nyc walking tour schedule

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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.

• Walking Tours
• Audio/Self-Guided Tours

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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
• How Much Is a Helicopter Ride in NYC?
• NYC Dinner Cruise
• Which NYC Bike Tour is Best?

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.

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

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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15 Best Walking Tours In NYC For A Day Of Sightseeing

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

Whether you’re commuting to work, meeting with friends, or exercising, it’s no secret that New Yorkers see much of the city by foot. However, walking the same paths day after day may keep you from seeing some of the most unique parts of the city, and what fun is that? Though typically taken by tourists, walking tours in NYC can be one of the best ways to bust out of your usual routine and expose yourself to something new! Whether you’re looking for new hidden gems in your neighborhood, wanting to learn more about the city, or explore somewhere you’ve never been, we’ve got some guided tours that’ll do the trick.

1. Catacombs by Candlelight Tour

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

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

2. Inside Out Tours

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

• Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Neighborhood Walking Tour, buy tickets here
• NYC Slavery & the Underground Railroad Walking Tour, buy tickets here
• Secrets of the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Walking Tour, buy tickets here

3. Viator Tours

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

• Cupcake Walking Tour in New York City, buy tickets here
• Gangsters and Ghosts Tour in NYC, buy tickets here
• New York City Ghost Hunt: Greenwich Ghost Hunt, buy tickets here
• Greenwich Village Small-Group Haunted Ghost Tour in NYC, buy tickets here

4. Take A Walk’s Chinatown Official Historic District Tour

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

Learn more about this tour here !

5. Haunted Manhattan Walking Tours

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

Learn more about these tours here .

6. Broadway Up Close Tours

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

Learn more these tours here .

7. New York Historical Tours

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

Learn more about the tours here .

8. Free Tours by Foot

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

Learn more about Free Tours by Foot here .

9. NYC Gangsters & Ghosts Tour

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

10. Like a Local Tours

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

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

11. On Location Tours

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

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

12. Real New York Tours

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

For more details on tours, visit here .

13. Foods of NY Tours

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

Learn more about Foods of NY Tours here .

14. Manhattan Walking Tour

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

Find more information on tours here .

15. True Tales of NYC Walking Tours

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

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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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35 Best Walking Tours in NYC to Discover Hidden Gems and Iconic Landmarks

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The best walking tours in NYC roll back the curtain on the “real” New York. It’s a melting pot of cultures, a concrete jungle of skyscrapers and a never-sleep hub of activity — three of many reasons why this metropolis reigns as the most visited city in America.

Forget about buses or boats though; the most authentic way to see New York City ‘s top haunts is with boots on the ground.

That’s exactly why on-foot adventures are some of the top things to do in NYC — you’ll get to wander the Big Apple streets, discovering its hidden gems in the most fascinating, immersive way possible.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• walking tours in NYC

1 – Brooklyn Bridge & Dumbo Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 307 reviews )

“The guide was very friendly, funny, patient and very easy to understand (important for us as foreigners).” Simon. civitatis

An icon of New York City, the postcard-perfect Brooklyn Bridge has been standing tall since 1883.

Connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, a stroll along this architectural marvel has long been considered one of the best things to do in Brooklyn  — not only can you appreciate the historical significance up close, but you’ll be treated to absolutely stunning views of the Lower Manhattan skyline.

On this Gran Apple Tours adventure, you’ll cross the bridge before wandering through what is arguably considered Brooklyn’s most breathtaking waterfront borough, DUMBO — a bustling district boasting dramatic vistas, Jane’s Carousel and the TimeOut Market.

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If you’re looking for a walking tour that combines stunning views, history and culture, then the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO tour is not to be missed.

The guides are friendly, funny, patient and make the entire tour very enjoyable and effortless.

Besides the amazing photos, you will learn SO much.

• Brooklyn Bridge walking tours

2 – SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 1512 reviews )

“We loved this walking tour & our fabulous guide Esa made our tour so interesting. Her enthusiasm & knowledge was captivating. Thoroughly recommend whilst in New York.” Michelle. Viator

Manhattan’s charm lies in the fact you can find incredibly different neighborhoods right next to each other. Case in point, SoHo’s cobblestone streets and cast-iron buildings bordering the foodie havens of Little Italy and Chinatown.

On this ExperienceFirst excursion, you’ll get to learn all about the history of the neighborhood trio while checking out cool street art, popping into local eateries, and admiring the ever-changing architecture.

Sure, you’ll check out famous spots like Chinatown Gates and the SoHo fashion boutiques; but thanks to your friendly, knowledgeable guide, you’ll also get to discover hidden gems like the site of the Manhattan Well Murder.

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A fantastic option for history buffs, this walking tour is full of facts that most New Yorkers don’t even know.

The guides are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and squeeze a lot of info into a short time.

You’ll walk away with a great understanding of each of the three very unique neighborhoods.

• Soho and Little Italy walking tours

3 – High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 135 reviews )

“We had a great time on our tour. Ellen was super knowledgeable and made the tour really interesting. It was just the right amount of information with lots of interesting facts and anecdotes.” Victoria. getyourguide

Focusing on the western side of Midtown Manhattan, this in-depth ExperienceFirst walking tour shows off one of the areas that has seen mass gentrification over the past few decades.

You’ll get to explore the vibrant High Line, an elevated park with stunning views of the city, as well as Chelsea and the Meatpacking District where a slew of amazing architectural landmarks (such as the ultramodern Standard Hotel and the IAC building) and art galleries await.

The surprise views of the Hudson River and the sights and smells of the Chelsea marketplace are the cherries on top.

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An amazing tour full of information that you wouldn’t get from wandering around on your own. The guides are so welcoming and cheerful, and the history of the area itself is fascinating.

Not too long, not too short, overall a great insight into a charming part of New York City!

• High Line walking tours

Read more: Best NYC city tours

4 – Greenwich Village Walking and Food Tasting Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 1156 reviews )

“This was the best of our guided tours we had while we have been in New York City. Tour guide was great and very informative. All food tastings were excellent and well worth it. Would highly recommend.” Kevin. Viator

One for the foodies, this delicious walking tour takes you through the charming streets of Greenwich Village, a culture-rich neighborhood renowned for its broad variety of tantalizing eats — pizza, falafel, artisanal cupcakes, Pommes Frites, arancini and so much more.

In between bites, you’ll also stop at some of the most notable NYC landmarks — the iconic ‘Friends’ apartment, Washington Square Park (where you’ll always find musicians and street performers showing off) and the Stonewall Inn historical site, to name a few.

As you wander through this vibrant locale, your knowledgeable Nice Guy Tours guide will tell you all about its rich history too.

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This tour is popular for a reason! Not only do you get to eat your way through the area’s most beloved locales, but you’ll also learn all about the history of Greenwich Village.

The guides are relatable and knowledgeable, and the food tastings were plentiful and delicious. A must-do!

• Greenwich Village walking tours

Read more: Best food tours in NYC

5 – Catacombs by Candlelight Walking Tour in New York

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 4 reviews )

“Dan was a great guide! He was very knowledgeable and entertaining. A virtual plethora of historical background and a clear delivery made for a great experience!” Barbara. klook

At street level, St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in Little Italy is a Manhattan landmark. But beneath the 200-year-old church, lies a hidden gem: a network of eerie, historic underground catacombs.

This exclusive Feverup tour will take you through the candlelit corridors of the often off-limits sections of the basilica — including the only active catacombs in New York — where you’ll learn about the local history of Catholicism and the notable names who call this their final resting place.

Much more than just a history lesson, you’ll also get to witness the world’s largest remaining Erben organ and marvel at the intricate architectural details.

Showing off the bustling city’s underbelly, this catacombs walking tour is terrific if you want something unconventional.

Not only will you get to explore the underground tunnels and burial chambers, but you’ll also learn about the little-known history of the area from the captivating guides. Worth considering!

• NYC Catacombs walking tours

6 – Manhattan Neighborhood Private Customized Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 412 reviews )

“Highly recommended if you are looking for a private tour that can cater to your needs. Andrew was very informative and took us to visit all the spots we were interested in.” Raymond. Viator

New York City private tours offer a chance to ditch the tourist crowds. The Streetwise New York Tours Manhattan private customizable walking tour is no different, allowing you to choose the area that interests you most and create a personalized itinerary.

Whether you opt for Little Italy and Chinatown, known for their fabulous foodie scene; Times Square and Grand Central, where busting Manhattan energy really comes to light; or somewhere more peaceful like Central Park, you’re guaranteed an intimate, educational, highly entertaining experience.

With the option for hotel pickup, it’s one of the most convenient things to do in Manhattan as well.

Extremely personalized, allowing you to check off the landmarks are areas that you find most appealing, this tour is a terrific option for anyone looking to get the most out of their time in New York City.

Highly recommended if you are looking for a private tour that can cater to your needs!

• private walking tours in NYC

7 – 9-11 Ground Zero Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 83 reviews )

“Me and wife really enjoyed the tour and Helene the tour guide was excellent and nothing was too much trouble for her and the tour didn’t feel rushed and she was very knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend this tour.” John. musement

Certainly one of the more eye-opening walking tours in NYC, the 9-11 Ground Zero excursion takes you on a deep emotional journey through the tragic, nation-shaping events of September 11th, 2001.

Led by a knowledgeable ExperienceFirst guide, this tour will show you monuments that pay homage to the Twin Towers, the victims, and the proceeding resilience of New York City — none more powerful than the 9-11 Memorial & Museum .

With the option to also visit the Freedom Tower’s observatory (where impressive skyline views await), this walking tour promises a sobering, highly educational experience.

• 9-11 Ground Zero walking tours

When those planes hit the World Trade Center it marked a defining moment in American history.

This tour, led by expert, respectful guides who can share personal anecdotes, teaches you all about that day and its aftermath while paying tribute to the victims and heroes.

The guides are fantastic, and the tour is both educational and emotional — a must-do.

Read more: 9/11 Memorial & Museum tickets price

8 – Brooklyn Graffiti and Street Art Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 277 reviews )

“The tour was great! Nick was our guide and he was very knowledgeable and passionate about the community and the art. I learnt so much! Well worth it. Thank you!!” Chidinma. GetYourGuide

Move over, Manhattan! New York City’ most hipster borough is quickly becoming a quintessential destination, and this walking tour will show you exactly why.

Led by passionate local guides from Brooklyn Unplugged Tours , you’ll explore the vibrant streets of Bushwick and witness some of the best street art in the city.

From colorful murals to striking stencils and wheatpaste wall art, even graffiti tags, you’ll get to see a diverse range of street art styles and techniques.

You’ll also uncover how street art has evolved into a respected art form in Brooklyn’s thriving arts scene.

This tour is awesome. It goes off the beaten track, leaves the Manhattan tourist crowds behind, and shows off a lesser-known side of the NYC culture.

The guides are the best combo of fun and knowledgeable, and the two hours are thoroughly enjoyable. Certainly a tour worth considering!

• street art walking tours in NYC

9 – Superheroes in New York Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 481 reviews )

“Our guide Luke was fantastic. So many interesting facts all delivered with good humour. He really brought the city to life with his knowledge and kept us all enthralled. Our whole family (four of us including two kids 15 & 12) loved it.” Helen. Viator

If you’re a DC or Marvel diehard fan, or if you’re on the hunt for fun family things to do in New York City with kids , then put on your cape because this tour is perfect!

Run by Top Dog Tours Inc. , this superheroes adventure shows off all the iconic spots where your favorite superheroes (and villains) have battled it out — Green Goblin’s apartment, Tony Stark’s hangouts, and film sets for shows like ‘Gotham’ and ‘Daredevil’, to name a few.

Plus, your guide will reveal behind-the-scenes stories and tell you all about NYC’s comic industry along Publishers’ Row.

A non-negotiable activity for all superhero fanatics, this tour combines a bit of history with plenty of cinema references, and a good amount of sightseeing in between.

The guides are amazing and very personable, guaranteed to make you laugh. The comic store visits are just a bonus! 10/10.

10 – Slavery and Underground Railroad Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 ( 66 reviews )

“I grew up in NYC but learned so much about this important part of history. This is the stuff that they don’t teach you in school. Loved it and highly recommend!” Lisa. getyourguide

Taking place in the history-rich area of Lower Manhattan, this fascinating Inside Out Tours excursion rolls back the curtain on the African American impact on shaping New York City. You’ll learn a truckload about the city’s past, with a particular highlight on the former Underground Railroad — a series of escape routes and safe houses used by slaves fleeing the South and seeking freedom in New York.

All the while, you’ll meander past famous old-school landmarks like the Fraunces Tavern, the Trinity Church and Wall Street, with the African Burial Ground National Memorial thrown in for good measure.

This tour is an eye-opening experience that sheds light on a pivotal piece of American history. The guides do an excellent job of sharing in-depth and relevant information with real energy and passion.

If you want to learn about bygone eras, this tour comes highly recommended.

11 – Gangsters and Ghosts 2-Hour Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 ( 170 reviews )

“Very good! The Guide has done some extensive research and knew the history and places very well. Also she shared some interesting personal stories about ghosts.” Katharina. getyourguide

Forget about the tourist trap landmarks; this tour dives into the NYC underbelly, putting a spotlight on the gritty, underground world of Manhattan’s mobsters, criminals and alleged ghosts.

Your Empire Tours NYC guide, a local historian with a knack for setting the scene, will take you on a 2-hour journey through the hidden corners of neighborhoods like Chinatown’s “Blood Alley”, Little Italy (including restaurants where mafia murders took place), the West Village and Greenwich Village — spots where infamous gangsters once ruled (particularly during the 1920s and 30s).

And despite the gruesome history, it remains a family-friendly tour.

Best done after dark, this crime-centric tour is a highly engaging, super interesting showcase of New York’s infamous underbelly.

The guides craft an engaging story as you walk in the footsteps of some of the city’s most notorious criminals – and their knowledge of gangsters is brilliant!

• ghost walking tours in NYC

12 – Secrets of Grand Central Terminal Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 ( 90 reviews )

“Our Guide Rick did a fantastic job! It was a very nice and very infirmative tour! Would always do it again! Highly recommanded!” Claudia. getyourguide

The busiest train station in the world has a reputation that precedes it; Grand Central is a 150-year-old symbol of New York, a silver screen mainstay, and an important transportation hub for millions of Americans.

But this place is so much more than just a station — with incredible ceiling art, its own market, and hidden gems like the Whispering Gallery, it’s a quintessential NYC attraction in its own right.

On the Walks Tours walkthrough, you’ll get to go behind the curtain, discovering the terminal’s best-kept secrets while learning all about how it – as well as the city – has evolved over generations.

Most people come to Grand Central, snap a selfie in front of the celestial ceiling, and be on their way. But if you really want to get the full experience of this iconic landmark, this walking tour is absolutely worthwhile.

Besides discovering the hidden gems, you’ll learn about how Grand Central was built and its transformation over the decades.

• Grand Central Terminal walking tours

13 – Pride Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 29 reviews )

“Joe delivered a wonderful tour. He is very knowledgeable, nice and friendly and made us all feel part of the history of the LGBTQ movement. Many thanks!!!” David. getyourguide

Many parts of New York boast a progressive spirit, but few have played as important a role in the LGBTQ+ rights movement as Greenwich Village.

This eye-opening Pride Tours NYC activity takes you through this colorful neighborhood and introduces you to the most influential landmarks of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising.

As you stop into spots like the Stonewall Inn and the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop, you’ll see firsthand how Greenwich Village has been at the forefront of the equality fight.

A few all-inclusive bars — Julius, Fedora, and Marie’s Crisis — add an extra splash of culture to the beloved tour too.

Expect to learn a bunch about the liberation of the LGBTQ+ community while walking through one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

Joe and the team are so knowledgeable and friendly. The bars at the end are a bonus! Definitely recommended.

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14 – Hamilton Musical Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 237 reviews )

“Great tour! Our guide was wonderful. I would highly recommend if you are a fan of the show. Learned some really interesting facts about the shows characters as well as some Easter eggs hidden in the show I hadn’t heard before.” Ann. viator

You’ve seen the show-stopping musical — now it’s time to walk in the shoes of the founding fathers and explore the historical sites in person.

On the NY Tour Monkey Hamilton Musical Walking Tour, travelers are invited to see the actual landmarks where the founding fathers made history — landmarks made more famous by the hit Broadway show.

From a sightseeing perspective, you’ll check off notable places like Kings College, Thomas Jefferson’s house, Federal Hall and the Trinity Church.

And from a music point of view, your guide will wax fascinating insights into the making of the Tony-winning spectacle. What’s not to love?

A history lesson for the ages, this experience manages to be both insightful and entertaining. You’ll walk away an expert in the American Revolution.

If you’ve seen the Hamilton musical, it puts all of the songs and history into perspective. The guides are passionate storytellers too. 5 stars!

• Hamilton walking tours

15 – Top Sights Walking Tour with Local Guide

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 79 reviews )

“It was just great. John was very knowledgeable about the area and super friendly. He explained everything really well and we really saw a lot of highlights. Highly recommended” sandra. getyourguide

Want to squeeze as much as possible into half a day of on-foot sightseeing. Then take note. Easily one of the more comprehensive walking tours in NYC, the New York Top Sights Tours show off no less than 30 famous landmarks back to back.

Camera at the ready; you’ll pass by the likes of the Rockefeller Center, Madison Square Garden, ritzy 5th Avenue, Carnegie Hall and the New York Public Library – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

All the while, you’ll hear hundreds of tidbits about the Big Apple’s culture, people and attractions.

It’s truly remarkable how much the Top Sights tour squeezes into half a day. The guide is super easy-going and friendly, throwing in plenty of pop culture references.

Despite the distance covered it’s not too strenuous either. If you like an active day of sightseeing, sign up.

16 – Artistic, Alternative Greenwich Village Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 521 reviews )

“Steven was a great guide. Because he’s lived in the neighborhood for 40+ years, he can give insights into what it was like to be there during all the significant events since the 60’s and how it has changed again. Interesting tour.” Mary. viator

Of all the Manhattan neighborhoods, Greenwich leads the charge in its hipster, avant-garde culture — it was, after all, the birthplace of the city’s counterculture and equal rights movements in the ’60s.

On this ExperienceFirst walking tour, you’ll explore some of the area’s most colorful streets — those which have more than 200 years of history — hearing all about the famous names (Edgar Allan Poe, Bob Dylan and more) who cut their teeth here.

You’ll also stop by some of the neighborhood’s iconic landmarks, from Washington Square Park to the Stonewall Inn and learn about their significance.

As an alternative neighborhood, Greenwich deserves a tour that’s just as unique: and that’s exactly what this is!

Steve, Rob, Angela, Henrietta and the team ditch the touristy stuff and make you feel at home in Greenwich Village.

Overall, a terrific, info-packed tour perfect for NYC first-timers and seasoned visitors alike.

17 – Central Park Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 607 reviews )

“Great tour for all ages. We learned a lot and the guide was fun and knowledgeable. Perfect length and guide took pictures to send to us later.” Candace. Viator

Spanning a whopping 843 acres, Central Park is as large as it is famous; you could easily spend days wandering around it.

That’s why a locally-led activity (like those run by Central Park & Environs Walking Tours ) is the perfect way to check off the quintessential things to do in Central Park .

You’ll be escorted to all the essential spots, from secluded gardens and romantic bridges (including the one from Home Alone) to famous locations like Strawberry Fields and the Bethesda Fountain.

All the while, you’ll hear all about the plants, animals, and monuments that call it home.

Michael knows his stuff! An enthusiastic local who can wax facts about the park’s history, design and wildlife, he’ll take you to the famous spots as well as the secret ones.

Don’t opt for a cliché carriage ride; join this tour instead to become a Central Park expert!

• Central Park walking tours

18 – Ghosts of Greenwich Village: 2-Hour Private Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 135 reviews )

“Luke was awesome and the tour was great!! I would recommend this tour to anyone interested in spooky stories and history!” Edwin. viator

While Manhattan’s hipster Greenwich neighborhood boasts a modern reputation for counter-culture and LQBTQ-friendly establishments, if you roll back the centuries you’ll uncover a dark past with a paranormal side.

Think mobsters, murders, and unexplained events — that’s exactly what the scene-setting guides from Top Dog Tours Inc. dive into.

As you make your way through the cobblestone streets, the private tour winds past some of NYC’s oldest homes, some of the area’s creepiest corners, as well as a handful of supposed haunted restaurants and libraries. For a “dark tourism” experience, look no further.

This tour is great – and a fantastic change of pace from the typical sightseeing stuff. The entertaining guides are amazing storytellers who tie in local history with ghosts, showing off all the most interesting places around the Village. Do yourself a favor and sign up!

19 – NYC Private Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 160 reviews )

“This tour was the highlight of our journey! Thank you so much. It was fantastic. We saw so much in New York City. Our guide Géraldine showed us everything we wanted to see and it was so exciting and informative!” Daniela. Viator

One of the more flexible walking tours on the menu, the NYC Private Walking Tour by Olidaytours allows you to customize your experience and choose which parts of the Big Apple you’d like to explore.

Guaranteed to be highly engaging and easily adapted to whatever speed you prefer, you can take your pick from areas like Times Square, Columbus Circle, Fifth Avenue, Grand Central, The Rockefeller Center, Lower Manhattan, or the Brooklyn Bridge, or combine a handful — as a private tour this one’s yours to command.

As a bonus, hotel pickup is included as well.

Put simply, this is THE tour if you want to see the best of NYC on your own terms. Oli is fantastic, and as a bonus, you can help choose the route!

If you’re traveling as a group and don’t mind the price tag, you won’t be disappointed.

20 – Central Park TV and movie sites walking tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 389 reviews )

“My family and I throughly enjoyed the tour! It was a beautiful day to walk on the park, and our tour guide was absolutely lovely! She pointed out so many movie and TV spots filmed in the park – Highly recommended!” Laura. Viator

Calling all Hollywood buffs! Not only is Central Park a peaceful escape from the concrete jungle, but it’s also a hot spot for filming.

Dozens of world-famous movies and TV shows have featured this iconic location, and with On Location Tours , you can learn all about them!

Combining the best of Sex and the City tours , Gossip Girl tours , and featuring locations from titles like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Home Alone, these on-foot excursions take you behind the scenes like never before.

You’ll hear several entertaining stories about the production and cast along the way too.

The park is so beautiful and the insider movie and TV info is second to none! Katy, Caitlin, Hannah and the team are articulate and so knowledgeable, not just about the film history but of the park itself.

Cinephiles, take our word and add this tour to your NYC itinerary.

• movie walking tours in NYC

Read more: Best TV & Movie Locations Tours in New York City

21 – Tribeca Architecture And History Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 112 reviews )

“Meghan was very enthusiastic and shared a lot of cool information! Highly recommend! Ask her about the beavers of New York.” Brian. viator

A heavily underrated Manhattan neighborhood, Tribeca offers plenty in terms of architecture and history. That’s why Metro Tours created their walking tour — an in-depth adventure that takes you through cobblestone streets where history, food, culture and design intertwine.

As you hear stories that cover 300 years worth of engineering and development, expect to be staring up in awe at the diverse architecture that gives this enclave its distinct charm.

Headlined by the circa-1903 Ghostbusters Headquarters, the tour checks off more than 15 noteworthy locations, ensuring you walk away with a newfound appreciation for this ever-evolving neighborhood.

The Metro Tours Tribeca adventure does a fantastic job at showing how the neighborhood has evolved into the posh enclave it is today.

There are lots of older cast iron buildings to see and the guides are very enthusiastic. It gets our stamp of approval!

• architecture walking tours in NYC

22 – Harlem Civil Rights Multimedia Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 102 reviews )

“Lee was a wonderful tour leader. He was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his home, Harlem. We covered a lot of territory, each place had its own story. As a bonus, Lee introduced our group to some friends and local celebrities. We’re glad we took the tour.” Michael. viator

Renowned for its jazz, soul food, and cultural landmarks, Harlem has long been a jewel of New York City. However, it is also a vital part of the city’s history in the fight for civil rights.

Led by Harlem Heritage Tours , this absorbing walking tour combines sightseeing at places like the Apollo Theater with dozens of stories of how the neighborhood sparked nationwide change through the 1950s and 1960s.

With street art, historic churches and multimedia displays thrown in, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for this passionate, historic neighborhood.

This compelling tour takes you on a journey through a living museum. The team combines sightseeing with photos and videos, giving you a deeper understanding of the stories, the people and the places that helped shape the Civil Rights movement.

Honestly, it’s a non-negotiable for American history buffs.

• Harlem walking tours

23 – Lower Manhattan Secrets And History Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 58 reviews )

“Megan is an experienced guide with a wealth of information. She speaks with enthusiasm and excitement which holds your interest. A true New Yorker. She did an amazing job!” Cecelia. Viator

An area steeped in over 400 years of history, Lower Manhattan overflows with stories, landmarks and hidden gems.

This Metro Tours walking tour takes you off the beaten path to discover some of the most interesting secrets and history in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods — all brought to life in brilliant detail by enthusiastic guides.

You’ll uncover tales of famous residents like Alexander Hamilton, learn about pivotal events that helped shape the city, and wander past symbolic sites like Wall Street, Trinity Church, the Fearless Girl statue and Battery Park along the way.

For history buffs, it’s one of the best walking tours in NYC.

This tour manages to bring the past to life in incredibly detailed fashion. The guides are experienced, enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable.

Whether you’re from out of town or not, this is a fantastic way to learn how Manhattan came to be and see amazing sights along the way.

• Manhattan walking tours

24 – 2-Hour Best of Brooklyn Williamsburg Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.2/5 ( 84 reviews )

“We just took the Williamsburg tour with John today, and it was fabulous! He has a deep knowledge of the history of Brooklyn and showed us so much interesting stuff.” Gretchen. getyourguide

A neighborhood that’s become synonymous with hip and cool, Williamsburg has gentrified at a rapid pace over the last decade to become the posterchild for modern Brooklyn.

On this highlight reel adventure by Brooklyn Unplugged Tours, you’ll see classic brownstone homes, quirk street art, trendy shops and generations-old restaurants, experiencing the lively energy that’s unique to Williamsburg.

Not only will you learn plenty along the way (about immigration, beer brewing and everything in between), but you’ll also be treated to some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline from the East River shores.

This is one of the city’s most underrated neighborhoods and an absolute must-visit.

The Brooklyn Unplugged guides are so welcoming, making you feel like a true local. It’s particularly cool that you also get to see the Williamsburg hidden gems, not just the famous stuff!

• Brooklyn walking tours

25 – NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 506 reviews )

“Very informative and enjoyable. We had a great time taking in the sights and flavors of the area! Would definitely recommend!” Brandon. Viator

The Lower East Side boasts postcard-worthy architecture, a diverse immigrant culture, and a handful of the top things to do in Manhattan. But there’s one particular feature that draws visitors from near and far: the food.

Prepare to have your tastebuds tantalized; This Nice Guy Tours activity will introduce you to mouthwatering flavors of Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia and beyond!

You’ll get to pop into Katz’s Delicatessen, Vanessa’s Dumpling House, the Essex Street Market and Economy Candy (to name a few), learning all about the Lower East Side’s hidden history along the way.

What a journey for the tastebuds! This tour combined history with food like never before. Every location is a hit — you’ll devour so much delicious food and be stuffed by the end. It’s a wonderful way to spend half a day in NYC! 10/10 recommend for foodies.

• food walking tours in NYC

26 – Wall Street and Financial District Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 130 reviews )

“Highly recommended. Best tour we have had so far, we saw a lot of things we wouldnt have on our own. And a lot of great explanations and attention from the guide. I would do it again.” Tomas. getyourguide

The heart of the American economy – and the subject of countless film and TV depictions – Wall Street is a cacophony of sights, sounds, and history.

The buildings and monuments you see walking through the Financial District are impressive, but to really appreciate the significance, the stories, and the spirit of the neighborhood, it helps to have the Thermo Sage Inc. team in your corner.

This particular in-depth walking tour escorts you through the Financial District, providing an insider’s perspective on the institutions and events that have shaped US finance over the years — from the 2008 crash to the GameStop saga.

If stock markets and the finance world intrigue you, this tour is brilliant. Richard can take complex situations and ideas and explain them in ways that anyone can understand – all with a sense of humor.

Extremely in-depth on everything from crypto to oil prices, this tour comes highly recommended!

• Wall Street walking tours

27 – New York City Historic Walking Tour of Hamilton and Washington

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 106 reviews )

“To hear the history of Hamilton and Washington in relation to NYC was wonderful. I hadn’t read about them since elementary school and saw them in anew light as we visited the parts of the city where the events took place. The tour leader was superb!” Theodore. viator

One for the history buffs, this Lower Manhattan-based tour takes you back in time to the years of two of America’s most pivotal founding fathers: George Washington and Alexander Hamilton.

Led by passionate, history-savvy guides from Revolutionary Tours NYC , you’ll discover places where these men lived, worked, and fought for their country’s independence.

Along with exploring historic sites like Federal Hall and Fraunces Tavern, you’ll also hear fascinating, little-known stories about these figures and their contributions to American history.

Wandering down Wall Street and the Bowling Green views are the cherries on top.

You won’t find this stuff in a textbook! Bruce is funny, knowledgeable, and engaging — he takes you on a fascinating journey of the history of NYC and the American Revolution.

You get to see both famous and hidden historic sites involving Washington and Hamilton. It’s absolutely worthwhile.

28 – Skip the Line NYC Speakeasy Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 269 reviews )

“This was a great tour, showing us bars we’d never have found on our own and with excellent narrative given by Russell. Many thanks for your company and expertise.” Franny. viator

Don your flapper dresses and fedoras, because this whistle-wetting adventure takes you back in time to the roaring ’20s.

The Alexs tours guide will escort you to some of Lower Manhattan’s most charming speakeasies, teaching you about the city’s secret past as you sample delicious cocktails.

Most of the Prohibition-era speakeasies are whimsically hidden away — behind phone booths, in a psychic shop, even through a bank’s vault door — but that’s all part of the fun.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in New York City at night , look no further.

What a wonderful way to uncover Manhattan’s secret bar scene! Each of the establishments has its own unique charm (and cocktails that are just as unique).

The guides are entertaining and manage to convey the context of the Prohibition years in really easy-to-understand ways. Great for socialites!

29 – See It All NYC Walking and Boat Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 70 reviews )

“We absolutely loved our tour guide, Caleb! He was so enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable. For first time travelers to NY, we learned so much in one short day.” Erin. viator

Combining a thorough walkthrough of Manhattan’s main haunts with a leisurely sail on the Staten Island Ferry, this highly-regarded tour (run by Timothy Rosen, Licensed NYC Tour Guide) promises a wide-ranging experience that’s perfect for first-time Big Apple visitors.

The 6-hour adventure is mostly on foot, but uses the iconic Subway to cover a little more ground than most of its counterparts. Expect to tick off the Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Central Park, Wall Street and the 9/11 Memorial, back to back.

The panoramic views from New York Harbor add the finishing touch.

Roger, Caleb, Tim and the team are fantastic! They are really accommodating to individual needs and manage to squeeze A LOT of sights and information into just half a day.

Considering how much ground you cover, this tour provides excellent value for money. Definitely one to consider!

• walking tours with boat tours in NYC

30 – Rockefeller Center Architecture and Art Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 77 reviews )

“The tour is amazing and very informative.I suggest this short walking tour to everyone visiting New York as well for its residents.” Olga. viator

Every Christmas, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lights up the city and draws millions. But regardless of the season, this historic landmark is always alive with activity, making it one of the best places to visit in New York City year-round.

Operated by Top of The Rock Observation Deck , the architectural and art tour takes you behind the glamorous art-deco facade, shining a spotlight on the history and design of this postcard-worthy landmark.

And with optional add-ons for the Top of The Rock and the NBC Studio Tour, you can really make a day of it!

Short, sweet, and jam-packed with interesting facts, this tour is perfect if you’re wanting a quick but informative overview of the Rockefeller Center and its surroundings.

The guides are friendly and point out everyday landmarks that you might pass by but wouldn’t notice. Overall, a great experience!

31 – Harlem Hip-Hop Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 118 reviews )

“I loved the energy of our tour guide. I learned lots of hip hop history. It was a fun tour. Definitely would recommend.” Darla. viator

Boasting a reputation that precedes it, Harlem and music are intertwined at the core – with jazz, but most of all hip-hop, flourishing here for decades.

And there are few better ways to discover the history of this movement than by joining a Hush Hip Hop Tours walkabout.

The knowledgeable and passionate guides will take you through iconic spots — the Apollo Theater, the Lenox Lounge and the Graffiti Wall of Fame, to name a few — explaining their significance in the evolution of hip hop culture.

You’ll also pop into historic record stores and clubs where you can mingle with the locals.

Harlem is one of the Meccas of hip hop, so this tour comes highly recommended for music aficionados.

The guides are so informative about Harlem and its culture – in music and beyond – helping you understand the significance of the landmarks, especially in relation to hip-hop. 10/10!

• Harlem walking tour

32 – NYC Gangster and Mob Private Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 53 reviews )

“Such a great tour! I learned so much about the mob that I didn’t know and it was really amazing to see their old stomping grounds! Definitely recommended” Heather. viator

On face value, the Big Apple is a sparkling collection of skyscrapers, world-renowned landmarks, and bustling streets. However, beyond this glamorous facade lies a deep history of organized crime that’s shaped the city for decades.

Guaranteed to show off a different side of NYC, this private Metro Tours activity takes you to the hidden gems and infamous spots in notorious gang neighborhoods like Little Italy, Chinatown, and Five Points.

Thanks to an expert guide who knows everything there is to know about New York mobsters, you’ll learn about John Gotti, the Tong Gangs, Cosa Nostra and so much more.

What a great way to learn about the Mafia! The guides are entertaining and expert; they paint a picture of what Little Italy looked like 30+ years ago, and plenty more.

Being private, you can tailor the stops and stories to your preferences, making this a fantastic option for small groups.

• gangster walking tours

33 – Christmas Markets and Lights Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 12 reviews )

“I would recommend this tour to everyone who visits NY. Our tour guide, Stefan, was funny, kind, respectful and very knowledgeable about the history of all the landmarks we visited.” Audrey. Getyourguide

The Big Apple overflows with energy year-round. But during the holiday season, New York City sparkles even brighter with festive decorations around every corner. That’s why the Inside Out Tours’ Christmas adventure is one of the best walking tours in NYC.

Led by a jolly guide, this activity takes you through Manhattan’s most cheery spots — Columbus Circle, Christmas movie locations, department store window displays and more — all decked out in their holiday best.

With charming Christmas markets selling delicious treats in between light display stops, you’ll feel like a local as you soak up the holiday spirit.

There’s no better place at Christmas time than the Big Apple, and this tour shows off all the joy and magic of Manhattan during the holiday season. From sparkling lights to delicious treats at local markets, this excursion has it all.

The guides are so kind as well. Recommended!

• Christmas walking tours

34 – Small-Group Broadway Theater District and Times Square Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 17 reviews )

“Patrick brought out the essence of BROADWAY in a grand form. Could not have been better fort a first time for my daughter and myself.” Kirby. viator

What comes to mind when you think of New York? For many, it’s the bright lights of Times Square. And for musical enthusiasts, it’s Broadway, the ultimate theatre destination. This walking tour combines both, giving you a comprehensive experience of two of NYC’s quintessential attractions.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll get to spy a handful of the top things to do in Times Square as you pass by no fewer than 20 Broadway theaters .

Your guide will wax facts about the best Broadway shows & musicals , and present how this district evolved into an entertainment Mecca.

Musical theatre lovers, add this to your NYC bucket list. Patrick and the team extract the true essence of Broadway in a seriously fun, informative manner.

Besides giving you the history of Broadway, you’ll also get to snap those iconic Times Square selfies. A great option!

• Broadway walking tours

35 – Free Walking Tour of New York

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 11568 reviews )

“Jay was an amazing tour guide. She not only showed us all the spots but she gave extra infos, tipps and shared personal stories. I really loved the tour.” Lisa. civitatis

If you’re looking for cheap things to do in New York City , then Gran Apple Tours’ free walking tour might be exactly what the doctor ordered. Centered around Lower Manhattan the Financial District, this comprehensive tour dives into the history of NYC, the ins and outs of Wall Street, and the immigration and multiculturalism that has made the Big Apple what it is today.

Besides hitting up famous landmarks like the 9/11 Memorial and The Charging Bull near Wall Street, you’ll also get a chance to witness the architectural diversity, including some of the last Dutch-style houses in the city.

The perfect option for penny-pinchers, this free walking tour always over-delivers in value. Your guides rely on tips, making their storytelling even more passionate.

If you don’t want to spend bucketloads on sightseeing activities but still want to learn cool facts about NYC, this is an excellent place to start. A+.

• free walking tours in NYC

How to book walking tours in New York City?

Several different companies sell tickets for walking tours, which makes choosing the right one tricky. Adding more complexity, some online travel websites offer discounts, so the same tour can vary in price from one website to another.

That’s where a search engine like TourScanner can be a lifesaver. You can read real reviews and compare all the online sites to ensure you find the perfect tour at the best possible price.

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 .MjAZTAMWILNYXRpYypbWFnZXMvYTUZGQOWYxZjcYjdkYjNhOTYMEyYjFkZTFiNjEucGn { } .MjAZTAMWILNYXRpYypbWFnZXMvYTUZGQOWYxZjcYjdkYjNhOTYMEyYjFkZTFiNjEucGn: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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Central Park Walking Tour

Book the best walking tour in NYC and explore Central Park!

Experience Central Park with a knowledgeable guide and visit many well-known attractions on this exciting 2-hour adventure!  Click here for info about our special early morning Holiday Walking Tour !

Learn about the history and architecture of the park through iconic landmarks like Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields, Wollman Rink, Gapstow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, and more. See where many famous movie and tv scenes were shot, such as Home Alone 2, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Spiderman 3, and Sex and the City.

We allow for a maximum of 15 people on our tours, for a more personalized experience!

• Duration : 2 hours
• Price : $35 adult / $19 child (14 and under)
• Booking : See schedule and book using the calendar below:
• Private Tours : $49 per person  Book Here

Picnic at The Pool

Add a picnic.

Make your outing even more memorable by adding a gourmet picnic in the park!

We offer fully catered picnics as well as grab & go options.

Perfect for social gatherings, families, couples, corporate outings, schools, graduations, birthday parties, or any occasion!

See Picnic Packages

Customer Reviews

Great Walk in Central Park

"Chris was a terrific guide on our two-hour walking tour of Central Park. They keep the groups small, so it was easy to hear him and ask questions. He was very knowledgeable about the park and the surrounding area. He also had a great sense of humor - maybe because he is also a stand-up comedian at night. Previously we had never actually been IN Central Park - just around it often. We couldn't believe how removed from the city we felt and how peaceful and calm our walk was. I think walking is the best way to appreciate all the park has to offer."

Walking tour with Tom

"During our two-hour walking tour with super guide Tom we learned more about the history of the park than probably more than 80% of New Yorkers. The park is wonderful and would be enjoyable just walking by yourself. However, the historical information added by Tom made it extra special. Would highly recommend this leisurely walk of the southern part of Central Park."  

Great Tour - Great Guide

"Took a two-hour walking tour of the southern half of Central Park. I was really lucky as I was the only person, so got a personal tour. Adam, my tour guide, was great. He supplemented the tour with photos on his I-pad which gave before and after images of the park. The route encompassed many interesting aspects of the park and was punctuated with loads of history. Highly recommended!"

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"Best Place To Take Out Of Town Guests" - The Village Voice, 2014

"Great way to experience the city" - TripAdvisor Review, May 2016

• The Schedule
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Tour Hotline (888) 606-WALK

How it Works

Have more questions about how a big onion walking tour works  read on for information on pricing and reservations , what you need to know before the tour , while on the tour and even after the tour . and then there is the stuff our lawyers made us put here ..

Social Distancing: On in-person tours, Big Onion will follow any NYC recommended outdoor social distancing protocols.

Masks: Big Onion Walking Tours adheres to all New York City and State mask and social distancing requirements. There are NO current masking requirements.

Contact Tracing: Big Onion will also securely retain client contact information for one month, for contact tracing purposes, if necessary.

Pricing & Reservations

Reservations.

Advance reservations are required for all tours.  We try to give everyone the best possible experience. Prepayment helps us determine whether of not we might need an additional guide on walking tours.

We offer secure on-line payment via credit card.  Please use the secure “Reserve Your Spot” button on each tour description page to be taken to our e-commerce partner, FareHarbor.  Confirmation of booking and a receipt are sent via email.

Rescheduling

With 24+ hours prior to a walking tour, Big Onion offers a full credit for the value of the booking. Credits will be given as Gift Cards in dollar amounts. Gift Cards are good for two years and can be used on any Big Onion outing. Cancellations with less than 24 hours prior to the tour or no shows cannot be credited.

Before The Tour

Big Onion has the finest group of tour guides in the city. We are not your traditional tour guides, most of us are full-time graduate students researching and writing doctoral dissertations in history. Big Onion guides have high school or college teaching experience and are quite often researching topics relevant to the tours they are leading. More about our guides .

Meeting and Ending Sites

Meeting sites and subway directions for tours can be found with the tour descriptions. All tours begin at or near subway stations. Most tours do not conclude where they began. Our guides will provide directions to subways, local sites, or back to the meeting point at the end of the tour. Check the MTA’s NYC Subway map , weekly service advisories and subway fares pages for more details.

Finding Your Guide

Finding your Big Onion guide is easy, all guides carry an 8×11 sign that says “Big Onion Walking Tours” and will be at the designated meeting location as specified in each tours description.

Time and Distance

All tours last approximately two hours and walk between one and two miles. We do start ON TIME. We maintain a moderate walking pace, stopping at various sites along the tour. Sorry, Big Onion Walking Tours cannot delay the start time of tours for late arrivals.

Big Onion generally presents tours rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather please visit our home page or call our hotline [(888) 606-WALK (9255) ext. 1], on the morning of the tour, after 9:30 a.m., to confirm our schedule. Big Onion reserves the right to cancel tours in the event of potentially dangerous weather. Check the local weather forecast for weather details.

Call (888) 606-WALK (9255) for questions or to reserve a private tour. Please note this is a voicemail system. Leave your name, number and message so we can get back to you – we will return your call!

While On The Tour

Children of all ages are welcome to join our tours. We do not charge for children younger than school-age on public tours. We do ask that if children get disruptive on a tour that a parent/guardian step away from the group with the child until settled down.

Some streets and sidewalks are narrow and may be difficult to navigate with a stroller.

Some tours, for example, “ Satan’s Seat ”, “Art, Sex, Rock & Roll” , and The “Official” Gangs of New York tours have some adult content.

Video/Audio Recording & Note Taking

When taking still photographs please be considerate of others in group as well as those on the street you may be photographing. Big Onion does not permit video or audio taping of any kind and we strongly discourage note taking. Hey, we’re trying to make a living here! But feel free to ask our guides questions about the history and sights that you’ll see.

Cell Phones

We ask folks to put cell phone ringers on vibrate/silent for the duration of the walking tours.

Most of our tours are wheelchair accessible, however Big Onion does not provide wheelchairs for tour-takers. Big Onion cannot guarantee that all curbs will have ADA compliant ramps. The Brooklyn Bridge & Heights tour has a flight of stairs. Central Park has stairs and a steep climb.

We love dogs! Well-behaved and leashed dogs are welcome on our outdoor walking tours. However, if another tour-taker objects to the dog on the tour, the dog owner will not be permitted to bring them along. Dogs are not allowed inside any food establishments on the Multi-Ethnic Eating Tour or on the High Line.

Although most of our tours are outdoors, we request that smokers step far enough away from our groups so no one in the group is affected by smoking. Smoking is now illegal in New York City Parks and on city owned property.

We do not stop for bathroom breaks during our tours, but most of our tours do begin near public bathrooms or restaurants in which there are bathrooms.

After The Tour

Gratuities are always appreciated, but never expected.

Let us know how we did!

We thrive on word of mouth. Share your tour experience in your favorite social media channel, or even better, gives us a rave review on TripAdvisor . We hope it was an enoyable experience and to see you again soon!

Pesky Disclaimers

“Tour Operator” and its affiliated entities and its employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents, and assigns, neither own nor operate any person or entity which is to, or does, provide goods or services for these trips or tours. Because “Tour Operator” does not maintain any control over the personnel, equipment, or operations of these suppliers, “Tour Operator” assumes no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage, or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of (1) any wrongful, negligent, willful, or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any of the tour suppliers, or other employees or agents, (2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, instrument owned, operated or otherwise by any of these suppliers, or (3) any wrongful, willful, or negligent act or omissions on any part of any other party not under the supervision or control of the Operator.

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Walking Tours & Events

Tour calendar : See dates for all tours here . All tour start times are Eastern Time / New York Time.

Book online now!

Walking Tours & Events

New bus trip vanderbilt mansion hyde park with carl raymond.

Date: June 1 – Limited Tickets A Private VIP Tour through the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park with an early dinner at the Historic Beekman Arms. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to visit a great Gilded Age landmark hosted by The Gilded Gentleman.

Gilded Age Mansions of Fifth Avenue Tour

Next dates: Several dates This tour focuses on the great mansions of Fifth Avenue and their owners who constructed them as lavish displays of their wealth and status in Gilded Age New York City.  

Central Harlem Walking Tour

Next date: April 14 Walk through Harlem and learn about the cultural highlights of the neighborhood and the African-American experience.

New Tour! Chinatown Food & History Tour

Next dates: April 11 Enjoy delicious cuisine while learning the compelling stories of Manhattan’s Chinatown’s history on this tasty food tour.  

New Tour! Central Park North: A Historic Oasis in the Heart of NYC

Next dates: April 28 The north end of Central Park offers a unique and captivating experience for visitors — a must-see for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.    

Glorious Grand Central Terminal

Next dates: April 22 Discover the secrets of the world’s most famous train station on this walking tour. See this grand landmark like you never have before!

New Tour! Gilded Age Mansions & Memorials of Riverside Drive

Next dates: May 12 See stunning architecture and hear amazing Gilded Age stories on the Upper West Side. The tour guide is Esther Crain, author of “The Gilded Age in New York, 1870-1910”.

New Tour! Follow the Money: How New York Became the Financial Capital of the World

Next date: May 17 During this walk through Lower Manhattan, you’ll learn how NYC started on its path to a predominant role in the world economy and how it evolved over four centuries.

Gilded Age Shopping: Ladies’ Mile and Cast-Iron Architecture Walking Tour

Next date: April 21 Join us on a walking tour of Ladies’ Mile, 19th-century New York’s most famous shopping district, where splendid commercial palaces plied their wares to the city’s elite. Some of the greatest architects and artists of the time created lavish showrooms to entice and delight both shoppers and passers-by.

The Met Revealed: An Insider’s Tour of the Great Museum

Next date: May 18 Join author and former museum guard Patrick Bringley as he sheds new light on familiar masterpieces and reveals wonders of the Met hidden in plain sight. 

Explore the Brooklyn Bridge with a Roebling family member!

Next date: Check back for new dates Take an unforgettable stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge with, Kriss Roebling, a real-life descendant of the Roeblings, the family intimately involved with the bridge’s history. This very special tour includes personal artifacts and insider stories from the family archive.

Ghosts of the Elevated Railroads Tour

Next dates: April 13th On this tour, your expert guide Michael will take you along former downtown sections of the 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue Elevated Railroads, as well as the trains that ran across the Brooklyn Bridge until 1940.

Stop the Presses! NYC Newspaper History Tour

Next Date: May 11th Trace the turbulent history of newspapers in New York on this walking tour through Lower Manhattan. See the city through the eyes of the legendary reporters, editors and publishers who shaped the world.  

Historic Hotels of Midtown Manhattan

Next date: April 14 This walking tour tells the story of the famous hotels of Midtown from The Plaza and St. Regis to the Peninsula and Waldorf Astoria.  Experience lavish architecture, grand style, and amazing stories of eccentric residents.

Under the High Line: A Walk Through Chelsea History

Next Date: May 5 Walk underneath this beloved landmark to get a whole new perspective. Discover the history of Chelsea up close and experience the exciting art gallery scene.

1830s New York: From Moving Day to the Great Fire

Next date: April 14 Hit the streets and uncover the dramatic stories and historical remnants of 1830s New York like never before.

New York World’s Fairgrounds Tour

Next Date: May 4th Tour the site of the NY World’s Fairs of 1939/40 & 1964/65 to see history up close! Historian and World’s Fair collector Kyle Supley will lead you on a tour, in which you’ll hear about the planning and construction of the Fairs while seeing the sites of the most famous exhibits.  

Artists, Oddballs & Provocateurs: East Village Tour

Next Date: Check back for new dates Discover the story of the East Village since the 1950s, focusing on the many subcultures that took root and flourished here, and on the nightlife that continues to draw people to this day!

J ane Jacob vs Robert Moses Walking Tour

Next date: April Join us for a very special walking tour that brings together two towering figures in New York history — Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs — as they battle over the futures of Washington Square Park and SoHo.

Gay Bars That Are Gone Tour

Next Date: June 27th Long the center of cultural evolutions and political activism, gay bars in New York are critical locations to understand queer history in America. Hop through stories of community, protest, artistic achievement, and plain old intrigue on this fun walking tour.

VIP Private Brunch at Delmonico’s and “Behind the Scenes” Tour

Date: Email to be notified of next brunch A sparkling three-course brunch at the legendary Delmonico’s hosted by Carl Raymond, The Gilded Gentleman with special guest Max Tucci who will give a behind-the-scenes tour. A perfect Valentine’s treat! Limited tickets.

Inside Old New York: A Private Tour of the Merchant’s House Museum

Next date: No dates scheduled Join Carl Raymond, the host of The Gilded Gentleman Podcast, for a very special private tour inside one of New York’s most historic homes.

The Gilded Age World of Edith Wharton

Next date: Check back for future dates Join Carl Raymond, host of the Gilded Gentleman podcast, for this unique tour that traces the life and footsteps of Edith Wharton through the streets and neighborhoods of New York. 

Gilded Gotham: A Promenade through Gilded Age New York

Next date: Check back for future dates On this jaunt back in time, we’ll explore the remnants of Gilded Age New York on the Upper East Side and in Central Park. 

The Hidden History of Greenwich Village Tour

Next date: Check back for new dates Join one of our most popular tours as we trace Greenwich Village’s hidden history from the Dutch days to Gilded Age New York, to the Beats and bohemians of the 1950s and 60s, to today.  

Uncovering the Historic Lower East Side

Next date: Check back for new dates Discover the neighborhood that transformed America. On this tour, you’ll learn how immigrants lived, worked and worshipped. You’ll hear tales of the neighborhood’s colorful denizens and discover how its cultures and conflicts shaped our modern nation.

New Experience! Private Tour of Broadway’s Gilded Age Hudson Theatre

Date: April 7 – Sold Out! Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity for an in-depth visit to Broadway’s oldest theatre hosted by The Gilded Gentleman

Live Event! Brooklyn Bridge History Talk at the Montauk Club

Date: April 4 – Limited Tickets Join Kriss Roebling (great-great grandson of Emily and Washington Roebling) for a talk about his family’s connection to the Brooklyn Bridge. He’ll show you very special artifacts from his family archive.

Whitman & Melville’s New York by Foot and Ferry

Next date: Check back for new dates Join author and tour guide  Patrick Bringley  and follow in the footsteps of literary giants on both sides of the East River.

Landmarks & Secrets of Madison Square

Next date: Check back for future dates Join us for this very special one-hour walking tour around Madison Square Park to explore the exciting Flatiron District.

Tribeca Walking Tour: Markets, Murders, Celebs & Scandals

Next dates: Check back for future dates Explore the historic neighborhood that is home to some of NYC’s finest architecture and biggest celebrities. We’ll tour this intriguing district, uncovering its fascinating history, colorful characters, and hidden secrets. 

New York in Neon: The Historic Signs of Greenwich Village

Next date: Available as a private tour This new tour with Tom Rinaldi, author of “Neon New York,” will take us past about a dozen signs dating to the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s, marking the locations of some of the neighborhood’s most stalwart restaurants, bars and small businesses.

Where They Lived: Musical Icons of the West Village

Next Dates: Check back for future dates Join musical historian, singer (NYCGMC), and official NYC tour guide,  Kyle Supley  as he takes you through the West Village locations where some of the greatest singer-songwriters of the rock and roll era lived and were inspired to create their most famous hits.

Central Park Tour

Next dates: May 5th

Take an unforgettable stroll through one of the world’s most magnificent parks. This walking tour focuses on the natural and man-made beauties of Central Park, New York’s greatest works of art.

Ghosts of NOHO (including a private tour of “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House”)

Next date: Available for private tours Join Carl Raymond, host of The Gilded Gentleman history podcast, for a tour through the historic neighborhood of NOHO concluding with a private tour inside the Merchant’s House Museum.    

Broadway is Back! Broadway History Tour

Next date: Available for private tours

On our “Landmarks and Legends of Broadway” tour, your guide Jeff (a Broadway insider), traces the history of the Broadway theater while exploring New York’s famed Theater District. It’s ideal for fans of theater and NYC history.

Christmas in Old New York Walking Tour

Check back for 2024 dates On this merry tour, we’ll take a look at many of New York’s iconic holiday sites, explore its seasonal traditions, and learn how the city created fundamental aspects of modern American Christmas.

Looking to give the gift of a Bowery Boys Walking Tour? A Gift Card always makes the perfect present, especially during the holidays! Learn more about gift cards.

Step into the past as you stroll through the present New York City with Joyce Gold History Tours of New York .

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2 Days in New York: The Ultimate Guide for 2024

Your perfect new york itinerary for a weekend.

Looking to see all the sights for your first-ever weekend in NYC? We’ve got you covered with a 2-day itinerary designed to help you make the most of your time. I know from experience that planning a weekend in New York City isn’t easy! You’re probably asking yourself a thousand questions, like what museums should you visit? Where should you eat? What’s on your “must see” list? What places are okay to save for your next visit?

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New York City is by far my favorite city in the world. I have visited NYC more than 20 times. I’ve taken almost every tour and tried every sightseeing pass. And I’ve made a few mistakes along the way (12-hour days + brand new shoes don’t mix!). With that experience, I’m going to share with you exactly what to see in New York in 2 days. A weekend is the perfect amount of time to get to know New York. Honestly, I’m excited for you! I’ll never forget my first trip to New York City, and I hope that with this 2-day New York City itinerary, you’ll get to make your own unforgettable New York memories, too.

Table of Contents

NYC Itinerary: Day One

Day 1 of your NYC 2-day itinerary is all about Manhattan. It includes Central Park, the High Line, Times Square, and much, much more.

In a few areas, I include options, like museums to visit or tours you can add on. These activities can add more time onto your itinerary, so depending on your energy levels (or if you’re traveling with kids), it may make sense to adjust other areas of the schedule. Given that you’ve got a fun-filled day ahead of you, it’s important to make sure you eat well throughout. We’ve included recommendations for lunch at Hudson Yards and dinner when you get to Madison Square Park. These are just suggestions, though!

One of New York’s many joys is discovering your favorite food spots hidden throughout the city, so if something catches your eye or you’re feeling a little grumble in your stomach, just go for it.

The Perfect First Morning in NYC

01 Start Your Day in Central Park!

Your time in New York starts with one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions: Central Park.

Known for its famous ice skating rink, its baseball fields, its running track, and its endlessly looping trails, Central Park is worthy of hours of exploration.

Since we’re kickstarting our NYC weekend itinerary, we’ll need to focus on the highlights for this trip. Our favorites include Bethesda Terrace , a large plaza and fountain that are often filled with performers, and Bow Bridge , a serene spot to take in the park, the city, and maybe snap a selfie.

Choose Between Two of The Best Museums!

As a note: New York may be one of the best cities in the world for museums. In fact, we’ve outlined all of our favorite New York museums here. With your 2-day NYC itinerary, however, we know you don’t have time to visit them all, so we’re recommending two of the best here.

02 Option A: Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met for short, deserves its place as one of the most famous art museums in the world. Its collection spans ancient times to contemporary collections, and includes Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Asian, European, and Modern Art.

03 Option B: Museum of Modern Art

Hands down one of the most creative, compelling museums in New York, the Museum of Modern Art is a showstopper. With impressive permanent collections and ever-evolving exhibitions, as well as a can’t-miss gift shop, the MoMA is well worth your time.

04 Stroll Down Millionaire's Row

There may be no city in the world that does glitz and glamor quite like New York.

One of the places they do it best? 5th Avenue.

Also known as Millionaire’s Row, this is both New York’s most expensive shopping street and some of the world’s most costly retail spaces. Some of the famous names that line 5th Avenue that you may have heard of: Saks 5th Avenue, Apple, Prada, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tiffany, Bottega Veneta, Giorgio Armani, Versace, and so many more.

Even if you don’t want to go on a shopping spree, just strolling by these stores is an eye-opening way to start your New York adventure.

05 Visit the Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center, known also as 30 Rock, is one of the cultural centers of New York.

If you’ve wanted to visit Radio City Music Hall, NBC Studios, or you’re visiting during Christmas and you want to see the big tree, Rockefeller Center is the place to be. Or, if you’re fans of the NBC sitcom 30 Rock, you definitely need to swing by!

An absolute must during the winter season, Rockefeller Center has plenty to offer all year round, too, from seeing live tapings of shows to going to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck to soak up the Midtown Manhattan views.

You can find out more about Rockefeller Center at their official website.

06 Marvel at St. Patrick's Cathedral

New York City has a number of captivating churches. On this 2-day NYC itinerary, you’re going straight to the most impressive one: St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Located on 5th Avenue right alongside some of the most well-known brands in the world, this landmark church has been drawing attention since construction finished in 1879.

Starting with its size, the St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a sight to behold as it takes up 50th and 51st streets and 5th and Madison Avenues. It’s adorned with bronze doors, Neo-Gothic architecture, thousands of stained glass windows, and twenty altars (two of which were designed by Tiffany & Co.!).

For more on the history of this Catholic cathedral in Manhattan, visit their official website .

07 Visit The Exciting Grand Central Terminal

While you may visit a lot of subway and train stations while you’re in New York, there’s no terminal quite like Grand Central Terminal in Grand Central Station.

Welcoming 750,000 visitors every day, Grand Central Station is the second most popular spot in NYC (Times Square nabs the number one slot). Yes, trains and subways connect through the Grand Central 42 St. stop, but that alone doesn’t explain the sheer numbers.

What draws visitors to The Terminal is what makes it a National Historic Landmark: it is simply stunning. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style with sweeping ceilings and ornate touches, Grand Central Terminal is a beautiful home to stores, restaurants, and more.

Plus, if you happen to be visiting New York during the holidays, Grand Central Station is a must-visit thanks to its Holiday Fair and seasonal wreaths, garland, and festive lighting.

For more about the market, dining concourse, and shops, visit Grand Central Terminal’s official website .

The Perfect First Afternoon in NYC

01 Soak Up Some Greenery in Bryant Park

When you’ve got a day filled with skyscrapers and historic buildings to enjoy, it’s important to take time to soak up the greenery, too. While Bryant Park may be small, it is one of the most loved by New Yorkers. Located by the esteemed New York Public Library between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth Avenue in midtown Manhattan, this important park is often called Manhattan’s Town Square.

Winter activities include ice skating, holiday shopping, iceless curling, and a tree lighting show, and summertime fun includes sunbathing, picnicking, and movie watching.

02 Visit The Impressive New York Public Library

You may not be able to fit too much book-reading into this 2-day NYC itinerary, but that’s no reason not to visit the impressive New York Public Library. As the second-largest public library in the U.S. (the Library of Congress down in D.C. takes 1st place), the NYPL has over 50 million items across 92 locations. Once you get past the sheer scale of the items they’re taking care of, let yourself be won over by the architecture.

Done in the same Beaux-Arts style as Grand Central Terminal, it features marble arches, a grand staircase, and plenty of art and murals. Just be sure to keep your voice down while you’re wandering around it because people do use it for reading and studying!

Spend Some Time at The Remarkable Hudson Yards

From the classic institution, you’ll wander past Times Square (don’t worry, you’ll be back – we’re saving it for that just-right moment!) to Hudson Yards, a modern development that’s seriously impressive.

Known to locals for being the biggest real estate development deal in U.S. history, it’s become an attraction all its own with 14 acres of public space, gardens, and a park, as well as a hotel, mall, and the eye-catching The Vessel, a bronze sculpture that stands 15 stories tall. With its mix of stairs, flights, and landings, there’s an Instagram-worthy spot just waiting for you. To make the most of your time, you’ll have two options to choose from:

03 Option A: The Edge

Take advantage of one of New York’s best views at the Edge, the world’s highest outdoor observation deck. At over 1,100’ high and extending 65’ feet into the air, the Edge offers unparalleled views of Manhattan and the Hudson River.

04 Option B: The Shed

The Shed is both Hudson Yards’ art venue, featuring dance, concerts, plays, and more, as well as home to Cedric’s at The Shed, a full-service restaurant. If there’s an exhibition you’re interested in seeing , this could be worth a visit!

05 Wander Above The Streets at The High Line

And now, it’s time for one of the absolute gems of New York: the High Line. Built on a historic rail line that carves through the city, the High Line is part public park, part gardens, part experience. The perspectives that it gives you of the city, the pockets of quietness you’ll find, and the smiles you’ll see from the people discovering this new side of New York combine for a remarkable experience. It’s more than just being above the streets and away from the traffic. Walking the High Line lets you feel more connected to the built city in a way few other cities around the world can pull off.

06 Visit Little Island, a Park on The Hudson River

Most of the parks we’ll visit on your NYC 2-day itinerary are tucked in and around towering, magnificent buildings. What makes Little Island so unique is that it’s a park that popped up just on the Hudson River.

Made from the remains of Pier 54, this floating park is indeed little – you can walk it in just 15 minutes – but that only adds to its charm. Filled with green spaces that change to reflect the seasons, rolling hills, and well-designed pathways, this is a much-needed natural pause in the middle of a mighty, industrial city.

07 Try a Delicious Slice of Pizza in Greenwich Village

Known more formally as Greenwich Village, the Village is one of New York’s most recognizable cultural spots. Though these tree-lined streets are now home to cafés, restaurants, and boutiques, this was the beating heart of the ‘60s counterculture movement. Filled with student energy courtesy of the adjacent New York University and the always-bustling Washington Square Park, the Village feels like New York. There are plenty of good eats to be had here, too. If you’ve been holding out for a New York slice, now’s the time to dig in! For my money, Artichoke Basille’s Pizza is one of the best in the city.

08 Drop by Energetic Washington Square Park

What makes Washington Square Park such a unique place to visit during a New York City weekend is how energetic the park is. More than just a public park known for its iconic arch and fountain, it’s a gathering place for people from Greenwich Village, the students from NYU, it’s a performance space for amateurs and professionals alike, it’s a battle ground for chess players of all ages, and so much more. While it may be easier to stop and stay a while during the warmer summer months, any visit to the park is a memorable one.

09 Come to Union Square

As you arrive at Union Square, you’re being welcomed fully back into the bustling, beating heart of New York City. Union Square, located at 14th Street and 5th Avenue, is one of the city’s more recognizable centers.

The park itself is a small oasis of green surrounded by buildings where you’ll find a bustling produce market four days a week. Nearby, one of the city’s most famous bookstores, The Strand, offers a collection of books that could span 18 miles. Plus, a collection of taverns, bars, and bakeries could tempt you with a mid-afternoon drink or dessert, depending on what you’re in the mood for.

10 Come to Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park

Time for a quick stroll up Broadway to get to Madison Square Park and the Flatiron Building. The Flatiron, so-named because it looks like something you’d iron your clothes with, is an iconic 1902 building from architect Daniel Burnham. It’s one of my favorite spots to take an “only in New York” photo!

From there, you’ll head to Madison Square Park and you’ll have a choice to make. If you’ve ever heard of Shake Shack, the delicious burger chain with some of the best milkshakes (and I’ve tasted a lot of milkshakes!), then you’ve got to pay homage to the very first Shake Shack that opened here in Madison Square Park. If you’re in the mood for an Italian meal in one of the most interesting markets in New York, make sure to stop by the Eataly Food Market for a bite.

11 A New York City Must-See: The Empire State Building

We’ve saved one of the best moments of your weekend NYC itinerary for the evening: the Empire State Building. Even from the street level, the Empire State Building has a magnetic presence. You’ve undoubtedly seen it during the day from different vantage points throughout the city. Now, you’re here at the base of this 102-story Art Deco beauty.

Depending on your schedule, you may decide to opt out of heading to the observation decks. However, if you have the time, we highly recommend it. From learning about the history of its construction and the city around it to the expansive views that can include up to five other states, this is a terrific way to end your day in New York.

12 End Your First Day Surrounded by Colorful Lights at Times Square

There’s no place like Times Square. Always filled with energy, Times Square is New York. The iconic filming spot for countless movies and TV shows, the always-on billboards, and the sight of the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, it all comes together at Times Square.

With over 330,000 visitors each day, Times Square is an energizing way to cap the beginning of your New York adventure. From here, the night is yours. If you’ve been hoping to see a Broadway show, you’re now only blocks away from the heart of it! Just head north and you’ll be at your theater in a few minutes.

Soak up One Last View of NYC

If you want to soak up one last view of NYC, we’ve got two fun options laid out for you below.

13 Option A: Summit One Vanderbilt (best observation deck in NYC)

While it’s hard to go wrong with observation decks in New York, Summit One Vanderbilt’s is the best one. Opened in 2021, this is the first observation deck on the East Side of Manhattan, meaning it offers remarkable views of the East River, the Chrysler Building, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. Plus, if you manage to make it in time for sunset, you will not regret it!

14 Option B: The Refinery Rooftop

Another great way to wind down after your action-packed first day in New York is with the Refinery Rooftop, a bar in Midtown Manhattan.

With great views and even better cocktails, you’ll want to grab reservations at this popular evening spot – just in case!

Check out the menu and make your reservations at the Refinery Rooftop here .

NYC Itinerary: Day Two

Let’s get started on Day 2 of your 2-day NYC itinerary! You’ll start today in Manhattan before setting off for some adventures on Ellis Island and Brooklyn before returning to finish the day soaking up the city.

Even more than Day 1, today you’ll find tempting treats at nearly every stop of your journey. Our advice for Day 2: read through the guide once and see what sounds good to you (choosing between a SoHo brunch and a delicious meal in Little Italy is never easy!) and make some notes.

Then when you’re walking around, you’ll have a better idea of whether to give into temptation – or to hold out a little longer!

Start Your Second Day in NYC

01 Explore Soho and Little Italy

Day 2 starts with one of our favorite spots in New York: SoHo!

SoHo, or South of Houston (pronounced How-ston, not Hue-ston), is filled with visual treats good eats, and great shopping.

Start your day off with a breakfast at either 12 Chairs (a fusion of Middle East cuisine and breakfast classics) or Banter NYC (a healthy brunch choice). From there, keep your eyes peeled for both the permanent street art and the more temporary sort.

Even if you’re not big on shopping, looking into some of SoHo’s shops is an experience in and of itself. With cast-iron buildings, cobblestone streets, and brick walls, it’s worth poking around.

For a taste of New York how it used to be, you’ve got to spend some time in Little Italy!

Thanks to its roots of Italian immigrants from Sicily and Naples coming in the 1880s, this area around Mulberry Street became one of the areas most tied to the idea of New York.

While there’s plenty of history and culture still in the air, we’d be misleading you if we didn’t tell you the best thing to do here was to eat!

Start hungry at standouts like Emilio’s Ballato, Parm, Rubirosa, and Lombardi’s. Then make sure you save room for some sweets, like gelato at La Bella Ferrara or a cannoli at Caffe Palermo.

02 Take a Stroll Around Tribeca

With its fascinating blend of centuries of history and modern pop culture, a stroll through the Tribeca neighborhood is always a good time.

The history includes beautifully preserved Federal Style townhomes that date back to the 1820s and plenty of Civil War-era architecture. Those classic constructions make the backdrop for one of the most popular comedies of all time, Ghostbusters (1984), which visitors can celebrate at the fire station used for filming at 14 North Moore Street.

It’s also one of the best areas in NYC to go shopping, with a handful of timeless used book stores, great vintage shops, and boutiques. If you somehow made it through Little Italy without digging in, then you’ll definitely find a great bite to eat here.

03 Take Some Time at 9/11 Memorial & Museum

One of the most important stops you’ll make during this NYC 2-day itinerary is to the 9/11 National Memorial .

This museum is located next to the World Trade Center and designed to honor the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the attacks on September 11, 2001, as well as the bombing on February 26, 1993. It is also a moving tribute to those who risked their lives to save others, as well as the support that New Yorkers showed to each other in the difficult times that followed.

Given the more serious nature of this stop, I encourage you to take your time moving through it. Visitors often share that they spend between 30 minutes and two hours making their way through the memorials.

04 Enjoy a Breathtaking View From One World Observatory

One World Observatory offers a truly unmatched view of New York. With 360° views from over 100 stories up, there is no higher building in New York from which to look out over the city.

Designed as the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex, One World Trade Center is more than just an interesting place to visit, it’s a powerful reminder of the history of the World Trade Center.

It is also impressive, standing as the tallest building in the United States – and the seventh-tallest in the world. Almost as stunning as the view? The elevator ride up! It’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fast, shooting you up 102 stories in just 47 seconds.

For more information about the One World Observatory, including information about tickets, head to our complete guide .

Make The Most of Your Second Afternoon

01 Say Hello to Lady Liberty

More than just a fascinating stop on any first-time visit to New York, the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island are an essential part of American history.

For more than 30 years in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Ellis Island was referred to as the “Island of Hope” because it represented the chance for immigrants to start a new life in America. The Statue of Liberty, a gift from the French that was dedicated in 1886, is located on Liberty Island and became a symbol of freedom and democracy.

Taking the ferry out to Ellis Island and being able to spend time learning about and exploring the Statue of Liberty may be one of the most powerful moments of your 2-day NYC trip.

The ferry itself only takes about 15 minutes to arrive at Ellis Island, and getting to the top of the Statue of Liberty only takes about 20 minutes.

02 Visit The World's Most Famous Financial District

Home of New York’s financial center – and known the world over – Wall Street makes for one of the more interesting stops for any 2-day NYC itinerary.

For fun photo opportunities, you’ll definitely need to head to the Charging Bull, the bronze statue on Broadway just north of Bowling Green.

As for the New York Stock Exchange, you’d need to get here by 9:30am on a weekday to hear the opening bell. Otherwise, the historic building is still well worth a photo!

You can also pay respects at the 9/11 Memorial that rests where the former Twin Towers used to stand. This open air plaza is a powerful tribute to those that lost their lives, and the memorials can be a surprisingly quiet place even in such a busy part of the city.

03 Take Some Classic NYC Pictures on Brooklyn Bridge

Get your cameras ready, because walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is going to set you up for some of the most classic NYC photos.

Built between 1869 and 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is NYC’s oldest suspension bridge. From this majestic 5,989’ bridge you’ll have the chance to see Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, the East River, Governors Island, Staten Island, New Jersey, and your new friend, the Statue of Liberty! For both locals and visitors alike, the Brooklyn Bridge is a popular spot. Because of that, you’ll want to be courteous of other people, especially if you’re trying to catch the perfect selfie angle.

If you’re taking your time and snapping pictures along the way, give yourself about an hour to finish the walk. If you’re planning to power through it and just take a few photos, you can expect to cross in 25 minutes or so.

04 Enjoy Amazing Views of The Manhattan Skyline From Brooklyn Bridge Park

After finishing your walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, it’s time to start exploring Brooklyn!

This 85-acre sustainable park is situated right along Brooklyn’s East River waterfront. In addition to having spectacular, unobstructed views of Manhattan (among other things, you can see the beautiful World Trade Center as part of the skyline), the Brooklyn Bridge Park has plenty of fun, free activities. With an impressive nine lawns, the park is the ideal spot for a quick break during an adventure-packed two days in New York.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is also one of the best places to see sculptures and art outdoors in New York, with displays and installations that are refreshed regularly.

For more on what you can do while you’re at the park, including upcoming events, visit their official website .

05 Take a Picture of The Manhattan Bridge in DUMBO

When you’re spending 2 days in New York, you have to make sure you seize the moment to get the best photos possible.

One of the most iconic spots? This DUMBO Manhattan Bridge view you find on Washington Street. Already one of the most eye-catching bridges in New York, the Manhattan Bridge connects Downtown Brooklyn with Lower Manhattan.

What makes this spot so unique is its combination of old, new, and New York. You’ve got trees poking out from the sides of red brick buildings, cute cobblestone streets, and the modernity of the Manhattan Bridge in the background. Not only that, you should also be able to see the Empire State Building, too!

FYI – Wondering what DUMBO means? No, there’s no connection with the animated Disney movie! It’s an acronym that stands for Down Under The Manhattan Bridge Overpass!

06 Explore Some of The Best Restaurants at Time Out Market

One of the many joys of visiting New York is experiencing some of the world’s best restaurants all throughout the city. When you’re planning a weekend itinerary for New York, however, you’ve got to head straight for the Time Out Market.

This mouthwatering marketplace features more than 20 unique food concepts with two floors of restaurants and bars.

Once you’ve eaten your fill downstairs, be sure to check out the Roof Top Bar. It’s quite a New York moment to be sipping on one of their Signature Cocktails as you take in the Manhattan skyline!

Get ready to visit Brooklyn’s Time Out Market by checking the full list of dining and drinking options here.

07 Take The NYC Ferry Back to Manhattan

From Brooklyn, it’s time to make our way back to Manhattan – and we’re going to do it in style on the NYC Ferry.

The ferry, which only takes about 10 minutes to cover the 2 miles between the Brooklyn Navy Yard and the Wall Street / Pier 11 Landing, is more than just a convenient option. From this New York City expert, this actually has one of the best views of the New York skyline you can get.

While the views of New York from the Empire State Building and 30 Rockefeller Center are impressive, seeing the city grow in size as you approach it on a ferry is one of our favorite parts of this 2-day NYC itinerary. Make sure your cameras are ready, because with just 10 minutes, you’ll have to get your pictures quickly!

08 Let The Day End in The Lower East Side

We wrap up your whirlwind 2-day NYC itinerary with an evening in the Lower East Side, or the LES (as the locals call it).

Given that it’s a popular destination for drinks, dinner, and music, it’s only fitting you spend your last evening in New York here. From a neighborhood that gets much of its character from the vibrant blend of cultures – including Jewish, Russian, Ukrainian, Italian, and Irish – the Lower East Side is a wonderful blend.

Enjoy a taste of one of the most famous Jewish delis in town by grabbing a table at Katz’s Delicatessen . To get the full experience, we recommend a pastrami on rye with mustard, juicy (meaning… fatty).

After dinner, head up to the cloudM Rooftop bar , enjoy a finely crafted cocktail, and sit back as you take in the beauty of the sunset and evening of New York.

10 Tips for Visiting NYC for First Time

Your first visit to NYC is going to be unforgettable, there’s no doubt about that.

Make sure it’s unforgettable for all the right reasons by following these 10 tips, and your NYC weekend will go as smoothly as possible.

• Wear comfortable clothing – To make the most of a 2-day NYC itinerary, you’ll need to be on the move. While you may want to dress your best for the photos, make sure that you’ve got shoes that you can use for miles of walking and layers of clothes to stay comfortable.
• Charge your phone – From taking videos of the Statue of Liberty to scanning your digital tickets, your phone is going to get a workout while you follow this NYC weekend itinerary. Charge it before you go and keep it in airplane mode when you’re not expecting calls, and you’ll be in great shape.
• Use the subway – One thing I’ve learned over my years of visiting NYC: New York City is almost *too* walkable! Don’t forget to save your legs and take advantage of the easy-to-use public transportation system in New York.
• Keep your head up – For one, there’s so much amazing architecture in New York City that you can appreciate when you’re alert to your surroundings. Another, more practical reason: there are a lot of people walking around, and you’ll need to stay active to avoid running into them.
• Grab a sightseeing pass – As a way of saving time and money for your weekend NYC trip, a NYC sightseeing pass is a great option. We share our tips for picking the best NYC sightseeing pass for your trip here .
• Stay in a hotel near transportation – New York City is one of the easiest big cities in the world to get around. The only trick? Making sure you’re near public transportation. With some hotels, you might have a great view or a great rate, but they could leave you spending more time getting to where you want to go.
• Plan your eating – There’s no shortage of delicious eats in New York City. When you’re coming for your first trip, do yourself a favor and reserve a restaurant or two. This will make sure that even if you get off your itinerary a little bit, you’ll still leave your trip having checked off some boxes.
• Stop by a park – With museums, buildings, and sports being some of NYC’s major draws, it can be easy to overlook some of the city’s true gems: its parks! Make sure to save some time to stop by Central Park, Prospect Park, Washington Square Park, and others to see a greener side of the city.
• Don’t rent a car – First of all, the public transportation is so good that you don’t need a car to get anywhere you want to go. Second, having to deal with parking will take away from the fun of your weekend. From difficult-to-find spots to overnight parking charges, save yourself the stress and enjoy a car-free weekend in NYC.
• Eat pizza and bagels – We save our best tip for last. Make sure to start one of your mornings with a bagel or egg sandwich, and include a stop for a New York slice during the day.

Easy Ways To Get Around NYC In A Weekend

If you’re planning a 2-day weekend itinerary for NYC, then you’ll need to know the best ways to get around the city. Some brave travelers want to spend the whole weekend walking, and while we commend them, our legs and feet need a break every once in a while!

Here are our four favorite ways of getting around NYC for the weekend:

• NYC By Subways and Buses – New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates throughout all five of NYC’s boroughs, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Grab a MetroCard from any of the automated machines and getting around the city will be easy!
• NYC by Taxi or Rideshare – With the availability of taxis and rideshares, you really have no reason to rent a car while you’re in NYC. New York’s iconic yellow taxis can be hailed from the street or requested through apps like Curb. You can also use your favorite ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft.
• NYC by Bike – When the weather is decent, biking around New York City can be one of the fastest and most enjoyable modes of transportation. Whether you rent a bike for your full stay or take advantage of Citi Bike, NYC’s bike-sharing system, it’s a wonderful way to see the city.
• Hop-on, Hop-off Bus – For a way of getting around NYC that’s geared toward your itinerary, a Hop-on Hop-off NYC Bus could be your best bet. Cheaper than taking the taxi to each stop, better suited to any weather, and with a better view than the metro, these buses are ideal for tourists planning a 2-day NYC itinerary.

Best Tours to Experience New York City in 2 Days

A self-guided New York City tour gives you plenty of freedom to see the city exactly how you want. Still, there’s something to be said for a guided tour to reveal more of what makes New York City so special.

From themed tours all about pizza to general tours that give you insights into the history and culture of New York, there’s something for every interest. See below for some of our favorite guided tours:

• Hamilton Musical Walking Tour – Before you see the musical on Broadway, walk the steps of Alexander Hamilton throughout New York City. Highlights include Thomas Jefferson’s home, King’s College and Trinity Church.
• New York: Central Park Movie Sites Walking Tour – Visit one of the most iconic filming sites in the world: Central Park. This guided NYC tour takes you to where famous scenes from Home Alone 2, Ghostbusters, Harry and Sally, and more were filmed.
• Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour – New York knows how to put on a show! Anyone who enjoys theater, stage, and New York City history will enjoy this guided tour.
• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: 4-Hour Guided Tour – Did you know part of the Statue of Liberty was crowdfunded? And no, not with Kickstarter! This story and plenty of other fun facts about the Statue of Liberty are revealed during this interesting 4-hour guided tour.
• Greenwich Village Pizza Walk – If pizza is on the top of your 2-day NYC itinerary, then sign up for this Greenwich Village and Little Italy walking tour. You’ll enjoy slices of pizza from 3 different stores while learning about the culinary history of the area.

For more, we’ve collected all of the best walking tours of NYC here.

Best Neighborhood To Stay In New York City For 2 Days

When you’re coming to New York City for the weekend, you can make the most of your limited time by choosing the right NYC neighborhood to stay in.

To help you with your decision, we’ve outlined the best areas to stay in New York City for 2 days, along with who they might be best for!

• First time In NYC? Stay in the Theater District – For a lively look at New York’s highest-energy area, the Theater District between 42nd Street and 50th Street to the west of Sixth Avenue is ideal. While also great for seeing a Broadway show, its main subway stop – 42nd Street Broadway – connects to many other lines throughout the city.
• Want to see all the NYC sights? Stay in Midtown – Want to enjoy lots of New York’s cultural institutions without having to travel to and fro on the subway? A Midtown stay connects you with shopping, theater, and museums at walking distance.
• Visiting NYC with family? Stay in the Upper West Side – Being close to Central Park, Natural History Museum, and a quieter part of town is the ideal combination for families exploring NYC for the first time.
• Coming for New York’s nightlife? Stay in the Meatpacking District – When you like to plan your trips around bars and clubs, stay in the Meatpacking District and enjoy bars that don’t close until 4am on the weekend.
• Traveling with foodies? Stay in SoHo – If your trip orbits around fine dining and some of New York’s best food choices, staying in the SoHo and Tribeca areas will put you right in the heart of the culinary scene.
• Looking for NYC’s quieter side? Stay in the Upper East Side – From families needing a quieter area to settle in during the evenings to those who like a nice break after a long day of exploring, the residential Upper East Side and Lincoln Center provide travelers with a calmer stay (and some of the city’s most beautiful architecture!).

3 Things To Know Before You Go

• Grab Tickets Ahead Of Time – New York is a city full of energy, so it can be tempting to just go with the flow and see what happens when you’re there. However, for trips as quick and action-packed as this NYC weekend itinerary is, we highly recommend buying tickets in advance to save time in line. With a sightseeing pass, you’ll save even more time. We’ve compared all of NYC’s best sightseeing passes for you here .
• Follow Our Maps – While it’s easier than ever to open up a map on your phone and see what’s around you, our maps were designed to help you make the most of your trip. Bookmark this page and save our maps, and you’ll have an easy-to-follow guide right in your pocket.
• Buy This Itinerary – The Big Apple is a lot to take in, and we want you to stay in the moment! By buying this New York City itinerary – along with beautifully designed maps, insider advice, and locals-only tips – you don’t ever have to worry about what’s next. Just enjoy!

FAQs About Spending A Weekend in NYC

Is it worth going to new york city for a weekend.

A weekend is an excellent amount of time to experience what New York City has to offer. It’s especially ideal for a visit because you won’t be dealing with the workday hustle and bustle, and the majority of museums will be open.

Is 2 nights in NYC enough?

2 nights is more than enough time to discover New York City. By spending full days in the city, you can focus on everything the Big Apple has to offer.Whether it’s during the week or the weekend, you’ll have the opportunity to check out different parts of the city, spend time in a museum or two, and enjoy some of the city’s famous restaurants.

How much money do I need for 2 days in NYC?

According to past travelers, the cost per day of a vacation in New York City is around $240. Average costs include $37 on meals per day and $39 in transportation. Much of this budget will also go to your hotel stay, so depending on the quality and location, you can either save or splurge accordingly!

Can you walk all of Manhattan in a day?

Yes, it’s possible to walk Manhattan in about 12 hours. If you go for it, be sure to stop for snacks! To enjoy the trip, plan out interesting activities that can double as breaks along the way. For example, walk through Central Park so you can stop for a picnic or on a park bench, but save the museums for another day when your legs are fresher!

What is the best month to visit New York City?

There are two great times for your first visit to New York City: the spring and the fall. From April to June, you’ll find New York’s weather is the best and increasingly longer days. In November and December, you can see the city’s beautiful fall colors and its unique celebrations for Thanksgiving , Christmas, and New Year.

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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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Washington & Hamilton: Secrets of the Past New York City Walking Tour

Hamilton & Washington: Secrets of the Past – New York City Walking Tour.   This tour is the perfect complement to the musical, Hamilton , by Lin-Manuel Miranda based on the biography Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. This tour will provide you with even greater insight and understanding of the people, events and situations of the Broadway show. Come join us and you’ll hear amazing stories, see reproductions of paintings and images of events, and experience awe-inspiring and little-known locations and objects that helped shape what America is today.

New York City , the most iconic city in the world, is home to more than 240 years of rich American history. Few stories are more powerful, influential and moving than that of the partnership between founding fathers George Washington and Alexander Hamilton before, during and after the American Revolution.

On this immersive walking tour, experience American history as you never have before, on the streets where it happened, and through the lives of the first commander-in-chief and president, George Washington, and orphaned immigrant turned Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton.  These are two men who were truly indispensable in guiding and shaping the destiny of the United States.  You’ll also discover lesser-known people in the narrative of the United States and the critical roles that women and African Americans played in fulfilling the founding vision of the nation. 

We invite you to join one of the most unique and exciting walking tours the city has to offer. Together we’ll venture through the streets of New York to recapture unforgettable moments in the story of the United States, such as British colonial times, the Sons of Liberty resistance, the devastating Battle of Brooklyn, Hamilton’s early days as a courageous and valiant new patriot, Washington’s emotional farewell to his troops, triumphant return, and inauguration on Wall Street, and the development of Hamilton’s brilliant monetary policies that would forever shape the American economy.  Please see the current TripAdvisor reviews.

Through fascinating stories along our engaging walk in the Hamilton & Washington Walking Tour NYC, you’ll be drawn into the past as you learn about:

• The earlier North American war that led to the epic Revolutionary War
• The first New York reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 9, 1776, and the mob protest that followed
• George Washington’s daring and miraculous nighttime river retreat
• The famous tavern where Washington led a moving farewell
• The  deception of Washington’s Culper Spy Ring
• The moving inauguration of George Washington
• African Americans in the Revolutionary War
• Alexander Hamilton’s prolific 100,000 words in the Federalist Papers that secured ratification of the Constitution
• The resting place of Alexander Hamilton and his wife Eliza
• Women’s contributions and service to the Patriot cause
• The splendid 18th-century chapel where Washington attended services
• The conflict behind the infamous duel with Vice President Aaron Burr. . . and so much more!

Secrets of Central Park Walking Tour

Get away from it all and immerse yourself in some of the least-visited, most scenic and historical parts in the Best Central Park Walking Tour in New York City.

“Translate Democratic ideas into trees and dirt” is how Calvert Vaux, the partner of Frederick Olmstead, described the concept of a Central Park in the 1850’s. It is a park for all people. Today, with about 42 million visitors annually, the park continues to fulfill that vision. Set in the center of the largest city in the United States, the majestic 843 acre, man-made, 2.5 mile long park, set in the largest city in the United States continues to astound. As a New Yorker or visitor, you’ve probably seen the well-known places of Central Park such as the Lake and Bethesda Fountain, but this tour, the Secret Places of Central Park will take you to places that will surprise and delight you. The tour is conducted by Bruce Racond , a licensed New York City tour guide with 20 years experience.    Please see the current TripAdvisor reviews.

You will be amazed as you . . . 

• Explore the forest of oak hickory, maple and ash trees of the North Woods.
• Visit the Secret Garden of the Conservatory Gardens
• See an ornate French iron gate that protected Cornelius Vanderbilt II’s mansion
• Hear about the history and see the grounds of a convent built on the site of Central Park
• “Look out” for invaders as you stand high on fortresses from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812
• Overlook the scenic vistas of the Harlem Meer and Fort Clinton
• Tread the same ground that General George Washington rode on to triumphantly retake New York in 1783
• Stroll near an 1866 arch made of uncut boulders of Manhattan schist
• Find peace and tranquility along the beautiful Loch and waterfalls of the captivating Ravine. . . and so much more!

You will be transported to scenery of the Adirondacks, right in the middle of Manhattan island!

You’ll learn the fascinating history of the park and gain an even greater appreciation for what the creators Frederick Law Olmstead, Calvert Vaux and commissioner, Andrew Haswell Green accomplished 160 years ago. You’ll see alternative proposals for the park’s design, and find out what was there before. This tour is a must for lovers of New York City and Central Park.

THE BEST OF BROOKLYN WALKING TOUR

Discover the best Brooklyn tour and the revolutionary history of Brooklyn in this exciting walking tour!   

Discover the revolution that is Brooklyn in this exciting Brooklyn walking tour!   Step back in time and experience the Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge Park and Brooklyn Heights.  Discover the borough’s revolutionary history and modern reinvention from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War to today.  Take in breathtaking waterfront vistas, extraordinary locales, picturesque parks, and cultural surprises.  The Revolutionary Brooklyn Walking Tour is led by a 20-year historian and licensed New York City tour guide.

Our journey begins by crossing the historic Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan.  Learn about the 14-year epic saga of the great engineering achievement of the 19 th  century that connected the “twin cities” of Brooklyn and New York.

We’ll continue in DUMBO where you’ll discover how a dilapidated warehouse and factory district was transformed into a prime residential, cultural, and commercial/tech center that businesses such as Etsy and West Elm call home.  Enjoy a stop at the first store of the most famous chocolate maker in New York, Jacques Torres.  You’ll see the stunning Brooklyn Bridge Park, and encounter awe-inspiring views, and a perfectly restored 1922 carousel within a “crystal” box.

We’ll stand near where George Washington conducted a maritime retreat in 1776 that saved American independence during the Revolutionary War and where Robert Fulton operated steamboat ferries to and from the Brooklyn suburbs.  We’ll also explore Brooklyn Heights, New York City’s first suburb and historic district, with spectacular views of Manhattan from the Promenade. Discover hundreds of elegant pre-Civil War homes and hear stories of famous residents such as Truman Capote.  See a house from the movie “Moonstruck,” and discover the 1849 church visited by Abraham Lincoln and led by the most famous preacher in America, Henry Ward Beecher.

Experience the cultural and historical phenomenon that is Brooklyn on this walking tour.  Reserve your place by joining the “Brooklyn Revolution” tour today!

Here are just a few of the many experiences that await you:

• We’ll start in Manhattan with a walk over the monumental Brooklyn Bridge and take in breathtaking vistas of the Manhattan skyline.  You will discover the epic story of the Brooklyn Bridge, the great engineering achievement of the 19th century, and learn about the family that helped create it
• Visit the stunning, recently built Brooklyn Bridge Park on the picturesque waterfront near the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges
• Visit Jacques Torres chocolate shop, the most famous chocolatier in New York City
• Walk through the DUMBO neighborhood and experience the modern transformation of an 1800s factory and warehouse district into a sensational commercial and residential neighborhood
• See a fully-restored sensational 1922 carousel on the river
• Visit historic locations involving George Washington and the Revolutionary War
• Walk through the elegant and quiet tree-lined streets of Brooklyn Heights with hundreds of beautiful townhouses from the 1800s
• See the historic 1849 Plymouth Church that helped elect Abraham Lincoln to the presidency, led by the charismatic minister Henry Ward Beecher, brother to Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin . . . The church was known as the “Grand Central Depot” of New York’s Underground Railroad.  Discover the church’s fascinating history and legacy of abolitionism
• Walk along the streets featured in famous movies such as Moonstruck with Cher and Nicholas Cage
• See the mansion where Truman Capote lived and wrote “Breakfast at Tiffany’s . . . and so much more!

Experience the cultural and historical phenomenon that is Brooklyn on this walking tour.  Reserve your place by joining the “Best of Brooklyn: The Brooklyn Revolution” tour today!

Led by licensed New York City tour guide  Bruce Racond , who has spent more than 20 years entertaining and educating visitors on the vast history and showing the unique locations of New York.

Central Park Experience: A Scenic & Historical Walking Tour

Experience the ultimate lower Central Park tour.  Whether you are a first-time visitor or have visited the park numerous times, you’ll make discoveries and learn the intricacies of this urban artistic masterpiece.  

Indulge in the spectacular scenery, hidden gems, history, and original motivations for creating the first large-scale public park in the United States.  Experience the park with a New York City historian and Licensed New York City Tour Guide with over twenty years of experience in educating and entertaining.  

This walking tour traverses Central Park from 59 th Street through the Pool, Mall, Bethesda Terrace, Angel of the Waters statue, Lake, Bow Bridge, Ramble, Belvedere Castle, and Shakespeare Garden.  You will overlook the majestic Great Lawn, the Delacorte Theater, and Turtle Pond.  You’ll also discover the pre-park history, including an African American and immigrant community that thrived for thirty years before the park’s construction. 

The tour is conducted by Bruce Racond , a historian and licensed New York City tour guide with over 20 years of experience.   Please see the current TripAdvisor reviews.

You will be captivated as you . . . 

• Discover the intricacies and history of Central Park with a New York City historian and licensed tour guide with over twenty years of experience
• Encounter breathtaking vistas throughout the tour
• Learn about Central Park’s fascinating history, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux’s design and vision, and the ambitious fifteen-year construction
• Walk through the exquisite Bethesda Terrace, Bethesda Arcade, and see the glorious Angel of the Waters statue and Jacob Wrey Mould’s delicate stonecutting designs
• See the Dairy, a wooden Victorian structure first built in the 1860s and the surrounding children’s “Kinderberg”
• Delight in the spacious fifteen-acre Sheep Meadow and learn about the Southdown sheep that once grazed there
• Walk over the elegant cast iron Bow Bridge seen in numerous classic movies
• Depart the chaos of the city as you walk through the tranquil and mystical landscape of the Ramble
• Stand before the Gothic Revival Belvedere Castle and take in impressive views of the famous Great Lawn
• Stroll along the Mall surrounded by rows of magnificent American Elms and pay homage to “Women’s Rights Pioneers” in the recent monument
• Discover life before Central Park, including the remarkable African American and immigrant community named Seneca Village . . . and so much more!

This tour is for first-time, experienced visitors, and native New Yorkers alike.  There’s much more to Central Park than meets the eye!  Delights and surprises await you in the most famous and visited urban park in the United States. 

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New York (Taylor's Version): This NYC Walking Tour Is A Must For Any Swiftie

Welcome to New York, it's been waiting for you, Swifties. Dubbed one of the best U.S. destinations for music lovers , New York is a must-visit locale for anyone who loves to groove. Home to Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, and plenty of small concert venues, the Big Apple is a haven for music heavyweights like Jay Z, Beyoncé, and, of course, Taylor Swift. No wonder this heady city is included on our ultimate Taylor Swift road trip . Taylor Swift says her move to the Big Apple in 2014 inspired "1989," her first pop album. Since then, the megastar has made NYC into one of her home bases (actually, she owns four homes here), and we've got the perfect New York (Taylor's Version) walking tour to help you follow in her glitter boot footsteps. 

Want to have the "Best Day?" Embark on our guided excursion to some of Taylor's favorite haunts — restaurants, bars, and hotels included. From her former Cornelia Street apartment to the leafy High Line to the Housing Works Bookstore, these places are prime spots to visit for Swifties. If some of them seem familiar, it's probably because they are. Many of these destinations have been either incessantly photographed by paparazzi trailing the Eras Tour singer or filmed in one of her music videos. This New York City walking tour is a must for any Swiftie. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Famed home of the fascinating Met Gala, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is purportedly where Taylor Swift met her former lover, Joe Alwyn. The main clue is found in the lyrics, "Flashback when you met me, your buzzed cut and my hair bleached," in the song "Dress." In May 2016, Swift attended the Gala with a much-talked-about bleached blond bob while Joe Alwyn sported a buzz cut. While you won't likely receive an invite to the big fundraising costume event, The MET, as it's referred to locally, is a New York museum you'll want to visit , Swiftie or not. 

Inside this New York landmark, you'll find everything from a remarkable 10th-century B.C. Egyptian Temple (the Temple of Dendur) to Van Gogh's captivating "Self-Portrait With a Straw Hat."  It's closed on Wednesdays, so time your visit right. Also, tickets aren't cheap (they cost $30 for an adult), so plan to stay a while to make the most of your trip.  Feel free to nip into Central Park when you've finished exploring the museum. In true Taylor Swift style, its stone bridges and sparkling lake are about as romantic as you can get. Plus, this was the site of Swift's impromptu concert in 2010. Backed by an orchestra, the singer played a grand piano in the middle of the park to promote her new (at the time) album, "Speak Now."

Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall is one of the most iconic attractions in New York City, and it's located a 40-minute walk southwest of the Met. You could take the M3 bus from East 80th Street to 50th Street to save some steps. This museum is also the site of the infamous moment when Kanye West crashed the stage, interrupting Taylor's acceptance speech for winning "Best Female Video" at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Despite the moment's horror, Taylor went on (at the age of only 19) to perform her winning song, "You Belong With Me," in unconventional venues. According to MTV News , Swift said, "I think it could be really cool if it was unlike anything I've ever done at an awards show," when describing her plans for the performance. She sang the song while busking at the 42nd Street Bryant Park subway station, dancing on the F Train, and screaming "I love New York" atop a yellow cab in front of Radio City Music Hall. 

While you probably won't see Taylor Swift perform here, that doesn't mean you won't be entertained. Visit during the holiday season to see the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes or catch a concert in the spring and summer. If you have time to spare, book a 60-minute guided tour . Tickets cost $33 per adult and include a glimpse at the famous auditorium and a peek into the Roxy Suite, a secret apartment inside the venue.

The Empire State Building

It's hard to find a more iconic view than the one from atop the Empire State Building, which you can reach in 21 minutes by heading southwest from Radio City Music Hall. Ever seen "Sleepless in Seattle?" How about "King Kong" or "Elf?" These are just a few of the noteworthy films that feature this landmark and its stunning vistas. The fourth tallest and most photographed of New York's skyscrapers, this is also one of  the city's most popular tourist attractions . Swifties, hold on to your friendship bracelets because this breezy spot was also the location of Taylor's premier performance of "Shake it Off." She announced the release of her "1989" album right here and posed for photos on the building's VIP, 103rd Floor Observatory. The main, open-air observation deck is located on the 86th floor and costs $44 for an adult to visit. Tack on a visit to the 102nd-floor deck for $79.

On September 27, 2023, the Empire State Building's official X account posted an image of the attraction's top floors lighted in red and white to pay homage to Taylor Swift's romance with American football star Travis Kelce. It also alluded to a now-famous term coined by the @tswifterastour X account , describing the singer's snack at a Chief's game, "Ketchup and seemingly ranch." 

The High Line

Walking the High Line is one of the most refreshing and interesting things to do in New York City, and it's easy to reach by heading northwest for about 25 minutes on West 33rd and 30th Streets. An elevated park developed on a former railway track, this NYC landmark runs 1.45 miles from near "the Vessel" in Hudson Yards south to Gansevoort Street in the trendy Meatpacking District. According to her "Cardigan" lyrics, "I knew you, your heartbeat on the High line, Once in twenty lifetimes," Taylor Swift has likely been among the many romantics strolling the garden-lined walkway with their loves. 

Known for its  unique city views of the Hudson River, neighboring buildings, and colorful murals, the High Line is an amorous place to visit in New York. Plus, it's free, which makes this a much more budget-friendly way to see New York's best views than a trip up the Empire State Building or to the Top of The Rock (a.k.a. Rockefeller Center). Our favorite thing to do when wandering this open-air museum is grab an ice cream or other sweet treat from a local vendor, ogle the frequently changing art installations, and stop to watch pedestrians while sitting in the "amphitheater" at the 10th Avenue Square & Overlook. If you're lucky, you may even catch a live public performance. It may not be an Era Tour concert venue, but we promise you won't forget your experience here.

Bus Stop Cafe

Swifties have long believed that the Bus Stop Cafe is the "bus stop" referred to in the lyrics of Taylor Swift's "The 1." In case you don't remember them, here's a refresher — "I thought I saw you at the bus stop, I didn't though." While Taylor herself has never confirmed this, you can't go wrong with enjoying a meal, especially brunch, at this adorable restaurant located at the corner of Hudson and Bethune Streets in the West Village. To get here, follow Horatio Street and Hudson Street for about four minutes.

A quick, 10-minute walk from Swift's former Cornelia Street home and close to the former home of her good friend Karlie Kloss, this family-run restaurant has been operating here since 1995. During Prohibition, the building was run as a speakeasy. Today, guests can munch on fried calamari or a house-made oatmeal banana flaxseed sandwich on focaccia bread. They also serve great cocktails like a refreshing pomegranate mimosa and mango chili margarita.

The Waverly Inn and Garden

According to PageSix , Taylor Swift is a frequent diner at The Waverly Inn and Garden , another iconic West Village eatery, which can be reached in five minutes by walking west along Bank Street. One of her most widely photographed dates at this tasty spot involved a certain Kansas City Chiefs tight end. Many photos of the two emerging from this swanky, celeb-infused hot spot were splashed on magazine and web pages across the globe. While opened as a somewhat private dinner club by former Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter in 2006,  New York Magazine claims the restaurant has become more of a "reliable neighborhood joint" — if you consider a $54 iron skillet of sea scallops "neighborhoody," that is. 

Don't let the price tag throw you off; this restaurant's dishes are moreish, and the ambiance is elegant and cozy, not to mention very romantic. Plus, you might spot an A-lister or two if you're lucky. With such a charming locale (the restaurant is housed in two brownstones), it is easy to see why Taylor and her friends (she's been spotted here with Cara Delevingne, Dakota Johnson, Lorde, and Jack Antonoff) enjoy eating here. If you're hoping to grab a bite at this beloved spot, be sure to book dinner reservations well in advance (we're talking months), as it's a sought-after eatery with very little seating.

If you couldn't get into The Waverly Inn and Garden or balked at the exorbitant price tag, head to one of Taylor's other favorite restaurants, nearby Via Carota . Located seven minutes southwest at 51 Grove Street, this Italian trattoria is a four-minute walk from Taylor's former Cornelia Street pad. Be warned, it's so popular there's often a line around the block. While delicious food is the major pull (reviewers rave about the tonnarelli cacio pepe), it's the restaurant's fame as a celebrity haven and its authentic Italian ambiance that entice people to wait it out until they get a table. Entreés will still run you around $28, but considering this is New York, that's not such a bad price, especially with the high quality of food on offer. 

Yelp users suggest heading to the restaurant at 5 p.m. and putting your name on the waitlist, which could take anywhere from half an hour to three hours. Don't worry; you can head to a nearby bar to while away the time. The restaurant will send a text when your table is ready. Try visiting for a weekday lunch if you're not up to lining up for what could be hours and hours. We're guessing Taylor and her friends don't have to wait for their spot.

Cornelia Street

Walk about four minutes southwest on Grove Street until you hit Cornelia Street. Taylor Swift rented a 5,500-square-foot townhouse at number 23 while her Tribeca apartment was renovated in 2016. According to a New York Vulture interview with the home's owner, David Aldea, Swift loved his "crafty" style and asked if he could leave pretty much everything for her to use while she was there — like towels, furniture, dishes, etc. 

The unique building is fronted by large, wooden arched doorways, and though you won't see this on your visit, the inside is home to a swimming pool that is situated in the living room. The "roof" Swift sings about in "Cornelia Street" is also hidden from view and likely refers to a private outdoor area off the main bedroom that boasts a fireplace and artificial grass.

Today, the house (well, the outside of it, anyway) is frequented by Swifties taking selfies and singing verses of "Cornelia Street," Swift's song on the album "Lover." Swift sings about renting "a place on Cornelia Street" and that if her lover ever left her, she wouldn't be able to walk the street again. Speaking of streets, this Greenwich Village neighborhood is hard to beat — great restaurants, cute cafés, and eclectic shops abound.

155 Franklin Street

It will take about 25 minutes to walk southwest to another of Taylor's NYC residences. She bought two neighboring penthouse apartments at 155 Franklin Street for almost $20 million in 2014 and had them renovated to create an enormous space featuring 10 bathrooms, 10 bedrooms, and a billiards room, moving into the Cornelia Street house while the work was completed. In 2018, the New York Post reported that Swift purchased another apartment on the same block, this time a second-floor, 3,540-square-foot space for $9.75 million. 

Swift also owns the three-story townhouse next door at 153 Franklin Street. She purchased this for $18 million, bringing her property spend on this block up to almost $50 million. According to the same New York Post article, it comes with a "paparazzi-proof garage." While the block itself is pretty unassuming — it's devoid of flashy stores, doorman-clad buildings, and popular restaurants, its location is perfect for someone who doesn't want to be in the limelight every second of the day. It's also super close to plenty of crave-worthy restaurants like Bubby's , which sits around the corner on Hudson Street and has been frequented by Taylor and Lena Dunham. Sarabeth's is another nearby eatery favored by Taylor. She's been spotted there with Karlie Kloss.

Housing Works Bookstore

The next stop on this New York (Taylor's Version) walking tour is a must for any Swiftie. A 22-minute walk east on Franklin Street and north on Broadway, Housing Works Bookstore is both unique and gorgeous. You might recognize this charming shop from the final scene in Taylor Swift's 10-minute, Grammy-winning music video for "All Too Well." It's here, surrounded by bookshelves and intrigued-looking women, that Swift reads her "novel" in the video's conclusion. Not a big reader? This eclectic store is also filled with music and movies, most of which have been donated, and 100% of their profits are gifted to help those affected by and living with HIV/AIDS. There's also a café, making this a perfect spot to enjoy a quiet respite.

According to Homes and Gardens magazine, Swift shot other parts of the popular "All Too Well" video in the Pound Ridge home of her friends Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. A bit far for a walking tour, this adorable New York State town lies almost 50 miles north of Cornelia Street, near the Connecticut border. You can hop on a train or rent a car to visit. 

The Bowery Hotel

Taylor Swift's former long-time love, Joe Alwyn, was part of the creative process on her "Folklore," "Evermore," and "Midnight" albums — he even co-wrote some of the songs. On the credits, Joe used a pseudonym — William Bowery. According to Teen Vogue , many fans believe he chose this last name to honor the site of one of their first dates, the luxe (and super pricey) The Bowery Hotel . But in an interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show in May 2022, Alwyn claimed he picked the name William for his great-grandfather and Bowery to represent the area he spent a lot of time in when he first moved to New York. Regardless of whether the pseudonym was tied to Taylor, it's known that the two enjoyed tasty food and drinks in this swanky locale, which lies a mere five-minute walk northeast of the Housing Works Bookstore.

While rooms cost anywhere from $655 to over $1,200 per night, guests can visit the hotel's fab Italian restaurant, Gemma , for a fraction of the price. Homemade Honeynut Ravioli will run you about $25, and a NY Strip Steak is $52. Reviewers on Yelp love the Torta di Cioccolato for dessert. Not cheap, but again, this is New York! And the elegant, rustic atmosphere is hard to beat.

Lovers of Today Bar

Swifties have taken to  Reddit to discuss their thoughts on the lyrics to "Delicate," and their arguments are quite convincing. According to these mega fans, the "dive bar on the East Side" mentioned in this "Reputation" song is the Lovers of Today Cocktail Bar at 132 1/2 East 7th Street. Open from 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily, cocktails cost $16, which is pretty reasonable for this part of the city. And they come with super fun names like Hong Kong Garden, Another Girl Another Planet, Satellite of Love, and Fan Mail. 

Small and intimate,  Yelp reviewers recommend this cozy spot for a date night. Looking to save a few bucks? Visit during Happy Hour, which takes place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Specialty Cocktails cost $9 during this time. While you won't likely rub elbows with Taylor while waiting for an Astral Plane, she and Joe Alwyn have been seen here in the past. To get here from The Bowery Hotel, it will take 13 minutes of walking northeast along East 3rd Street and 1st Avenue.

Coney Island

While not technically in New York, it's easy to reach Brooklyn's Coney Island by train from the city, which is why this has been deemed a summer playground for New Yorkers for years. In her song "Coney Island," Taylor and The National sing about "the fast times, the bright lights, the merry-go." This pretty much sums up Coney Island and its Luna Park amusement park. A song about a doomed relationship and the regrets that follow its breakup, this track captures some of the feels of this super buzzy, always interesting, and sometimes seedy beach town.

Here, you'll find rollercoasters, hang gliders, and the B&B Carousell that dates to 1906. Coney Island also boasts close to 3 miles of beaches, so you should pack a towel if you plan to visit in summer, which is the busiest and most ideal time to schedule a trip to this fun seaside spot. Don't miss a walk along the historic boardwalk, which opened in 1923. It stretches for just under 3 miles, running from W 37th Street to Corbin Place. Plus, you'll find benches like the one referred to in Swift's song lyrics, "And I'm sitting on a bench in Coney Island, Wondering, where did my baby go?"