Woodlawn Cemetery: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Gilded Age Art and Architecture

Bronx , United States

Woodlawn Cemetery: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Gilded Age Art and Architecture

Active

(2 reviews)

2h - 2h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Get the most out of Woodlawn Cemetery with this self-guided walking tour produced by an Emmy-nominated storyteller.

• Dig up scandalous stories of NYC's illustrious, eternally permanent residents
• Hear from Tom Darbyshire, a Creative Director from New York’s advertising industry whose passion for juicy stories and Woodlawn Cemetery inspired him to produce this VoiceMap tour
• Do it all in two-hours or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Available options

Woodlawn Cemetery: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Gilded Age Art and Architecture

What's included

VoiceMap App for Android and iOS

Lifetime access to this tour in English

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

Just minutes by subway from Manhattan you'll discover one of New York City’s best kept secrets, Woodlawn Cemetery. On this walking tour around the National Historic Landmark, a wonderland of architectural gems from the Gilded Age, I’ll tell you about some of the cemetery’s most illustrious residents.

Starting at Woodlawn Conservancy, I’ll point out the art and sculpture inside this cemetery, along with some of the more than 390 tree species inside this magnificently landscaped arboretum. As you’ll soon find out, the cemetry’s real treasures are not the grand crypts and mausoleums, but the fascinating stories of their fabulously rich and famous residents.

We’ll meet all the most memorable characters including Irene Castle, the dancer that invented every aspect of the ‘20s flapper look, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, the real-life inspiration for HBO's The Gilded Age, and Clude Fitch, Broadway’s most successful and forgotten playwright. You'll also see Anna Bliss' Titanic Memorial.

Our tour of this world-famous cemetery ends in front of the crypt of Barbara Hutton. She was known as the ”Poor Little Rich Girl,” who traded her vast fortune for titles, marrying (and divorcing) seven times, five times to royals.

What's not included

Food/Drink

Smartphone and headphones

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Bronx

The Bronx is a vibrant borough in New York City known for its rich cultural diversity, historic landmarks, and iconic sports venues. It's home to the famous Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Zoo, offering a mix of urban excitement and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Yankee Stadium

Home of the New York Yankees, this iconic stadium offers tours and baseball games.

Sports 2-4 hours for a tour, 3-4 hours for a game Moderate

Bronx Zoo

One of the largest zoos in the U.S., featuring a wide variety of animals and exhibits.

Nature 4-6 hours Moderate

New York Botanical Garden

A beautiful botanical garden with themed gardens, exhibitions, and events.

Nature 3-5 hours Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pizza

The Bronx is famous for its thin-crust pizza, often topped with fresh ingredients.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Empanadas

A popular Latin American pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.

Snack Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Pelham Bay Park Kayaking in the Bronx River Picnicking in Van Cortlandt Park Visiting the New York Botanical Garden Exploring the Bronx Museum of the Arts Attending a performance at the Bronx Music Heritage Center Swimming at Orchard Beach Ice skating at Van Cortlandt Park

Best Time to Visit

Late spring to early fall (May to September)

This is the best time to visit the Bronx for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The borough comes alive with festivals and events.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Other languages reflecting the borough's diversity
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe with some areas to be cautious in

The Bronx has a mix of safe and less safe areas. Stick to well-populated and tourist-friendly neighborhoods.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Use official taxis and public transport
• Avoid displaying valuables

Getting there

By air

LaGuardia Airport • 10 miles (16 km) from city center
John F. Kennedy International Airport • 20 miles (32 km) from city center

By train

Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, George Washington Bridge Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The subway system is the most efficient way to get around the Bronx. It's affordable and connects to all major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Fordham Riverdale

Day trips

Pelham Bay Park

5 miles (8 km) from city center • Half day

The largest park in New York City, offering hiking trails, beaches, and historic sites.

City Island

10 miles (16 km) from city center • Full day

A charming maritime village with historic homes, seafood restaurants, and scenic views.

Festivals

Bronx Night Market • Summer (June to September) Puerto Rican Day Parade • June

Pro tips

Visit the Bronx Zoo early in the morning to avoid crowds
Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs and fresh produce
Take a guided tour of Yankee Stadium for an insider's perspective
Try the local pizza and street food for an authentic Bronx experience
Check out the street art and murals in the South Bronx for a taste of the borough's creative culture