Walking Tours in NYC
Free Walking Tours of NYC That Explore The Sights at a Slow Walking Pace
There are many advantages in seeing New York City at a slow walking pace and one of those is the fact that a relaxing stroll through the streets of NYC can often be much more relaxing that the traditional whistle stop tours of NYC on a bus, cab or on a train – where if you blink you may miss it.
Big Apple Greeter Walking Tour of NYC
Tel: 212 669 8159
Visiting one of the biggest and busiest cities on earth can be a bit overwhelming for anyone. If you don’t know already know a friendly New Yorker to show you the introductory ropes, consider contacting this worthy non-profit organization for some help: Greeters are enthusiastic New Yorkers who like to share their city with visitors and provide a helping hand. Your personal Greeter will spend about 2-4 hours with you, show you some local haunts and how to use the subway. Your questions will be answered and you’ll learn about the city’s mainstream and some off the beaten path attractions, it’s gardens and diverse neighborhoods. Participation in the program is free, but 3 weeks notice is advisable. Big Apple Greeter is not a traditional public tour and does not have scheduled tours to which you can join at any time.
Discover New York Walking Tours
Tel: 212 935 3960 to make reservations
Discover New York is a tour series sponsored by the Municipal Art Society. These architectural and historical walking tours provide you with the seasoned expertise of the society while highlighting the best of New York City’s cultural and geographical diversity. Founded in 1893, The Municipal Art Society is a private, nonprofit organization whose original aim was to beautify New York with public art. It has adapted its goals to the times and today directs its efforts toward making New York a more habitable city (an enterprise welcomed by harried New Yorkers). It champions preservation in New York City by assisting organizations that need guidance with planning, land use, zoning and development issues. The Municipal Art Society has been critical in the survival of many historical buildings. The tours, which are led by architectural and urban historians, explore famous neighborhoods and districts such as Greenwich Village, the Flatiron District, and Wall Street. Ethnic historians lead tours of Little Italy and Chinatown and the Lower East Side, pointing out New York’s rich multicultural communities. Every Wednesday at 12.30 pm the society sponsors free tours of Grand Central Terminal. Since tours and meeting times vary, it is best to call ahead to request a listing of the upcoming scheduled tours. Reservations are not required for weekday walking tours, but they are sometimes necessary for Saturday walking tours.