226 activities in New York, United States Of America

Since its founding 400 years ago, New York City has been in a constant state of construction, with the Big Apple’s iconic skyline evolving year by year.

Highlights
- Visit the former Nabisco factory, now legendary Chelsea Market.
- Walk the High Line, NYC’s transformative community-run public space.
- See America’s largest dazzling mega-project Hudson Yards.
- Walk architecturally rich 34th Street to see iconic landmarks.
- Marvel at the Art Decor splendor of the Empire State Building.
- Learn how the visionary design of Grand Central Station reshaped NYC.

A spectacular array of styles span distinct historical and cultural periods that include: modern engineering masterpieces, Art Deco spires, and defining monuments to gleaming towers that earned NYC the nickname of “Skyscraper National Park.”

Not all of New York City's 700,000 buildings touch the clouds, and on the fascinating Private Architectural Tour of NYC, you will discover lesser-known structures too. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you will visit buildings and places that are transformative, or emblematic of an era or event in the city’s history. In each place, you will learn the backstories to the Big Apple’s pioneering architecture, the people, and the politics that made it happen.

Your first stop is Chelsea Market, formerly the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) factory, built in the 1890s but left derelict and a magnet for prostitution and criminal activity. The redevelopment was the brainchild of Irwin Cohen, who opened Chelsea Market to the public in 1997. Next, walk the High Line, New York’s innovative community-operated public park built on an old elevated rail track.

During this garden stroll, see first-hand an ambitious transformation of the dilapidated railway line to public space. In sharp contrast, your next stop is Hudson Yards - America’s largest private real estate development, and a super-engineered city-within-a-city.

Finally, you will walk 34th Street, Manhattan’s stretch of notable buildings that include: Macy's Herald Square, Javits Center, and the 102-story Art Deco Empire State Building, which was the world’s tallest building for nearly 40 years.

From here we will head to 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown to historic Grand Central Station, a building that provides a compelling insight into the formidable growth, and societal transformation, of one of the world’s most celebrated cities.

On this highlights tour of NYC, you will discover some of midtown Manhattan’s best known and much-loved attractions. First, you will get the chance to one of the most iconic transportation hubs in the United States— Grand Central Terminal. Catch a perfect view of the gleaming spire of the Chrysler Building, another of New York's Art Deco masterpieces, explore the New York Public Library where you will meet the giant stone lions, and enjoy Bryant Park—a lovely green oasis in the heart of Midtown. You will then continue to the crossroads of the world —Times Square— to view the news ticker on the One Times Square Building, the NASDAQ board, and the myriad neon signs.

Soaking up the bright lights, learn about the evolution of Broadway and how theatre transformed Times Square into one of the most famous destinations in the world. As your tour continues, you will see the beautiful, gothic St Patrick's Cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of New York. Heading north toward Central Park, you will have your chance to be part of the shopping mecca that is Fifth Avenue, abounding in old-world glamour.

Have the pleasure of seeing many of the historic buildings in the area dating back to 1900, as you head towards the recently restored art deco masterpiece— Radio City Music Hall.

A short walk will lead you to the Rockefeller Center, a magnificent complex of towering skyscrapers, where your guide will show you one of the great remaining art deco structures. You can admire some of the city’s best architectural and art deco masterpieces, like the Rockefeller Building, and Lawrie’s statue of Atlas.Your guide will happily give you plenty of suggestions for how to spend the rest of your day to delve into Midtown or direct you to the nearest metro, so you can explore other parts of Manhattan.

Important Information
・Masks are required inside all park buildings, regardless of vaccination status.
・Please note that this tour ends at the entrance of the "Empire State Building" with timed tickets to visit the observation deck at your own pace.
・There's a security check before you access the "Empire State Building" elevator.
・Please note that an interior visit to St.Patrick's Cathedral will only be possible if the Cathedral is open to visitors at the time of the tour.