• Times Square / Theater District - The theater district is a distinctive aspect of New York’s architectural landscape. It’s remarkable that the Broadway theaters have endured as they have, largely due to the Shubert Trust. Alongside a wealth of other history, we explore the area’s transformation from the horse and carriage trade to a dynamic entertainment district, evolving from vaudeville to silent movies, and eventually radio and television—essentially the history of American commercial culture. We walk just a few blocks to the Midtown Business district of commercial enterprises.
• Midtown - We navigate through Midtown’s underground passages and corporate lobbies showcasing incredible art, while passing some of the finest examples of Modern and post-Modern architecture. Guests are welcome to pause for snacks, meals, and breaks throughout the tour.
• Central Park - The Park can be explored for 15 minutes or an hour, depending on the guest’s preference.
• Herald Square - We take the subway to Herald Square, Macy’s, and the Empire State Building. We stroll down Broadway towards Madison Square, uncovering the history of the old Tenderloin (the red-light district), the former theater district, and Tin Pan Alley. As we approach Madison Square, we encounter New York’s Gilded Age city center.
• Madison Square Park - We delve into the fascinating history of the area and the rise of the Gilded Age, the Industrial Era, electricity, and the telephone. We discover the reasons behind the architecture and the social cultures they represent.
• Greenwich Village - We take the subway to the Village, where guests can spend as much or as little time exploring as they wish.
• Washington Square Park - We walk through NYU territory and observe New Yorkers in one of the most iconic parks in history.
• SoHo - The cast iron buildings of SoHo are spectacular and unique as a business district of its size. Here, one can appreciate the different approach to business and the concept of a commercial building. Broadway has its own history in this part of town.
• Little Italy - We pass through Little Italy, which is almost an enclave within Chinatown.
• Chinatown - The tenements of Chinatown have a history that, in many ways, reflects life throughout the Lower East Side, with only the faces of the different immigrant groups changing over time. Chinatown is the longest-surviving community in the area of New York’s iconic immigrant waves.
• One World Trade Center - We can spend as much time as desired at the 9/11 Memorial.
• Hudson Yards - Hudson Yards and a subway ride offer one way to return to Times Square, or we could take the free bus.
• Brookfield Place - We take a bus, or perhaps walk, to Brookfield Place, the World Trade Center. We spend as much or as little time as desired. From here, we catch a commuter ferry back to Midtown.
• Hudson Yards - We take a ferry from Brookfield Place to Hudson Yards, one of the city’s newest developments. From there, we make our way to Midtown and conclude the day.

• Expert guide

• Lunch
• subway and ferry charges: ~$15
• Gratuities

This tour showcases the city’s most iconic areas in a single day, designed to immerse participants in its rich history and stunning architecture. The journey begins with an in-depth historical overview and the city’s expansion uptown through the island. Each neighborhood visited is accompanied by a comprehensive explanation of its unique architectural landscape.

Starting at Times Square, the tour proceeds through Midtown and along Fifth Avenue to Central Park, covering topics such as zoning, architecture, artwork, and history.

From Central Park, the tour moves downtown using public transit, exploring the city’s most renowned blocks and buildings, including Herald Square, Madison Square, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown, the Lower East Side, City Hall, the Financial District, and the World Trade Center.

The 9/11 Memorial serves as the final downtown stop before participants board a city commuter ferry up the Hudson River to Hudson Yards, eventually returning to Times Square and Midtown.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.