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6 Best Free Walking Tours in NYC in 2024

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | 6 Best Free Walking Tours in NYC in 2024

If you’re visiting the Big Apple and you’re on a budget, don’t worry, because there are free walking tours in NYC that help you discover the most famous places in the city. Plus, you’ll get insider tips that only the locals know about, all without breaking the bank.

We’ve spent lots of time in New York since we lived for five years just two hours from the city. We also quickly realized that we could explore different parts of the city without spending too much money.

If you don’t have much time to get out and see the most popular places in NYC , or if you’re traveling on a budget, this guide will give you several free walking tours in New York City . So, depending on how long you’ll be in the city, you can take one or more and get to know different areas of the Big Apple.

In a nutshell, these are the free tours in New York that I recommend:

• Free walking tour of NYC
• Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO walking tour
• SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown walking tour
• Central Park walking tour
• Broadway & Times Square walking tour
• Greenwich Village walking tour

1. The best free walking tour in New York City

A free tour of New York is one of the best ways to introduce yourself to the Big Apple’s main attractions. With this tour , you’ll visit the most famous NYC landmarks, so it’s a great tour to take on your first day in the city, especially if you are planning a 3-day trip to NYC . For me is a must-do walking tour in NYC.

This free Manhattan walking tour begins in the Financial District, where you’ll pass Wall Street , the New York Stock Exchange , the Fearless Girl sculpture, and the Charging Bull statue at Bowling Green. You’ll also walk by the World Trade Center and Ground Zero, the former site of the Twin Towers. Check out the 9/11 Memorial, a poignant reminder of one of the city’s most historic and tragic events.

Afterward, you’ll visit Battery Park , one of the best spots to see the Statue of Liberty . In addition, you’ll pass through the old town of New Amsterdam, where the last remaining Dutch-style houses are located. Overall, this is a basic tour, but perfect if it’s your first time in NYC.

• Highlights : Wall Street, World Trade Center, 9/11 Memorial, Battery Park
• Meeting point : In front of Bowling Green
• Duration : 2 hrs, 30 mins
• Description : This basic free walking tour of NYC takes you to some of the most iconic places in the city, such as Wall Street, the World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial, and Battery Park, where you can see the Statue of Liberty .

2. Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO walking tour

When you go to New York City, one of the things you must do is cross the Brooklyn Bridge , the most popular bridge in NYC . Fortunately, several free tours in New York take you across this iconic landmark, and you can learn interesting facts and anecdotes about the bridge from a local guide. In particular, I recommend this tour , which crosses Brooklyn Bridge and takes you through the DUMBO neighborhood , one of the best things to do in Brooklyn .

As you walk across the bridge, you’ll get lovely panoramic views of the New York skyline, so have your camera ready! Then, check out the modern neighborhood of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). Here, you’ll find alternative boutiques, luxury restaurants, and hip cafes, which is why it’s one of the most popular places in NYC.

This is another free on-foot tour of New York that I recommend, although since COVID began, the tour company has been charging a minimum fee of $25 per person to keep group sizes small.

• Highlights : Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO
• Meeting point : World Trade Center
• Description : This guided tour takes you across the Brooklyn Bridge, where you’ll get beautiful views of the New York skyline and cross over into DUMBO, one of the most modern neighborhoods in the city .

3. SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown, another NYC free walking tour

New York is full of interesting communities and neighborhoods, and this tour goes to SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown, three distinct parts of the Big Apple you can’t miss.

You’ll start with a walk through SoHo , one of the most expensive and artsy neighborhoods in Manhattan . Among the galleries, shops, and bakeries, you’ll also see impressive architecture, like the Haughwout Building, a five-story commercial loft.

Then, you’ll continue the tour by visiting Little Italy , an area with amazing food and rich Italian heritage. Your guide will tell you about Little Italy’s immigrant history and take you to the most famous eateries on Mulberry Street, where you can sample local cuisine like cannoli or cheesecake.

Finally, you’ll end up in Chinatown , stopping first at the Mahayana Buddhist Temple, home to a 16-foot Buddha statue. Then, visit the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory and walk down historic Doyer Street, one of the most famous streets in New York City , where you’ll see the notorious Five Points landmark and try traditional Asian dumplings.

Like the previous tour, this free walking tour in NYC now charges a minimum fee of $35 per person to keep the group to 10 people or less and adhere to COVID regulations.

• Highlights : SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown
• Meeting point : Duarte Square
• Duration : 2 hrs
• Description : This tour includes a walk through the artsy SoHo neighborhood, a visit to the local shops in Little Italy, and a look at the historic landmarks in Chinatown .

4. Central Park, NYC free walking tour

There are tons of great things to do in Central Park , one of which is a free NYC walking tour . I suggest doing this tour , which is led by a former Central Park employee who will share their favorite spots.

During the tour, you’ll learn about the history of the park and how it has changed over the decades. You’ll also pass by lots of famous movie and TV locations and see the park’s different landscape features like the Great Lawn , the Sheep Meadow , and The Ramble .

Get lovely views of The Lake from Bethesda Terrace , pass by Wollman Rink , and take a stroll along the Mall and Literary Walk . Your group will also visit Conservatory Water , a scenic pond with beautiful bronze statues, including Alice in Wonderland . You’ll want to bring your camera to capture gorgeous photos of landmarks like the Gapstow Bridge , the Bow Bridge , and Strawberry Fields , the John Lennon Memorial.

Since COVID began, this guided tour has a minimum fee of $25 per person, but it’s well worth the price!

• Highlights : Central Park
• Meeting point : 2 Columbus Circle
• Description : This guided tour is a wonderful way to see Central Park’s top attractions in a short timeframe. Check out sights like Wollman Rink, the Alice in Wonderland statue, Conservatory Water, Strawberry Fields, the Gapstow Bridge, The Lake, and Bethesda Terrace .

5. Broadway & Times Square, another free NYC tour

Broadway is one of the most iconic places to visit in New York, and if you’re a theater lover, this guided tour is for you. It’s led by a Broadway actor, so not only will you see famous landmarks, but you’ll also hear captivating insights and stories from an insider.

As you make your way through the Theatre District, you’ll walk along 42 nd Street and learn about New York’s show biz history. You’ll also pass Shubert Alley , the oldest gift shop on Broadway; the Edison Hotel , a vintage Art Deco hotel; and the George M. Cohan statue , named after the famous American singer, dancer, actor, and producer.

Your guide will also take you through Hell’s Kitchen and past the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin , or “Smokey Mary’s” church, which is known for its heavy use of incense. Then, make your way to Times Square , which was originally a horse-trading district, and pass by TV recording studios for The Tonight Show and SNL , among others.

This walking tour in NYC was free , but right now it costs $39 per person to adhere to COVID regulations and keep groups small.

• Highlights : Broadway and Times Square
• Meeting point : Dufy Square
• Duration : 1 hr, 45 mins – 2 hrs
• Description : This tour is led by a Broadway actor who will share interesting tidbits and stories about NYC’s Theatre District. Walk along 42 nd Street and pass by iconic sites like Shubert Alley, Smokey Mary’s church, the Edison Hotel, and the George H. Cohan statue .

6. Greenwich Village walking tour

Last but not least, Greenwich Village is an awesome hub for NYC’s counterculture that you must see. My recommendation is to do this 2-hour tour , which takes you to the most historic areas in Greenwich Village.

For example, this neighborhood was popular with artists, writers, and musicians, attracting legends like Jimi Hendrix, Edgar Allan Poe, and Jackson Pollack. During this free walking tour in NYC , you’ll see Jones Street , which was featured on Dylan’s album, The Freewheeling Bob Dylan , as well as Café Society , the first integrated club in NYC.

Other highlights on this tour include the Friends Apartment ; Cherry Lane Theater , the oldest off-Broadway theater in New York; and the Isaacs-Hendricks House, home to a renowned merchant family. You’ll also see the Stonewall Inn , the site of the 1969 Stonewall Riots that sparked the LGBTQ+ movement.

As you walk through Greenwich Village, you’ll see remnants of its bohemian vibe and gay rights history, as well as some of the most beautiful areas of Manhattan, like New York University and Washington Square Park , one of the best parks in NYC .

Like the other free tours in New York , this one now charges a fee ($35/person).

• Highlights : Greenwich Village and Washington Square Park
• Meeting point : Waverly Place & 6 th Avenue
• Description : This counterculture tour takes you through Greenwich Village, a historic bohemian neighborhood. Start at New York University and head to Washington Square Park, passing interesting sites along the way like Cherry Lane Theater, the Friends Apartment, and Stonewall Inn.

My experience with NYC’s free walking tours

Without a doubt, these free walking tours in NYC are one of the best free things to do in New York City . For five years, we lived just two hours from the Big Apple, so we’ve visited this place lots of times and have done several of these tours.

On our first visit, we did the basic tour to get an introduction to the city. We loved it so much that we decided to book another free New York tour , this time in Spanish, through Midtown Manhattan. At that time, there were more free walking tours in NYC , but most of them cost money now. That said, the price is about the same amount we’d leave as a tip, so we didn’t mind the added fee.

When COVID-19 allowed us to safely travel again, we took a tour through Chinatown and Little Italy, like this one , and the Central Park tour , both of which charge a minimal fee now. Despite having walked through Central Park plenty of times, we discovered so much about this landmark thanks to our guide, Sarah. We wouldn’t have gotten that experience without her, so we loved it!

Also, the cost of these tours ends up being more or less the same whether you pay when making the reservation online, or at the end of the tour as a tip, so either way, they’re totally worth it.

What should you tip for a free walking tour of NYC?

Even when there were more free tours in New York , it was still expected that you would leave a tip for the guide at the end. These knowledgeable tour guides work hard and do their best to provide an awesome experience (and they do!) so they deserve to be compensated.

We recommend tipping at least $20 per person, although we liked our tours so much that we ended up paying $30 ($60 for we two) for two of the free NYC walking tours we did. The only one we didn’t leave a tip for was the one in Central Park since we had already paid when making the reservation. However, some people in our group did leave a tip at the end of the tour because our guide, Sarah, did a phenomenal job. Honestly, if we had had some spare change at the time, we would’ve tipped, too.

For other paid tours that we’ve done, we’ve left $10 tips. So, even though some tours are advertised as free NYC tours , many guides rely on the tips, so I recommend giving an amount that works for you and that fairly compensates the guide for their hard work.

I hope this article helped you find a great tour, and that you enjoy the Big Apple as much as we do. If you’re going to spend several days here, I suggest reading our guide on the best tours in New York City so you can get a closer look at some of the top attractions.

If you have any questions or you’d like to share your experience with one of NYC’s free walking tours , leave me a comment below. Until then, have a great time in the city that never sleeps!

Ascen Aynat

2 replies on “ 6 Best Free Walking Tours in NYC in 2024 ”

Most of the tours on this “free” walking tours site are not free. It would be nice if the cost were honestly stated up front instead of in a note at the end saying they “used to be free.” Used to be free is not free.

I totally understand that. It’s been frustrating to see how tour prices have risen in recent years. I’m glad to see that this option is still offering a free tour of NYC. Even though most tours aren’t free, you can still find options for $20-$25, which is great for a city as grand as New York.

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FAQs New York

What are the highlights of a must-see free walking tour in new york.

On a must-see free walking tour in New York, you'll experience the city's top landmarks, including Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building. The tour also features stops at Central Park, Wall Street, and the Brooklyn Bridge, providing a comprehensive overview of New York's history and key attractions.

What unique experiences can you expect on a free walking tour of the Financial District?

During a free walking tour of the Financial District, you'll delve into the heart of New York's financial world. The tour covers iconic locations like Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Charging Bull statue. Additionally, you'll visit the 9/11 Memorial and the Federal Hall National Memorial, learning about the area's rich history and cultural significance.

What is the customary tip for a free walking tour in New York?

While free walking tours in New York do not have a set fee, it is customary to tip the guide between $10 and $50, depending on how much you enjoyed the tour. The tip is entirely voluntary and reflects your satisfaction with the experience.

What can you learn on a free tour of Central Park in New York?

A free tour of Central Park offers an insightful journey through one of New York's most beloved green spaces. You'll explore highlights such as Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, and the Central Park Zoo. The tour also covers the park's history, its design by Frederick Law Olmsted, and its role as a cultural hub in the city.

What makes New York's free night tours special?

New York's free night tours provide a magical experience as you see the city illuminated under the night sky. Key landmarks like Times Square and the Brooklyn Bridge take on a new charm when lit up. These tours offer a cooler, quieter alternative to daytime explorations, showcasing the city in a whole new light.

Is it possible to cancel a booked free walking tour?

Yes, you can cancel your booked free walking tour at any time. We encourage you to cancel as early as possible to free up your spot for other participants. For larger groups, please review our specific cancellation policies.

Others cities to visit after New York

Free walking tour near new york.

• Free walking tour in Amsterdam
• Free walking tour in Brussels
• Free walking tour in Barcelona
• Free walking tour in Copenhagen
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• Free walking tour in Philadelphia
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Find other guruwalks in New York

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!

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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.

Und als BONUS bekommst meine ✔️ "24 Tipps für deine New York-Reise" ✔️ die U-Bahn-Karte und ✔️ die offizielle NYC-Karte zugeschickt. Ganz KOSTENLOS!

Start of your trip: We will remind you with current events when you are in NYC!

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Free Tour New York in Manhattan And Financial District

Overview of the tour in New York

Join us for an unforgettable free walking tour through the Financial District in Manhattan and discover the most iconic landmarks in the city. Immerse yourself in New York's rich history and global significance as we visit the National Museum of the American Indian, walk along Wall Street, and admire the World Trade Center and the New York Stock Exchange. As we delve into the historical area of New Amsterdam, you'll have the chance to see the last remaining Dutch-style residences in the city. And no tour of the Big Apple would be complete without a visit to the legendary Wall Street Bull sculpture, an iconic symbol of the city! We'll also head to Battery Park, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty. Other highlights of the tour include the 9/11 Memorial, the impressive One World Trade Building, Trinity Church, City Hall, Fraunces Tavern, and Zuccotti Park, the site of the Occupy Wall Street movement. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, explore, and admire the most important landmarks in New York City. Remember to bring enough cash and consider a recommended tip of 30 USD for our guides. Thank you for your understanding and support!

This activity includes:

• Trinity Church
• Fraunces Tavern
• Castle Clinton National Monument
• O'Hara's Restaurant and Pub
• Expert Tour Guide
• Oculus Visit

Meeting point

CASTLE CLINTON WIT THE PURBPLE UMBRELLA

Please find us in front of CASTLE CLINTON AT BATTERY PARK with the purple umbrella. We don't cancel due to the rain.

Things to note

We Don't cancel due to the rain, please bring proper clothes for the weather.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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Free New York City Walking Tours

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Walking tours are a wonderful way to visit a new place, especially New York City . Exploring on foot gives you the opportunity to see a neighborhood up-close and learn about the people and places that make it tick. We've put together a round-up of free New York City walking tours for visitors on a budget. These tours cover a variety of neighborhoods, as well as two of New York City's great parks -- Central Park and the High Line. Be aware that free tours tend to attract large groups, so you're not going to get the same intimate experience you might experience some of New York City's best walking tours, but you can't beat the price!

The Grand Central Neighborhood Tour

Andrew Burton/Getty Images

Every Friday at 12:30 p.m. you can experience a wonderful tour of Grand Central and the surrounding neighborhood led by Justin Ferate or Peter Laskowich. In addition to exploring some of the highlights of Grand Central Terminal , it also includes many neighborhood highlights, including Pershing Square and the Chrysler Building .

• When: Fridays at 12:30 p.m.
• Length: 90 minutes
• Where: Sculpture Court at 120 Park Avenue (southwest corner of East 42nd Street)
• Sponsor: Grand Central Partnership

Big Apple Greeter Tours

Want a private, guided tour of New York City ? For free? Seems hard to believe, but that's exactly what Big Apple Greeters offers visitors to New York City. Since 1992, this non-profit organization has connected visitors with volunteer New Yorkers who want to share their know-how and favorite neighborhoods with visitors to New York City. They even have a no-tipping policy, but if you love what you experience, you should make a donation to Big Apple Greeters to keep their services available.

Please note: Tours are assigned on a first-come, ​first served basis, so book well in advance to have the best chance of getting a tour.

Free Tours by Foot

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Free Tours By Foot offers a variety of New York City walking tours, most of which are free (on their food tours you pay for your own samples). Most tours are 2 hours and cover a single neighborhood, but they also have an All-In-One-Tour that is 6-hours long and covers many areas of New York City. The guides on these tours work exclusively for tips, so keep that in mind and tip appropriately if you are happy with your experience. They recommend tipping $10/person for their 2-hour tours and $25/person for the 6-hour tour.

Central Park Conservancy Guided Tours

MichaelStubblefield/Getty Images

The Central Park Conservancy offers free guided walking tours covering many different areas of Central Park . Tours range from 30 minutes to 2 hours and are led by volunteers from the Central Park Conservancy Walking Tour Program . These tours offer visitors a great opportunity to understand Central Park and learn about the park's history and design. Tours are rated for difficulty, and some are handicap-accessible.

Tips? No, but consider making a donation to the Central Park Conservancy .

"Crossroads of New York" Walking Tour

Paul VanDerWerf/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

Learn about the Union Square neighborhood with a rich political and social history on a walking tour created with the help of the experts at Big Onion Walking Tours. Learn about the people, events, and architecture of this wonderful neighborhood.

• Where: Abraham Lincoln Statue at 16th Street transverse
• Sponsor: Union Square Partnership

Free Lower East Side Historic Tours

City Foodsters/Flickr/CC BY 2.0​

This three-hour walking tour of the Lower East Side explores both the history and modern side of this dynamic neighborhood.

• Length: 3 hours
• Where: Katz's Delicatessen (corner of East Houston and Ludlow Street)
• Details: Lower East Side Historic Tours

Not Quite Free: Municipal Arts Society Walking Tours

The Municipal Arts Society offers two weekly tours with "suggested donations" of $10. On Tuesdays, the tour covers Downtown Manhattan, while Wednesday tours visit Grand Central Terminal. MAS offers many other tours as well, and their tour guides are very well regarded.

• Tuesday Downtown Tour Start: In front of 55 Exchange Place
• Wednesday Grand Central Tour Start: Info Booth in Grand Central

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Free tours and walks in New York City and beyond

Get the scoop on a New York City landmark by joining one of these free walks and tours. Plus, discover gratis out-of-town day trips.

Are you trying to host visitors on a budget? Yeah? Then consult this roundup often. We detail free tours of the Brooklyn Bridge , Grand Central , Union Square and other NYC attractions —as well as freebie day trips just outside New York City.

RECOMMENDED: Full list of free things to do in NYC  

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

Walkway Over the Hudson

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• Walks and tours

Enjoy stunning views of upstate New York—as well as some high quality Instagram opps of fall foliage—with a walk 212 feet above the Hudson River at the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park in Poughkeepsie, New York. Just Just two hours north of the by train or by car, visitors can walk, bike or run on the pet-friendly bridge that connects Dutchess and Ulster counties. A great day of exploring—and the ultimate sightseeing adventure—awaits. For more information and various entry points on either side of the river, visit walkway.org.

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Free Walking Tour New York

Learn the secrets of new york city through new yorkers, free  new york walking tour.

Ever curious about New York City's ascent as a pivotal financial, cultural, and political hub? Keen to understand the spirit of New Yorkers? Embark on an exploration of the city through its residents' perspective with our 2 hour long tour!

Our NYC Free Walking Tour unfolds New York's dynamic history and architectural splendor. We'll start our journey from the historical Fraunces Tavern - the place where it happened, and through historical facts and talking about the people that build America, cross a mosaic of famed landmarks and hidden jewels. Our guides, through interesting stories blend historical narratives with the city's contemporary pulse.

This is a pay-as-you-wish tour. When the tour ends you'll decide how much is the value and pay the guide. You will be able to get a unique perspective of how it truly is to love in the Big Apple.

To embark on this unique journey and uncover the soul of New York City, secure your spot on our NYC Free Walking Tour. Dive deep into the heart of the city's history, culture, and spirited life with those who know it best. Book now to experience New York like never before.

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Grand Central Station in NYC

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Dumbo in NYC

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What visitors think about Free  New York Walking Tour?

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Why should i take a free walking tour in new york, how do the free walking tours work in new york city, how much should i pay for a free tour in new york city, do free tour guides in new york city have an official license, are the free walking tours in new york available in spanish, get inspired by the free tour community blog.

6 Off The Beaten Path Things to do in New Orleans

When you visit a city do you like to stray at-least a little bit off the beaten path? Read this if you are planning to go to New Orleans.

San Antonio on a Budget: Money-saving hacks for seeing the best of the Alamo City.

San Antonio is the top tourist destination in Texas, but these money-saving hacks will have you navigating the downtown area like a local!

Annapolis - The Best Things to Do

Annapolis is one of the oldest cities in America, but after checking the historical sights, what else is there to do?

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Walk This Way

Updated July 2005

“Discover Places, Tidbits, and Gossip That Even New York’s Cognoscenti Don’t Know”

8th Street Walking Tour And what exactly will you discover? How about the site of Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady recording studio, Jack Kerouac’s local haunts, and Edward Hopper’s home? Gossip dished by guide Arthur Marks. • Selected Saturdays from May through October at 11:30 a.m.; tour lasts an hour and a half • Meet at the northwest corner of St. Marks Pl. and Second Ave.; 212-777-2173; villagealliance.org

Something Old, Something New Orchard Street Walking Tour Get a taste of the bustling Lower East Side, from past to present. Hit the former Municipal Public Bath House; the First Romanian-American Congregation; Salwen Umbrella, the City’s only remaining umbrella shop (you know you want to see it); and the fishy Russ and Daughters. • Sundays at 11 a.m., April through December; tour lasts about an hour and a half • Meet at Katz’s Delicatessen, 205 East Houston St. at Ludlow St.; 212-226-9010; lowereastsideny.com Show Me the Money

The Federal Reserve Bank Itching for an insider’s peek at the world’s richest bank? The Fed’s free tour will take you five stories underground into their gold vaults, demystify how the Bank functions, and let you test your new knowledge at Fedworks, an interactive, multimedia center. You’ll even pocket some (shredded) money at the tour’s end. Call to make a reservation at least a week in advance and don’t be late as security procedures are lengthy. • Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.; tour lasts one hour • 33 Liberty St., btw. Nassau and William Sts.; 212-720-6130; newyorkfed.org Bottoms Up Brooklyn Brewery For an in-depth look at the science of beer mixing, take a free tour of this stylish Williamsburg brewhouse. A fresh beer sample to finish off the day! (Tour is all ages; sample for those 21+ only.) • Saturdays at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.; tour lasts 30 minutes • 79 North 11 St., btw. Berry and Wythe Sts.; 718-486-7422; brooklynbrewery.com Rollin’ on the River John J. Harvey Fireboat Spend the afternoon cruising New York Harbor for free on board the historic Harvey. Ooh, ahh, and get soaked as the historic boat’s brass cannons shoot water into majestic 200-foot arcs at the rate of 18,000 gallons a minute. Launched in 1931, the swift and powerful boat was brought out of retirement in the aftermath of 9/11. • Check their website for “irregular but frequent” tour offerings; tour length varies; for reservations, e-mail: [email protected] . • Pier 63 Maritime, The Hudson River at West 23rd St.; fireboat.org For the Birds Battery Park City Walking Tours Want to hear about the birds and the bees and the flowers and the trees? Let a Battery Park City Parks Conservancy horticulturist take you for a garden stroll or join one of their fall bird walks – over eighty types of birds spotted to date. Free tours devoted to nature, art, and history sponsored from May through October. • For tour dates visit their website; tour length varies • Meeting place varies, call for details; 212-267-9700; bpcparks.org All Aboard

Grand Central Station You’ve gazed at Grand Central’s celestial ceiling, now take note of symbolic mythological figures, sculptures, and other architectural details lurking throughout the Beaux Arts landmark. The Municipal Art Society’s long-running tour is light on gossip, heavy on design, urban planning, and historical preservation. Donation requested. • Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m.; tour lasts about an hour and a half • Meet in front of the information booth, main level of Grand Central Station; 212-935-3960; mas.org (website includes listings of other tours priced between $10 to $15) If the Spirit Moves You Trinity Church Tour Visit the graves of Alexander Hamilton, William Bradford, and other historical figures as you roam through Trinity Churchyard. The tour also stops by the Church Museum where you can view art and artifacts dating back to the 1600s. • Every day at 2 p.m.; tour lasts fifteen to twenty minutes • Broadway and Wall Sts; 212-602-0800; trinitywallstreet.org 150 Years, 13 Tours Central Park The free tours are a baker’s dozen more reasons to be thankful for Manhattan’s 843-acre backyard. Explore the nooks and crannies of the North Woods, designed to replicate the Adirondack Mountains; learn about the innovative architecture of the Dakota and Bethesda Terrace; tour the Harlem Meer, high ground crucial to the City’s defense during the American Revolution; or pick from 10 other options. • For tour schedules, visit their website; tours last about one hour • 212-360-2726 (tour hotline); centralparknyc.org At the Crossroads Times Square Tour Times Square wasn’t always the overwhelming, Disney-laden spectacle it is today. This free tour looks back at the neighborhood’s colorful, gritty past. • Fridays at noon; tour lasts about one hour • Meet at the Times Square Visitors Center, 1560 Broadway, between 46th and 47th Sts; 212-869-1890; timessquarenyc.org

Note: The 34th Street Historic Walking Tour is no longer offered and has been removed from this story.

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Free Walking Tour New York

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New York City Free Walking Tour

Many famous films in history – from Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver to David Cronenberg’s Cosmopolis have been set in cars around New York City. But don’t let this fool you: absolutely the best way to enjoy the city is on foot, with a free walking tour from a local guide who can breathe life into the incredible history of the city. Finding a decent free tour in New York can be a challenge, with so many to choose from and so much to cover. We recommend you check out Free Tours by Foot’s free walking tour of New York for a decent tour of the city.

New York is a city of neighbourhoods, so instead of stressing out about trying to fit everything in the city into a single tour, we recommend you choose a free walking tour within a specific place. Promising to “show you what the Big Apple is made of”, Free Tours By Foot’s most popular free walking tour – and the one that gives you the best indication of what the city is like – is probably around SoHo, little Italy, and Chinatown. Stopping off at SoHo’s Cast Iron District, Little Italy, Canal and Mott streets, as well as Heath Ledger’s Apartment Building and film and TV locations including Ghost, Sex in the City and Men in Black, this free walking tour really packs a lot into the space of two hours. Have a look at their website to find out more!

https://freetoursbyfoot.com/new-york-tours/tour-calendar/

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Free Walking Tour of New York

• 9.20 / 10 14,006 reviews | 145,347 travellers A very complete, enjoyable tour with many “extra” details. Wilson gives it a 10! 10 Begoña Ajuria
• X (Twitter)

Embark on our free New York City walking tour and explore the best of The Big Apple, including the famous Wall Street and the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, among many other sights, with a knowledgeable guide. 

Head to the Financial District in Manhattan to begin the free walking tour and discover the city’s most emblematic landmarks.

Learn about the history of New York and its worldwide importance while you wander past the National Museum of the American Indian, stroll along Wall Street and discover the World Trade Center, and the New York Stock Exchange. 

In addition, we'll go into the historic center of New Amsterdam to see the last Dutch-style houses in the city.

Following on, we'll head to Battery Park, which offers one of the best panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty.

The tour comes to an end near the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which commemorates all the victims of the attacks of the 9/11 attack in 2001.   

• This free tour doesn't admit groups of more than 6 people, even if they book the activity separately. If you're a larger group, check out our  private tour of New York .
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult. The maximum allowed is 3 minors per adult.

More Information

2 hours 30 minutes.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English speaking guide.

Not included

When to book.

You can book up to 2 days before (New York local time), subject to availability. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. This must be indicated in the reservation. Accessible toilets.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• Printed material is avoided.
• No single-use plastics are used.
• The activity helps the dissemination of local cultural heritage.
• The activity helps to promote peace.
• The activity promotes local production.
• No printing of documentation required.
• Promotes local employment.
• Has a gender equality policy.

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Corporate name: Granapple Tours Corp

Frequently asked questions

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Walk New York: a FREE Self-Guided Walking Tour of Manhattan

I think one of the best ways to experience New York is to walk around the city, so I decided to share my free self-guided walking tour route for Manhattan.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you may know I love big, vibrant cities. And that New York City is one of my favourite cities in the world .  And you also may know that I love to walk the streets of the cities I visit. I get out on foot as much as I can – it helps me get a real feel for the atmosphere and character of a city. It also helps me get to know it, to understand its layout and how the different areas and landmarks are connected. 

Why Manhattan?  Well, it is the borough I know best. I’ve been to New York City many times and always spent most of my time in Manhattan. I’ve been to a few places in Brooklyn and Queens, but I don’t know those boroughs as well – and I know the other boroughs even less. Plus, Manhattan has so many iconic landmarks packed into that one island! Thanks to the grid system, it’s pretty easy to navigate, with a lot to see and experience.

If you follow my free self-guided walking tour of Manhattan, rather than joining an organised tour, you won’t have to pay anything AND you get to do it on your own, at your pace. This is a bonus for those on a budget and for introverts like me who avoid group tours!

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. These are links to products or experiences I recommend and if you were to buy something after clicking on them, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Any earnings go towards the upkeep of this blog, which I appreciate.

Table of Contents

About My Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Manhattan

The walking tour route I am sharing here takes you from downtown Manhattan, through mid-town to Central Park and the Upper East Side, taking in many NYC icons along the way, including:

• Greenwich Village & Washington Square Park

Flatiron Building & Madison Square Park

• Empire State Buiding

New York Public Library

• Fifth Avenue Shopping
• Rockefeller Centre & Top Of The Rock
• Plaza Hotel & Pulitzer Fountain

Central Park

There are other routes that I like in Manhattan and other neighbourhoods which are great to explore – but I wanted to start with something that was doable in one day, and which covers several of the major landmarks in New York. I walked this route on a visit to New York with a friend who had never been to the city before – so I have literally road-tested it, haha.

The whole route I am recommending here is just short of 5 miles (8km) and would take approximately an hour and 45 minutes to walk non-stop according to GoogleMaps. However, it will take longer because you’ll be stopping to cross the street, take photos, grab refreshments and go into some of the attractions along the way. Using the photos I took when I walked this route as a reference, it took me around 7 hours to do this route. This included going to the Top of the Rock (but not the Empire State Building) – and I was pretty tired afterwards! That’s why I think you should allow most of the day for this.

When I walk around a new city, I don’t always take a fixed route. If possible, I like to know the general direction I’m headed but to have some freedom to walk down the streets that look most interesting to me.  Therefore, I’d encourage you to take some liberties with the route I recommend and to take detours if you feel like it.

This route does require you to be able to walk for extended distances – and I’ll share some walking tips at the end (as well as a map).

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Manhattan – Step By Step

Start in greenwich village.

Greenwich Village was the bohemian capital of New York in the 1950s and 60s, the epicentre of art, counter-culture and the LGBT community. These days, the quiet, leafy streets of Greenwich Village are amongst the most expensive places to live in the United States.

Start in your walk in St Luke in the Fields Garden , which is a small church garden on the corner of Hudson and Barrow streets, in the heart of the West Village. It’s a very pretty spot that remains somewhat off the beaten path in New York .

From here, head up Hudson Street then right onto Grove Street, where you might recognise the Friends building – the building that was used for the exterior shots of Monica & Rachel and Joey & Chandler’s apartment in the 1990s TV show. Carry on along Grove Street until you get to Christopher Park, which is home to the Stonewall Inn , the location of landmark riots against police persecution of gay or queer people. There is a monument in the park and some plaques outside the inn if you want to read about the uprising.

From here, head along Waverley Place to the next stop, Washington Square Park .

If you want to detour from the walking route, here are some other Greenwich Village highlights you could check out:

• Joe’s Pizza – a famous and reliably good spot for pizza by the slice
• Jefferson Market Library – this historic red brick building with a clocktower was once a courthouse and is now a branch of the New York Public Library
• Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment . The exterior of Carrie’s brownstone building was shot at 66 Perry Street (even though she is written as living in the Upper East Side). It’s also just a lovely leafy street to wander along!
• Angelika Theatre – a legendary arthouse cinema in the village

Alternative: Start in the East Village

The East Village is another historic neighbourhood in Manhattan – and you could also start your walking tour here, rather than in the West Village, if you prefer.

It was an upscale area of New York, built when the city expanded in the early 1800s. Then in the late 1800s, the East Village’s population swelled with immigrants, at one point being known as ‘Little Germany’.  In the 1950s and 60s, the area absorbed some of the beatnik creativity of neighbouring Greenwich Village. Allen Ginsberg, W. H. Auden, and Norman Mailer all moved to the area in 1951–1953. Like a lot of New York, the area became run down in the 1970s and 80s. Since the early 2000s it has been gentrified – but it does remain somewhat rougher around the edges than Greenwich Village (the West Village in particular).

At the heart of the East Village is Tomkins Square Park , which you can wander around.  But I definitely recommend starting your walking journey with a drink – of water or coffee. Try The Maiden Lane, which is on the corner of Tompkins Square Park at 10 th Street and Avenue B, or at B Cup, a couple of blocks north on 13 th Street.

From Tompkins Square Park, head west toward Washington Square Park .  The distance is approximately 0.8 miles, so it should take around 17-18 minutes. Along the way, you could check out Veselka , a favourite for Ukrainian cuisine; the attractive houses on Renwick Triangle , and (if you don’t mind a slightly indirect route) the pretty church garden of Grace Church .

Washington Square Park

Whether you start in the West Village, as I suggest, or the East Village, the next stop is Washington Square Park . This is one of the best-known of New York City’s parks and spending time in it is one of the many free things to do in NYC . It features two key landmarks: the ornate marble Washington Square Arch and a large fountain.

Take some time to rest and absorb the energy of the park. Its atmosphere is often vibrant, with street performers and people milling about. In the south-west corner, there are chess boards set up, if you fancy your chances in a match.

Just north of the park is the start of Fifth Avenue and the location of one of the most well-known addresses in Manhattan, the Art Deco skyscraper at One Fifth Avenue .

Union Square Park

From Washington Square Park, walk up University Place towards Union Square Park.  This route takes through the heart of the NYU campus. The distance is 0.4 miles and should take approximately 8-9 minutes. On the way, you’ll pass by a restaurant I like: the Gotham Bar & Grill. Just mentioning it in case you’re hungry for lunch at this point.

Union Square Park also has a chess scene, so you could watch some games here – or play if you fancy your chances! There’s also a statue of George Washington here, and a farmer’s market on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

From Union Square Park, walk up Broadway to Madison Square Park .   The distance is 0.4 miles and should take approximately 8-9 minutes. On the way, if you’re peckish, there’s a great bakery called Levain Bakery a block or so off-course on 18th street. They do the most amazing thick and gooey cookies!

Madison Square Park is surrounded by gorgeous-looking skyscrapers from the early 20 th century, including the gold-topped New York Life Building and a clock tower, which was once the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company’s headquarters and is now a hotel.

However,  at the southwest corner of Madison Square Park is one of the first truly iconic buildings you will see on this walking tour of Manhattan: the Flatiron Building . The Flatiron Building is a 20-story steel-framed building that was built in 1902. Officially a New York City Landmark, it is well known and loved for its triangular shape with a narrow-angled corner facing north at the junction of Fifth Avenue and 23rd Street – it really is a marvel!

You’ve been walking a lot by this point, so you may want some refreshments and there’s a great option for that near the Flatiron building at Eataly , which has a great selection of different food counters and eateries in its complex.  My choice was an Italian gelato, which I took outside to eat in Madison Square Park.

Empire State Building

From Madison Square Park, you’ll see your next stop way before you reach it (although I’ve heard locals are rather annoyed by the emergence of a new skyscraper that obscures the view of the ESB from the south)!  Walk up Fifth Avenue towards the impressive and inimitable Empire State Building , which occupies an entire block between 33 rd and 34 th streets.   The distance is 0.5 miles and should take approximately 9-10 minutes. Along the way, there’s a popular rooftop bar nearby: 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar – in case you’re interested in getting an elevated view at this point.

Along the way, you can snap pictures of this Art Deco architectural masterpiece from various distances – the Empire State Building really does dominate Midtown! It was the tallest building in the world when it was built in 1931 and it held this record until the World Trade Centre towers went up in 1970. 

There are observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors of the Empire State Building, which give amazing panoramic views of New York City and six states.  Taking the view from the top of the Empire State Building is on many people’s New York bucket list.

However, if you only have an appetite (or time, or budget) for one observation deck, I personally think the Top of the Rock is better. And don’t worry – that is also on this walking tour of Manhattan!

From the Empire State Building, carry on up Fifth Avenue for 7 blocks until you come to the New York Public Library on the left.  The distance is another 0.5 miles and should take approximately 9-10 minutes. Along the way, be aware that the Morgan Library & Museum is a block over on 37th Street.

By this point, Fifth Avenue is like a man-made canyon: the road is a deep chasm between towering skyscrapers. But the next stop is not a high rise.

The New York Public Library is an NYC institution and has been providing access to books and information for more than 125 years. Even if you’re not in the market for some literature, the building itself is worth a detour from your walk. The Beaux-Arts style building, guarded by two marble lions called Patience and Fortitude, was built in 1911 and is a National Historic Landmark. The whole building is wonderful but the Rose Reading room, with its grand arched windows, chandeliers and rows of lamp-lit tables, is really stunning.

And if you’re a movie fan, like me, you may remember scenes from the New York Public Library in NYC-set movies like Ghostbusters, The Day After Tomorrow and Sex & The City: The Movie.

Once you’ve had your fill of the library itself, do check out the park behind it: Bryant Park is a handsome park with lots of seats and views of the surrounding skyscrapers, including the Art Deco American Radiator Building – and the very top of the Empire State Building.

Rockefeller Centre & Top of the Rock

From the New York Public Library, carry on up Fifth Avenue for another 8 blocks until you come to the Rockefeller Centre.  The distance is another 0.5 miles and should take approximately 9-10 minutes. 

At 42nd Street, look right for a glimpse of the Chrysler Building , which is a couple of blocks east of Fifth Avenue. This is my favourite skyscraper in Manhattan – I just love the elegant Art Deco style and silver finish. If you want to take a detour to see it, there’s a good viewpoint on Lexington Avenue, and you could stop by Grand Central Station at the same time. You’ll also start to see lots more shopping opportunities as you go further north on Fifth Avenue.

At Rockefeller Centre , I highly recommend you go to the observation deck in the Rockefeller Tower. It is called Top of the Rock and is 70 stories high with stunning views of the city – it is one of the best observation decks in New York City .  Looking northwards, you can see Central Park and uptown – It is amazing to see the park from so high up and to see just how huge it is, and to see those ornate towered buildings that line it on both sides. 

However, in my opinion, the best view is south, towards midtown and lower Manhattan.  Standing proud in the middle of this view is the Empire State Building. It really is the cherry on the top of the views of Manhattan. You can’t admire the view of the Empire State Building from the top of the Empire State Building, so that’s why I said earlier the view from the Top of the Rock is the best one.

The Rockefeller Centre is also a good place to grab a bite to eat.  At street level, there’s a restaurant with an outdoor terrace right by the fountains.  It’s not cheap – but it is scenic and the salads are great. And Radio City Hall is just down the street, in case you want to check that out while you’re there.

By the way, if you like views of NYC, you might consider staying in one of the hotels with the best views of New York City .

The Plaza Hotel & The Pulitzer Fountain

From the Rockefeller Centre, carry on up Fifth Avenue for another 9 blocks until the buildings give way to Central Park.  On the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street are the Pulitzer Fountain and the Plaza Hotel.  The distance is another 0.5 miles and should take approximately 9-10 minutes. 

On the way, just across from the Rockefeller Centre, on the right side of Fifth Avenue is the St Patrick’s Cathedral , its Neo-Gothic style contrasting with and dwarfed by the modern skyscrapers around it.

The shops become more high-end as you get closer to the park, including Saks Fifth Avenue opposite the Rockefeller Centre and the Tiffany & Co flagship store (made famous by the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, of course) at 57 th Street. And, just so you know, the Museum of Modern Art is on 53rd Street (but I don’t think you’ll have time to go in on this walking tour of New York).

The Plaza Hotel is another New York icon.  If I can continue my movie location theme, it features in The Way We Were and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. I can highly recommend the cocktails in the Champagne Bar , which is pretty good for people-spotting: I saw Princess Diana’s brother, the Earl of Spencer, there a few years ago.

The Pulitzer Fountain is opposite the hotel and was bequeathed by Joseph Pulitzer, who also established the journalism prizes. There are benches and trees around it, making it a nice spot to sit and rest, if you need it.

Once you get to Central Park, I say just have a good wander around – that’s what it is there for! Exploring Central Park is one of the best free things to do in New York . If you want to go as far as the Boathouse, the distance is approximately a mile, so will take 18-20 minutes if you walk non-stop – but of course, there is plenty to distract you in the park!

For example, you might come across talented skaters practising on the paths, or a free performance in the Naumberg Bandshell .  The Bethesda Fountain is a lovely spot, and it is lovely to watch the rowboats on the lake.

Loeb Boathouse has wonderful views over the lake. After completing this self-guided walking tour of Manhattan, you will have earned a rest and some refreshments!

If you still have some energy left, you could continue north and visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum , which is on the edge of Central Park. However, I should warn you that my friend and I did this and our feet felt pretty sore by that point!

When you’re ready for dinner, consider one of the unique restaurants in New York City . Or you could end the day with a cocktail in my favourite cocktail bar of all time, the Bemelmans Bar, in the Carlyle Hotel.

Map: Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Manhattan

Here’s a map of my free self-guided walking tour of Manhattan, with various attractions I have mentioned marked:

How To Use This Map : Click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each one.  If you click the star next to the map’s title, it will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu, go to ‘Your Places’ or ‘Saved’, then click Maps and you will see this map in your list.

Tips For This Walking Tour Of Manhattan

This walking tour of Manhattan is fairly long, so it will pay to be prepared:

• Wear comfortable shoes!
• Bring water and something waterproof in case the weather changes (& check the forecast in advance)
• Respect traffic & use crossings
• Be aware the streets of New York can be dirty, cracked and uneven (it’s a gritty city, but I still love it!)

And if this is your first time in New York City, check out these NYC tips for first-time visitors .

When To Go To New York City?

I think the best time to do this walking tour of Manhattan is in the shoulder seasons: March to May and September to October.  I originally did this on the last day of April, and it was glorious!

Don’t be put off visiting New York when it is colder, though: there are lots of things to do in New York in winter and so many things to do in NYC at Christmas .

Where To Stay In New York City

Here are a few places I have stayed in New York recently (in 2024):

The best hotel I’ve stayed in in NYC is, perhaps unsurprisingly, a luxury 5-star hotel: The Wall Street Hotel . It was spacious, plush, very comfortable, and came with all the amenities you could hope for. It was a wonderful oasis of calm to retreat to at the end of a day spent exploring the city. Service was great and the food and cocktails from the lobby bar were also top-tier.

A good 4-star option is the Nolitan , which has a contemporary urban style blending steel, concrete and velvet textures. I had fairly big room, with a balcony and a nice bathroom. They have a restaurant on site, but I opted to eat out in the neighbourhood – there are several good choices nearby on the north end of Mulberry Street. 

For a budget hotel, I was really pleased with my stay at the 3-star Pod 39 , in Midtown. It’s hard to find good low-priced accommodation with private bathrooms in Manhattan, but I was impressed with the package here. My single room was clean and space-efficient (small, but not too small). There was free coffee in the bar downstairs in the mornings, and they gave me a discount card for the rooftop bar.

The Last Word

I hope you like this self-guided walking tour of Manhattan! If you follow this route, do let me know how you get on. If you need more inspiration for NYC, check out this list of movies set in New York City , romantic things to do in NYC and unique things to do in NYC .

I’ve also written a 4-Day New York itinerary , showing how to make the best of a few days in the city, and a list of things to do in New York at night .

And if you are interested in more NYC walking tours, I did another one for Lower Manhattan !

Enjoy your walk in New York!

If you like this article, I'd be delighted if you shared it!

About The Author

Martha Knight

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4 thoughts on “walk new york: a free self-guided walking tour of manhattan”.

Martha, I love this free walking tour of NYC. I have visited NY many years ago, I have always wanted to return. It is a city that one can visit many times and never get bored. Great post.

Thanks so much, Gilda! I completely agree – I’ve been to NYC several times now and I would happily return again 🙂

This is great! Any suggestions of a hotel for 2 people on a budget along that path? Just a place to sleep, actually. We will be walking the entire day!

Thanks! On the trip I did this walking route, I stayed in an AirBnB in the East Village. I’ts tricky to find any low-cost accommodation in Manhattan, tbh – even hostels charge a lot! But, depending on your dates, you might find a bargain on Booking.com (affiliate link): https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?city=20088325&aid=2164994&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA

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