Upper West Side: Your Guide to Understanding NYC
Active
3h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Delve deep into New York City’s Upper West Side, an area rich in history, architecture, and cultural significance. This immersive tour, led by a local expert with over 35 years of experience in NYC, offers an insider’s view of this dynamic neighborhood. You’ll explore historic brownstones, European-style apartment houses, and hidden parks, as well as visit iconic film locations that have graced screens for decades. Discover how the Upper West Side has been shaped by waves of immigration, from its roots as an Irish and Italian enclave to its evolution into a backdrop for some of the most beloved TV shows and movies like You’ve Got Mail and Ghostbusters. Each tour is uniquely designed to combine cultural landmarks, architectural beauty, and local insights into the neighborhood’s ever-changing social fabric. We cater to both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers looking for an authentic NYC experience that goes beyond the typical tourist path.
Available options
Upper West Side: Your Guide to Understanding NYC
Pickup included
What's included
Visits to key cultural and historical landmarks
Guided walking tour of the Upper West Side with a professional NYC guide
Stops at unique film locations and cultural hotspots
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
You’ve Got Mail brownstone
Ghostbusters headquarters apartment building
Filming sites for Seinfeld, How I Met Your Mother, and Only Murders in the Building
2
West End Avenue – Stretches through the Upper West Side with grand pre-war buildings.
Riverside Drive – Parallel to Riverside Park with beautiful pre-war buildings.
3
Cultural Stops:
Century-old Italian market (likely Zabar’s: 2245 Broadway, NYC).
4
Parks and Green Spaces: Hidden park shaped by Broadway’s curve
5
Stop 5
Architectural Gems: Hidden bank with Grand Central-inspired architecture (e.g., Apple Bank for Savings: 2100 Broadway, NYC).
What's not included
Lunch
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
7 reviews
5★
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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