New York City Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

Welcome to the New York City Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

This comprehensive self-guided New York City Highlights walking tour of NYC covers top sights like Grand Central, Empire State Building, Times Square, Broadway, Rockefeller Center, the Chrysler Building, etc. 

Our New York city tours let you experience the city’s many wonders at your own pace. Do check our other New York city tours here.

About the Tour

This self-guided New York City Highlights Walking tour begins at the buzzing Columbus Circle, then heads to Carnegie Hall, where music legends have performed for over a century. Get the story behind the hall and its founder before moving on to the unbelievably ornate Russian Tea Room, a Manhattan staple since 1927.

Next, visit the city’s most famous hotels, the Ritz and the Plaza. These five-star digs aren’t just landmarks; they’re also packed with Manhattan history you’ll uncover during the tour.

After that, you’ll have the chance to snap a few photos of the famous Pulitzer Fountain before heading down Fifth Avenue, where New Yorkers come to get their high-end apparel from stores like Saks, Bergdorf, and Louis Vuitton.

Then on the Manhattan walking tour, head to the Saint Regis hotel and learn of the fierce legal dueling between the Astors and the Vanderbilts surrounding this gorgeous landmark.

The route continues to a place you’ve seen before Rockefeller Center is a must-see New York landmark from the iconic ice rink to the NBC studios in 30 Park. Afterward, it’s time to say hello to Broadway and get an inside glimpse at the city’s thriving theatre scene.

No tour of NYC would be complete without Times Square, so that’s up next! Tour this wild square and learn about its transformation from a criminal haven to a tourism hub.

If you’re ready to take a break from walking, the next stop is Bryant Park, a perfect little oasis that has also seen plenty of show biz magic over the years. When you’re ready to keep going, the following couple of sights are two of the city’s most astonishing architectural marvels: the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Terminal. Take in the stunning designs while learning how they came to be.

Then it’s on to the vast New York Public Library, which houses a staggering 125 miles of shelving and transports books from floor to floor using pneumatic tubes!

Finally, on the Manhattan walking tour, get the full, fascinating history behind the Empire State Building as you walk to New York’s most iconic skyscraper. This tour concludes at the Empire State Building.

Starting Point Address: Columbus Circle, 848 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019, USA

Discover the Hidden Treasures of NYC

Experience the energy and excitement of New York City like a true local with our NYC Like A New Yorker Self-Guided Walking Tours Bundle! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned NYC veteran, our bundle offers a unique perspective on the city’s rich history and culture. So, put on your walking shoes and get ready to discover the real New York City like a true New Yorker!