The Downtown Experience: Private Walking Tour

New York City , United States of America

The Downtown Experience: Private Walking Tour

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About this experience

Explore four major major areas of the downtown of New York City on this three-hour tour. From Chinatown, Little Italy, Wall Street, and Lower Manhattan we will bring you into the heart of what makes this city incredible.

Join us as we share the stories of how NYC came to be. From the reading of the Declaration of Independence to the thriving multicultural present of today. This tour is overflowing with exciting stories you’ll never forget and visits to many of the iconic places not to be missed.

What you'll experience:
Wall Street
Chinatown
Little Italy
Battery Park with views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
The Canyon of Heroes
City Hall Park
Civic Center
And so much more!

Available options

The Downtown Experience: Private Walking Tour

What's included

Professional, licensed New York City guide

Multiple historic neighborhoods of downtown NYC

Detailed itinerary

Begin in Battery Park and learn about New York Harbor with stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Stop 2

Visit the city's oldest park and hear the stories of the very beginning of the Revolutionary War.

Stop 3

Get up close and personal with the over 7,000-pound brass icon of Wall Street and learn of its origins and all the ways it gives good luck.

Stop 4

Witness the grandeur of one of NYC's most iconic buildings and hear the story of how the stock exchange came to be.

Live the history of one of the country's most powerful financiers and discover the secret of his building that you would never notice on your own.

Stop 6

Connect to the beginning of the United States of America at this spot where the government first began.

Stop 7

Stand in awe at the beauty of the favorite church of many of our founding fathers and visit the graveyard with some of the city's early leaders including Alexander Hamilton.

Stand in the spot where the Declaration of Independence was read. Then travel north through the center of the city's government seeing the Municipal Building, courthouses, and other stunning buildings that house our public officials.

Stop 9

Delve into the stories of the formation of this neighborhood and experience the vibrant culture that makes NYC's Chinatown one of the most exciting and vital parts of our city.

End the day in Little Italy and delight in the history and culture of this beautiful neighborhood.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

53 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Inside Battery Park at the SeaGlass Carousel. The nearest intersection is Water Street and State Street. The guide will be holding a BLUE flag.

Important notes

Check in with your guide in front of Pier A. They will be holding a BLUE flag.

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information