New York walking tours: Everything you need to know
Experience the city like a true New Yorker with a walking tour in New York City. Along with being a mecca for theater and the arts, it is home to many world-famous landmarks. Among them are must-sees like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York City was given the nickname of “the city that never sleeps” because the fun never stops there. Late into the night, you can experience New York City at a nightclub or rooftop bar. If you’re lucky, you might even spot Beyoncé or Brad Pitt at celebrity hotspots like SoHo House New York or the Brooklyn Mirage.
You can find New York walking tours that are very economical, and some even free. With knowledgeable and humorous guides, walking tours give you deep insight into the city’s culture. Along the way your guide will allow for pit stops so that you can tour a building, grab a bite to eat or take a quick bathroom break.
Walking tours allow you to discover the architecture, waterfront, and bright lights of the city. In addition, you’ll get the chance to chat with the locals about the history and economic development of each borough.
What can you experience on a New York City Walking Tour?
You’ll get the chance to explore entire boroughs. Visit Harlem (home of the Apollo Theater and a great place for gospel music), Brooklyn (for NBA fans), and Manhattan Chinatown (an excellent neighborhood for foodies). Some New York City tours are also tailored to your interests, such as photography, shopping, culinary arts, and New York City architecture.
Neighborhood walking tours in New York
Indulge yourself in the Harlem Renaissance on a walking tour of the borough. Stop by theneighborhood’s soul food restaurants (like the popular Sylvia’s). You can also listen to good music that will have you clapping your hands and tapping your feet. If you’re looking for another great place for a walking tour then don’t miss Brooklyn. Here you’ll find lots of fine food and many places to shop for chic clothes. If you’re an art buff, SoHo might be an ideal place for you to explore. The neighborhood houses numerous art collections, like the popular National Geographic Gallery.
See the Neon Lights: Experience the bright lights and feel the magic during a night walking tour on Broadway. Other evening walking tours include the New York Seaport/Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, and Times Square.
Ghost tours in New York
Become acquainted with the ghosts of New York City on a walking tour through the village of Greenwich. You’ll stop by haunted buildings like the Stonewall Inn and Friend Building. If you don’t believe in ghosts already, you just might after this tour.
Photography tours in New York
New York City provides ample opportunities to get just the right photo. On this tour you’ll join a guide who is also an experienced photographer. They will know all the best places to get unobstructed shots of historic buildings or landmarks like the Empire State Building. You can also capture motion and movement shots of the hustle and bustle of New York at Grand Central Station.
Theater walking tours in New York
The Lion King, Hamilton, and the Phantom of the Opera have been some of the greatest productions on Broadway. Likewise, many famous movie stars, including Laurence Fishburne, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Julie Andrews, have performed there. As you take a walking tour of Broadway, you’ll feel the excitement when you look up at the lit marquee of each theater. On this tour you’ll see numerous theaters, such as the New Amsterdam Theater, American Airlines Theater, Music Box Theater, and the historic Hudson Theater. During some walking tours, you can even go inside the theaters to get behind the scenes of Broadway’s theater productions.
Special walking tours in New York
New York City is unique, so expect to find an array of unusual walking tours. You can, for example join the Hip Hop Tour, the Sopranos Sites Tour (inspired by the TV show) or the New York Street Art walking tour. There is even a holiday lights tour during the Christmas season.
Are there added extras with New York City walking tours?
Some New York City walking tours include added amenities like food tastings, free drinks (for the pub crawl), admission to an attraction, and complimentary gifts. If you choose a self-guided tour, you can often download an audio guide from the Google Play Store or iTunes.