Pick one to start with
Every route has a different length, intensity and audience. They are listed here by duration, so you can match one to the gap in your schedule.
Walking
Downtown Landmarks Walk
This was our first route and it is still the one we recommend to anybody arriving for the first time. It stays at the southern tip of Manhattan, the walking distance is modest, and there is something worth stopping for on almost every corner.
Walking
Brooklyn Bridge at Sunset
Cross from Manhattan into Brooklyn in the evening. The light on that bridge is the thing in New York most worth waiting for.
Indoors
Museum Mile Highlights
The museums along Fifth Avenue. We do not rush all of them — we choose the handful genuinely worth stopping in front of.
Boat
Harbor & Skyline Cruise
On land you only ever see as far as the buildings on either side of you. Out on the water the island finally appears as a whole. We think it is the most underrated way to look at New York.
Food
Food Market Tasting
Chelsea Market and the streets around it. Six stops, six flavors, and a century of immigration eaten in order.
Photography
Night Lights Photo Walk
Manhattan after dark. Five good positions, and answers to the problems everyone hits shooting at night.
Match it to your situation
Only half a day
Downtown Landmarks or the Harbor Cruise. Both sit at the southern end of Manhattan and can be done back to back.
With older relatives
The Harbor Cruise is easiest — you are seated throughout. Museum Mile is next, with plenty of places to rest indoors.
With children
The cruise and the food tasting are the favorites. One has things to look at, the other has things to eat.
To take photographs
Night Photography is built for it. If you only have one slot, the Brooklyn Bridge sunset gives you the best images.
Still deciding?
Give us your dates and group size and we will put together a suggested itinerary.