2 hours
E-voucher
English
Overview
Explore the rich history of New York's Upper West Side on a captivating walking tour that traces its evolution from wilderness to the current vibrant and coveted neighborhood. Starting at the American Museum of Natural History, delve into the Indigenous roots and the ambitious developments of the 1800s, including railroad expansion and the rise of iconic row houses. Discover how immigrants influenced the area's growth and hear tales of artists and activists who shaped its culture throughout the 20th century. The tour will showcase notable landmarks like the Dakota and Ansonia, concluding at Lincoln Center, a symbol of transformation.
The route spans about 3 miles at a relaxed pace, with a few spots to sit and take in the surroundings. It’s not a strenuous walk, but we’ll cover a bit of ground—comfortable shoes recommended!
Operated by
Walking the Heart of the Upper West Side
Itinerary
The Dakota
Guests will stand before the iconic Dakota, one of the most storied and striking buildings in New York. We'll explore its ornate Gothic Revival architecture and its role in shaping the Upper West Side. We'll learn about famous residents, including Theodore Steinway and Lauren Bacall. I’ll share stories that bring the building’s rich and sometimes haunting history to life—including the tragic 1980 event that made this location world-famous. As we take in its elegant façade and ironwork, I’ll connect the Dakota to broader themes of the neighborhood's evolution and the cultural figures who helped shape it.
10 minutesRiverside Park
We will learn about the development of this iconic avenue and park and pass by the iconic Mount Tom where Edgar Allen Poe famously wrote "The Raven."
10 minutesZabar's
We will learn about the influence of the Jewish immigrant community and how this manifested in one of the neighborhood's most iconic culinary institutions.
5 minutesThe Ansonia
One of the neighborhood's most ornate buildings, the Ansonia holds a wealth of interesting history, including espionage during World War I and the rise of Bette Midler.
10 minutesLincoln Center for the Performing Arts
We will learn about the convergence of New York's major performing arts institutions during the 1950s into a single campus. But the development of Lincoln Center is fraught with controversy, and the demolition of a minority neighborhood became the set for an incredibly famous film
8 minutes
Experience
Inclusions
- Admission fees
Additional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Guide Languages
English
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.