This island packs more stories per block than most cities do in a lifetime. It’s where million-dollar ideas, movie moments, and historic marches have all shared the same streets. One minute you’re passing a luxury hotel, the next you’re standing where a protest changed the course of history.
Manhattan has a rhythm all its own. Fast-paced, a little loud, but always full of energy. It’s business suits and Broadway lights. It’s a five-star restaurant located next to a street cart that has been serving the city’s best hot dogs for 30 years. It’s old money, new dreams, and everything in between.
This self-guided GPS audio tour is your insider pass to it all. Walk at your own pace while stories pop up right where they happened, with no stress and no schedule.
You’ll check out concert halls that launched legends. Peek into fancy lobbies that once hosted dueling millionaires. Find out why some buildings have gold roofs and why everyone stops for a picture in certain spots, even if they’re not sure why.
You’ll stroll past Fifth Avenue’s designer stores and hear about the feuds, fame, and flair behind the fashion. Theater enthusiasts will delight in learning how Broadway evolved from a daring experiment to a global stage. And just when it feels like it can’t get more impressive, the skyline throws in a few more surprises, like the gleaming Chrysler Building or the star-covered ceiling of Grand Central.
And the library? It has underground book tubes. Seriously.
Of course, the Empire State Building also makes an appearance. It’s not just tall, but iconic for a reason.
One tip before you go: Don’t try to see it all in one breath. Let Manhattan reveal itself bit by bit, one sidewalk story at a time.
Traveling for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Great timing. Several host cities also happen to be Action Tour Guide destinations. Use flexible self-guided audio tours to explore more between matches, with GPS-triggered stories that fit your schedule and pace.
With the New York Self-Guided Walking Tours Bundle, you unlock multiple NYC routes in one go, from Central Park and Midtown to Brooklyn, Wall Street, and Battery Park.
Want all of our tours? Upgrade to Action+:
- An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 200+ tours.
- Unlimited use throughout the year.
- Includes free access to new tours as they are released.
Manhattan Tour Map
Starting Point
There are 2 convenient places to join the tour route. Check the route map for green flag markers that indicate suggested starting points.
From Columbus Circle:
Columbus Circle, 848 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019, USA
Begin from Columbus Circle, 848 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019, USA
From Times Square:
207 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
You can also begin the tour from 207 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Manhattan Audio Tour
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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Columbus Circle
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7th Avenue
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Carnegie Hall
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Russian Tea Room
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The Ritz
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The Plaza
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Pulitzer Fountain
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Fifth Ave
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St Regis
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St. Patrick's Cathedral
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Saks Fifth Ave and Christmas Display
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The Rink at Rockefeller Center
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NBC Studios
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Radio City Music Hall
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Broadway
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Times Square
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42nd and Broad
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Bryant Park
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Chrysler Building
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Grand Central Terminal
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Main Concourse
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Library Way
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New York Public Library
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Empire State Building


