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.
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.
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 500 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
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:
-
01
NYC Lower East Side Food and Culture Small-Group Tour
Walking Tour in Civic CenterOur Highlight
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 500 positive reviews, it’s the most popular walking tour in New York of them all!
-
02
Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour
Walking Tour in WilliamsburgOur Highlight
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
High Line Park and Greenwich Village Food Tour
Walking Tour in Hudson YardsOur Highlight
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!
-
04
Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest
Walking Tour in ChinatownOur Highlight
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
Flatiron Food, Architecture, and History Tour
Walking Tour in Flatiron District
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.
-
06
NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour
Walking Tour in Lower East SideOur Highlight
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!
-
07
2-Hour Cupcake Tour of Greenwich Village
Walking Tour in 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.
-
08
Greenwich Village Pizza Walk
Walking Tour in Greenwich Village
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.
-
09
A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour
Walking Tour in East VillageOur Highlight
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!
-
10
New York West Village Food Tour
Walking Tour in West Village
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!
-
11
High Line Park and Greenwich Village Food Tour
Walking Tour in Hudson YardsOur Highlight
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!
-
12
New York: Midtown Manhattan Street Food Walking Tour
Walking Tour in Midtown Manhattan
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!
-
13
Williamsburg Brooklyn Food Tasting and Walking Tour
Walking Tour in Williamsburg
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.
-
01
Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour
Walking Tour in Bushwick
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.
-
02
Sidewalks and Skyscrapers: Street Art Is This Way
Walking Tour in SoHo
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!
-
03
Private Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour
Walking Tour in Bushwick
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.
-
01
Hamilton Musical Walking Tour
Walking Tour in Financial DistrictOur Highlight
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.”
-
02
Alexander Hamilton's Haunts and Hangouts Tour
Walking Tour in Financial District
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
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.
-
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
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!
-
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
-
01
NYC Private Walking Tour
Walking Tour in Theatre DistrictOur Highlight
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!
-
02
Manhattan Neighborhood Private Customized Walking Tour
Walking Tour in Greenwich Village
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
-
01
NYC Grand Central Terminal Self-Guided Walking Tour
Walking Tour in Midtown Manhattan
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
-
01
Central Park Conservancy
Walking Tour in Midtown Manhattan
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.
-
02
Grand Central Partnership
Walking Tour in Midtown Manhattan
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.
-
03
Friends of the High Line Walking Tours
Walking Tour in West Village
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!
You'll love this:
