Midtown Manhattan: Iconic Architecture Tour

Explore Midtown Manhattan’s iconic architecture and history on a walking tour, ending with stunning views from the Empire State Building’s observatory.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • One Vanderbilt - Discover the rivalry that forever transformed Manhattan’s skyline. From this vantage point, enjoy a view of the stunning Chrysler Building as the guide highlights its exquisite features.
  • New York Public Library - Explore the history of the Beaux-Arts architectural style and its influence on New York City while admiring one of…
What's Included
  • 90-minute walking tour
  • Experienced local tour guide
  • Ticket to Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Guided tour inside the Empire State Building
Additional Information

Discover the enchantment of Midtown Manhattan on this walking tour that combines history, architecture, and the lively essence of NYC. Admire landmarks such as the Chrysler Building, American Radiator Building, Macy’s, and One Vanderbilt while your guide narrates tales of the evolving NYC skyline.
Midtown NYC offers a fascinating blend of architectural…

Location
1 Vanderbilt Ave
Vanderbilt Avenue
Meet your guide outside the Épicerie Boulud bakery at 1 Vanderbilt Avenue. Your guide will be wearing an orange ExperienceFirst hat and standing on the forecourt. The address is 1 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(16 Ratings)
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1 star
Nicolee1552
May 3, 2025
Amazing Tour of Midtown Architecture - Jake was an incredible tour guide! We lucked out and basically got a private tour with him as he walked us through the highlights and history of the most famous buildings in midtown NY. We learned a ton and he very generously offered to help make our trip to NYC even better with recommendations and offers to pick up Broadway tickets for us! What a great guy and a great tour. Will definitely recommend to friends!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Larissa_h
Mar 4, 2025
Race to the Sky: Midtown NYC Walking Tour With Empire State Building - Very fun to see some famous NYC landmarks, and some not so obvious one as well. Of course the highlight is going up the Empire State Building – a must-do when in NYC!
Review provided by Viator
Ben_s
Mar 3, 2025
Architectural gems - Liam is a fantastic guide! Despite being a cold day, he made the tour fun and engaging as we took in the sights of some of New York's architectural treasures. Highly recommend for both those with an interest in architecture and anyone wanting to see more of midtown manhattan!
Review provided by Viator
X9697iplizd
Mar 2, 2025
Interesting look at buildings old and new in midtown Manhattan - Liam was great! We learned about some of the interesting, beautiful, historic, and tall (!) buildings in midtown, with some tips for places to come back to, and ended with a ticket up to the Empire State Building which was so amazing (even on a cold day). I recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tourist22702736264
Mar 2, 2025
The sky’s the limit! - Excellent tour with Liam! We learned a lot about many great NY buildings, from classic to modern skyscrapers to notable older buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Liam also shared interesting anecdotes about the back stories of the buildings. The tour of the Empire State Building was the perfect finale to the tour. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Owenbk9112vg
Mar 2, 2025
Insightful Experience - Got some great views of landmark buildings in NYC, and learned quite a bit about their history along the way. Tour guide was engaging and easy to follow. Definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
85arund
Mar 2, 2025
Awesome Architecture Tour - Kevin is very knowledgeable and personable. We learned about skyscraper and other building history and architecture. The tour showcases the Chrysler Building, the New York Public Library, Bryant Park area, Empire State Building and more. I also went to the ESB observation deck, which was awesome.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Arun_d
Mar 2, 2025
Very Enjoyable and Informative - Kevin the tour guide is very knowledgeable and personable! This is an interesting tour -- we learned a lot about the architecture and history of skyscrapers in NYC. And then the visit to the observation deck of the Empire State Building was phenomenal. I recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
X9511injeffk
Mar 2, 2025
To the top - Abdolutely awesome. Kevin knew his stuff and presented the material with fun stories and pictures. He dpoke of the Chrysler Building, Grand Central, the American Radiator Building and even the water towers on skyscrapers! Thank you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q5276esbethk
Mar 1, 2025
Skyscraper Gems - The tour guide, Kevin, was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing details about the history, architecture, and hidden gems of some of the city's most famous buildings. The Chrysler Building, with its art deco design and stunning spire, was a highlight. We also learned about the evolution of skyscraper construction, the role of these buildings in shaping the NYC skyline, and how they symbolize the city's ambition and innovation. The tour was informative, engaging, and gave me a deeper appreciation for the architectural wonders of the city. The museum at the Empire State Building and the observation decks were a terrific way to end the tour. Highly recommended for anyone interested in NYC's architectural history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $75
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).