How to Take a Walking Tour of New York City

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By Irishgirl
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A view of New York City from the Brooklyn Bridge

One of the best ways to explore the diverse neighborhoods of New York City is by walking. But where to start? Thankfully there are several tour companies that offer walking tours of Manhattan, including niche tours that will interest the most discerning of travelers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Computer with Internet connection
Sense of adventure and lots of curiosity

Step 1

Decide which part of New York City you'd like to see. If, for example, you're interested in finding out more about the restaurants of Greenwich Village, a good tour to take might be the Original Greenwich Village Food and Culture Walking Tour. The tour covers the history, culture, architecture, and entertainment that's available in this part of the city. You'll see a speakeasy from the 1920s, a variety of hidden gardens, and the narrowest house in New York City, not to mention the opportunity to taste some great food. Tickets are $44 per person.
Step 2

If you're a movie lover, you'll want to check out the On Location's Central Park Movie Sites Walking Tour. The two-hour tour includes a visit to The Boathouse Cafe, which is featured in When Harry Met Sally, the Bandshell, where Breakfast at Tiffany's was filmed, and much more.
Step 3

Interested in the architectural history of Rockefeller Center? Then the Rockefeller Center Walking Tour is for you. Visitors are taken on a one-hour walking tour around much of the 14-building complex that makes up Rockefeller Center. The tour highlights the artwork that is evident throughout the complex, including the works that focus primarily on the progress of man and new frontiers. Visitors will also visit the Today show studios, the GE building and the medallion where the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree usually stands.
Step 4

For chocolate lovers, there's the Luxury Chocolate Walking Tour where you can spend over two hours exploring chocolate stores in midtown Manhattan, while learning about the process of making high-end chocolates. The best part is tasting these delicious treats.
Step 5

If you want to bring back an album full of fantastic photos of yourself and your friends enjoying New York City's most famous sites, then the New York City PhotoTrek Walking Tour will be right up your alley. The "Best of New York Personal Photo Tour" will take you to several sites throughout the city, with a professional photographer in tow. All tours begin in Times Square and can take in famous sites such as Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Grand Central Station. You'll get at least 75 professional photos from this fun tour.
Step 6

The Shop Gotham Garment District Walking Tour is truly geared toward the serious shopper. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors on a three-hour trek of the Garment District, visiting sample sales and wholesale vendors, while discovering the hottest neighborhoods for fashion buys, private showrooms and boutiques. Avail of huge discounts at Garment District shops as well as at select sample sales. Other popular tours include the Sweet 16 Tour, bachelorette party tours and specially arranged tours for mothers and their daughters. The small group tour costs $70 per person.
Step 7

History buffs love the Patriot Tours: A Revolutionary Era Walking Tour of Downtown Manhattan. The two-hour tour focuses specifically on Revolutionary Era New York, while explaining the rich history of the neighborhood. Guides lead visitors through several historic sites, including St. Paul's Chapel, the Federal Hall National Monument,Trinity Church, Bowling Green, the Fraunces Tavern, and Battery Park.
Step 8

The Free Walking Tour of Grand Central Neighborhood with Justin Ferate is an informative one that takes place every Friday at 12:30, giving visitors the inside information on the famous train station and the surrounding neighborhood. For more information, call 212-697-1245.

Comments

pookabunny said

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on 10/19/2009 Try the Lower East Side History Project (www.leshp.org) for walking tours led by licensed, native New Yorkers. They are extremely knowledgeable about the Lower East Side, and New York City history dating back to the Native Americans.

sanderdoe said

on 4/8/2009 This is a great article! I have saved it to my favorites for future reference. Knowing how to take a walking tour of New York City is a valuable resource for anyone who loves the great city and wants to see it up close and personal. 5*