert experience.

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