Discover some of the best unique guided walking tours New York City has to offer. Learn all about the city’s history from expert guides who are passionate about their subject matter.
Did you know there is a hidden tennis court in Grand Central Terminal or that the ceiling is painted backwards? Find out more about this iconic train station on this interesting NYC tour.
Broadway’s Beginnings
For theater lovers who want to get a behind-the-scenes look at Broadway, this guided walking tour is a must. During this two-hour adventure, a guide (typically a professional actor) tells you how the district that was once known for its trading of horses became a world center for stage entertainment. He or she also shares stories about flops and disasters, as well as the successes that made Broadway famous.
Tours are led by Backstage Blonde creator Teale, who uses her background in theater to curate a unique experience for those fascinated with the history of Broadway. Her tours have earned high marks from customers and are suitable for all ages. The company offers other tours focused on popular neighborhoods like Greenwich Village and SoHo, and a “Sex and the City” hotspots tour that takes you to more than 40 locations where Sarah Jessica Parker and her co-stars were filmed for the hit TV show.
Founded by an ex-Broadway performer, this group is dedicated to sharing the history of Broadway and its legacy with visitors. Its guides, all of whom are professional actors and/or stage managers, interweave their personal stories with information about current and past shows. During this two-hour tour, you’ll learn about how Broadway has evolved from vaudeville palaces to today’s massive theaters, as well as the backstage secrets that make a show successful.
In addition to its Broadway tours, Broadway Up Close also provides a range of workshops and other entertainment offerings. These include Weekend Workshops, which expose students (ages 7+) to master artists in the performing arts industry; private coaching sessions in voice, dance and acting that help each student develop their own talent set; and audition preparation classes.
The Bowery Boys began as a podcast, but this New York City-based company has since expanded its offerings to include walking tours. Each one is packed with entertaining and informative stories about Broadway and the city. Each of its tours requires six months to create, and they’re all designed to leave you with a jaw-dropping story. The tour guides—who have been trained to work with a wide variety of groups, from students and office groups to a family of seven and 97 years old—use their skills to tailor each experience for the participants.
Ground Zero & the 9/11 Memorial
Pay your respects to the city’s fallen heroes on an emotionally charged walking tour of New York’s Ground Zero site. Through a series of monuments and stories, this guided tour allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of this historic event.
Start your journey in front of St Paul’s Chapel on Broadway, a building that became a makeshift rescue center and bulletin board for families searching for their loved ones during the days after the terrorist attacks. Hear firsthand accounts from your guide about what happened during these harrowing times and learn about the incredible courage shown by locals who risked their lives to save others.
Next, head over to the 9/11 Memorial, a solemn tribute that pays homage to the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives when the Twin Towers collapsed. The memorial consists of two sunken pools that are set in the place where the towers once stood and is surrounded by a cluster of swamp white oak trees, including one called the Survivor Tree—the only Callery pear tree to survive the tragedy. Also on the grounds is a bronze memorial wall to the firefighters who died and a fire truck that was recovered from the site.
Then head to the National September 11 Museum, where you’ll skip the queue and explore the museum’s three exhibitions at your own pace. Here you’ll see the remaining column of the former World Trade Center, artifacts from the victims, and video footage that reflects on how the events of 9/11 have changed our world.
Seeing the 9/11 Memorial at night is a different experience from visiting during the day. Not only does the atmosphere become more reflective, but the lights on the Reflecting Pools are especially moving.
If you’d like to visit the museum on a different day, simply buy a separate admission ticket. Whether you decide to do both or only one of these tours, this is an essential part of any New York itinerary. Meet your guide at the meeting point outside the entrance to the 9/11 Memorial in front of St Paul’s Chapel between Fulton and Vesey Streets (look for a green flag). This tour is not recommended for children below a certain age or individuals with sensitivities to the subject matter.
SoHo & Little Italy & Chinatown
Discover Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhoods on this free, on-foot tour. Pack highlights of SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown into just 2 hours with a guide, who will explain how these distinct neighborhoods came to be. Learn about the Cast Iron Historic District in SoHo, then visit sites that evoke New York’s Mob past—hear stories of gangster John Gotti and the struggles of Italian immigrants to America. You’ll then venture into Chinatown, which has one of the largest concentrations of Chinese people outside of Asia, and see how the neighborhood has changed over time.
You’ll walk past the site of the original Five Points, which gained notoriety as a disease-ridden, crime-infested slum in the 1800s. After that, your guide will show you how the area now houses boutiques and restaurants. You’ll also stop at the oldest cheese shop in NYC and learn about the first pizzeria in the city. Your last stop will be Columbus Park, which overlooks a beautiful fountain and is a great spot to take photos of the Statue of Liberty.
This 2-hour walking tour is the perfect choice for travelers who want to experience a range of different cultures in just two hours. See how New York is a true melting pot, and how worlds seem to appear around every corner in these authentic neighborhoods.
If you’re looking for an alternative to guided tours, consider booking a private escort for a personalized NYC tour. These tours are great for groups who have specific interests and want to customize their own itinerary. They’re also a good idea for first-time visitors to NYC who aren’t sure where to start.
While tips are always appreciated, they’re not required on any of these unique guided walking tours. However, if you feel that your guide did an outstanding job, this is the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation! You can book this tour in advance via our partner’s website. Upon booking, you’ll be provided with meeting details for your escort. A maximum of 5 passengers can join per reservation. If you don’t arrive for your reservation, your space may be given to a stand-by passenger.
Brooklyn Flea Market & Chelsea
Visiting NYC’s street markets is one of the best ways to get a true taste of the city. These lively, outdoor shopping areas are a place where you can find anything from vintage treasures to handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind food items. In addition to showcasing local talent, these markets are also a great way to support the community and shop in an environmentally friendly manner.
The Brooklyn Flea Market takes place on seasonal weekends under the Manhattan Bridge’s arch in DUMBO, and is home to 40+ vendors selling a variety of furniture, clothing, antiques, collectables, jewelry, and more. The Brooklyn Flea Market is a great complement to any Brooklyn adventure, and the perfect spot to purchase a unique gift or souvenir.
Greenwich Village is a hub for alternative culture in NYC, and this two-hour walking tour gives you the chance to discover the neighborhood’s most famous spots that inspired writers like Edgar Allan Poe and artists like Jackson Pollack. You’ll visit the cafés and parks where some of rock’s biggest legends, including Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, hung out, and take a walk through the historic Stonewall Inn, site of the 1969 riots that shaped LGBTQ rights in America.
Aside from exploring the High Line, this guided tour of NYC’s Financial District gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s iconic landmarks, including the World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. You’ll learn how the 9/11 attacks forever changed the city, and hear first-hand stories from your guide about what it was like to work on the ground during those days.
In addition to taking you to some of the city’s most impressive buildings, this tour also includes a visit to the African Burial Ground National Memorial and Museum. This poignant site is the final resting place for over 400 people, many of whom were enslaved during the late 1600s and early 1700s. You’ll also visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where you’ll get a special behind-the-scenes tour of its catacombs, a creepy and fascinating part of the church that few tourists ever see.
