Top New York Architecture Tours

Go beyond the suits of Wall Street and discover the artistic side of New York’s financial district during a relaxed, small-group walking tour of its most impressive buildings and art installations. Discover the eclectic mix of architectural styles which span four centuries and marvel at modern sculptures, stained glass windows, and more. Come away with a greater understanding of—and appreciation for—New York’s corporate heart.

Midtown Manhattan is home to many of the Big Apple’s most celebrated architectural feats, but this busy corner of New York City is often overlooked. Ideal for architecture lovers, this in-depth, small-group tour takes visitors on a rollicking ride through NYC history—as told through the city’s buildings. Untangle the fascinating strands of social, cultural, technological, real estate and zoning law histories, all while exploring storied Manhattan landmarks.

Midtown Manhattan is home to many iconic New York landmarks, but ticking them all off when you're short on time can be tough. Make the most of your time in NYC on a small-group walking tour, where your guide shares the secrets and history of each. See the insides of art deco skyscraper masterpieces, and enjoy countless photo opportunities. Some highlights include the New York Public Library, the Chrysler Building, New York Public Library, Grand Central Terminal, and Rockefeller Center.

Discover a new appreciation for the New York City skyline as you learn about the many architectural styles of Midtown Manhattan. Join your guide at The Plaza for a stroll through the streets of Midtown, learning about the history of more than 20 landmark buildings and their significance in the Big Apple.

Enjoy one of the best views of New York City from the Edge Observation Deck in Hudson Yards. Prebook your admission ticket to guarantee your preferred time slot, or upgrade for anytime tickets or priority access. Start on the 4th level to enjoy several interactive indoor installations featuring light, reflections, sound, and other interactive elements. Then head to level 100 for sky-high views over Manhattan.

Step back in time to the Gilded Age—and spot some of the grandest mansions and historic landmarks of Manhattan’s Upper East Side—on this immersive walking tour. Strolling along the storied Fifth Avenue, you’ll discover sights and stories that you wouldn’t spot on your own, from the oldest building on Millionaire’s Row and historic bookstores and art museums to the last single-family mansion in the area, and more.

Go beyond traditional walking tours with this tour focused solely on the architectural history of New York City's Financial District. Uncover the history of the area through its buildings, learning about old and new structures alike from your guide. Trace the federal, Gothic revival, art deco, modernist, and contemporary styles all within this one area. This small-group tour ensures you get plenty of personal attention and meet fellow architecture and history buffs.

Discover another side of Manhattan’s ever-busy Midtown neighborhood—and explore details that most visitors overlook—during this walking tour. Venture beyond the tourist traps while you learn about people who contributed to the area's history, from the holdouts who refused to sell their properties to developers to the landlord who overplayed his hand.

Manhattan is filled with architectural gems but knowing the best angles to capture them from can be tricky. Capture memorable photographs of NYC landmarks on this photography small-group photography tour that takes you to Times Square, Grand Central Station, the Chrysler Building, and more. Get tips and tricks on capturing perfect images and mastering light so you come away with crisp, well-composed shots you might never achieve independently.

Devour the food and discover the history of NYC's Flatiron and Union Square neighborhoods on a private walking tour. Be sure to come hungry as you’ll enjoy a famous Reuben (vegetarian option available), grilled cheese, and a sweet treat, all made by hand at iconic New York City eateries. Sightseeing highlights include Union Square Green Market, Madison Square Park, and the Flatiron building.

Discover the architectural treasures of Midtown Manhattan over the course of a few hours. Learn the stories behind landmarks like the Empire State Building, Bryant Park, and the Chrysler Building. Admire architectural flourishes like the Chrysler Building’s giant eagles, which were used in lieu of traditional gargoyles, and the constellation-adorned ceiling of Grand Central Terminal.

Explore the heart of Lower Manhattan on this guided walking tour through some of New York City’s most iconic neighborhoods. Stroll the charming streets of the West Village and Greenwich Village, discover the artistic energy of SoHo, and experience the rich cultural history of Little Italy and Chinatown. Along the way, hear fascinating stories, see famous landmarks, and get a true feel for the diverse character that makes downtown Manhattan unforgettable.

Discover the secrets of a New York City landmark on this small-group Brooklyn Bridge walking tour. As you stroll over the more-than-a-century-old granite and limestone structure, your guide gives you the inside scoop on stories that range from love locks to an old Cold War fallout shelter. Get a unique perspective as you explore below the bridge with your guide.

Get a new perspective on New York City and capture photos of the city's urban extremes on this photo walk. In the company of a professional photographer guide and small group of no more than four, stroll around downtown Manhattan and seek out some of New York City's most unique gems, focusing on architecture, street scenes, and more.

The Flatbush neighborhood in Brooklyn is a picturesque area renowned for its magnificent collection of Victorian homes. With this private walking tour, get to know the Victorian subsection of this historic district and admire its striking 19th-century architecture, including historic mansions, a hidden tennis club, and a church that dates back to 1654.

Discover the highlights of New York’s Upper West Side, without putting any research in, thanks to this self-guided scavenger hunt walking tour. As well as learning about local landmarks, you can also play along with special challenges to keep things interesting. Places showcased along the way include Central Park, Sherman Square, and Richard Tucker Park.

Explore New York City at your own pace with this private self-guided audio walking tour. Download the audio tour to your phone and use it offline. Stroll the city in your own time and learn about its history and the significance of many famous sites. Note that entrance tickets to museums or sites are not included.

Explore New York City your way, at your own pace and schedule—and enjoy a cost-effective option for discovering many of the city’s top sights and neighborhoods—using this smartphone audio walking tours package. Download the app and receive six tour itineraries, which cover Central Park, Grand Central Station, Midtown Manhattan, Battery Park, Brooklyn, and Wall Street.

Discover two of Brooklyn’s most in-demand neighborhoods—and enjoy a totally flexible, cost-effective way to explore—with this self-led smartphone audio walking tour. Upon booking, download the app, make your way to the start point, and set off at a time that suits you best. You’ll see historic monuments, top-notch views of the Manhattan skyline, and will learn the stories behind the sights.

Learn the history of Greenwich Village while solving challenges and unlocking clues to your next destination on this self-guided scavenger hunt walking tour. Explore local landmarks and monuments, such as New York University and the Gay Liberation Monument, while listening to facts and local legends as you visit various attractions around the neighborhood.

Get an insider’s perspective on the thriving waterfront arts district of DUMBO during this small-group walking tour. Explore the neighborhood with a local arts expert, combining photo-ready views with an in-depth overview of the evolving Brooklyn hotspot. Highlights include stops at Brooklyn Bridge Park and Manhattan Bridge, a stroll through Brooklyn Flea and Time Out markets, and a local artist studio visit.

Hiding in plain sight is some absolutely *stunning* architecture in NYC that has been turned into...a Home Depot, a Container Store, a TJ Maxx - once majestic marvels of the Gilded Age in NYC where the Astors and Vanderbilts would shop for finery! Learn about Ladies' Mile, the historic district where women could finally travel solo and gather with other women, bolstering the movement for suffrage. Hear all about the rivalries and new ideas of historic retail icons like R.H. Macy (seafarer turned entrepreneur), A.T.Stewart (whose grave robbery is still a big mystery) & Isidor Straus (who died on the Titanic). Explore how ready-to-wear fashion took hold in the US, how advertising matured from street barkers to collectible cards to dazzling window displays, and what happened to all of these grand palaces of consumerism. **This is an outdoor walking tour - we will be viewing buildings from outside.**

Learn about the many facets of climate change in New York City on this guided cruise led by a member of the American Institute of Architects. Step aboard a 1920s-style yacht to learn how climate change is affecting the city, as well as about the actions being taken to mitigate potential threats. Pass by green buildings, sustainable parks, renewable energy sites, recycling plants, and the future home of an offshore wind turbine.