New York City Walking Tours:
Free and Discounted Gems!
New York City walking tours offer distinct advantages over other kinds of city tours. You'll get a focus on a particular interest or city area, adding a new dimension to your knowledge of the big apple. You’ll learn in a relaxed atmosphere while following a fascinating walking path in the company of a seasoned, knowledgeable guide.
So get out and see New York City, meet visitors and residents alike, and get some exercise! With so many free New York City walking tours and discounted New York City walking tours, you really have no excuse!
My Picks For FREE New York City Walking Tours Big Apple Greeters
A non-profit group that matches visitors with native New Yorkers who share their knowledge of the city they love! Visitors are matched with residents who have a particular expertise of a neighborhood or interest. New York City walking tours are available in 22 languages. No tipping allowed.
Central Park
Discover the park's history, ecology, and design on volunteer-led walking tours sponsored by the Central Park Conservancy. Choose from at least ten different walking tours, year round, that highlight several areas of Central Park. There is a tour for every taste and personality.
The Federal Reserve Bank
33 Liberty Street
This bank houses a portion of the world's largest GOLD reserves! Their vault holds more than $100 BILLION worth of gold ingots for more than 60 countries. Take the one hour tour which includes a walk through their gold vaults--very cool!
Grand Central Terminal
42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue
212-439-1049
Wednesdays, 12:30 PM, Information Booth, Main Concourse
A must for every visitor and resident. Led by a Municipal Art Society member, you’ll learn all about this Beaux Arts landmark including its history and restorations and you will gain access to very interesting areas of the terminal. ONE OF MY FAVORITE TOURS!
Grand Central Station Area
Fridays at 12:30 PM. Meet at the Sculpture Court of the Whitney Museum at Altria, located at the southwest corner of 42nd Street and Park Avenue
During the 90 minutes tour, you’ll discover the architecture and social history of the Grand Central neighborhood with an urban explorer, historian, and storyteller.
The Atlantic Avenue Subway Tunnel Tour
The Atlantic Avenue subway tunnel is officially the world's oldest subway tunnel. It was built in 1844, under a Brooklyn Street. It is a half-mile long and use to accommodate two standard gauge tracks. This is your chance to climb 'down under' and join Bob Diamond (he rediscovered the tunnel in 1980) for one of his fascinating, fully narrated, New York City walking tours that lasts about 1 1/2 hours. The popular tour meets at the old Independence Bank building (now a Trader Joe's grocery store) at the SW corner of Atlantic Avenue & Court Street, under the clock. Usually held on Sundays, reservations are required. Please call 718-941-3160 for reservations and further information or click on the above link.
Union Square
'Union Square: Crossroads of New York' explores the social and political history of the Union Square neighborhood through discussions of the people, history, architecture, and forces that have shaped this community. You’ll hear how Union Square got its name, see where the legendary Tiffany & Co. once stood, and learn how to read the clock (yes, it’s a clock!) on “The Metronome” sculpture and more!
Wall Street
Every Thursday and Saturday at Noon, rain or shine!
During this 90-minute guided walking tour of Wall Street, you’ll learn about the history, events, architecture and people of Downtown—the birthplace of New York. You’ll visit the U.S. Custom House, Wall Street, Trinity Church, the New York Stock Exchange and other fantastic sites.
New York City By Foot
offer free, tip-based walking tours of New York City including Lower Manhattan, Midtown (Times Square, Theater District, Grand Central, St Patrick's, etc), Historic Districts (Soho, Little Italy, Movie and TV locations), Greenwich Village and Central Park. Again, these tours are free, but guides accept tips.
There are many other excellent New York City walking tours from which to choose. Here are my picks for the exceptional ones, along with discounts!
Big Onion Walking Tours
Tour leaders hold advanced degrees in American history or a related field from leading universities, including Columbia, CUNY, New York, Michigan, Rutger’s and Stanford. Tours vary from a Multi-Ethnic Eating Tour, to the Greenwood Cemetery, to Revolutionary New York. Two tours a day, rain or shine.
DISCOUNTS: Prepay for five Big Onion tours ($75 for adults and $60 for students & seniors) and the sixth walk is free.
Joyce Gold’s History Tours of NYC
As an Assistant Professor of Manhattan History at New York University and The New School since 1980, as well as the author of numerous books on New York City including the Encyclopedia of the City of New York, you just can’t find a more knowledgeable tour guide! The New York Times Called Ms. Gold “The Doyenne of New York City Tour Guides.” A walking tour leader since 1976, join one of her many tours from The Hidden Charms of Chelsea, to Gangs of New York and the Bloody Five Pointso, to The Famboyant and the Bohemian-Greenwich Village and How it Became Famous. Each tour is filled with history, interesting facts, and fun.
DISCOUNTS:$2 discount per ticket when you mention NYC Visitor Discounts”
92nd Street Y
1395 Lexington Avenue
This Y offers an amazing number of walking tours throughout all the boros. Tours vary in length. The tour of Jewish Williamsburgh is fascinating!
DISCOUNTS: Show Your AAA card and receive a 10% discount. 92 Street Y members receive a discount.
Walking Tours Manhattan
If you are a foodie, which I am, you'll enjoy Bruce's vast array of unique walking tours in Manhattan. Choose from the "Cupcake Crawl" where you'll visit 4 of the best bakeries, the "Greenwich Village Food Tour," the "Soho/Little Italy/Chinatown Food Tour" where you'll enjoy a full lunch from 5 unique food places, the "Chocolate Factory Tour," (does life get any better? I don't think so), and many, many more. The price is very, very reasonable: just $10.
DISCOUNTS: Mention NYC Visitor Discounts and save $2.00, bringing the price to just $8.00!
Best Transportation to New York City Walking Tours Meeting Spots
By Subway:
Need help in determining how to best route out your trip? Use this subway map or automatic trip planner!
For information on subway fares, metrocards and more click here!
By Bus:
If you'd like to use the bus to get to the walking tour meeting spot, Use this bus map to help!
By Car:
Need parking deals? You'll be amazed at the deals I've found. Click here for the best ones around.
By Foot:
Use your handy street map and follow the easiest route to your walking tour's meeting spot.
What To Bring On Your Walking Tour
When you take a walking tour, be sure to pack the essentials. This will help to enhance your day! Forgetting something as simple as a band-aid, can ensure that you'll develop a blister during your walk--and THAT can really put a damper on your outing! Be prepared by checking out my tips in the "what to place in your backpack" section of my packing list! You'll be glad you did!
Traveling with Kids?
If you are traveling with children, check out my best tips for keeping crankiness to a minimum! I guarantee that there is AT LEAST one tip that will help you during your holiday. Click here and scroll down to the very bottom of the page.
Leave New York City Walking Tours; Go To Home Page
Go To Sitemap
Have A Great Story or Suggestion About This Topic?
Do you have a great story about this? Share it!
|
