walking tours in new york city

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

The Best Walking Tours of NYC

01 A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour

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

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

02 Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour

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

03 Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Walking Tour

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

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

04 Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest

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

05 Food on Foot Tours

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

06 Gangsters and Ghosts Tour in NYC

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

07 Hamilton Musical Walking Tour

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

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

08 High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour

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

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

09 High Line Park and Greenwich Village Food Tour

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

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

10 High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking Tour

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

11 New York City Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour

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

12 New York: Central Park Movie Sites Walking Tour

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

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

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

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

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

14 NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour

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

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

15 NYC Private Walking Tour

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

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

16 Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour

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

17 Soho, Little Italy & Chinatown Walking Tour

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

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

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

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

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

20 The Secrets of Grand Central Terminal

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

My Recommendations

I’m a big fan of the

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

And then I would like to recommend the

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

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

The 13 Best Walking Food Tours

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

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

NYC Lower East Side Food and Culture Small-Group Tour

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

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

NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour

2-hour cupcake tour of greenwich village.

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

Greenwich Village Pizza Walk

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

A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour

New york west village food tour.

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

New York: Midtown Manhattan Street Food Walking Tour

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

Williamsburg Brooklyn Food Tasting and Walking Tour

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

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

The 3 Best Street Art Walking Tours

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

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

Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour

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

Sidewalks and Skyscrapers: Street Art Is This Way

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

Private Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour

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

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

The Best Hamilton Walking Tour NYC

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

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

Hamilton Musical Walking Tour

Alexander hamilton's haunts and hangouts tour.

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

The 4 Best Haunted Walking Tours

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

01 Gangsters and Ghosts Tour in NYC

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

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

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

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

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

03 Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village NYC

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

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

04 East Village Haunted Manhattan Walking Tour

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

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

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

06 Alexander Hamilton's Haunts and Hangouts Tour

07 West Village Ghost Pub Crawl

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

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

The Best Private Walking Tour

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

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

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

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

The Best Self Guided Walking Tour

Nyc grand central terminal self-guided walking tour.

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

Free Walking Tours

Central park conservancy.

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

Grand Central Partnership

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

Friends of the High Line Walking Tours

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

Things To Do

New York Neighborhood Guides

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

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

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

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The Best Walking Tours In NYC For A Day Of Sightseeing

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

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

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

1. Catacombs by Candlelight Tour

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

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

2. Inside Out Tours

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

3. Viator Tours

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

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

4. Chinatown Official Historic District Tour

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

Learn more about this tour here !

5. Haunted Manhattan Walking Tours

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

Learn more about these tours here .

6. Broadway Up Close Tours

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

Learn more these tours here .

7. New York Historical Tours

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

Learn more about the tours here .

8. Little Italy Official Historic District Tour

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

9. Free Tours by Foot

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

Learn more about Free Tours by Foot here .

10. NYC Gangsters & Ghosts Tour

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

11. Like a Local Tours

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

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

12. On Location Tours

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

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

13. Bowery Official Historic District Tour

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

14. Real New York Tours

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

For more details on tours, visit here .

15. Foods of NY Tours

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

Learn more about Foods of NY Tours here .

16. Manhattan Walking Tour

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

Find more information on tours here .

17. True Tales of NYC Walking Tours

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

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15 Best Walking Tours in New York City

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Taking a walking tour of New York City is one of the best ways to experience the unique neighborhoods, attractions, and landmarks in the Big Apple. It can be something fun to do with friends or as a couple, or even on your own if you want to meet new people while exploring the city.

As one of the top things to do in New York City , you can bet that there are all kinds of walking tours of NYC . There are themed walks in NYC for art lovers, music aficionados, foodies, history buffs, and movie fans, and that’s just the beginning! So, no matter what you’re into, I’m sure you can find a walking tour that interests you. Plus, it’ll be a fun way to get some exercise and perhaps see a different side of the city.

To sum up, these are the 15 best walking tours in New York City:

• Free walking tour in New York
• 9/11 Memorial & Ground Zero Walking Tour
• SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown Walking Tour
• Wall Street Insider Tour
• Central Park Walking Tour
• Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Walking Tour
• High Line & Chelsea Walking Tour
• Brooklyn Street Art Tour
• Grand Central Terminal Walking Tour
• NYC Superheroes Walking Tour
• Christmas Tour Through Manhattan
• Harlem Gospel Tour
• Greenwich Village Walking Tour
• Slavery & Underground Railroad Walking Tour
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral Catacombs Tour

While this guide focuses on NYC walking tours , we have another article on the best tours in New York City , so it’s worth reading that, too.

1. Free walking tour in New York city

If it’s your first time in the city and you want a general overview of the highlights, this free walking tour is a good place to start.

While it’s more of a general summary of the most popular attractions, this tour does a nice job of introducing you to some interesting city sites. So, if you want to do some sightseeing and discover a distinct part of NYC you’d like to explore, this free Manhattan walking tour will do the trick.

1. Free walking tour in New York City

During the two and a half hours, you’ll walk past iconic landmarks like the World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum . You’ll also walk through the Financial District, home to Wall Street , the New York Stock Exchange, and the Charging Bull statue.

To finish up, your guide will take you to Battery Park , where you can get great views of the Statue of Liberty .

• Duration : 2.5 hours
• Number of participants : 6
• Highlights : Wall Street, World Trade Center, Battery Park

We have another article with more options on free walking tours in NYC.

2. 9/11 Memorial & Ground Zero walking tour

Among all the walking tours in Manhattan , this half-day tour of Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial is one of the best, which is why I recommend it even if you are only visiting NYC for 2 days . While the events of September 11, 2001, were devastating, that day is an important part of the history of New York, and the entire country.

To start your tour, you’ll meet at St. Paul’s Chapel , a church near Ground Zero that served as a rescue shelter after the 9/11 attacks. Your tour guide will be someone who was personally affected by that fateful day, so you’ll hear touching stories and gain insights from someone who witnessed the on-the-ground situation.

Next, you’ll visit the Firefighter’s 9/11 Memorial Wall and enter the poignant 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero, where you can see the reflecting pools and the Survivor’s Tree .

If you choose the upgraded option, you’ll get a skip-the-line ticket to the 9/11 Museum , one of the best museums in NYC with photographs, audio recordings, and artifacts from the 9/11 attacks and the 1993 bombing. You’ll also gain access to the One World Observatory , where you can see all of Manhattan from 1,250 feet above the city.

• Price : $39+
• Duration : 1.5 – 5 hours
• Number of participants : 10
• Highlights : St. Paul’s Chapel, Ground Zero, 9/11 Memorial, option to upgrade to 9/11 Museum and One World Observatory

3. SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown walking tour

Another one of the best walking tours in New York City is this tour through three of NYC’s most distinct neighborhoods . Over the course of two hours, you’ll get to see the bohemian streets of SoHo , the delicious eateries of Little Italy , and the lively atmosphere of Chinatown .

First, you’ll do a short walking tour of SoHo , an artistic neighborhood that’s known for its impressive cast-iron buildings. See the Cast Iron District, the E.V. Haughwout Building, and an old police station housed in a Beaux-Arts style structure from 1909. You’ll also walk past the Ravenite Club, the main setting in the story of the American gangster, John Gotti.

Then, you’ll head to Little Italy , making your way down Mulberry Street and learning about some of the most popular eateries in the area. You’ll stop in front of Alleva Dairy, an over 100-year-old cheesemaker, Umbertos Clam House, and the Italian American Museum.

You’ll also see some landmarks you’ll only find in NYC, including the National Shrine Church of San Gennaro and the last known opium den in New York, at the edge of Chinatown.

As you continue your walking tour into Chinatown, NYC , you’ll pass by dim sum and noodle houses, fish markets, and fresh produce stalls. Enjoy the aromas, sights, and sounds of this cultural neighborhood, then end at Columbus Park.

• Duration : 2 hours
• Highlights : SoHo’s Cast Iron District, Little Italy’s Mulberry Street, Chinatown

4. Wall Street Insider Tour, a walking tour through NYC’s financial district

If you want to learn more about NYC’s Financial District, then this walking tour of Wall Street is for you. You’ll get a closer look at this famous area of New York and learn the history of how it went from a Dutch trading post to an international financial mecca.

The tour goes to the bustling New York Stock Exchange and the historic Federal Reserve , which houses the world’s largest monetary gold reserve in its vaults. Get a picture with the Charging Bull statue, then head to Trinity Church , a historic Episcopal temple, and the final resting place for Alexander Hamilton.

As you continue this walking tour through NYC’s Financial District , you’ll pass Trump Tower and famed global banks like Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, and Lehman Brothers. You’ll also visit the Morgan House , an imposing brownstone building with 45 rooms and 12 bathrooms. Built in the 1850s, the home is still a magnificent display of wealth in the city.

• Duration : 75 minutes – 1.5 hours
• Highlights : NYSE, Federal Reserve, Morgan House, Trump Tower, Trinity Church

5. Central Park, a guided walking tour in NYC’s most famous park

Central Park is one of the best parks in NYC , but it’s huge, so it can be a bit overwhelming for first-time visitors. If that’s you, consider this 2-hour walking tour , which will introduce you to the main highlights of the park.

Spend a couple of hours visiting some of the most popular attractions in Central Park , like Belvedere Castle , the Central Park Carousel , the Naumburg Bandshell, and Wollman Rink . You’ll also see the beautiful public art and sculptures throughout the park, such as Alice in Wonderland , Balto the sled dog, the Delacorte Clock, the Dancing Goat, and the Egyptian Obelisk.

Walk over the Bow Bridge, which crosses The Lake , check out the Bethesda Fountain , and see locals and tourists lounging in the Sheep Meadow and Great Lawn .

During this guided Central Park walking tour , your guide will point out famous movie locations, like the Ghostbusters apartment building and other sites that have been featured in Home Alone , The Great Gatsby , and other films. Also, it’s only 2 hours so it can easily fit on a 3 day NYC itinerary .

• Price : $27
• Number of participants : 15
• Highlights : Central Park landmarks, monuments, fountains

6. Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO, a scenic New York City walking tour

Brooklyn is one of the best places to do a New York City walking tour , and the one I recommend is this one . You’ll get an up-close and personal look at one of NYC’s biggest attractions, the Brooklyn Bridge . See the views from the bridge and peer down at the East River and Brooklyn Bridge Park , a great waterfront park to visit with family.

Then, continue your tour by visiting DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), one of the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn with an artsy vibe. Stroll down the cobblestone streets, taking in the historic architecture, galleries, and trendy boutiques.

As you’ll learn on this Brooklyn walking tour , this neighborhood is known for its bookstores, shops, and cafes. Some sites to keep an eye out for include the Klompching and AIR galleries, as well as the DUMBO Archway , a famous landmark that has appeared in several films.

Stop for a snack at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria or Ample Hills Creamery before continuing the tour through the famous Brooklyn Flea market , one of the most famous flea markets in NYC .

• Price : $35+
• Highlights : Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO neighborhood, Brooklyn Bridge Park

7. High Line & Chelsea Walking Tour, a fun NYC walking tour

The Meatpacking District is another hotspot for artists and bohemians, so if that resonates with you, then you’ll love this walking tour of Chelsea, NYC .

You’ll start with a guided walk along the High Line , an awesome attraction, and the only elevated park in the city. It stretches for over a mile and goes past landmarks like Chelsea Market and The Vessel , one of the coolest observation decks in NYC . Enjoy the High Line’s green spaces while taking in views of the Hudson River.

After your High Line walking tour , your group will continue exploring the Chelsea neighborhood. Listen as your guide tells you how the Meatpacking District evolved from a collection of slaughterhouses and warehouses to one of NYC’s trendiest neighborhoods. Among the Art Deco buildings, artists’ lofts, and galleries, you’ll also see Chelsea Market . This food hall and shopping mall is the perfect place to pick up a snack or some souvenirs, or to simply take in the sight of New Yorkers bustling through the stalls.

• Highlights : Chelsea Market, High Line, Meatpacking District

8. Brooklyn Street Art Tour, the most aesthetic walking tour in New York City

Another great art walk in NYC is this tour through Brooklyn’s most creative areas. Brooklyn is a haven for artists and those with a vibrant imagination, so if you want to delve deeper into NYC’s art scene, this is a great way to do it. I took this tour during our 7-day long NYC trip .

This Brooklyn walking tour begins at Meserole Street, a hub for international and local artists. Explore the vibrant city blocks filled with graffiti art, murals, galleries, and tattoo shops. Along the way, your guide will point out different art techniques and the history of public art in Brooklyn.

Then, make your way to the Bushwick Collective , an incredible showcase of contemporary street art. It’s like an open-air museum where you can admire the colorful graffiti art and murals that give Brooklyn such a lively personality. You may even meet an artist working on their latest piece!

• Price : $20+
• Highlights : Brooklyn street art, Bushwick Collective

9. Grand Central Terminal Walking Tour, an historic walking tour in NYC

If you’re looking for a historic walking tour in NYC , you’ll like this tour through Grand Central Terminal . As one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, Grand Central Terminal attracts millions of people each year, many of them commuting to and from work. This walking tour can give you a new perspective of this famous rail and subway station.

First, you’ll start this Manhattan walking tour with a New York-style bagel, which will make you feel just like a local. Then, follow your guide through the terminal and find some hidden gems that you might have otherwise missed.

Your guide will point out the Zodiac Ceiling in the Main Concourse, which is painted like a beautiful celestial skyscape. Then, head to the Whispering Gallery on the lower floor, where you can stand under the acoustic arch and whisper secret stories to others on the opposite end.

Another hidden treasure at Grand Central Terminal is the Kissing Gallery , also known as the Biltmore Room. This room in the lower concourse was built under the Biltmore Hotel and was intended for long-distance commuters who would kiss their loved ones goodbye.

During the tour, you’ll also visit Grand Central Market and other Art Deco elements in the concourses. At the end of the tour, head outside and gaze up at the Terminal’s elaborate façade featuring an Art Deco clock, the Glory of Commerce sculpture, and two cast-iron eagles who keep watch over the city.

• Price : $40+
• Duration : 1.5 hours
• Highlights : Grand Central Terminal’s historical architecture and lesser-known areas

10. NYC Superheroes Walking Tour, a NYC walking tour to do with kids

One of the most enjoyable NYC walking tours that you can do as a family is this Superheroes of New York tour . It’s led by an energetic tour guide who will take you to some famous places in the city’s superhero history. So, if you’re looking for things to do in NYC with kids , this is a great choice.

You’ll see the site where Christopher Reeve took his first flight as Superman, as well as landmarks that have appeared in The Avengers movies and comic books, like the United Nations Headquarters. Your guide will also point out filming locations that have appeared in popular TV shows like Gotham and Daredevil .

Diehard comic book fans will love hearing about the origins of Kryptonite and gaining new insights into the comic book industry and how it has changed over the years. You can even see the Green Goblin’s NY apartment and go into the Daily Planet news building featured in Superman .

Finally, your guide will take you to the bars and cafes where the most revered comic book artists and writers used to congregate, making this tour fun for both kids and adults.

• Highlights : NYC film and TV locations, Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal

11. Christmas Tour Through Manhattan, a magical NYC walking tour

If you’re visiting New York City at Christmastime , then you must do this holiday lights tour . It’s one of the best ways to see the magic atmosphere of NYC during the holidays and, along with all the beautiful light displays, you’ll visit some of the city’s most popular Christmas attractions.

This Manhattan walking tour begins with a stroll along Fifth Avenue,  one of the most famous streets in New York City , to see the lovely storefronts and window displays. The luxury shops here have a tradition of decorating the windows with elaborate, themed displays, so there is always something new to see.

Then, make a stop at the Rockefeller Center , home to the city’s most magnificent Christmas tree. Watch couples and families skating at the ice rink, and admire the exterior of the nearby Radio City Music Hall , where the Rockettes perform their Christmas Spectacular .

Your holiday walk through Manhattan continues with a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral , which is lavishly decorated for the season. Finally, your tour will end at Bryant Park, which hosts its annual Winter Village , complete with activities, concessions, and a Christmas market. Perhaps you’ll find a few gifts for your loved ones!

• Price : $25+
• Highlights : Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Fifth Avenue storefronts

12. Harlem Gospel Tour, a lively walking tour in New York City

This Harlem gospel tour is one of the most unique walking tours in NYC , and an incredible spiritual experience, if that’s something you’re looking for. During this one-of-a-kind tour, you’ll join a local church family and attend a Sunday gospel service at one of Harlem’s beautiful churches.

Attending Sunday service is a strong Harlem tradition, and there are dozens of houses of worship throughout the neighborhood. If you take this tour, you’ll learn more about Harlem ’s history and strong Christian presence and see some important homes where significant figures in the Harlem Renaissance once resided.

During the one-hour worship service, you’ll share a cultural and spiritual experience with a local congregation, who will welcome you with warmth and open arms. You’ll also see Harlem residents dressed in their Sunday best, as the church fashion here is quite elaborate. For sure, it’s one NYC walking tour that you won’t find anywhere else.

• Highlights : One-hour worship service with gospel music, historic homes from the Harlem Renaissance

13. Greenwich Village Walking Tour, another top NYC walking tour

A walking tour in Greenwich Village is a wonderful way to experience the essence of the Big Apple. This neighborhood is a hub for alternative culture in NYC, and this two-hour tour grants you exclusive access to some of the most significant places that defined the Beat Generation of New York in the 1950s.

You’ll also learn about Greenwich Village’s LGBTQ+ history and visit the Stonewall Inn , the infamous site of the 1969 Stonewall riots. Some other highlights of the tour include New York University, Washington Square Park , the Friends apartment , and the oldest off-Broadway theater in NYC, Cherry Lane Theater .

As you walk through NYC ’s most progressive neighborhood, you’ll visit the old meeting spots for some of rock music’s elite, including Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. Check out the parks and coffee shops where Edgar Allan Poe and Jackson Pollack used to hang out and experience the café scene that’s still going strong in Greenwich Village.

In fact, this part of New York is known for its amazing food scene, so if you’re into gastronomy, consider doing this cupcake bakeries tour . You’ll get to taste some of the most delicious treats, so it’s one of the best food tours in NYC .

• Highlights : NYU, Washington Square Park, Cherry Lane Theater, Friends apartment, Stonewall Inn

14. Slavery & Underground Railroad Walking Tour, a historical walking tour in NYC

Another historical walking tour in NYC that I recommend is this slavery and Underground Railroad tour . Over the course of 2.5 hours, you’ll dive into the world of the refugee slaves who helped to establish the Freedom Trail in New York.

You’ll also gain new insights into the history of NYC and how slaves built the city. As you walk through Lower Manhattan , your guide will point out significant places that played a key role in the development of the city and the Black community.

Among the sites you’ll see and learn about are Wall Street , Trinity Church , and Fraunces Tavern , which was part of the New York Freedom Trail. Your guide will point out other locations from the Underground Railroad and answer any questions you may have about the lives of enslaved people and those who won their freedom.

One of the most emotional parts of the tour is visiting the African Burial Ground National Memorial and Museum . This is the final resting site for over 400 Africans, who were buried there during the late 1600s and early 1700s. At the time, it was the largest colonial-era cemetery for Africans, most of them enslaved.

• Highlights : Fraunces Tavern, Trinity Church, African Burial Ground National Memorial & Museum

15. St. Patrick’s Cathedral Catacombs Tour, an eerie New York City walking tour

Finally, this catacombs tour at old St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the best Manhattan walking tours to do at night. This is your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the oldest cathedral in New York and see parts of the church that are usually closed to the public.

You’ll explore the St. Patrick’s Cathedral Catacombs and see the burial grounds and cemeteries where several famous figures were laid to rest. These labyrinthine vaults and tombs mostly house the remains of lawyers, politicians, bankers, and bishops, but there are a few Civil War-era generals here, too. The catacombs are also the final resting place for Bishop John Connolly, New York’s first resident bishop.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is also a stunning building, so this is a great NYC architecture walking tour with a creepy vibe. Moreover, this church has the only publicly-accessible catacombs in New York City, so this is one of the best ghost tours to do in NYC if you’re into the macabre.

• Price : $37+
• Highlights : St. Patrick’s Basilica catacombs and cemeteries

Now you have 15 awesome walking tours in New York City that you can check out! Of course, if you have any questions or you’d like to recommend an NYC walking tour , leave me a comment below. I’ll be delighted to respond back to you. Until then, have a great trip!

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The 6 coolest walking tours in NYC

Immerse yourself in the city’s best attractions, art and architecture with the top walking tours NYC has to offer

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of trying to see as much of New York as possible in a short time, the solution might be one of Gotham's best walking tours. NYC is one of the easiest cities to navigate on foot, and there's certainly no shortage of interesting sights around every corner, from awesome street art and graffiti to the most haunted places in NYC to beautiful NYC buildings to the most awe-inspiring New York attractions . New York natives and first-time tourists alike will discover parts of the city they’ve never seen before on the best walking tours in NYC.

RECOMMENDED: 🗽See our full guide to New York City tours 🚨Check out t he best crime tours in NYC 🏨Stay in the best hotels in NYC

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our   affiliate   guidelines .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best NYC walking tours

1.  manhattan to brooklyn nyc walking tour.

As a tourist (and even a Manhattanite), it can sometimes be hard to leave the comforts of the island. But to do so would be ignoring some of New York's greatest attractions and hidden gems. During this tour, you won't go too deep into Brooklyn, but you'll still get a good taste of New York's most populous borough. Start in front of the Tweed Courthouse in Manhattan before making the journey across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, catching views of landmarks like the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty along the way. Once on the other side, you'll explore the neighborhood known as Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). 

Time Out tip: For some of the best views of Brooklyn Bridge and a wide selection of freshly prepared cuisine, head to Time Out Market . We're not tooting our own horn, it's seriously good.

2.  The Superhero Walking Tour of New York

Be the sightseer that Gotham deserves during this family-friendly trek that covers NYC landmarks through the lens of its hometown superheroes. Whether you're a fan of Batman, Spiderman or the Fantastic Four, discover the inspiration behind those comics with stops at the Empire State Building, a pivotal location in countless superhero adventures; the Flatiron Building, which served as Peter Parker's workplace the Daily Bugle ; and the Chrysler Building, where his spidery alter-ego would perch to look out for the bad guys. You'll also stop at the Marvel Enterprises Headquarters and a clandestine bar where comic book artists have been drawing cartoons on the walls for more than 50 years.

Time Out tip:  For even more superhero-fuelled fun, cape up and head to   Marvel Hall of Heroes at Madame Tussauds . 

3.  Iconic Sights Photography Walking Tour of NYC

You didn't come all the way to New York for subpar photos, did you? With so little to see in so little time, leave the Kodak moments to the professionals. During this group tour, the city becomes both your canvas as well as your classroom. A professional photography instructor will take you to a unique destination of your choosing – options include Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square at night – and provide hands-on instructions on how to best capture lasting memories of your trip.

Time Out tip: If you've ever been curious about how to shoot sharp images in low-light conditions or how to scout out the perfect angle, this is the tour for you.

4.  Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour

Much of New York's culture (and the city itself) is built upon the legacy of its diverse immigrant groups. In this exploration of Manhattan's southernmost tip, you'll hear about two major ones: the Chinese and the Italians. Start in New York's sprawling Chinatown, which is home to plenty of hole-in-the-walls Chinese restaurants, as well as Vietnamese, Thai, and Malaysian eateries. From here, head down towards Mulberry Street, where you'll come into Little Italy to taste all of the delectable offerings. You'll also see the World Trade Center, the Fraunces Tavern Historic District (Manhattan's oldest neighborhood), and the beautiful Trinity Church.

Time Out tip: Make an occasion of it by booking the dinnertime tour, rounded off by a trip to the Small Jazz Club for some cocktails and some rhythmic, soulful sounds. 

5.  Small Group Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village

Don’t be distracted by Washington Square Park’s cherry blossoms and pretty landscaping: It has quite a dark past. The 310-year-old Hangman’s Elm in the northwest corner of the park is rumored to have been the site of several historic executions, and some believe the ghosts of those killed still haunt the area. Discover the supernatural history of the park and other spine-chilling spots in Greenwich Village on this evening ghost tour. You’re not afraid of the dark, are you?

Time Out tip: Unfortunately the infamous Chumley's is no longer open, but we recommend the very old-timey Little Branch (LB) Cocktail Bar. They're known for their heavily skilled mixologists, so who knows, you might be in for an out-of-body experience after all. 

6.  Street Art Tour of Bushwick

The murals, graffiti, and stencils hidden all over New York give this city character, but they’re pretty damn hard to google. Hunt down these (often illegal) masterpieces with this tour of The Bushwick Collective's outdoor art gallery. A local artist will take you around and point out examples of work from early graffers like Blek Le Rat and Jef Aérosol as well as new school artists like Eelco Virus and Icy and Sot.

Time Out tip: Nearby you'll find one of the coolest neighborhood spots in Brooklyn Otis - a great spot for brunch or cocktails.  

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Self-Guided Walking Tours of NYC

We're a walking tour company whose local guides are experts in New York City and have led thousands of guests throughout the city’s streets.

This puts us uniquely positioned to have created over 40 self-guided tours (some available in audio format).

These routes include locations we visit during our guided walking tours.

Our guides do so much more on our tours than merely point out NYC landmarks and talk about history.

They bring the city to life, discuss current culture, and even share tips on where to eat and shop so that you can feel like a local!

Some of these self-guided tours are available in audio format, which you can listen to as you follow the routes.

Others can be used on a smart device, or if you prefer, you can print them out before you hit the road.

Our tour guides would love for you to join us on our pay-what-you-wish live guided tours.

But if you can’t make it or prefer to go it alone, enjoy our self-guided tours.

Read more about our guided walking tours of NYC .

Below are four of our most popular tours so you can get a taste of what our self-guided tours and audio tours are like.

• Brooklyn Bridge
• Central Park
• Midtown Manhattan

THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE

Just about everybody who visits NYC for the first time pays a visit to this legendary bridge.

We have a guide for walking across the bridge , where you can find a self-guided tour and map.  

This self-guided tour begins at City Hall Park, on the Manhattan side of the bridge, ends on the Brooklyn side of the bridge, and lasts about 90 minutes.

We also have an  anytime GPS-led audio tour  (in English, Spanish, and German) of the bridge, which starts from the Manhattan side and is more extensive. 

Here is an audio sample.

NOTE: We also run a daily guided tour of the Brooklyn Bridge .

THE HIGH LINE

We offer several self-guided options for the High Line, an elevated freight train line that is now one of the world's most innovative public parks. 

We have a guide to the High Line where you can find a self-guided tour.

You can also  print out a pdf version of the written tour here to save on your smartphone.

You can experience this tour as an anytime GPS-enabled audio tour , which is more extensive than the written version.

Here's a sample.

Lastly, we also run several daily, pay-what-you-like guided walks of the High Line . 

CENTRAL PARK

This park needs no introduction but you will find it helpful to at least take a self-guided tour to help you find your bearings and discover this great public space.

Be sure to read our guide to Central Park , which has a self-guided tour of the lower and middle 3rds of the park, both of which are available as audio tours .

The guide also has several tourist maps of the park, including a map (self-guided tour) of Central Park movie sites .

Lastly, we also run several daily, pay-what-you-like guided walks of Central Park . 

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN

Midtown Manhattan, centered by Times Square, is one of Manhattan's largest neighborhoods.

Watch a 32-minute abridged version of our live guided tour.

It also has the largest concentration of popular tourist attractions, such as the Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal, and Rockefeller Center, just to name a few.

We have a guide to Midtown Manhattan , which contains maps and tips for your visit, including a self-guided tour of the neighborhood.

We also offer a more in-depth GPS-guided audio tour.

We also offer several Midtown Manhattan pay-what-you-wish guided tours .

STATUE OF LIBERTY + ELLIS ISLAND

Every ferry ticket to Liberty and Ellis Islands includes a National Park Service audio tour.

Read our guide to getting tickets and planning your trip here.

However, you can only access the audio tour units once you get to the islands, and depending on the season, you could be waiting in long lines on both islands.

We've created a free GPS-led audio tour that you can download to your smartphone now. It's for both islands, so you won't have to wait in additional lines.

Plus, you can listen to some of the audio while waiting for security and riding the ferry. Here's a sample.

OTHER SELF-GUIDED TOURS

These tours are organized by the parts of the city. Take a look at our post on New York City Neighborhoods to get an overview of these areas and more.

We also have special-themed tours and tours made for TV and movie lovers!

Lower Manhattan (tip of Manhattan - Canal Street)

• Lower Manhattan ( audio tour available)
• 9/11 Memorial ( audio tour available)
• Wall Street
• Battery Park 
• South Street Seaport

Downtown Manhattan (Canal Street - 14 Street)

• Greenwich Village ( audio tour available)
• Greenwich Village Food Tour ( audio tour available)
• SoHo ( audio tour available)
• Little Italy
• Lower East Side
• East Village

Midtown Manhattan (14th-59th Sts.)

• Grand Central Terminal ( audio tour available)
• Rockefeller Center
• Times Square
• Broadway Theater District
• Roosevelt Island
• Flatiron District
• Chelsea Market
• Gramercy Park and Union Square
• Hells Kitchen

Upper Manhattan and The Bronx

• Harlem ( audio tour available)
• Harlem Soul Food
• Arthur Avenue (Bronx’s Little Italy)

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• Brooklyn Heights ( audio tour available)
• Coney Island
• Brooklyn Street Art
• Park Slope and Prospect Park

Film and TV Locations

• Central Park Movie and TV Sights
• Seinfeld Locations
• Sex and the City Tour
• Ghostbusters
• TV and Film Locations of Lower Manhattan
• Super Hero Tour

Themed Tours 

• Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
• Historic New York City Bars
• New York Skyscraper Tour
• New York Mafia Tour
• Bob Dylan's Greenwich Village
• Donald Trump Buildings

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RELATED POSTS

• GPS-Led Audio Tours
• Neighborhood Guides
• Free Guided Walks
• Free Things to Do in NYC

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About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

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

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

MANHATTAN WALKING TOUR

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

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

Semi Private Tour

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

Discounts on Combos

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

CUSTOM TOURS

Private • corporate • school groups.

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

Custom Tours

You deserve the best nyc experience.

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

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

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

READ WHAT OUR HAPPY GUESTS HAVE SAID

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

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

January 2019

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

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

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

WHO ARE WE?

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

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

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

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The 11 Best New York City Walking Tours

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

Courtesy of Rock Junket

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

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

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

Rock Junket – East Village Rock n' Punk Tour

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

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TopDog Tours – Marvel & DC Superheroes of New York

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

[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.

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9/11 Ground Zero Tour

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

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

Central Park Conservancy – Iconic Views of Central Park Tour

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

Broadway Up Close Walking Tours – Broadway's Beginnings

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

Tommy's New York – Catacombs by Candlelight Tour

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

Urban Adventures – Hamilton Tour

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

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

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

ExperienceFirst – SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown Tour

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

You may also be interested in:

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

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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, and 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 I especially enjoyed their Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour ( read my full review here ). I love Walks tours because they take you behind the scenes and give you insider access you won’t get anywhere else. They always have top-notch expert guides and offer the only official tour of Grand Central Terminal , an absolute must-see in the city!

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

Best Free Tour

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 love sharing their city. These aren’t professional guides, just locals showing you their favorite spots. I highly recommend first-time visitors take a tour with them. Tours usually last 2-4 hours.

As you can imagine, this is a pretty popular service. Spots fill up fast, especially in the high season (April-October), so I recommend putting in a request as soon as you know when you’ll arrive in New York. You’ll meet your greeter on your first day, with the next two days as backups. They don’t accept reservations within 10 days of your desired date (and usually they’re booked out weeks ahead of time) 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.

Book here!  

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 years and will take you all over Brooklyn (so be prepared to walk, though you’ll also take the subway a couple of times to cover larger distances).

You’ll get to see five different neighborhoods over the course of this five-hour tour. You’ll admire the iconic Manhattan skyline from the Brooklyn Heights (a view you can’t get if you never leave Manhattan!), stroll amongst the classic Brooklyn brownstones of historic Cobble Hill, take in the hipster scene of Williamsburg, learn about a Jewish Orthodox community in South Williamsburg, and enjoy the street art, vintage shops, and hidden bars of industrial, artsy Bushwick.

Tours from $55 USD per person (currently only private group tours are available).

3. Central Park Conservancy Tour

Ever wanted to learn more about the iconic Central Park? Well, now you can. The Central Park Conservancy offers a ton of different tours that highlight various features of the park. Not only do you get to walk around the park on a beautiful day, but you’ll learn about what you’re looking at too!

Their Iconic Views of Central Park Tour is their most popular as it covers landmarks like the Mall, Sheep’s Meadow, and Bethesda Terrace. There are bunch of other tours too, including guided nature hikes, birding tours, family-friendly tours, tours that focus on the indigenous history of the park, and more. There are also seasonal tours, like a cherry blossom tour when they’re in season and a Halloween-themed tour in October. Most tours usually last 90 minutes, but some of the hiking tours last several hours. You can purchase tickets online in advance.

Tours from $33 USD.

4. NiteTables Experiences

NiteTables Experiences offers guided tours focused on New York City’s nightlife, where you’ll get to check out popular bars, clubs, or speakeasies on a hassle-free night out. Their tours are designed for small groups, led by knowledgeable guides who highlight the best spots and offer insider tips on the city’s vibrant nightlife scene.

They have a bunch of different tours, but as a big fan of Prohibition-style bars , my personal favorite is their Speakeasy & Prohibition History Tour . On the tour, you visit three historical bars, pubs, and speakeasies while learning about the Gilded Age and the Prohibition Era. I think their tours are especially great if you’re a solo traveler looking to enjoy New York’s nightlife with a group.

5. Big Onion Walking Tours

This is one of the biggest walking tour companies in New York. They’ve been running tours since 1991, using history Ph.D. candidates as tour guides (so every guide is super knowledgeable). They run over 30 tours in 20 different NYC neighborhoods. Some of their most popular neighborhood tours include their East Village History Tour and their Historic Harlem Tour . They also offer tours that do deep dives into specific time periods, like their Revolutionary War tour. Tours don’t run every day, so be sure to check their schedule to see what’s running during your trip.

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.

Their most popular tours are the Gilded Age Mansions tour (which is super interesting!) and the Taste of Chinatown tour. Both of these run the most regularly, but be sure to check their calendar to see what tours are offered during your visit. They have in-depth tours covering specific topics, such as their newspaper history tour, historic hotels of Midtown Manhattan, and a Brooklyn Gilded Age tour. Their tours generally 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
• The Wall Street Experience
• Catacombs by Candlelight

Browse here!  

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

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 may earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are mine alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. This page does not include all card companies or all available card offers.

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Experience the excitement of New York City and discover its rich history and diverse culture on a first-class immersive adventure. Our expert-led private guided walking tours will captivate with amazing stories and surprising secrets as you explore New York’s many iconic landmarks through world-renowned neighborhoods.  Encounter remarkable places presented with inspiring chronicles of extraordinary events and legendary people. Discover how New York evolved from humble beginnings to attract the millions who came for generations in search of their dreams, to become a city most often referred to today as the “Capital of the World”

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Experience a personalized journey through New York City and immerse in its rich history, iconic landmarks and diverse culture on a private guided tour with New York Historical Tours. Explore through many famous and familiar sights with an expert who will engage you with the incredible stories and intriguing secrets behind the most exciting city in the world.

Offering personalized and customizable private tours for any sized group in Manhattan and New York City. For over fifteen years we have been providing rewarding experiences for first time visitors and a favorite frequented by seasoned New Yorkers. There are an exciting variety of tours to choose from whether you want to explore a distinct neighborhood, historic theme, experience world class art or world renown landmarks. Get ready to make the most out of the moment and discover the extraordinary.

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Discover something new and get inspired, metropolitan museum of art tour, the gilded age: heyday of high society tour, neighborhood tours, explore through distinct neighborhoods in new york city each unique in character, rich with sights and extraordinary history., historic lower manhattan & financial district tour, downtown manhattan, tribeca & soho tour, south street, seaport & brooklyn bridge tour, lower east side, chinatown, & little italy tour, greenwich village, noho, and the east village tour, the west village, chelsea, and the high line tour, times square and theater district tour, majestic midtown manhattan tour, secrets of central park, highlights of harlem tour, brooklyn heights and dumbo tour, museum tours, enrich yourself on a personalized curated experience of art and artifacts through some of the world’s greatest collections., the museum of modern art tour, the american museum of natural history tour, historic theme tours, experience the remarkable history behind influential figures and epic time periods that shaped the city and beyond., alexander hamilton & the founding fathers tour, the jazz age: swing style and social revolution tour, take a private and personalized expert led guided journey through the most exciting highlights of new york city, private tour of the statue of liberty and ellis island new york city, private full day tour: best of nyc, private half day tour: the downtown experience, private half day tour: the magic of midtown manhattan, give a gift certificate, why we are nyc’s favorite historical tours, travelinspiration, tripadvisor reviews.

Our 1st day we concentrated on the many iconic sights of Midtown Manhattan, including inside the Empire State Building, NY City Library, Grand Central, Rockefeller Center, and many more including hidden gems along the way – all fantastic!!!

Amazing tour! We were fascinated the entire time. We ran into another of their guides while we were out and about – equally kind and gracious. We will definitely schedule some of their other tours next time we are in NYC.

Highly recommend the Gilded Age tour. Learned so much about a neighborhood I thought I knew so well. A great way to rediscover a city you love.

I gave my husband a private Gilded Age tour as a Christmas gift and we went on our anniversary in mid-January.  Quite honestly the tour was so interesting, that the weather didn’t distract us. We’ve both lived and worked in New York City so are very familiar with the city, but we learned so much!

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Walking Tours in New York City

New York City - little introduction is needed for this world-renowned center of commerce, finance, and culture. It is one of the oldest cities in the USA, the tallest, the most populated, it has the most museums, and it is the most expensive to live in. It also has a long and important history that shaped the epicenter it has become today. It is impossible to fit in everything the city has to offer in one trip, but we have found the best NYC City Walks to pack in as much as possible!

Best Walks in New York City

• The Best of Midtown ( 5.3 km , 224 m , 1.5 - 2 h): Midtown is the area between 34th street and 59th street in Manhattan and home to many of NYC’s most iconic buildings. This NYC walk takes you through all the New York City biggies – from the theaters of Broadway to the bright lights of Times Square, up to the iconic Grand Central Terminal and over to the world-famous Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and beyond. Pack some water and prepare for sensory overload!
• Highline, Greenwich Village, and Soho ( 6.7 km , 118 m , 1.5 - 2 h): The Highline, Greenwich Village, and Soho route will take you through some highlights of New York City – from the redeveloped High Line, to the mouthwatering Mamouns falafel, the tranquil Washington Square Park, and the world-famous Comedy Cellar. It is a great day out in NYC!
• Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, Statue of Liberty ( 6.5 km , 294 m , 1.5 - 2 h): The Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, Statue of Liberty route will take you through some highlights of New York City’s history. Begin at the Brooklyn Bridge, head through City Hall, pay homage at the World Trade Center memorial site, venture deep into the financial hub of Wall Street, check out the birthplace of the American government at Federal Hall and finish at Battery Park – the place where it all began. Make sure to pay attention to the details here – from the intricate architecture to the expertly crafted Charging Bull.
• Central Park and The Museums ( 9.4 km , 278 m , 2.5 - 3 h): Dating back more than 150 years, New York’s Central Park is the most visited urban park in the US and a National Historic Landmark since 1962. With extensive walking paths, lush grassy areas, and several picturesque ponds and lakes, the Park provides the perfect respite from the city’s daunting skyscrapers and constant buzz of activity. Combine that with stops at some of the best museums on earth, including the Met, the Guggenheim, and the American Museum of Natural History and it is one great day in NYC!
• Grand Central, Empire State, Greenwich Village ( 5.8 km , 278 m , 1.5 - 2 h): The Grand Central to Greenwich Village walk takes you through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks – from the bustling Grand Central Terminal to the towering Empire State Building. See the world’s biggest store en route and indulge in a 30-day cured pastrami sandwich from one of the city’s most famous Jewish delis.
• Foodies Walk ( 3.8 km , 85 m , 1 - 1.5 h): This route is all about the journey – not the destination. We’ll take you down into Greenwich Village, through SoHo, Chinatown and Little Italy. You won’t see many of the “big city sights here”, but rather great atmosphere, pleasant brick streets, beautiful architecture and a quick glimpse into the vast diversity of NYC’s residents. Make sure to pack your appetite because there are more than enough mouthwatering places along this route – from authentic NY style pizza to fresh vegan sweets, fragrant fried dumplings, and insanely scrumptious cannoli’s.
• Williamsburg ( 5.2 km , 43 m , 1.5 - 2 h): We explore the East Bank of the East River across from Manhattan in this great walk. Starting in Williamsburg, we start our tour at McCarren Park before checking out the streets of Williamsburg. Halfway through the walk we hop on the East River Ferry for a quick cruise, before exploring the sights and sounds of Brooklyn Heights.
• Upper East Side ( 11.1 km , 48 m , 3 - 3.5 h): The Upper East Side Route will go through one of NYC’s most exclusive neighborhoods – the Upper East Side. This area is home to the city’s top museums, many of which are conveniently located on Museum Mile, as well as more shopping than one could do in a year – from luxury upscale shops on Madison Avenue to brand name budget chains and secondhand shops specializing in designer digs. You’ll find a vast variety of eating here – from the world’s most expensive dessert to a quick burger to go. We’ll also take you through some lovely respites from the hectic city life such as Gracie Mansion and the FDR Four Freedoms Park – topped off with a tram ride over the East River and stunning skyline views.
• Upper West Side ( 6.7 km , 8 m , 1.5 - 2 h): If you’ve ever seen a residential NYC neighborhood in movies or TV, there’s a good chance it was the Upper West Side. This area has it all – from delicious food, iconic stages, beautiful parks, ornate architecture and more. This is a long route – beginning at the world-famous Columbia University, heading straight down tree lined (and less flashy) Broadway, and finishing right at Central Park. Stops include the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Columbus Circle, The Lincoln Center, and Central Park.
• Brooklyn Park Slope ( 6.6 km , 111 m , 1.5 - 2 h): This route will take you through Brooklyn’s Park Slope and Prospect Park. Don’t expect hordes of tourists here – simply beautiful brownstones, quiet residential streets and a glimpse into the life as a local. This is the perfect route to mix in between big sightseeing as it offers ample opportunities to relax and unwind in the expansive Prospect Park.
• Map Data: © OpenStreetMap
• Tiles: © CyclOSM

Displaying 10 of 10 routes

The Best of Midtown

A walk in Midtown Manhattan is a wonderful way to explore some highlights of NYC. Midtown is the area between 34th street and 59th street in Manhattan and home to many of NYC’s most iconic buildings. This walk takes you through all the New York City biggies – from the theaters of Broadway to the bright lights of Times Square, up to the iconic Grand Central Terminal and over to the world-famous Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and beyond. Pack some water and prepare for sensory overload!

Highline, Greenwich Village and Soho

This great walk in NYC will take you along the Highline, through Greenwich Village and Soho, along the way showing you some of the highlights of New York City. From the redeveloped High Line, to the mouthwatering Mamouns falafel, the tranquil Washington Square Park, and the world-famous Comedy Cellar. It is a great day out in NYC!

Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, Statue of Liberty

This route of this NYC walk will take you through some highlights of New York City’s history. Begin at the Brooklyn Bridge, head past City Hall, pay homage at the World Trade Center memorial site, venture deep into the financial hub of Wall Street, check out birthplace of the American government at Federal Hall and finish at Battery Park – the place where it all began. Make sure to pay attention to the details here, from the intricate architecture to the expertly crafted Charging Bull.

Central Park and the Museums

Dating back more than 150 years, New York’s Central Park is the most visited urban park in the US and a National Historic Landmark since 1962. With extensive walking paths, lush grassy areas, and several picturesque ponds and lakes, the Park provides the perfect respite from the city’s daunting skyscrapers and constant buzz of activity. Combine that with stops at some of the best museums on earth, including the Met, the Guggenheim and the American Museum of Natural History and it is one great day in NYC!

Grand Central, Empire State, Greenwich Village

This walk takes you through some of Manhattan’s most iconic landmarks – from the bustling Grand Central Terminal to the towering Empire State Building. See the world’s biggest store and indulge in a 30-day cured pastrami sandwich from one of the city’s most famous Jewish delis.

Foodies Walk

This New York City walk is all about the journey – not the destination. Here you’ll walk past some of the best restaurants, cafes and shops in New York City. The route will take you down into Greenwich Village, through SoHo, Chinatown, and Little Italy. You won’t see many of the “big city sights here”, but rather great atmosphere, pleasant brick streets, beautiful architecture and a quick glimpse into the vast diversity of NYC’s residents. Make sure to pack your appetite because there are more than enough mouthwatering places along this route – from authentic NY style pizza to fresh vegan sweets, fragrant fried dumplings, and insanely scrumptious cannoli’s.

Williamsburg

This great New York City walk explores the East Bank of the East River, across from Manhattan. Starting in Williamsburg, we begin our tour at McCarren Park before checking out the streets of Williamsburg. Halfway through the walk we hop on the East River Ferry for a quick cruise, before exploring the sights and sounds of Brooklyn Heights.

Upper East Side

This NYC walk takes you through one of NYC’s most exclusive neighborhoods, the Upper East Side. The Upper East Side is home to the city’s top museums, many of which are conveniently located on Museum Mile, as well as more shopping than one could do in a year from luxury upscale shops on Madison Avenue to brand name budget chains and secondhand shops specializing in designer digs. You’ll find a vast variety of eating here from the world’s most expensive dessert to a quick burger to go. We’ll also take you through some lovely respites from the hectic city life such as Gracie Mansion and the FDR Four Freedoms Park, topped off with a tram ride over the East River and stunning skyline views.

Upper West Side

If you’ve ever seen a residential NYC neighborhood in movies or TV, there’s a good chance it was the Upper West Side. This area has it all from delicious food, iconic stages, beautiful parks, ornate architecture, and more. This is a long route beginning at the world-famous Columbia University, heading straight down tree lined (and less flashy) Broadway, and finishing right at Central Park. Stops include the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Columbus Circle, The Lincoln Center, and Central Park.

Brooklyn Park Slope

This route will take you through Brooklyn’s Park Slope and Prospect Park. Don’t expect lots of tourists here, simply beautiful brownstones, quiet residential streets and a glimpse into the life as a local. This is the perfect route to mix in between big sightseeing as it offers ample opportunities to relax and unwind in the expansive Prospect Park.

1-10 of 10 routes

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Walking Tours in New York City

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Walking Tours of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island

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NYC Walking tours specializes in exploring the five boroughs of New York City with a custom designed private tour! Whether you're from New York or visiting from out of town, you will have an exciting experience with our professional guides. As a leading vendor of NYC walking tours, we will give you a new appreciation of the Big Apple. All of our tours are COVID friendly and our tour guides are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

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For over 15 years, New York City Walking Tours has led locals and visitors alike on exciting and custom walking tours throughout NYC's historic districts, vibrant parks, and cultural neighborhoods.

Whether you are looking to conquer Midtown Manhattan or bustle through Brooklyn, all of our guides are native to New York City and will provide you with an unforgettable walking tour experience across all five boroughs.

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New York City walking tours from the Bowery Boys Podcast

Welcome to Bowery Boys Walks! Our expert guides lead small group tours through New York's rich history. Join one of our regularly scheduled public walking tours , or book a private tour for your company, group or family.

See all upcoming tour dates on our tour page or search and book through the calendar below.

Upcoming Special Events

October 5th Tour with Carl Raymond: Ghosts of Broadway: Haunted Stories from the Great White Way

October 9th bowery boys talk at the montauk club: birth and evolution of the new york apartment.

The Bowery Boys Walking Tours take you through the streets and back alleyways of New York City's history.

Read the latest posts from our blog, including interviews with our guides, and tips for exploring New York!

Have fun walking through New York's history

The Bowery Boys NYC History podcasters, Greg Young and Tom Meyers , have been entertaining their audiences with tales of New York since 2007. Now they're taking their stories to the streets, with Bowery Boys Walking Tours developed by the Bowery Boys along with expert tour guides .

Give a Bowery Boys gift card!

Give the gift of history! With a Bowery Boys Walking Tours digital gift card , the recipient can choose the tour and dates that work best for them. Our gift cards can be used for virtual and in-person tours.

NY State Tourism Excellence Awardee & TripAdvisor Hall of Fame! 200,000+ Happy Customers Since 2009.

Discover the Secrets of NYC

Reserve your group with us and discover untold tales of NYC!

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We specialize in diversity, equity and inclusion of new york city, "fantastic guide, funny and entertaining yet educational too" - tripadvisor, featured tours.

• Clock 2 Hours

How Money Was Made: Wall Street Walking Tour

Discover the financial and political roots of Wall Street, from the birth of the American financial system under the Dutch and British to the rise of American financial and political power.

• Clock 2.5 Hours

NYC Slavery & the Underground Railroad Walking Tour

Visit the site of the city’s first slave market and learn about the origins of slavery in colonial New York.

• Clock 4 Hours

Secrets of the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Walking Tour

Enjoy gorgeous and panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor.

Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Neighborhood Tour

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and learn the amazing and dramatic story of this famous landmark while enjoying gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline.

• Clock 3.5 Hours

Harlem Gospel Experience Walking Tour

Explore Harlem’s rich history and learn how gospel music, a sacred art form developed in African American churches, influenced American culture and the music of the United States.

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Expert Guides

We use licensed local tour guides with specialized backgrounds and awards in history and art.

Amazing Locations

We are a Full-Service DMC and Receptive Tour Operator that can arrange all your NYC activities, transportation, and accommodations. We specialize in taking people to unique and off-the-beaten-path locations in all 5 boroughs of New York City.

Hidden Secrets

We have a team of historians who research little-known facts about New York City. We will provide you with memories to last a lifetime.

Diversity Experts

We are a certified black and woman-owned business that has as its social mission to provide inclusive tours that celebrate the diversity of the city and its residents.

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Inside Out Tours is a Full-Service DMC and Receptive Tour Operator offering a range of award-winning and authentic New York City walking tours.

Experience the hidden histories of iconic NYC neighborhoods, from the Brooklyn Bridge, to Grand Central, Harlem, Brooklyn Heights, and Bryant Park. We have tours running seven days a week throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.

We conduct tours in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

125,000+ Happy Customers Since 2009!

"We had the chance to tour with Meredith, she gave us a lot of insights of lower Manhattan and Brooklyn history. Venue was great and gospel wonderful, I highly recommend to everyone."

"Our tour guide was Matt and let me tell you how excellent of your guide he really is. He kept things entertaining and is very well spoken. Made sure to take and explain everything about the Brooklyn Bridge and about DUMBO. Such a great time and will definitely use again!!"

"This walking tour on the history of slavery in New York was such a worthwhile experience. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, enlightening, and a natural storyteller who got the material across without pulling any punches. It made the area we walked through come to life, and all three in our party were really glad we went."

If you're ever visiting NYC, I highly recommend taking Inside Out Tours' 'the Slavery and Underground Railroad Walking Tour' which is one of the tours featured in HOW THE WORD IS PASSED. I learned a ton and it was really well done.

The Black Joy Tour was outstanding. Our teen group was engaged and learned about the Harlem Renaissance, Jazz, the birth of Hip-Hop, The Great Migration, Weeksville, and more. This virtual tour was impressive. Our tour guide Stacy was extremely knowledgeable and knows her history! We will certainly return! Looking forward to an in-person tour soon!

"Our guide was excellent. He was very funny and the tour was very entertaining. We traveled with 3 teenagers and they enjoyed the tour. Highly recommended."

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Walking Tours

New York City Walking Tours

Secrets of Lower Manhattan

Take a captivating journey through the city’s remarkable past.

Secrets of Greenwich Village

Explore the unique history of New York’s most fascinating neighborhood.

Rock and Roll History

Follow in the footsteps of music legends.

Mafia in Little Italy

Learn the dark history of notorious mobsters where it happened.

At Tourizee, we are passionate about showcasing the best of New York City through walking tours that go beyond the surface level tourist attractions. Our mission is to provide our guests with an unforgettable experience that offers a deeper understanding of the city’s fascinating history and hidden gems.

Our tours are led by knowledgeable and experienced guides who are not only experts in the history of New York but also have a love for the city’s vibrant present. They will take you through charming neighborhoods that may be off the beaten path, sharing stories and insights that only a local would know.

We believe that the best way to experience NYC is on foot, immersing yourself in its unique culture and history. Our tours are designed to be fun and engaging, offering a unique perspective on the city that you won’t find on a typical tour.

Our walking tours take a deep dive on topics that even locals will find fascinating. Whether you’re a history buff eager to learn about the city’s fascinating past or an adventurer seeking the best views of the skyline, our walking tours have something for everyone.

Join us on one of our walking tours and let us share our love and knowledge of New York City with you. We promise it will be an experience you won’t forget!

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Brooklyn street art, best of central park, nyc bike tours, craft breweries, custom requests, the best from the tourizee nyc travel blog.

Five Points

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Stone Street

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Peter Minuit’s Purchase of Manhattan

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Patchin Place

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Zayn announces surprise tour on ‘Fallon' and he's coming to NYC

Tickets go on sale saturday, sept. 21 at 11 a.m. edt, according to ticketmaster. pre-sales begin thursday at 9:30 a.m. edt., by kiki intarasuwan • published september 18, 2024 • updated on september 18, 2024 at 10:54 am.

Without saying a single word, Zayn announced his first solo tour.

The British singer is making a stop at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom on Nov. 2. Zayn Malik surprised fans on Tuesday during Jimmy Fallon's monologue on the "Tonight Show," walking on set and playing "Stardust," a track on his latest album on Fallon's laptop. Malik then handed a card to Fallon who then read the tour announcement.

When Fallon was done, fans cheered and the 31-year-old left without saying anything.

24/7 New York news stream: Watch NBC 4 free wherever you are

After parting with One Direction in 2015, Zayn has released four studio albums but he has never been on tour by himself. His latest album "Room Under the Stairs" was released in May of this year.

Zayn made an official announcement about the tour on Wednesday, saying he appreciates his fans' "patience, love, and support."

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"Can’t wait to enjoy great music together. This time I really mean soon 😂 see you in 35 days….," the artist wrote on X .

NYC protests expected ahead of Netanyahu's UN address

Tropical Storm Helene intensifies on approach to Florida; will it affect NY weather?

His "Stairway to the Sky Tour" will kick off in San Franciso later this month and it will end in the U.K. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Sept. 21 at 11 a.m. EDT, according to Ticketmaster . Pre-sales begin Thursday at 9:30 a.m. EDT.

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• Ticket Sales

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Breaking news, weird al announces 2025 tour, msg concert. get tickets today.

Prepare your air accordion.

Weird Al just announced he’s embarking on his ‘Bigger & Weirder Tour’ that will send him and special guest Puddles Pity Party to venues all over North America from June from September 2025.

Early in the run, the “Like A Surgeon” singer will make four stops in New York.

First, Yankovic is slated to swing into Buffalo’s Darien Lake Amphitheater on July 11. After that, he’ll bring his one-of-a-kind parodies to New York City’s Madison Square Garden on July 12, Bethel’s Bethel Woods Center For The Arts on July 13 and Saratoga Springs’ Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 17.

And, yes, Weird Al really is going bigger and weirder this time as promised.

“We’re back to doing a full-production high-energy show and playing the hits… and we’re super-sizing the band for this one – adding 4 more musicians! – so we can play a few things we’ve never been able to play live before!” the 64-year-old shared on Instagram . “This show is gonna be INSANE!”

As of now, there is no news about whether or not Yankovic has another album in the works; most recently, he dropped the rousing four-minute “Polkamania!” — which reimagines tunes by Billie Eilish , Adele , Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo , Taylor Swift and more as polka — back in July.

Fans can purchase tickets for all upcoming ‘Bigger & Weirder’ shows on sites like Vivid Seats; the official on-sale is Friday, Sept. 27.

Vivid Seats is a secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand.

They have a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and will be delivered before the event.

Weird Al tour schedule 2025

A complete calendar including all tour dates, venues, and links to buy tickets can be found below.

Weird Al set list

While it appears Weird Al mixes things up at live shows, here’s what he performed at his last full headlining gig in Kahului, HI back on March 26, 2023.

01.) “Fun Zone” 02.) “Lame Claim to Fame” 03.) “Melanie” 04.) “Close but No Cigar” 05.) “Bob” 06.) “Dare to Be Stupid” (Lounge version) 07.) “Dog Eat Dog” 08.) “One More Minute” 09.) “Good Old Days” 10.) “When I Was Your Age” 11.) “Nature Trail to Hell” 12.) “The Night Santa Went Crazy” 13.) “I’ll Sue Ya” 14.) “You Don’t Love Me Anymore” 15.) “Craigslist” 16.) “CNR” 17.) “Albuquerque”

18.) “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” (Carole King cover) 19.) “Amish Paradise / Smells Like Nirvana / White & Nerdy / Word Crimes / Yoda”

The above comes courtesy of Set List FM .

Weird Al new music

This past July, Weird Al released two singles. On top of the aforementioned “Polkamania!,” he also put out “Deja Vu (But Worse)” with The Gregory Brothers.

In the five-minute ditty, Yankovic belts over auto-tuned soundbites from President Joe Biden and Republican candidate Donald Trump. Unfortunately, the track is already a bit dated since Biden dropped out of the race after its release.

That being said, it’s still very fun and includes a deft “Temple of Doom” burn.

If you’d like to hear both goofy tracks, you can find them here .

Puddles Pity Party

For those unfamiliar with Puddles Pity Party , who is currently on tour , we’re about to blow your mind.

The vocalist appears onstage in full clown regalia — including caked-on makeup — and delivers earnest, heartbreaking covers of songs you know and love like “All The Small Things,” “Royals,” “Mad World” and more.

For those who want to do a deep dive, click here to find Puddles Pity Party’s complete discography.

Huge comedians on the road in 2024-25

It’s a good time to be a comedy fan.

In addition to Weird Al, here are just five huge shows you won’t want to miss when they come to a venue near you.

•  Steve Martin and Martin Short

•  Larry David

•  Jenny Slate

•  Jerry Seinfeld with Jim Gaffigan

•  Wolves of Glendale

Who else is out and about? Take a look at our list of the 107 biggest comedians on tour in 2024 to find the show for you.

Why you should trust ‘Post Wanted’ by the New York Post

This article was written by Matt Levy , New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.