Top New York City Architecture Tours

Avoid the mobs of people sightseeing on land, and opt for this Manhattan architecture yacht cruise instead. From the teak deck of the boat, learn about New York City's architectural landmarks as you circumnavigate the island and listen to the 'Around Manhattan' narration provided by members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). One beer or glass of wine is provided, as well as soda.

Millions of travelers pass through Grand Central Terminal, but most never discover the secrets of this Manhattan showpiece. This tour lifts the lid: spotlighting the origins and evolution of the beaux arts train station from its heyday to disrepair and restoration. Spot detail and design quirks; and hear stories of its past that will give you a deeper understanding of the building than you could get alone.

See two of New York City’s most iconic and picturesque neighborhoods, Flatiron and Union Square, on this food, architecture, and history walking tour. Try tastings at some of the most unique food stops in the city. Visit Caffe Lavazza at Eataly Market, an epic artisanal Italian food emporium. Also, enjoy a classic New York pastrami sandwich from a historic spot and try Big Apple’s best grilled cheese sandwich.

Take an underground trip through New York City history on this walking tour of the subway system. Your guide will describe the origins and lore of the city's underground transit while showing you overlooked corners, hidden art installations, and remnants of lost architectural wonders. The tour takes place in publicly accessible stations, so you'll need to pay subway fare to enter.

Midtown Manhattan is home to many iconic New York landmarks, and during this small-group walking tour, you can look forward to discovering most of them in the span of just a few hours. Meet your guide in a convenient location, and set off on a stroll that makes many indoor stops, with a focus on several art deco skyscrapers, a great option any time of the year. Some highlights include the New York Public Library, the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal, and Rockefeller Center.

Get the inside scoop on one of New York City's oldest and wealthiest neighborhoods during this popular Tribeca walking tour that showcases landmark buildings and 300 years of Manhattan history. Whether you're visiting or a native New Yorker, get a new perspective on the posh enclave, and learn how it was transformed from farmland into an exclusive New York address beloved by celebrities.

Discover the people, cultures, and arts of Greenwich Village on a walking tour that takes you through 400 years of New York City's history. Led by a native New Yorker, wend your way slowly through the winding village streets, and discover the hangouts of artists, writers, and gangsters throughout Greenwich Village. Your guide may customize the tour based on your interests.

Many visitors pass through the Rockefeller Center without taking the time to fully appreciate the artistry of the art deco complex. On this tour, explore deeper and get a close-up look at the murals, sculptures, bas-reliefs, and other decorative features of the Rockefeller Center, listening to informative commentary as you go.

Alexander Hamilton spent much of his life in New York City, and many locations tied to his personal and public life can still be visited—if you know where to look. With this walking tour, explore the city through the eyes of a Founding Father. Hear stories about his life and death as you explore Zuccotti Park, the New York Stock Exchange, and Wall Street, as well as Hamilton’s tomb and favorite bar.

Enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, New York Harbor, and Statue of Liberty when you book this sunset cruise. Make your own way to Pier 36, hop aboard your vessel, and take to the water just as the sun starts to set. During your excursion, you’ll glide past Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges—and will enjoy marvelous views of the skyline as the lights start to come on.

Get the best view in all of New York City from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Plaza. Soak up three floors of indoor and outdoor viewing areas and admire the Big Apple’s popular landmarks, such as One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and more.

Hudson Yards is one of New York's most cutting-edge private real estate developments and the largest of its kind in the United States. On this walking tour, discover the secrets of the skyscraper-filled Manhattan complex and learn about the resources and engineering ingenuity that went into its creation. Walk the High Line, an elevated promenade built on abandoned railroad tracks, and visit the 'Vessel'.

Enjoy a New York City evening on the water during this 2-hour twilight cruise. Take in views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline while the sun sets, and order drinks from the on-board bar (own expense). This is a great way to start a night out in the Big Apple.

Get the inside story on the architecture that defines Manhattan’s skyline with a private walking tour of Midtown—the bustling heart of New York City. From the Empire State Building and other iconic skyscrapers to functional landmarks like Grand Central Station and the New York Public Library, see many of the city’s most impressive historic buildings while learning about their history and the preservation efforts that keep them gleaming for future generations.

Combine an introduction to Manhattan with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge in just a few hours, saving time with a guide who knows the best ways around the city to see more in less time. Walk from Manhattan to the trendy Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn, and cross the Brooklyn Bridge. Your guide tells you NYC history and fun city facts as you stroll.

See New York City’s breathtaking skyline and the many iconic sights of the city on this helicopter flight. Soar over the Big Apple with an exclusive sightseeing tour of the Manhattan skyline and beyond, including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, and Central Park, to name just a few, plus Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and much more. Then continue to see Brooklyn, Staten Island and more. A variety of departure times are available throughout the day to fit into almost any schedule.

Get unobstructed views of the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty on this helicopter tour. With a small group of just six people or fewer, you'll enjoy an intimate atmosphere while hovering above New York's most famous attractions. Listen to in-depth commentary from your guide, see more of the city in less time, and take advantage of the chance for epic aerial photo ops from your bird's-eye view of Manhattan.

Ditch your smartphone and guidebook to delve deeper into the history of New York City with a guide on this small-group walking tour. Stroll through Lower Manhattan—the site of the original 17th-century Dutch settlement known as New Amsterdam—and unravel its history and evolution as you visit its historical locations. See Wall Street, Bowling Green, and more; and hear tales and insight about the early city that many miss.

Discover how to achieve the best shots of the Big Apple’s iconic landmarks on this photography tour with a pro photographer. Rather than wasting time hunting for suitable subjects and using trial and error; get hands-on tuition to quickly find the best locations, pick up the right techniques, and learn how to frame and shoot perfect images. Stops include the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and other highlights.

Experience the highlights and hidden gems of Midtown Manhattan in a unique way through this fun scavenger hunt. Download the app to your phone, then follow clues and complete challengers to unlock secrets behind top landmarks like the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center, and to discover hidden gems, like the oldest magic shop in New York, midtown’s secret Bermuda Triangle, and more.

Explore Manhattan more easily, quickly, and smoothly than you could on foot or public transport on this bike tour. Pedal through Lower Manhattan, breeze along the waterfront, discover Central Park, and explore Midtown; all without worrying about navigation or whether you’ve covered the must-sees. Check out Little Italy, SoHo, and more; learn tales of the sights you’d miss otherwise, and enjoy a break for lunch (own cost) on route.

Live out a bucket-list experience—and enjoy one-of-a-kind views of New York—on this small-group helicopter flight. Choose from multiple start times and make your own way to the departure point in Kearney, New Jersey. Then, take to the skies: you'll soar over the skyscrapers of Manhattan, will admire the Statue of Liberty from the air, and will learn more about the sights from your pilot's commentary.

New York City is home to some of the most important architectural and historical sites in the country, and can be an overwhelming destination to tour on your own. With this Midtown tour, take in the top landmarks with a guide in just hours. Enjoy the personal attention of a small group while exploring sites like Madison Square Park, the Flatiron, MetLife, and Empire State Buildings, and New York Public Library.

Grand Central Terminal is one of New York’s most visited landmarks and architectural gems, and beyond the rush-hour bustle, the station offers up its fair share of surprises. With this private walking tour, discover Grand Central’s hidden corners and see parts of the station even locals don’t know about. Learn about the station’s hidden tennis court, see its backwards ceiling, and learn fascinating facts about its long history.