The 6 Coolest Walking Tours in New York

To hear the real voice of New York, it is not enough to go down the subway or open the window of a yellow taxi. In order to be on the same wavelength with the city, it is sometimes worth slowing down and arranging a date with New York tête-à-tête. Time Out has compiled a list of walking tours where you can immerse yourself in the city’s art and architecture.

In New York, you can see something interesting on every corner: beautiful graffiti, mystical buildings, iconic landmarks. During such walks, not only tourists, but also local residents can discover something new.

1. From Manhattan to Brooklyn

To discover the hidden treasures of New York, one has only to go beyond the island. The tour will not delve into Brooklyn, but you will still feel the spirit of this picturesque borough. Start in front of the Tweed Courthouse in Manhattan, then cross the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy views of the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. After crossing to the other side, you will explore the cute Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) area, visit the art galleries and end up with a pleasant visit to the Torres chocolate factory and hot chocolate shop.

You can book an excursion here.

2. Superhero walk through New York

Whether you’re a fan of Batman, Spider-Man or the Fantastic Four, discover that New York from the comics. Stop by the Empire State Building, a key location in countless superhero adventures. The Flatiron building, which housed the Daily Bugle, Peter Parker’s workplace. The Chrysler Building, where his spidery alter ego kept an eye on the villains. Also visit the headquarters of Marvel Enterprises and the secret bar where comic book artists have been drawing on the walls for over 50 years.

You can book an excursion here.

On the subject: Excursions to the ‘forbidden’ places of New York: how to see locations that are not in the guidebooks

3. Photographic walking tour of New York

During this group tour, the city will become your canvas. A professional photography instructor will take you to a unique location of your choice: Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square will be your sitters at night. The Photomaster will provide practical instructions on how to best capture the unforgettable moments of your trip. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to shoot clear images in low light or how to get the perfect angle, then this tour is for you.

You can book a tour here

Much of New York’s culture is built on the legacy of diverse immigrant groups. In the southernmost part of Manhattan, you will hear about the two main ones: Chinese and Italians. Start in New York’s sprawling Chinatown, which is home to quirky Chinese restaurants as well as Vietnamese, Thai and Malaysian eateries. Head straight from there to Mulberry Street, Little Italy, where you can enjoy a variety of culinary treats. You’ll also see the World Trade Center, Fraunces Tavern Historic District (Manhattan’s oldest neighborhood) and beautiful Trinity Church.

You can book an excursion here.

Don’t be distracted by the cherry blossoms and beautiful landscape in Washington Square Park: it has a rather bleak past. Rumor has it that the 310-year-old Hangman’s Elm in the park’s northwest corner was the site of several historic executions, and some believe that the ghosts of those killed still roam the area. Discover the supernatural history of the park and other chilling places in Greenwich Village on a haunted evening tour. You’re not afraid of the dark, are you?

You can book an excursion here.

The murals, graffiti, and stencils hidden all over New York give this city character, but they’re hard as hell to find on Google. Track down these (often illegal) masterpieces on a tour of The Bushwick Collective’s open-air art gallery. A local artist will guide you and show you examples of the work of early graffiti artists Blek Le Rat and Jef Aérosol, as well as new school artists Eelco Virus and Icy and Sot.

You can book an excursion here.