Blog Archives - City Walks NY https://citywalksny.com/category/blog/ New York City Tour Guides Fri, 13 Jun 2025 18:52:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 The Hidden House https://citywalksny.com/the-hidden-house/ https://citywalksny.com/the-hidden-house/#respond Fri, 13 Jun 2025 18:52:28 +0000 https://citywalksny.com/?p=7008 On the corner of Charles and Greenwich Streets in New York’s Greenwich Village, you’ll find a little wood framed house with odd angles and corners. It’s only two stories tall and, though it appears to be plastered against the side the neighboring, it is architecturally a stand alone structure. This charming little house is known […]

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On the corner of Charles and Greenwich Streets in New York’s Greenwich Village, you’ll find a little wood framed house with odd angles and corners. It’s only two stories tall and, though it appears to be plastered against the side the neighboring, it is architecturally a stand alone structure.

This charming little house is known as the Goodnight Moon house. It began as a farmhouse on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, built in the middle of the 19th Century.  At that time is was known as Cobble Court because it was surrounded by cobblestones in its courtyard. In the 1940s Margaret Wise Brown rented the little house for a writing studio and there wrote the children’s book Goodnight Moon.  She also described it in her book The Hidden House, “It was a little house in the middle of a big city. And nobody knew it was there. It had been there for years and years, for over a hundred years, forgotten. And there it stood in a hidden garden in the middle of a big block of skyscrapers.”

Brown wrote most of her 100 children’s books at Cobble Court, including her perennial bestsellers, The Runaway Bunny, Mr. Dog: The Dog Who Belonged to Himself, and Goodnight Moon. The fireplace pictured in Goodnight Moon is said to be the Cobble Court fireplace

The house was facing demolition in the 1960s. Tenants Sven and Ingrid Bernhard negotiated to move the house rather than see it destroyed. In 1967, Cobble Court was transported on a flatbed truck to its current location at 121 Charles Street in Greenwich Village, where it remains a private residence and a literary landmark.

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Why Is New York So Popular? https://citywalksny.com/why-is-new-york-so-popular/ https://citywalksny.com/why-is-new-york-so-popular/#respond Thu, 26 May 2022 12:25:11 +0000 http://citywalksny.com/?p=6761 With around 66.6 million visitors each year, New York City is the world’s capital city! Inspiring  countless iconic films, novels, TV shows, and other works of art, New York casts a spell quite unlike anywhere else. If you lived during the peak period of the Roman Empire, wouldn’t you want to visit the City of […]

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With around 66.6 million visitors each year, New York City is the world’s capital city! Inspiring  countless iconic films, novels, TV shows, and other works of art, New York casts a spell quite unlike anywhere else. If you lived during the peak period of the Roman Empire, wouldn’t you want to visit the City of Rome?

Many first-time tourists to New York find the trip an uncanny experience. They walk down a street or step out of a cab and recognize locations they’ve seen hundreds of times before on their TV screens. A visit to New York can feel like returning home rather than encountering somewhere new. New York is the quintessential global city. However, the feeling of familiarity passes quickly. It soon becomes apparent that New York has depth quite unlike anywhere else. You can’t tick New York off your list after a long weekend. New York requires repeat visits. You could spend a lifetime exploring New York, and you’d never exhaust the city’s experiences and stories.

New York is about attitude and atmosphere. It’s a city that is endlessly creative, frustratingly enigmatic, mightily big, and more rewarding than just about anywhere you’ve been before! Sure, we’re New Yorkers, and we’re biased. But in our many years of experience providing Sightseeing Tours of NYC, we’ve seen guest after guest fall under New York’s spell.

Join us today to explore just a few reasons why New York is so incredibly popular.

New York City is a Star…

From Woody Allen’s Manhattan to Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing, Hitchcock’s Rear Window to the Ghostbusters franchise, New York has taken a starring role in a near endless list of classic movies. Moviegoers and moviemakers alike are transfixed by the city’s rough diamond charm.

New York can be as romantic as it can be menacing. New York can look old in one neighborhood and be a shining beacon of modernity a mere block away. The diversity of New York’s districts, its mix of architectural styles, and its wealth of famous sites make it the perfect place to point a camera. 
Whether you’re a Friends fanatic or dreamed of retracing Audrey Hepburn’s steps from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, you’ll love spotting all the cinematic locations around New York City. And as you hail an iconic yellow cab or step out onto Times Square, you might feel like a character starring in your very own movie.

Superheroes Come From New York

It feels like comic books have come to dominate the world in recent years. Hollywood is breaking one record after another with each release of the latest DC or Marvel Universe movie release. And almost all the major characters are linked to New York somehow!

Among popular Marvel superheroes, Spider-Man, Daredevil, Iron Man, and The Avengers have made New York their home. Spider-Man (aka Peter Parker) may just be Marvel’s most recognizable New Yorker superhero, and it’s easy to imagine Spidey swinging from building to building as you gaze up at Manhattan’s skyscraper-filled cityscape.

DC has also rooted its characters in New York. Although Batman lives in fictional Gotham City and Superman in Metropolis, both cities have been heavily influenced by New York. Gotham seems inspired by New York at night, with a noirish feel – neon lights and steam rising from the pavements. On the other hand, Metropolis seems to hark back to a golden age of art deco skyscrapers, streetwise reporters.
Anyone interested in superheroes should consider joining us for one of our Superheroes of Gotham Tour, where we delve into the history of some of the comic world’s most iconic figures and look at important filming locations from the movies.

New York is a City for Art Lovers

New York is loaded with art as we showcase our NYC Art of Transit Tour. New York won’t disappoint any culture vultures. There is a huge amount to see, from the city’s bold, colorful street art to the masterpieces at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Our Art of Transit tour takes guests on a tour of the hundreds of artworks on display in the New York subway system. From poetry to sculpture and murals, the art of the underground ensures that no commute in New York is ever dull.

The collections at the New York Met are vast and should not be missed by any self-respecting art lover on vacation in New York. Head there to see masterpieces from Jan van Eyck, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Monet, Modigliani, and countless others.

And if Modern and Contemporary art is your thing, be sure to visit the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, which is also filled with treasures.

New York is Diverse

Diversity is a virtue often invoked when describing large urban areas, but New York takes the definition of a cultural melting pot to a whole new level. It’s estimated that around 800 languages are spoken within New York. 

Throughout its history, New York has often acted as the place of entry for immigrants arriving in the United States. Many of these millions of immigrants came through the now-iconic Ellis Island. It is estimated that around 12 million immigrants were registered at the Ellis Island immigrant stations. The island was known as the “island of hope,” It was also known as the island of tears for the immigrants who were turned away. But, only 2% of all immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island were refused admission. America was the “land of opportunity,” which made New York the natural place for many new arrivals to lay down roots.

Today New York has sizeable minority populations drawn from an array of national and ethnic groupings. There are Jews (New York is home to the largest Jewish community outside of Israel), Irish, Poles, Mexicans, Italians, Puerto Ricans, Germans, Chinese, Russians, and Indians, to name but a few. 

And each community has brought its own culture, making New York the wonderland it is today. It also means that there’s an amazing choice of food!

NYC Skyline

You Can Eat Well in New York

Wherever you travel in this world, you’ll always remember the food. No matter your priorities as a traveler, we all have to eat. And New York serves up more variety of flavors than almost anywhere else.

From Little Italy to Chinatown, you’ll find much lovingly prepared international cuisine in New York. Whether you’re on a tight budget and hoping to grab some street food, looking for a chilled-out deli to grab a coffee and a sandwich, or hoping to book a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant, you’ll find what you’re craving in New York. 

That’s all we have time for with this discussion of what makes New York so popular. Please get in touch if you have any questions regarding this blog or our tours.

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What Is It Like to Visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum? https://citywalksny.com/what-is-it-like-to-visit-the-9-11-museum/ https://citywalksny.com/what-is-it-like-to-visit-the-9-11-museum/#respond Mon, 16 May 2022 16:07:55 +0000 http://citywalksny.com/?p=6730 Occurring just less than two years into the new Millenium, the 9/11 attacks on New York City sent reverberations worldwide. Those old enough to remember the events of that day tend to recall the exact moment they heard the news. 9/11 is unquestionably one of the defining events of modern world history. If you’re visiting […]

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9/11 Memorial Museum

Occurring just less than two years into the new Millenium, the 9/11 attacks on New York City sent reverberations worldwide. Those old enough to remember the events of that day tend to recall the exact moment they heard the news. 9/11 is unquestionably one of the defining events of modern world history.

If you’re visiting New York and wish to learn more about the tragedy and pay tribute to those who lost their lives that day, a public memorial and museum are today located in the footprints of the destroyed Twin Towers.

The following blog will outline what you can expect from a visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and provide information useful to your visit. 

If you’re looking for more things to do in New York City, please check out our Custom & Private Tours in NYC. And don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

What to Expect on Arrival at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

On arrival at the World Trade Center site (formerly site of the 9/11 attacks), you will walk through a tree-lined space before reaching the two memorial pools called Reflecting Absence. This memorial area is free and open to the public seven days a week.

Carefully designed to be a space for contemplation and remembrance, the memorial pools bear the names of all those killed on 9/11 and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The victim’s names are inscribed on the waterfalls’ parapets and are grouped by meaningful connections, such as friends and workmates being positioned together.

The memorial itself is laden with powerful symbolism that aids us in reflecting on the heartbreaking events of that day. The victim’s names have been cut into the metal parapets, so flowers can be inserted in tribute. If you see a white rose at a person’s name, it has been placed to signify their birthday.

The pools themselves constituted the largest man-made waterfalls in North America and were designed to mute the sounds of the bustling city around you. Standing by the pools, you can listen to the flow of the waters, signifying life and a spirit of hope and representing tears shed for those who will never return to us. The square voids at the center of each pool represent the absence of those who died, a space that can never be refilled. 

“We will never forget” – USA Flag

There is also a tree at the site referred to as the survivor tree. Found in the rubble of Ground Zero, this Callery pear tree was nursed back to health and today serves as a powerful symbol for those who survived the attack and for the city’s rebirth and process of healing.

Finally, the memorial glade at the site pays tribute to the thousands of World Trade Center workers and emergency first responders who have suffered from chronic health problems since 9/11 due to the dust and chemicals they were exposed to in September 2001.

Entry to the 9/11 Memorial Museum

Unlike the memorial, the museum is not free to enter. Open Thur-Mon, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., tickets cost between $15 and $26, or between $38 and $46 if the guided tour option is selected. 

The museum is run as a not-for-profit organization. The money you spend on the museum ticket will be reinvested into the museum’s running, educational programs, commemorative events, and other activities dedicated to preserving the memory of 9/11 and its victims.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum’s permanent collection consists of material objects recovered from the World Trade Center attack site, first-person testimonies, and historical records relating to September 11, 2001. Being at the site of such tragedy, surrounded by so many reminders of the human lives taken by this terrorist act, can be overwhelming. We recommend reserving at least two and a half hours to explore the exhibition space slowly.

The museum also charts the continued effects of this momentous tragedy nationally and globally. Today, the museum is home to 70,000 artifacts that movingly tell the stories of 9/11’s victims, survivors, and emergency responders.
If you can take a guided tour, it will certainly add to your overall experience. However, an audio guide narrated by Robert De Niro is also available; this well-crafted guide will bring the museum space to life, adding context to the objects and the overall story of what happened.

While in the area, you should also visit the Oculus building. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, this extraordinary building resembles a dove flying from a child’s hand and was built as a sign of peace and hope for the future.

NYC Skyline

The 9/11 Tribute Museum

When planning your trip to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, be aware that there is another 9/11 museum located just 5-minutes away. The 9/11 Tribute Museum is run by the September 11th Families’ Association and shares the personal stories from that fateful day and its long-term effects on the lives of countless New Yorkers.

Using photos, artifacts, and stories shared by the community, the 9/11 Tribute Museum gives moving insights into the personal lives of those who died, survivors, and members of the emergency services.

If you’re short on time, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum will probably be the better choice for you, though the 9/11 Tribute Museum should not be missed by those who have a deep interest in the events of that day. 

Getting to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is best done on public transport, and the local station (World Trade Center Oculus Transportation Hub) can be reached by bus, subway, or PATH train. Just leave plenty of time for your journey and be conscious that the museum can get very busy – if you can arrive early in the day, do so. 

Ground Zero

Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum with CityWalksNY

At CityWalksNY, we offer 9/11 Memorial Tours customized to fit your travel plans. Learn more about the acts of bravery and selflessness displayed during one of the darkest days in American history.

New York City has remained a beacon of hope for the nation, and the spirit of the American people has never shined more brightly than in the days, weeks, and months that followed the 9/11 attacks. 

Although the nature of the 9/11 story is devastatingly sad, we try to put the city’s sense of togetherness, when faced with such unspeakable trauma, at the center of our tour – this is the story of a city’s grief, but also of its determination to flourish once again. 
 This brings today’s blog to a close, but keep an eye on the CityWalksNY Blog for more New York City-related content!

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The Best Off-the-Beaten-Track Sights in NYC https://citywalksny.com/the-best-off-the-beaten-track-sights-in-nyc/ https://citywalksny.com/the-best-off-the-beaten-track-sights-in-nyc/#respond Thu, 31 Mar 2022 11:48:24 +0000 http://citywalksny.com/?p=6710 You’ve probably clicked through to here because you’ve asked yourself: what are some off-the-beaten-tracks sights in NYC? Well, you’ve found the right corner of the internet for answers as we love everything to do with New York City, and we’ve written this guide to the lesser-known spots in NYC. If this guide inspires you to […]

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You’ve probably clicked through to here because you’ve asked yourself: what are some off-the-beaten-tracks sights in NYC? Well, you’ve found the right corner of the internet for answers as we love everything to do with New York City, and we’ve written this guide to the lesser-known spots in NYC.

If this guide inspires you to travel with us, please check out our Private NYC Tours and our Custom NYC Tours. And please get in touch if you have any questions. So, let’s start exploring the off-the-beaten paths through the greatest city on Earth!

NYC’s Rock and Roll Scene

NYC skyscrapers

Leave no rock unturned in your search for authentic New York experiences! While your mind might go to places like Memphis and Nashville when considering the origins of rock and roll, New York City’s history positively overflows with rock and roll, but only if you know where to look. This is why we created our Rock & Roll NYC Private Tour

This experience takes you from the Lincoln Center to the East Village, uncovering the rich rock and roll history of the city, learning about icons like Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and The Ramones. 

If you’re pushed for time, you could simply choose to visit the Lincoln Center, but we highly recommend taking part in the full experience!

The Whispering Gallery – Grand Central Station

While there is nothing about Grand Central Station at first glance that could be considered “off-the-beaten-path”, the Whispering Gallery is a kind of hidden spot that mostly only locals know about. 

The way the domed ceiling is made makes sound carry perfectly from arch to arch, so two people can whisper to each other. It’s a magical effect that can’t really be explained properly; it’s just something you’ll have to experience for yourself!

The Rockefeller Center’s Secret Garden

Once again, this is an off-the-beaten-path spot in NYC that is with a more popular destination. The Rockefeller Center is arguably one of the most famous shopping complexes in the world, so you’d be forgiven for not adding it to your journey along the road less traveled. 

However, there is a secret garden along the roof of this stunning art deco building. 

The garden is beautifully built and arranged, with different flowers blooming at different times of the year. It also offers stunning views of St Patrick’s Cathedral — one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks!

Appreciate the Art on the NYC Subway

The Art of Transit Private Tour

The NYC Subway is up there with the Metro (Paris) and the Underground (London) as one of the most iconic public transport systems in the world. Visitors often want to ensure they take the New York Subway at least once during their visit! 

Well, there is so much more to appreciate if you take your time and look around at the spectacular art on the walls of the stations throughout the city. 

With a guide on our Art of Transit NYC Subway Tour, you will be able to appreciate the small-scale models of Tom Otterness, the exquisite tilework of Elizabeth Grajales, and so much more. 

Rather than getting off the beaten path, this is an excellent way to appreciate the often-overlooked spectacles on one of the most well-worn paths there is!

See a Piece of the Berlin Wall

In a little park on East 53rd Street, you’ll find a very enigmatic thing indeed: a small section of the Berlin Wall. Very from its original home, this section of the famous wall was donated in 2004 by the city of Berlin to Manhattan’s Battery Park City. 

Even if you’ve seen some of the remnants of the Berlin Wall in Berlin, there’s something special about seeing this piece of European history transplanted into a New York City park! 

It’s also worth noting that the wall isn’t just some black chunk of concrete: it is covered in art by German artists Kiddy Citny and Thierry Noir. 

While many might walk past this section of the wall each day without taking note of its true significance, you can take a moment to appreciate it.

Appreciating NYC’s Superhero Origin Story

A view from the ground looking up at NYC skyscrapers
NYC looking more than a little like Gotham City!

Due to the comic and movie industry, it’s impossible to imagine a world without superheroes. Whether you’re a huge fan or just a casual observer, it’s fascinating to uncover many of the inspirations for the places and characters in both Marvel and DC’s universes. 

This is an area where NCY really shines as it is either the main city for many superheroes or it is the city that inspired the fictional cities other superheroes call home. 

New York City was used as a basis for both Superman’s Metropolis and Batman’s Gotham, and it is the stomping ground for Spiderman, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and more… 

Take our tour Superheroes of NYC Tour to learn more, seeing the city from a completely new perspective.

There are, of course, millions of other places worth seeing in NYC that are off the beaten path. And there’s a slightly funny irony to writing a list like this as it puts some of these spots onto the beaten path by sending people there… 

Wherever you head in New York City, we hope you have an incredible time and we hope we can share part of the experience with you on a City Walks NY Tour!

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Walking Tour Etiquette 101: Tips For Tourists https://citywalksny.com/walking-tour-etiquette-101-tips-for-tourists-4/ Fri, 15 Dec 2017 17:57:55 +0000 http://www.nyctourguideservice.com/?p=4949 While minding your manners is always important, there are some other tips to keep in mind that will help you get the most out of your tour time.

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Back in 2015, an estimated 58.5 million people visited New York City to experience everything this bustling metropolis has to offer. One of the very best ways to see the sights of NYC and learn about its colorful history is to take a walking tour of Manhattan. But if you’ve never been on one of these New York City tours before, you might not be familiar with basic tour etiquette. While minding your manners is always important, there are some other tips to keep in mind that will help you get the most out of your tour time. We’ve included just a few suggestions that will make your walking tours in New York City a true success.

  • Be prompt: When you go sight-seeing on your own as a tourist, you can create your own timetable or walk around as leisurely as you want. But when you book a private walking tour, you do need to be on time (or even a little early). Don’t assume that tours will start a few minutes late or that it’s fine to hold up the tour for one straggler in your group. Even if your tour group consists of just your family, it’s important to stay on schedule and be respectful to your guide by arriving with time to spare.
  • Dress appropriately: When you’re on vacation, it’s understandable that you’d want to wear a special outfit or fancy footwear. But you should save those items for when you go to dinner or hit the town. When you go on tours in New York City, you should dress for the weather and for the physical activity involved. After all, “walking” is in the name, so you should expect to move your feet quite a bit. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing (layers are typically a good idea!). You may also want to consider forgoing a heavy bag or purse for your own comfort throughout the tour. If you’re uncertain whether your outfit choice is appropriate, we’d be happy to answer your questions in more detail.
  • Come prepared: Although you’ll probably want to travel light on your tour, you should come to your tour prepared with a few things. A bottle of water, cash, an external phone battery charger (in case you want to snap some photos but are low on juice), and a couple of bandages for blisters are all good to bring. You may also want to bring along some sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses (even in winter!) and a hat. Don’t assume that you can just buy these items when you arrive; although the Big Apple has a lot to offer, you may not have time to stop and purchase them. These items won’t take up a lot of room in your bag but will ensure you’re comfortable and better able to enjoy your tours in New York City.
  • Interact with your guide: When you take one of these fascinating tours in New York City, remember that they’re meant to be a bit interactive. Unlike when you go to the theatre or see a film, it’s okay to ask your guide questions and respond to theirs. In fact, it’s encouraged! Although guides do have an itinerary and an idea of what they’ll say, it’s always better when participants actually participate! Don’t be afraid to get involved in the conversation and take advantage of the opportunity to learn. Your guide will be more than happy to tell you all there is to know about a specific location or notable figure in history.
  • Stay safe: Although your tour will never take you to an unsafe part of the city, remember to exercise caution wherever you are in NYC. Always observe crosswalk signs and yield to your guide’s expertise when traveling from stop to stop. If you’re traveling with children, watch them closely and do not allow them to walk outside of the group. You should keep moving, stay aware, and follow instructions from your guide.

As long as you follow these tips, your NYC walking tour should be fun and informative for everyone involved. To get started on booking your tour, contact us today!

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What To Expect On Your NYC Gangster Tour https://citywalksny.com/what-to-expect-on-your-nyc-gangster-tour/ Mon, 06 Nov 2017 22:00:07 +0000 http://www.nyctourguideservice.com/?p=4934 Some of New York City's most famous residents were gangsters who were notorious in areas like Little Italy, Chinatown, The Five Points, and the Lower East Side.

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Millions of people have called The Big Apple home. As of July of 2016, New York City housed an estimated 8,537,673 residents, and there’s no shortage of celebrities living on these mean streets. Some of New York City’s most famous residents were gangsters who were notorious in areas like Little Italy, Chinatown, The Five Points, and the Lower East Side. When you take one of our tours in New York City, you’ll be able to customize it how you see fit. However, NYC gangster tours typically focus on certain major events, families, and neighborhoods.

Where can we go on our gangster private walking tour?

On all of our tours in New York City, we offer tailor-made options that allow you to see exactly what interests you. Of course, there are certain spots that we think are must-sees for this sort of tour. Little Italy and the East Village are infamous for their mob hangouts, and the Lower East Side was home to both Irish gangsters and the Jewish-American mafia that later influenced Italian organized crime. No matter which areas capture your imagination most, our guides will provide you with fascinating insight into these groups and how they survived during their heyday. You’ll walk the same streets they did and get a glimpse into the lives they lead during your tour.

Aren’t all mafia tours in New York the same?

Absolutely not. Although many tours focus on some of the same areas due to their historical significance, every tour company brings its own expertise and flair to the table. What you’ve seen portrayed in shows like The Sopranos or in movies like Goodfellas are just one piece of the puzzle — and it’s one that isn’t always accurate. On these tours, we’ll dispense facts and visit locations you likely never knew about. If you’re looking for a tour that focuses on more than just pop culture or what you could glean yourself from the internet, our experience can provide you with an insider perspective to which not many are privy.

How can I find out more about taking a tour?

If you’re interested in taking the best mafia tour NYC has to offer, just contact us! Unlike many other guided walking tours, CityWalksNY allows you to customize your tour experience to ensure it includes exactly what you want to see. We can also provide recommendations for those can’t-miss spots. To find out more about signing up for a gangster tour (or any of our other amazing offerings), get in touch with us through our site or check out our NYC gangster tour info page for more.

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Why Fall Is The Best Time To Schedule Your NYC Tour https://citywalksny.com/why-fall-is-the-best-time-to-schedule-your-nyc-tour/ Tue, 26 Sep 2017 18:31:35 +0000 http://www.nyctourguideservice.com/?p=4921 Falling leaves, crisp air, cozy restaurants — there is something so charming about New York City during Autumn. While many of the city’s visitors flock to the area during the Summer, the changing of the seasons might just be the right time for you to schedule your New York City tours. The following are just […]

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Falling leaves, crisp air, cozy restaurants — there is something so charming about New York City during Autumn. While many of the city’s visitors flock to the area during the Summer, the changing of the seasons might just be the right time for you to schedule your New York City tours. The following are just some of the many reasons why you should take an Autumnal trip to the Big Apple.

  1. The fall foliage is simply beautiful. There is no doubt that Central Park is beautiful. It has been featured in over 240 films since 1908, making it the most filmed public park in the world. And the park gets even better in the Fall when it explodes into color. Take your walking tour of Central Park during October to soak in nature’s warmest spectacle.
  1. The tourist crowds thin out. As kids and students head back to school in the Fall, the city generally sees fewer tourists. This leaves more room for you to breathe and explore New York. If you are not a fan of crowds at all, you might consider a private walking tour to get your ideal experience.
  1. You can enjoy seasonal food and drink. The Northeastern United States is full of delicious flavors during Autumn. While in the city, you can try out the many regional ciders and even hunt down the best apple doughnut. When the air gets chilly, you can tuck into a cafe to enjoy one of the many seasonal coffee drinks.
  1. Fall activities happen around the city. In addition to your New York City tours, you might consider stopping by some of the many Fall festivals. As Halloween season roles around, seek out a fun costume party or film screening to attend.
  1. You can test out your favorite Fall fashion. New York City is certainly one of the fashion capital of the world, so what better place to try out your new Fall clothes? Have fun with layers and warm colors. And when in doubt, there are plenty of places to shop.

Tours in New York during the Fall simply can’t be beat. You can breathe in the crisp air while enjoying the sights and sounds of this bustling urban center. And at the end of the day, these is always some Fall comfort food to try.

Looking to schedule your own exciting NYC tour? Whether you want to learn more about the city’s cinematic culture, unique gangster history, or just want to see the most iconic tourist spots, contact our experienced tour guides today!

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Visiting NYC? Here’s Why You Need to Consider a Customized Walking Tour https://citywalksny.com/visiting-nyc-heres-why-you-need-to-consider-a-customized-walking-tour/ Tue, 05 Sep 2017 13:20:31 +0000 http://www.nyctourguideservice.com/?p=4885 If you are unfamiliar with the City That Never Sleeps, then you risk missing the most interesting parts during your upcoming visit.

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New York City is a wild, diverse, and exciting place. But if you are unfamiliar with the City That Never Sleeps, then you risk missing the most interesting parts during your upcoming visit. Of course, the most interesting parts of Manhattan have more to do with who you are and what you are interested in than it does with any tourist book or bus tour.

In order to get the most out of your New York City experience, it is important that you understand what you are looking for and find someone who can help you realize your perfect trip. One excellent way to make your NYC trip as rewarding as possible is with a customized walking tour of Manhattan.

Why Customized Walking Tours?

With a customized walking tour, you can choose the types of sites that are most interesting to you and receive an expert retelling of important events and local trivia. Plus, you will get to experience NYC up close and personal.

Unlike other forms of tours in New York, you will work with your tour guide in advance to shape your trip. That means you can be sure that you and your group are getting your money’s worth.

But it isn’t only the content of your tour that you can customize, but the way it is delivered. Whether you wank to take in the skyline or blend into the fast paced sidewalk traffic, you have the option of setting your pace and the scope of your walking tour. That means you can forget your fears of being outed as a tourist — just leave the fanny pack at home!

Types of Customized Walking Tours
There are as many unique tours as there are visitors to NYC. If there is something about the Big Apple that you want to see, then all you need to do is ask and your tour guide will craft the perfect tour to pique your interest.

Popular tour requests include:

  • 9/11 History Tours
  • American Revolution Tours (perfect for fans of the Hamilton musical!)
  • Cultural Institutions
  • Famous Sites and Buildings
  • Architectural History
  • Harlem Renaissance
  • Central Park
  • Gay History
  • Civil Rights
  • Television and Movie History

From the famous 30 Rockefeller Plaza (and the eponymous television show) to the Lincoln Center and Empire State Building, Manhattan has something for everyone. No other city can match its culture, energy, or history. Why else would 58.5 million tourists have visited in 2015 alone?

To see why, or for more information on our customized walking tours, contact CityWalksNY today!

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Top 5 places to visit in Brooklyn https://citywalksny.com/top-5-places-to-visit-in-brooklyn/ Fri, 21 Jul 2017 14:18:15 +0000 http://www.nyctourguideservice.com/?p=4820 As Brooklyn has become the new hub for young professionals, entrepreneurs, start-ups and so much more the number of visitors coming here has skyrocketed.

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Brooklyn has drawn people from around the world for over two centuries. As Brooklyn has become the new hub for young professionals, entrepreneurs, start-ups and so much more the number of visitors coming here has skyrocketed. Not everyone might choose to stay – but the charm of Brooklyn certainly continues to work its wonders.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

The Brooklyn Bridge is known around the world and for good reason. It’s been a landmark in New York City for almost 150 years, connecting the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan and more importantly connecting the world. The park the carries it’s name is of course immediately next to it on the Brooklyn water-front – converted from old sanitation and fisheries warehouses into public green space. An 85-acre development that is improving the Brooklyn waterfront by adding more green space, performance space, recreational facilities and so much more. As with everything in Brooklyn and New York, there is something for everyone at the Brooklyn Bridge Park.

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Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The beauty of Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a treasure is known to many and still – too few know about what lies in the heart of Brooklyn. Located next to the verdant Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum, you can visit all three the same day if you so choose. With exhibits featuring a rose garden, a Japanese garden, a native flora garden and so much more – don’t forget to check the calendar for any special/seasonal events that might be taking place.

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Coney Island and Lunar Park

The history of the wooden roller coaster that could and did goes back to 1927. As the boardwalk and park around it have grown and changed so has the neighborhood surrounding it. Whether you’re looking to spend time in the sun or cool off in the water, you’ll be treated to a bucket of fun in the sun. While you’re here don’t forget to stop in at the original location of Nathan’s Famous hot dogs. You can easily get to Coney Island by taking the MTA to the final stop in Brooklyn on the D, F, N, and Q trains to the aptly titled Coney Island train station.

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Brooklyn Heights Promenade

There are many places in Manhattan where you can view the outer boroughs. Lucky for us and you – there is a beautiful scenic viewpoint for you to observe the majesty of sunrise, sunset over the island of Manhattan from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Located minutes from downtown Brooklyn, steps away from City Hall and in the neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights.

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Brooklyn Academy of Music – BAM

The Brooklyn Academy of Music is a world renowned venue that hosts progressive and avant garde performances from around the world. The five building complex is located within the Brooklyn Academy of Music Historic District and offers venues that have hosted every kind of arts performance imaginable. To really appreciate the space and it’s history – make the time to take in a performance while in Brooklyn.

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Our current borough President is fond of saying that there are two types of people in the world- Those that live in Brooklyn, and those that wish they could live in Brooklyn.

Get started on your personalized Tour of Brooklyn with CityWalksNY – call us today 1-866-998-5757 or email info@citywalksny.com

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Visiting Brooklyn – A local perspective https://citywalksny.com/visiting-brooklyn-a-local-perspective/ Thu, 08 Jun 2017 14:53:19 +0000 http://www.nyctourguideservice.com/?p=4786 Brooklyn has been a hotspot for young professionals, creatives and investors alike for the last 15 years.

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When most people think of New York City – their mind is very likely to go straight to Manhattan. With it’s towering skyscrapers, museums, parks, and places of cultural and cinematic significance it makes sense. While Manhattan does boast major attractions like Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Macy’s and the 9/11 Memorial – the outer boroughs have plenty to offer as well for those looking to explore a little further.

Brooklyn has been a hotspot for young professionals, creatives and investors alike for the last 15 years. As the appeal of lower rent brought crowds to the shores of Brooklyn – restaurants, cafe’s, breweries, and businesses all took an interest in the growing population as well. Over 60 million visitors came to New York City in 2016 and the numbers are only expected to grow. There are 330,000 people passing through Times Square on a daily basis. A lot of these visitors will cross the Brooklyn Bridge and maybe even visit the ever improving Brooklyn Bridge Park.

A very small percentage of people go beyond the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO areas, leaving most of the expansive, beautiful and diverse borough of Brooklyn. We love our food as much as anything else we do well in Brooklyn. Whether you’re looking for the best slice of pizza outside of Italy, the tastiest tacos outside of Mexico and SoCal or the best of anything else – we have it here. In the decades I’ve spent living in Brooklyn, there hasn’t been a type of food I haven’t been able to find. If you find yourself looking for a drink – it’s a good thing we offer everything from popular local micro-breweries, Brooklyn-born distilleries to a one of a kind rooftop vineyard in the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Even more – we have an amazing selection of local creatives – actors, singers, artists, designers, photographers, and musicians who’ve developed their craft right here in Brooklyn. With no shortage of talent – Brooklyn has something to offer to everyone who visits.

Journey across the Brooklyn Bridge as millions do every year!

For hundreds of years, the shores of Brooklyn have welcomed visitors and permanent residents alike. By welcoming everyone with open arms Brooklyn has become home to millions. There are over 65 neighborhoods spread across the borough of Brooklyn, made up of almost 3 million residents speaking over 800 unique languages. It’s no wonder that people continue to choose Brooklyn over the other boroughs with easy access to most of the borough on the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) train and buses.

So come on down to Brooklyn and get a taste of the world renowned Brooklyn hospitality.

CityWalksNY will create a custom tour for your party and give you a taste of the hospitality that Brooklyn is known for. Call us Today – 1-866-998-5757

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