10 Best Walking Tours in New York City in 2024

There's always something to see and do in the Big Apple, from shopping on Fifth Avenue to the tranquil walking trails of Central Park. Forbes highlights the best walking tours in New York City.

If you're planning a trip, book one of these excursions can be a great way to find your way around the city that never sleeps.

So, the best walking tours in New York:

For landscape lovers: Central Park

You can book it here.

• Who will like: for nature and history lovers.
• What you can not miss: picturesque Bethesda Terrace.
• Duration: 2 hours.
• Meeting point: Monument to General William Tecumseh Sherman 764 Doris C Freedman Pl, New York, NY 10019.

An oasis amid the hustle and bustle of the city, Central Park is a historic landmark and a must-see destination for visitors to New York City. In this pedestrian excursions The guide will take you to the most interesting places in the park - from Strawberry Fields to Bethesda Terrace. He will tell you about its legendary history.

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The park has many hiking trails, making this excursion ideal for nature and history lovers who want to better understand the park's storied past.

Active Travelers: Small Groups Plus One World Observatory Ticket

You can book here.

• Who will like: for those who are visiting the Big Apple for the first time and want to see the most outstanding attractions such as Times Square, Broadway and others.
• What you can't miss: impressive views of One World Observatory.
• Duration: 6 hours.
• Meeting point: 1552 Broadway, New York, NY 10036.

If you're new to New York, this tour is a great option. Your guide will take you through some of the city's most famous landmarks, from St. Patrick's Cathedral to Times Square and the Brooklyn Bridge. The tour ends at One World Observatory, located on floors 100–102 of the World Trade Center, the tallest building in the United States. This tour is limited to 15 people, so there will be plenty of opportunity to ask lots of questions and move at a pace that suits the entire group.

You should wear comfortable shoes as this is a six-hour hike, although there is a lunch stop.

For Locals: Soho, Little Italy and Chinatown

You can book here.

• Who will like: travelers or locals looking to take a deep dive into three of New York's most famous neighborhoods.
• What you can't miss: a stroll through the cobbled streets of Soho.
• Duration: 2 hours.
• Meeting point: 155 6th Ave, New York, NY 10013.

Soho, Little Italy and Chinatown are steeped in history. This two-hour tour takes you through cobblestone streets, vibrant neighborhoods, and teaches you about these iconic neighborhoods. Your guide will start in Soho, known for its upscale boutiques and vibrant art scene. You will learn about the stunning architecture that has survived from the 18th century. From there, you'll be led through Little Italy, where you'll be captivated by the stories of the many Italian immigrants who settled there.

The tour lasts only two hours, but you'll have plenty of time to explore the shops, restaurants and bars in Chinatown, where it ends.

For Gourmets: Food Tasting in Greenwich Village

You can book here.

• Who will like: families and food lovers looking for different types of food and an engaging guide.
• What you can't miss: artichoke slice at Artichoke Basille's Pizza.
• Duration: 2 hours.
• Meeting point: Molly's Cupcakes (228 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014).

Greenwich Village is a popular area of ​​Lower Manhattan that includes Washington Square Park, the West Village, and many of the New York University buildings. On this culinary adventure, a charming guide will take you through picturesque streets to sample a selection of New York's delicacies. There will be plenty of tasty snacks to sample throughout the tour, so make sure you have an appetite.

This tour is limited to 12 participants. You will have plenty of time and can ask your guide questions along the way. By the way, vegetarian options will be available, so please inform your guide of any allergies or dietary restrictions at the beginning of the tour.

For Families: Chelsea Market and High Line Food Tour

You can book here.

• Who will like: for foodies who don't mind walking a bit.
• What you can't miss: savoring pastries at Las Delicias pastry shop.
• Duration: 3 hours.
• Meeting point: Buddakan (75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011).

Located in the Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market is a bustling grocery store and shopping center. Here you can find everything from cheeses and handmade noodles to lobster rolls. The building formerly housed the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) and was renovated to accommodate a variety of food and retail vendors. On this three-hour walking tour, the group explores the market, sampling a variety of foods along the way, before heading to the High Line and Hudson Yards.

The High Line, an elevated train line turned park, offers sweeping views of the West Side and the city streets below. The tour ends at Hudson Yards. Here you can enjoy luxury shopping, a selection of gourmet eateries and events such as live performances.

For history buffs: New York catacombs by candlelight

You can book here.

• Who will like: history buffs.
• What you can't miss: exploring the only Catholic catacombs in New York.
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Meeting point: 266 Mulberry Street (corner of Mulberry St. and Jersey St.).

This walking tour will introduce you to the rich history and hidden places of St. Basilica. Patrick's Old Cathedral. With an experienced guide, you'll start at the church and then explore the catacombs and cemeteries dating back to 1801. This is a great option for history buffs who want to learn more about the legendary first Catholic cathedral. This excursion offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Once your tour is complete, grab a bite to eat at nearby Prince Street Pizza or head to the Tenement Museum for even more history.

For Architecture Lovers: Gilded Age Mansions on Fifth Avenue

You can book here.

• Who will like: for lovers of architecture and art.
• What you can't miss: visiting a small bookstore in a mansion on Fifth Avenue.
• Duration: 2 hours.
• Meeting point: 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019.

New York City is home to many iconic Gilded Age mansions, and you'll see many of them on this tour. These include one of the last single residence mansions on Fifth Avenue and a stroll along Millionaire's Row.

It was home to the extravagant mansions of tycoons such as John Jacob Astor and George Vanderbilt. Art lovers will especially enjoy information about the Frick Collection.

For fans of musicals: Hamilton

You can book here.

• Who will like: Hamilton fans of Lin-Manuel Miranda.
• What not to miss: a walk through Bowling Green, the oldest park in New York.
• Duration: 3 hours.
• Meeting point: Staten Island Ferry Terminal, New York, NY 10004.

Fans of the musical Hamilton won't want to miss this walking tour. She takes you throughout Manhattan to better understand the musical itself and the life of Alexander Hamilton. Although this American statesman and politician was one of the lesser known Founding Fathers, he had a great influence on the country and the US government. On this tour, you'll see historic sites like Trinity Church, Federal Hall, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and more through the lens of Hamilton's life.

Even if you have never seen the musical, you will learn many interesting and surprising facts about American history. Please be aware that this tour is not suitable for young children as it contains some mature themes.

For Broadway lovers: theaters and Times Square

You can book here.

• Who will like: aspiring dramatic actors.
• What you can not miss: Exploring Times Square after the tour ends.
• Duration: 2 hours.
• Meeting point: 1556 Broadway, New York, NY 10120.

Broadway fans and dramatic actors will love this walking tour. It gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the theater district with the story of a real Broadway performer. Although the route is mostly outdoors, you'll visit some of the city's most important theaters and admire the bright lights of Times Square.

You will be told fascinating stories about behind the scenes, about auditions and the big success stories of Judy Garland, Humphrey Bogart, Julie Andrews and others.

For music lovers: hip-hop in Harlem

You can book here.

• Who will like: lovers of hip-hop and history.
• What you can't miss: the legendary Apollo Theater, a historic venue for African-American entertainment.
• Duration: 2 hours.
• Meeting point: 1220 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029.

New York is often considered the birthplace of hip-hop with legends such as Run DMC, Biggie Smalls, Salt-N-Peppa, Jay-Z. They began their journey in one of the five districts of the city. On this tour, you'll visit the Apollo Theater, which first opened in 1914, and one of the oldest record stores in Harlem.

Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as this two-hour tour will take you through various clubs, shops and other attractions.