Walking tours are a great way to see everything New York City has to offer.Guided and self-guided tours are available.Before you go on your trip, you should decide what you want to see.You can either do a self-guided tour or a professional guided tour.A guided tour will be hosted by an experienced native or local, who can tell you everything you want to know about the city, while a self-guided tour offers a personalized and flexible experience.You can see one of the most vibrant cities in the world with either option.
Step 1: Decide what you want to see.
It might be difficult to see the entire city in one tour.To make sure you get the most out of your trip, make a list of everything you want to see.30 Rockefeller Plaza, Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal, and Times Square are some of the most well-known sights in New York.
Step 2: Determine the length of the tour.
Some tours can take up to two or three hours, while others only last 30 minutes.Think about how much time you have to spend on a tour as you plan your trip to New York.Tours can run all the time.Day tours may be able to give you access to open monuments.A night tour can show you the glamour of the city that never sleeps.
Step 3: Pick a theme.
New York has a lot of different tours to choose from.Each of the tours can give you unique stories and facts about the city.Ghost Tours Food and wine tours famous landmarks Historical tour Movie or TV-show themed tours Architecture tour Street art tour Neighborhood tours
Step 4: Take a look at your budget.
The tours can start at $20 and go all the way up to $200.Don't forget to think about your budget.How much do you want to spend on a walking tour?Students, seniors, and children receive discounts on walking tours.Ask the tour operator if they offer discounts.You may be able to download a free app or spend a few dollars on a guide, but self-guided tours are a much cheaper option.You might be able to get a free tour if you sign up well in advance.
Step 5: Look at tour companies.
New York has hundreds of companies that offer walking tours.You can use the internet to find tour companies that offer a certain type of tour.To find out how much each tour costs, how far in advance you have to book, and what type of tours they offer, visit the tour operator's website.It's a good idea to start early.Some tours need to be booked in advance.You can ask the company questions such as, "What is the total distance we will be walking?"Can you make accommodations for people with special needs? How do you differ from other tour companies?
Step 6: Read the reviews.
There are reviews for the tour company when you have a few options.You can read what people are saying about the company on review websites.If a tour guide is particularly good, you might want to check out their tour.You can find good sites to look up reviews.
Step 7: Call the company.
You can sign up for a tour on the tour operator website.You may be asked to fill in an online form if you call their number.Double-check that you have selected the correct tour when you submit the information.You should try to get a confirmation by email.If you don't receive one within 24 hours, contact them and ask them to send it again.
Step 8: Your confirmation can be printed.
You will get a confirmation from most tour companies.Your name and receipt may be on the confirmation.You can bring this with you on your trip.You might have to show it before you can join the tour.Some companies will accept a confirmation on your phone, but you should double check with the operator.
Step 9: The tour is fifteen minutes early.
You need to show up fifteen minutes before the tour starts.The operator will check you in if you are on a tour that leaves on time.You may not be entitled to a refunds if you miss the tour.You should know how to get to the meeting place for the tour the night before.If you know how to get there, you can arrive on time.
Step 10: You should plan your route.
A map of the tour can be found at a visitor's center or your hotel.Determine the best route to get between the spots that you want to see.Measure the distance between each spot to make sure you don't walk too far.If you want to see the Empire State building, you can start at Times Square and walk down Broadway to 34th Street.The New York Public Library is located on Fifth Avenue.Rockefeller Plaza is at the end of 49th street.If you have never been to New York before, it may be easier to limit yourself to a single area.This will help you make the most of your time.
Step 11: Buy a book.
If you want the same information about your landmarks as a professional tour, you can buy a guidebook.If you want to learn all of the same interesting facts, stories, and histories on a professional tour, this book is for you.There are many guides for self-guided walking tours.If you stop by a news kiosk or bookstore, you can ask someone for advice.
Step 12: You can download an app.
The walking app can be downloaded on your phone.You can use some apps to track your path.Audio guides are offered by others.It's possible to use apps as a cheaper option.Audio commentary can be heard on the official app of Central Park.Both Urban Wonderer and iTourMobile offer free audio tours.The New York Times has an app called The Scoop that gives suggestions on where to go.
Step 13: You have to time yourself.
Since you will be guiding your own tour, you must not go over your allotted time.If you have a busy schedule, you should keep an eye on how long it takes to get from one place to another.You may have to reduce how long you spend at each landmark if you are short on time.
Step 14: Take photos.
One of the most photographed places in the world is New York City.You should take a picture when you stop at a landmark.If you are on a guided tour, your guide may stop so you can take pictures.They can take a picture of you and your travel companions.If you are on a self-guided tour, you can ask a local if they would be willing to take a picture of you.Before you go on the tour, be sure to charge your phone or camera.
Step 15: Ask questions.
You shouldn't be afraid to ask questions on your tour.If you have a question, your tour guide will be trained to answer it.You could be surprised by the answer.You might ask when the Empire State Building was built.How did they build all of these skyscrapers?What is the best place to eat in New York?Do you have any information about Al Capone before he moved to Chicago?The street art is interesting.What are the best places to see more of it?
Step 16: Go inside the building.
There is more to see inside than outside.You can visit museums, skyscrapers, and other landmarks on your tour.You can see everything if you plan these in your tour.You can go in any building you want on a self-guided tour.If you are on a guided tour, you may ask your guide if you can see the architecture from the outside, but you might not have time to look inside.