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6 Best Free Walking Tours in NYC in 2024

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | 6 Best Free Walking Tours in NYC in 2024

If you’re visiting the Big Apple and you’re on a budget, don’t worry, because there are free walking tours in NYC that help you discover the most famous places in the city. Plus, you’ll get insider tips that only the locals know about, all without breaking the bank.

We’ve spent lots of time in New York since we lived for five years just two hours from the city. We also quickly realized that we could explore different parts of the city without spending too much money.

If you don’t have much time to get out and see the most popular places in NYC , or if you’re traveling on a budget, this guide will give you several free walking tours in New York City . So, depending on how long you’ll be in the city, you can take one or more and get to know different areas of the Big Apple.

In a nutshell, these are the free tours in New York that I recommend:

• Free walking tour of NYC
• Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO walking tour
• SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown walking tour
• Central Park walking tour
• Broadway & Times Square walking tour
• Greenwich Village walking tour

1. The best free walking tour in New York City

A free tour of New York is one of the best ways to introduce yourself to the Big Apple’s main attractions. With this tour , you’ll visit the most famous NYC landmarks, so it’s a great tour to take on your first day in the city, especially if you are planning a 3-day trip to NYC . For me is a must-do walking tour in NYC.

This free Manhattan walking tour begins in the Financial District, where you’ll pass Wall Street , the New York Stock Exchange , the Fearless Girl sculpture, and the Charging Bull statue at Bowling Green. You’ll also walk by the World Trade Center and Ground Zero, the former site of the Twin Towers. Check out the 9/11 Memorial, a poignant reminder of one of the city’s most historic and tragic events.

Afterward, you’ll visit Battery Park , one of the best spots to see the Statue of Liberty . In addition, you’ll pass through the old town of New Amsterdam, where the last remaining Dutch-style houses are located. Overall, this is a basic tour, but perfect if it’s your first time in NYC.

• Highlights : Wall Street, World Trade Center, 9/11 Memorial, Battery Park
• Meeting point : In front of Bowling Green
• Duration : 2 hrs, 30 mins
• Description : This basic free walking tour of NYC takes you to some of the most iconic places in the city, such as Wall Street, the World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial, and Battery Park, where you can see the Statue of Liberty .

2. Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO walking tour

When you go to New York City, one of the things you must do is cross the Brooklyn Bridge , the most popular bridge in NYC . Fortunately, several free tours in New York take you across this iconic landmark, and you can learn interesting facts and anecdotes about the bridge from a local guide. In particular, I recommend this tour , which crosses Brooklyn Bridge and takes you through the DUMBO neighborhood , one of the best things to do in Brooklyn .

As you walk across the bridge, you’ll get lovely panoramic views of the New York skyline, so have your camera ready! Then, check out the modern neighborhood of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). Here, you’ll find alternative boutiques, luxury restaurants, and hip cafes, which is why it’s one of the most popular places in NYC.

This is another free on-foot tour of New York that I recommend, although since COVID began, the tour company has been charging a minimum fee of $25 per person to keep group sizes small.

• Highlights : Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO
• Meeting point : World Trade Center
• Description : This guided tour takes you across the Brooklyn Bridge, where you’ll get beautiful views of the New York skyline and cross over into DUMBO, one of the most modern neighborhoods in the city .

3. SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown, another NYC free walking tour

New York is full of interesting communities and neighborhoods, and this tour goes to SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown, three distinct parts of the Big Apple you can’t miss.

You’ll start with a walk through SoHo , one of the most expensive and artsy neighborhoods in Manhattan . Among the galleries, shops, and bakeries, you’ll also see impressive architecture, like the Haughwout Building, a five-story commercial loft.

Then, you’ll continue the tour by visiting Little Italy , an area with amazing food and rich Italian heritage. Your guide will tell you about Little Italy’s immigrant history and take you to the most famous eateries on Mulberry Street, where you can sample local cuisine like cannoli or cheesecake.

Finally, you’ll end up in Chinatown , stopping first at the Mahayana Buddhist Temple, home to a 16-foot Buddha statue. Then, visit the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory and walk down historic Doyer Street, one of the most famous streets in New York City , where you’ll see the notorious Five Points landmark and try traditional Asian dumplings.

Like the previous tour, this free walking tour in NYC now charges a minimum fee of $35 per person to keep the group to 10 people or less and adhere to COVID regulations.

• Highlights : SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown
• Meeting point : Duarte Square
• Duration : 2 hrs
• Description : This tour includes a walk through the artsy SoHo neighborhood, a visit to the local shops in Little Italy, and a look at the historic landmarks in Chinatown .

4. Central Park, NYC free walking tour

There are tons of great things to do in Central Park , one of which is a free NYC walking tour . I suggest doing this tour , which is led by a former Central Park employee who will share their favorite spots.

During the tour, you’ll learn about the history of the park and how it has changed over the decades. You’ll also pass by lots of famous movie and TV locations and see the park’s different landscape features like the Great Lawn , the Sheep Meadow , and The Ramble .

Get lovely views of The Lake from Bethesda Terrace , pass by Wollman Rink , and take a stroll along the Mall and Literary Walk . Your group will also visit Conservatory Water , a scenic pond with beautiful bronze statues, including Alice in Wonderland . You’ll want to bring your camera to capture gorgeous photos of landmarks like the Gapstow Bridge , the Bow Bridge , and Strawberry Fields , the John Lennon Memorial.

Since COVID began, this guided tour has a minimum fee of $25 per person, but it’s well worth the price!

• Highlights : Central Park
• Meeting point : 2 Columbus Circle
• Description : This guided tour is a wonderful way to see Central Park’s top attractions in a short timeframe. Check out sights like Wollman Rink, the Alice in Wonderland statue, Conservatory Water, Strawberry Fields, the Gapstow Bridge, The Lake, and Bethesda Terrace .

5. Broadway & Times Square, another free NYC tour

Broadway is one of the most iconic places to visit in New York, and if you’re a theater lover, this guided tour is for you. It’s led by a Broadway actor, so not only will you see famous landmarks, but you’ll also hear captivating insights and stories from an insider.

As you make your way through the Theatre District, you’ll walk along 42 nd Street and learn about New York’s show biz history. You’ll also pass Shubert Alley , the oldest gift shop on Broadway; the Edison Hotel , a vintage Art Deco hotel; and the George M. Cohan statue , named after the famous American singer, dancer, actor, and producer.

Your guide will also take you through Hell’s Kitchen and past the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin , or “Smokey Mary’s” church, which is known for its heavy use of incense. Then, make your way to Times Square , which was originally a horse-trading district, and pass by TV recording studios for The Tonight Show and SNL , among others.

This walking tour in NYC was free , but right now it costs $39 per person to adhere to COVID regulations and keep groups small.

• Highlights : Broadway and Times Square
• Meeting point : Dufy Square
• Duration : 1 hr, 45 mins – 2 hrs
• Description : This tour is led by a Broadway actor who will share interesting tidbits and stories about NYC’s Theatre District. Walk along 42 nd Street and pass by iconic sites like Shubert Alley, Smokey Mary’s church, the Edison Hotel, and the George H. Cohan statue .

6. Greenwich Village walking tour

Last but not least, Greenwich Village is an awesome hub for NYC’s counterculture that you must see. My recommendation is to do this 2-hour tour , which takes you to the most historic areas in Greenwich Village.

For example, this neighborhood was popular with artists, writers, and musicians, attracting legends like Jimi Hendrix, Edgar Allan Poe, and Jackson Pollack. During this free walking tour in NYC , you’ll see Jones Street , which was featured on Dylan’s album, The Freewheeling Bob Dylan , as well as Café Society , the first integrated club in NYC.

Other highlights on this tour include the Friends Apartment ; Cherry Lane Theater , the oldest off-Broadway theater in New York; and the Isaacs-Hendricks House, home to a renowned merchant family. You’ll also see the Stonewall Inn , the site of the 1969 Stonewall Riots that sparked the LGBTQ+ movement.

As you walk through Greenwich Village, you’ll see remnants of its bohemian vibe and gay rights history, as well as some of the most beautiful areas of Manhattan, like New York University and Washington Square Park , one of the best parks in NYC .

Like the other free tours in New York , this one now charges a fee ($35/person).

• Highlights : Greenwich Village and Washington Square Park
• Meeting point : Waverly Place & 6 th Avenue
• Description : This counterculture tour takes you through Greenwich Village, a historic bohemian neighborhood. Start at New York University and head to Washington Square Park, passing interesting sites along the way like Cherry Lane Theater, the Friends Apartment, and Stonewall Inn.

My experience with NYC’s free walking tours

Without a doubt, these free walking tours in NYC are one of the best free things to do in New York City . For five years, we lived just two hours from the Big Apple, so we’ve visited this place lots of times and have done several of these tours.

On our first visit, we did the basic tour to get an introduction to the city. We loved it so much that we decided to book another free New York tour , this time in Spanish, through Midtown Manhattan. At that time, there were more free walking tours in NYC , but most of them cost money now. That said, the price is about the same amount we’d leave as a tip, so we didn’t mind the added fee.

When COVID-19 allowed us to safely travel again, we took a tour through Chinatown and Little Italy, like this one , and the Central Park tour , both of which charge a minimal fee now. Despite having walked through Central Park plenty of times, we discovered so much about this landmark thanks to our guide, Sarah. We wouldn’t have gotten that experience without her, so we loved it!

Also, the cost of these tours ends up being more or less the same whether you pay when making the reservation online, or at the end of the tour as a tip, so either way, they’re totally worth it.

What should you tip for a free walking tour of NYC?

Even when there were more free tours in New York , it was still expected that you would leave a tip for the guide at the end. These knowledgeable tour guides work hard and do their best to provide an awesome experience (and they do!) so they deserve to be compensated.

We recommend tipping at least $20 per person, although we liked our tours so much that we ended up paying $30 ($60 for we two) for two of the free NYC walking tours we did. The only one we didn’t leave a tip for was the one in Central Park since we had already paid when making the reservation. However, some people in our group did leave a tip at the end of the tour because our guide, Sarah, did a phenomenal job. Honestly, if we had had some spare change at the time, we would’ve tipped, too.

For other paid tours that we’ve done, we’ve left $10 tips. So, even though some tours are advertised as free NYC tours , many guides rely on the tips, so I recommend giving an amount that works for you and that fairly compensates the guide for their hard work.

I hope this article helped you find a great tour, and that you enjoy the Big Apple as much as we do. If you’re going to spend several days here, I suggest reading our guide on the best tours in New York City so you can get a closer look at some of the top attractions.

If you have any questions or you’d like to share your experience with one of NYC’s free walking tours , leave me a comment below. Until then, have a great time in the city that never sleeps!

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Free New York City Walking Tours

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Walking tours are a wonderful way to visit a new place, especially New York City . Exploring on foot gives you the opportunity to see a neighborhood up-close and learn about the people and places that make it tick. We've put together a round-up of free New York City walking tours for visitors on a budget. These tours cover a variety of neighborhoods, as well as two of New York City's great parks -- Central Park and the High Line. Be aware that free tours tend to attract large groups, so you're not going to get the same intimate experience you might experience some of New York City's best walking tours, but you can't beat the price!

The Grand Central Neighborhood Tour

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Every Friday at 12:30 p.m. you can experience a wonderful tour of Grand Central and the surrounding neighborhood led by Justin Ferate or Peter Laskowich. In addition to exploring some of the highlights of Grand Central Terminal , it also includes many neighborhood highlights, including Pershing Square and the Chrysler Building .

• When: Fridays at 12:30 p.m.
• Length: 90 minutes
• Where: Sculpture Court at 120 Park Avenue (southwest corner of East 42nd Street)
• Sponsor: Grand Central Partnership

Big Apple Greeter Tours

Want a private, guided tour of New York City ? For free? Seems hard to believe, but that's exactly what Big Apple Greeters offers visitors to New York City. Since 1992, this non-profit organization has connected visitors with volunteer New Yorkers who want to share their know-how and favorite neighborhoods with visitors to New York City. They even have a no-tipping policy, but if you love what you experience, you should make a donation to Big Apple Greeters to keep their services available.

Please note: Tours are assigned on a first-come, ​first served basis, so book well in advance to have the best chance of getting a tour.

Free Tours by Foot

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Free Tours By Foot offers a variety of New York City walking tours, most of which are free (on their food tours you pay for your own samples). Most tours are 2 hours and cover a single neighborhood, but they also have an All-In-One-Tour that is 6-hours long and covers many areas of New York City. The guides on these tours work exclusively for tips, so keep that in mind and tip appropriately if you are happy with your experience. They recommend tipping $10/person for their 2-hour tours and $25/person for the 6-hour tour.

Central Park Conservancy Guided Tours

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The Central Park Conservancy offers free guided walking tours covering many different areas of Central Park . Tours range from 30 minutes to 2 hours and are led by volunteers from the Central Park Conservancy Walking Tour Program . These tours offer visitors a great opportunity to understand Central Park and learn about the park's history and design. Tours are rated for difficulty, and some are handicap-accessible.

Tips? No, but consider making a donation to the Central Park Conservancy .

"Crossroads of New York" Walking Tour

Paul VanDerWerf/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

Learn about the Union Square neighborhood with a rich political and social history on a walking tour created with the help of the experts at Big Onion Walking Tours. Learn about the people, events, and architecture of this wonderful neighborhood.

• Where: Abraham Lincoln Statue at 16th Street transverse
• Sponsor: Union Square Partnership

Free Lower East Side Historic Tours

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This three-hour walking tour of the Lower East Side explores both the history and modern side of this dynamic neighborhood.

• Length: 3 hours
• Where: Katz's Delicatessen (corner of East Houston and Ludlow Street)
• Details: Lower East Side Historic Tours

Not Quite Free: Municipal Arts Society Walking Tours

The Municipal Arts Society offers two weekly tours with "suggested donations" of $10. On Tuesdays, the tour covers Downtown Manhattan, while Wednesday tours visit Grand Central Terminal. MAS offers many other tours as well, and their tour guides are very well regarded.

• Tuesday Downtown Tour Start: In front of 55 Exchange Place
• Wednesday Grand Central Tour Start: Info Booth in Grand Central

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Free Walking Tour New York

Learn the secrets of new york city through new yorkers, free  new york walking tour.

Ever curious about New York City's ascent as a pivotal financial, cultural, and political hub? Keen to understand the spirit of New Yorkers? Embark on an exploration of the city through its residents' perspective with our 2 hour long tour!

Our NYC Free Walking Tour unfolds New York's dynamic history and architectural splendor. We'll start our journey from the historical Fraunces Tavern - the place where it happened, and through historical facts and talking about the people that build America, cross a mosaic of famed landmarks and hidden jewels. Our guides, through interesting stories blend historical narratives with the city's contemporary pulse.

This is a pay-as-you-wish tour. When the tour ends you'll decide how much is the value and pay the guide. You will be able to get a unique perspective of how it truly is to love in the Big Apple.

To embark on this unique journey and uncover the soul of New York City, secure your spot on our NYC Free Walking Tour. Dive deep into the heart of the city's history, culture, and spirited life with those who know it best. Book now to experience New York like never before.

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Why should i take a free walking tour in new york, how do the free walking tours work in new york city, how much should i pay for a free tour in new york city, do free tour guides in new york city have an official license, are the free walking tours in new york available in spanish, get inspired by the free tour community blog.

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Harlem Walking Tour

Tour Information

Harlem highlights.

• Abyssinian Baptist Church
• Apollo Theater
• Sites related to Malcolm X
• Headquarters of William J. Clinton Foundation
• Schomberg Center
• Sylvia's Soul-food Restaurant
• Strivers Row
• and much more!

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For our full tour calendar,  click here .

Although world-famous, Harlem may just be New York's best-kept secret with some of the city's most interesting architecture, food, music, and people..00

Harlem's history is also one of the city's most dramatic, having gone through many ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic changes over the past roughly 400 years.

This has resulted in a diverse array of places of worship, theaters, homes, and eating establishments.

Join Free Tours by Foot Uptown on this two-hour Harlem walking tour.

Discover the streets where Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and other cutting-edge Harlem Renaissance players put American music on the world map.

And where Fidel Castro slept after being kicked out of a midtown hotel for having chickens in his room.

Come hungry, if you want to treat yourself to some great soul food after the tour!  

We'll also show you some places where you could visit to experience a live gospel service .

Sites we cover on our Harlem Walking Tours:

NOTE: We do not enter these buildings on the tour.

We also have a  GPS-led audio tour of Harlem that you can whenever it fits your schedule.

Tour information

Reservations:  Required.  Click here to reserve . Groups of 6 or more traveling together should visit our group's page .

Duration: Approximately 2 hours 15 min. The tour distance is approximately 1.5 miles (2.7 km).

Start point: The tour starts from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture ( map ). 

Endpoint: The tour ends near the Apollo Theater.

When: @9:45am Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays and @2pm Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays.  Tours go out rain or shine. Dress appropriately for the weather.   View Our Full Calendar.

*See the additional planning section below for future potential seasonal scheduling. 

Cost:  This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done. A name-your-own-price tour is a tour for anyone's budget.

Language: The public tour is in English or Spanish only (see our Spanish tour page for the calendar) . Private tours for individual groups are also available in both languages upon request.

Additional  planning information:  Tour will not enter buildings. You will need to coordinate a gospel experience and Apollo Theater tour on your own.

Read our Gospel Music in Harlem and the Rest of New York City blog and our Tour the Apollo Theater in Harlem blog to assist you in your planning.

GPS-LED AUDIO TOURS OF HARLEM

We also offer a GPS-enabled audio tour as well as a self-guided tour.

The 1st option is our GPS-led audio tour.

This option is our full tour of Harlem and was researched and recorded by one of our tour guides from the neighborhood. Listen to a sample.

You'll need to download our free audio tour app. Downloads are only $2.99. We also offer 9 other NYC audio tours .

Here is how it works:

• Purchase an audio tour.
• Get a confirmation email with .mp3, .pdf, and embeddable Google Map.
• Enjoy the tour(s).

Even if you don't download any tours, you will still have access to valuable information on sightseeing, eating, and playing in the Big Apple.

Our second option is totally free (hence our name). You can take this tour by viewing or downloading this Google Map .

This version isn't as in-depth as the audio or public tours, but it will give you a good overview nonetheless.

Tip: To learn about the economic, political, and cultural changes in Harlem over time, check out Social Justice Tours . 

Tickets are just $16 and a portion of the proceeds goes to a worthy non-profit organization.

Lady Altoviese's Harlem Renaissance and Gospel Experience

We offer exceptional gospel tour experiences led by Harlem native, Lady Altoviese.

Unlike the church services listed below, there is no dress code for this tour and performance, and there is no waiting in line.

Cost: $25/person. Book this tour .

Note: This tour operates on Wednesdays at noon and pares with our 2-hour walking tour of Harlem .

Click here for more options to experience the gospel in NYC or to take a guided tour of Harlem churches.

We can show you where some of the churches we list below are located on our free  New York tours.

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Free tours and walks in New York City and beyond

Get the scoop on a New York City landmark by joining one of these free walks and tours. Plus, discover gratis out-of-town day trips.

Are you trying to host visitors on a budget? Yeah? Then consult this roundup often. We detail free tours of the Brooklyn Bridge , Grand Central , Union Square and other NYC attractions —as well as freebie day trips just outside New York City.

RECOMMENDED: Full list of free things to do in NYC  

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Walkway Over the Hudson

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Enjoy stunning views of upstate New York—as well as some high quality Instagram opps of fall foliage—with a walk 212 feet above the Hudson River at the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park in Poughkeepsie, New York. Just Just two hours north of the by train or by car, visitors can walk, bike or run on the pet-friendly bridge that connects Dutchess and Ulster counties. A great day of exploring—and the ultimate sightseeing adventure—awaits. For more information and various entry points on either side of the river, visit walkway.org.

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Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration

Walk New York: a FREE Self-Guided Walking Tour of Manhattan

I think one of the best ways to experience New York is to walk around the city, so I decided to share my free self-guided walking tour route for Manhattan.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you may know I love big, vibrant cities. And that New York City is one of my favourite cities in the world .  And you also may know that I love to walk the streets of the cities I visit. I like to get out on foot as much as I can – it helps me get a real feel for the atmosphere and character of a city. It also helps me get to know it, to understand its layout and how the different areas and landmarks are connected. 

Why Manhattan?  Well, it is the borough I know best. I’ve been to New York City four times and always spent most of my time in Manhattan. I’ve been to a few places in Brooklyn but I don’t know that borough as well as Manhattan – and I know the other three boroughs even less. Plus, Manhattan has so many iconic landmarks packed into that one island! Thanks to the grid system, it’s pretty easy to navigate, with a lot to see and experience.

If you follow my free self-guided walking tour of Manhattan, rather than joining an organised tour, you won’t have to pay anything AND you get to do it on your own, at your pace. This is a bonus for those on a budget and for introverts like me who avoid group tours!

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. These are links to products or experiences I recommend and if you were to buy something after clicking on them, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Any earnings go towards the upkeep of this blog, which I appreciate.

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About My Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Manhattan

The walking tour route I am sharing here takes you from downtown Manhattan, through mid-town to Central Park and the Upper East Side, taking in many NYC icons along the way.  There are other routes that I like in Manhattan and other neighbourhoods which are great to explore – but I wanted to start with something that was doable in one day. I walked this route on my last visit to New York when I went with a friend who had never been to the city before – so I have literally road-tested it, haha.

The whole route I am recommending here is 4.7 miles and would take approximately an hour and 35 minutes to walk non-stop according to GoogleMaps. However, it will take you longer because you’ll be stopping to take photos, grab refreshments and go into some of the attractions along the way. Using the photos I took when I walked this route as a reference, it took me around 7 hours. This included going to the Top of the Rock (but not the Empire State Building) – and I was pretty tired afterwards! That’s why I think you should allow most of the day for this.

When I walk around a new city, I don’t always take a fixed route. If possible, I like to know the general direction I’m headed but to have some freedom to walk down the streets that look most interesting to me.  Therefore, I’d encourage you to take some liberties with the route I recommend and to take detours if you feel like it.

This route does require you to be able to walk for extended distances – and I’ll share some walking tips at the end. If walking is a problem for you, then you could take taxis or public transport between sites.  There are several bus routes along Fifth Avenue, which features in this walking tour.

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Manhattan – Step By Step

Start in the east village – tompkins square park.

The East Village is a pretty cool neighbourhood in Manhattan. It was an upscale area of New York, built when the city expanded in the early 1800s. Then in the late 1800s, its population swelled with immigrants, at one point being known as ‘Little Germany’.  In the 1950s and 60s, the area absorbed some of the beatnik creativity of neighbouring Greenwich Village. Allen Ginsberg, W. H. Auden, and Norman Mailer all moved to the area in 1951–1953. Like a lot of New York, the area became run down in the 1970s and 80s. However, since the early 2000s it has been gentrified – so nowadays it is a desirable and expensive place to live.

At the heart of the East Village is Tomkins Square Park, which you can wander around.  But I definitely recommend starting your walking journey with a drink – of water or coffee. Try The Maiden Lane, which is on the corner of Tompkins Square Park at 10 th Street and Avenue B, or at B Cup, a couple of blocks north on 13 th Street.

Greenwich Village – Washington Square Park

From Tompkins Square Park, head west toward Greenwich Village, the centre of which is Washington Square Park.  The distance is approximately 0.8 miles, so should take 17-18 minutes.

NB. I don’t remember the exact route I took when I walked this segment of the route – so feel free to walk in this general direction, as I did.  In the map that is lower down this article, I’ve used the specific route that Google suggests.

Greenwich Village was the bohemian capital of New York in the 1950s and 60s, the epicentre of art, counter-culture and the LGBT community. These days, the quiet, leafy streets of Greenwich Village are amongst the most expensive places to live in the United States.

Washington Square Park is one of the best-known of New York City’s parks and spending time in it is one of the many free things to do in NYC . It features two key landmarks: the ornate marble Washington Square Arch and a large fountain. Just north of the park is the start of Fifth Avenue and the location of one of the most well-known addresses in Manhattan, the Art Deco skyscraper at One Fifth Avenue.

If you are a 1990s TV fan, you might want to take a detour here into the West Village, where you can see the following TV locations (both marked in my map later in this article):

• the ‘Friends building’. The building that was used for the exterior shots of Monica & Rachel and Joey & Chandler’s apartments is on the corner of Grove Street and Bedford Street
• Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment. The exterior of Carrie’s brownstone building was shot at 66 Perry Street (even though she is written as living in the Upper East Side).

Union Square Park

From Washington Square Park, walk up University Place towards Union Square.  This route takes through the heart of the NYU campus. The distance is 0.4 miles and should take approximately 8-9 minutes. 

Union Square Park has a big chess scene, so you could watch some games here – or play if you fancy your chances! There’s also a statue of George Washington here, and a farmer’s market on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Flatiron Building & Madison Square Park

From Union Square Park, walk up Broadway to Madison Square Park.  The distance is 0.4 miles and should take approximately 8-9 minutes. 

Madison Square Park is surrounded by gorgeous-looking skyscrapers from the early 20 th century. However,  at the southwest corner of Madison Square Park is one of the first truly iconic buildings you will see on this walking tour of Manhattan: the Flatiron Building. The Flatiron Building is 20-story a steel-framed building that was built in 1902. Officially a New York City Landmark, it is well known and loved for its triangular shape with a narrow-angled corner facing north at the junction of Fifth Avenue and 23rd Street – it really is a marvel!

You’ve been walking a lot by this point, so you may want some refreshments and there’s a great option for that near the Flatiron building at Eataly , which has a great selection of different food counters and eateries in its complex.  My choice was an Italian gelato, which I took outside to eat in Madison Square Park.

Empire State Building

From Madison Square Park, you’ll see your next stop way before you reach it!  Walk up Fifth Avenue towards the impressive and inimitable Empire State Building , which occupies an entire block between 33 rd and 34 th streets.   The distance is 0.5 miles and should take approximately 9-10 minutes. 

Along the way, you can snap pictures of this art deco architectural masterpiece from various distances – it really does dominate this area of mid-town! It was the tallest building in the world when it was built in 1931 and it held this record until the World Trade Centre towers went up in 1970. 

There are observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors of the Empire State Building, which give amazing panoramic views of New York City and six states.  Taking the view from the top of the Empire State Building is on many people’s New York bucket list.

However, if you will only have an appetite (or time) for one observation deck, I personally think the Top of the Rock is better. And don’t worry – that is also on this walking tour of Manhattan!

New York Public Library

From the Empire State Building, carry on up Fifth Avenue for 7 blocks until you come to the New York Public Library on the left.  The distance is another 0.5 miles and should take approximately 9-10 minutes. 

By this point, Fifth Avenue is like a man-made canyon: the road is a deep chasm between towering skyscrapers. But the next stop is not a high rise.

The New York Public Library is an NYC institution and has been providing access to books and information for more than 125 years. Even if you’re not in the market for some literature, the building itself is worth a detour from your walk. The Beaux-Arts style building, guarded by two marble lions called Patience and Fortitude, was built in 1911 and is a National Historic Landmark. The whole building is wonderful but the Rose Reading room, with its grand arched windows, chandeliers and rows of lamp-lit tables, is really stunning.

And if you’re a movie fan, like me, you may remember scenes from the New York Public Library in Ghostbusters, The Day After Tomorrow and Sex & The City: The Movie.

Rockefeller Centre & Top of the Rock

From the New York Public Library, carry on up Fifth Avenue for another 8 blocks until you come to the Rockefeller Centre.  The distance is another 0.5 miles and should take approximately 9-10 minutes. 

At 42nd Street, look right for a glimpse of the Chrysler Building, which is a couple of blocks east of Fifth Avenue. This is my favourite skyscraper in Manhattan – I just love the elegant art deco style and silver finish. You’ll also start to see lots more shopping opportunities as you go further north on Fifth Avenue.

At Rockefeller Centre, I highly recommend you go to the Observation Deck in the Rockefeller Tower. It is called Top of the Rock and is 70 stories high with stunning views of the city – it is one of the best observation decks in New York City .  Looking northwards, you can see Central Park and uptown – It is amazing to see the park from so high up and to see just how huge it is, and to see those ornate towered buildings that line it on both sides. 

However, in my opinion, the best view is south, towards midtown and lower Manhattan.  Standing proud in the middle of this view is the Empire State Building. It really is the cherry on the top of views of Manhattan. You can’t admire the view of the Empire State Building from the top of the Empire State Building, so that’s why I said earlier the view from the Top of the Rock is the best one.

The Rockefeller Centre is also a good place to grab a bite to eat.  At street level, there’s a restaurant with an outdoor terrace right by the fountains.  It’s not cheap – but it is scenic and the salads are great.

By the way, if you like views of NYC, you might consider staying in one of the hotels with the best views of New York City .

The Plaza Hotel and the Pulitzer Fountain

From the Rockefeller Centre, carry on up Fifth Avenue for another 9 blocks until the buildings give way to Central Park.  On the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street are the Pulitzer Fountain and the Plaza Hotel.  The distance is another 0.5 miles and should take approximately 9-10 minutes. 

On the way, just across from the Rockefeller Centre, on the right side of Fifth Avenue is the St Patrick’s Cathedral, its Neo-Gothic style contrasting with and dwarfed by the modern skyscrapers around it.

The shops become more high-end as you get closer to the park, including Saks Fifth Avenue opposite the Rockefeller Centre and Tiffany’s flagship store (made famous by the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, of course) at 57 th Street.

The Plaza Hotel is another New York Icon.  If I can continue my movie location theme, it features in The Way We Were and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. I can highly recommend the cocktails in the Champagne Bar , which is pretty good for people-spotting: I saw Princess Diana’s brother, the Earl of Spencer, there a few years ago.

The fountain opposite the hotel was bequeathed by Joseph Pulitzer, who also established the journalism prizes.

Central Park

Once you get to Central Park, I say just have a good wander around – that’s what it is there for! Exploring Central Park is one of the best free things to do in New York . If you want to go as far as the Boathouse, the distance is approximately a mile, so will take 18-20 minutes if you walked non-stop – but of course, there is plenty to distract you in the park!

For example, you might come across talented skaters practising on the paths, or a free performance in the Naumberg Bandshell.  The Bethesda Fountain is a lovely spot, and it is lovely to watch the rowboats on the lake.

The Boathouse is currently closed, unfortunately, which is a shame, because the views over the lake are wonderful. After completing this self-guided walking tour of Manhattan, you will have earned a rest and some refreshments!

However, if you still have some energy left, you could continue north and visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum , which is on the edge of Central Park.

But you might be keen on having a good dinner, so consider one of the unique restaurants in New York City . Or you could finish with a cocktail in my favourite cocktail bar of all time, the Bemelmans Bar, in the Carlyle Hotel.

Map: Self-guided walking tour of Manhattan

Here’s a map of my free self-guided walking tour of Manhattan:

And here’s an interactive map with various attractions I have mentioned marked:

How To Use This Map : Click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each one.  If you click the star next to the map’s title, it will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu, go to ‘Your Places’ or ‘Saved’, then click Maps and you will see this map in your list.

Tips for doing this walking tour of Manhattan

This walking tour of Manhattan is fairly long, so it will pay to be prepared:

• Wear comfortable shoes!
• Bring water and something waterproof in case the weather changes
• Respect traffic & use crossings

And if this is your first time in New York City, check out these NYC tips for first-time visitors .

When to go to New York City?

I think the best time to do this walking tour of Manhattan is in the shoulder seasons: March to May and September to October.  I did this on the last day of April, and it was glorious!

Don’t be put off visiting New York when it is colder, though: there are lots of things to do in New York in winter and so many things to do in NYC at Christmas .

The Last Word

I hope you like this self-guided walking tour of Manhattan! If you follow this route, do let me know how you get on. If you need more inspiration for NYC, check out this list of movies set in New York City , romantic things to do in NYC and unique things to do in NYC .

I’ve also written a 4-Day New York itinerary , showing how to make the best of a few days in the city, and a list of things to do in New York at night .

And if you are interested in more NYC walking tours, I did another one for Lower Manhattan !

If you like this article, I'd be delighted if you shared it!

About The Author

Martha Knight

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4 thoughts on “walk new york: a free self-guided walking tour of manhattan”.

Martha, I love this free walking tour of NYC. I have visited NY many years ago, I have always wanted to return. It is a city that one can visit many times and never get bored. Great post.

Thanks so much, Gilda! I completely agree – I’ve been to NYC several times now and I would happily return again 🙂

This is great! Any suggestions of a hotel for 2 people on a budget along that path? Just a place to sleep, actually. We will be walking the entire day!

Thanks! On the trip I did this walking route, I stayed in an AirBnB in the East Village. I’ts tricky to find any low-cost accommodation in Manhattan, tbh – even hostels charge a lot! But, depending on your dates, you might find a bargain on Booking.com (affiliate link): https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?city=20088325&aid=2164994&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA

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Free Walking Tour of New York

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Embark on our free New York City walking tour and explore the best of The Big Apple, including the famous Wall Street and the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, among many other sights, with a knowledgeable guide. 

Head to the Financial District in Manhattan to begin the free walking tour and discover the city’s most emblematic landmarks.

Learn about the history of New York and its worldwide importance while you wander past the National Museum of the American Indian, stroll along Wall Street and discover the World Trade Center, and the New York Stock Exchange. 

In addition, we'll go into the historic center of New Amsterdam to see the last Dutch-style houses in the city.

Following on, we'll head to Battery Park, which offers one of the best panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty.

The tour comes to an end near the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which commemorates all the victims of the attacks of the 9/11 attack in 2001.   

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New York City Free Walking Tour

Many famous films in history – from Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver to David Cronenberg’s Cosmopolis have been set in cars around New York City. But don’t let this fool you: absolutely the best way to enjoy the city is on foot, with a free walking tour from a local guide who can breathe life into the incredible history of the city. Finding a decent free tour in New York can be a challenge, with so many to choose from and so much to cover. We recommend you check out Free Tours by Foot’s free walking tour of New York for a decent tour of the city.

New York is a city of neighbourhoods, so instead of stressing out about trying to fit everything in the city into a single tour, we recommend you choose a free walking tour within a specific place. Promising to “show you what the Big Apple is made of”, Free Tours By Foot’s most popular free walking tour – and the one that gives you the best indication of what the city is like – is probably around SoHo, little Italy, and Chinatown. Stopping off at SoHo’s Cast Iron District, Little Italy, Canal and Mott streets, as well as Heath Ledger’s Apartment Building and film and TV locations including Ghost, Sex in the City and Men in Black, this free walking tour really packs a lot into the space of two hours. Have a look at their website to find out more!

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Few cities set hearts collectively racing like the Big Apple. The epitome of the American Dream, combined with the hustle and bustle of a true world city; it’s not hard to see why New York is so often the backdrop of movies, music and books. It’s easy to get lost in this impressive concrete jungle, so let us show you the city that never sleeps through the eyes of New York’s best local tour guides.

As the original  FREE Tour company, we’ll show you many of New York’s top attractions with our Downtown Manhattan walking tour, including Broadway, Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial and Battery Park, with views to the Statue of Liberty.

After you’ve got the overview with the free walking tour, delve deeper with us on our other great New York tours! The Midtown Tour will take you to some of New York’s best landmarks, such us Times Square, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue.

You can also visit some of New York’s most famous neighborhoods on the  Chinatown, Little Italy & Brooklyn Bridge Tour .

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Our core value #2 reads "Greeters welcome individuals and may serve small groups of up to six people." The reason is that each Greet should be an opportunity to talk to each other and that seems impossible in bigger groups. Also important: we do not mingle people from different requests but serve only you (and your friends).

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Our core value #3 reads "Meeting a Greeter is free of charge." We do not follow a "give what you think is ok (but please give)" strategy. Greeters honestly do not like any tipping because what they give comes from their heart not because of any tipping expectation. If you feel you would like to support the Greeters as a whole you should find a way to support the local Greeter organization (our our association) to keep the project running.

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Free Tours in New York City (NYC): Join New York Adventures

New York, often referred to as the "Empire State," is one of the most exciting metropolises in the world. The "Big Apple" is a global hub for finance, culture, entertainment, fashion, and more. You are truly lucky if you are planning to travel to this city! However, if you want to get the most out of your trip, we recommend booking our New York free walking tour. Our professional guides will do their best to make your visit unforgettable by revealing hidden gems and local secrets only the true New Yorkers know. 

Discover the Magic of New York City: Free Tours for Every Traveler

If you want to see as many places as possible within a couple of hours, you must go to our website and book your free NYC walking tours. Whether you are looking for culinary adventures or wish to explore the most exciting places in the city, we got you covered. Let’s highlight the three most popular NYC walking tours with the highest user rating.

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You can’t be in New York and not see the Met's richest art collection. It’s the world's foremost art museum with a fantastic collection from different epochs. We’ll begin our tour with the Egyptian Art galleries, see the Medieval and Byzantine art collection, and finish it by visiting the block down Fifth Avenue. 

New York Public Library in-App Audio Tour: Exploring the Iconic Site

The New York Public Library is a fantastic place with a treasury of 2.5 million volumes and artifacts. The tour starts outside so that you can enjoy incredible architecture, famous lions, and incredible sculptures. During the tour, you will also visit Bryant Park. It all lasts only 1.30 hours, but you’ll learn many interesting facts about this place!

Secrets & Flavors of China Town & Litle Italy in NYC

If you want to see the impressive Soho Square and experience the vibes of China Town, you should totally opt for this tour. The tour begins at the iconic Dominique Ansel Bakery; we will then move to SOHO and a local square park. We’ll also pop into the Ferrara Cafe in Little Italy, where you’ll taste Italian food. Join us on this cultural adventure and have a time of your life!

Besides relaxing and informative walking excursions, we also offer bus tours allowing you to explore distant locations within a few hours. When booking one, you’ll visit various places, from Boston and Niagara Falls to Philadelphia and Amish Village. The duration of these tours varies from 5 to 10 hours. However, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy them!

Explore Iconic Landmarks: Free Tours of New York City's Must-See Sites 

Are you going to visit the heart of New York City? You will hardly find a better way to immerse yourself in the city's dynamic spirit than through our walking tours of New York. See the dazzling lights of Times Square, the grandeur of Central Park, and the historical significance of the Statue of Liberty - our friendly guides will show you the best historical landmarks. 

All our tours are led by seasoned guides, passionate about their work. With their captivating narratives and intriguing insights, you’ll undoubtedly remember this trip for years to come!  If you want to understand the soul of New York, it’s high time to book your tour online!

Embrace the Outdoors: Free Tours of New York City's Parks and Gardens

You know that New York is one of the biggest metropolises in the world. However, there’s a serene oasis of greenery and tranquility among the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers. With our New York walking tours, you will immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this metropolis. You will walk around the iconic Central Park and explore the High Line. Overall, with our guided tours, you will dive deeper into the horticultural marvels that thrive in unexpected corners. Our professional guides are well-versed in botany and history and are always ready to answer all your questions!

Uncover Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Free Tours in New York City

As you can see, many hidden gems are waiting to be discovered beyond the well-trodden tourist paths. With our off-the-beaten-path free tours, you will explore the city's lesser-known corners, local secrets, and authentic experiences. Moreover, you will dive into Harlem's vibrant neighborhoods, the artsy enclaves of Greenwich Village, or the cultural melting pot of Queens. 

All our guides are passionate locals ready to share everything they know about this fantastic city. Overall, if you really want to see Greenwich Street, Manhattan, Chinatown, Broadway, and other famous landmarks, book our free walking tours in New York City right away!

Practical Information: Tour Schedules, Meeting Points, and Booking Details

Our tours are free of charge; however, you must book them on our website in advance. If you do like the excursion, you are free to leave a tip. These tips go directly to our guides as a token of appreciation for their efforts in making your day in New York memorable.

Always check the meeting point in a tour description. All of them are strategically chosen for your convenience. Our guides will be waiting for you there to start the excursion. Tours are available in English, Spanish, and Russian.

Our New York walking tours typically last 2-4 hours, depending on which one you choose. So wear comfortable shoes and prepare your camera to capture unique options. 

Book Your Free Tour in New York City Today!

Are you ready to dive into the atmosphere of Broadway? Do you want to see the Brooklyn Bridge? Well, you’ve come to the right place. With our New York tours, you will explore this city's hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Our guides will do their best to create a friendly atmosphere allowing you to explore the city and immerse yourself in its vibe. It’s time to wave your worries goodbye and book your New York walking tour right away!

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Taylor Swift Walking Tours Are Coming to NYC—And They're Hiring for Tour Guides

But the tours haven't been created yet—because GetYourGuide and On Location Tours are looking for the ultimate Swifties to help create and lead them. For the not-so-casual fan, this is a chance to create the ultimate Swiftie travel experience in New York City and London.

"Taylor Swift famously wrote a song called 'Welcome to New York,' along with dozens of other songs that mention New York and London by name; her love for both cities has really whet tourists’ appetites for Taylor Swift-inspired tours of both," said Madison Pietrowski, head of brand US at GetYourGuide. "They want to see these places through Taylor’s very romantic eyes. Who better to deliver the ultimate Taylor tour to her fans than an ultimate Swiftie, someone who can ensure that fans feel welcomed to New York—and London—as if Taylor herself has been waiting for them, to take them along on a highly personalized tour of her favorite spots."

This Ultimate Swiftie Tour Guide job will include compensation, training with professional tour guides in New York or London, and free tickets for friends and family for the tours you lead. In order to apply for the job, you’ve got to go through a couple rounds of interviews to prove your Swift knowledge. The first round requires you to post a video on Instagram or TikTok to show why you should be the Ultimate Swiftie Tour Guide and then tag @GetYourGuide and #UltimateSwiftieGuide.

For the rest of the Swifties more interested in taking the tour rather than leading it, keep your eye out for updates from GetYourGuide and On Locations Tour, so that you can book the experience of the city the next time you visit New York or London.

In the meantime, you can try to chase down Swift on her Eras tour throughout Europe. There are still some relatively cheap tour dates  you can fly to for her summer concerts.

Looking for more travel inspiration?

Opheli Garcia Lawler is a Senior Staff Writer at Thrillist. She holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Journalism from NYU's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She's worked in digital media for eight years, and before working at Thrillist, she wrote for Mic, The Cut, The Fader, Vice, and other publications. Follow her on Twitter @opheligarcia and Instagram @opheligarcia .

The Best Walking Tours in Bologna

Located in Northern Italy, Bologna is considered one of the food capitals of Italy . And given Italy’s culinary reputation, that must be saying something.

Food is what draws most visitors here ( it’s what drew me there ). I had heard it’s the place for foodies in Italy and I was not disappointed.

Unsurprisingly, there are lots of amazing food tours here that allow you to eat your way around town while learning about the region’s traditional cuisine. There are also wine tours galore plus plenty of history-oriented tours to ensure you learn about this food-centric city’s past.

In short, Bologna is the perfect place to take a walking tour. And, since I love walking tours of all kind, I took a bunch while I was in town. Some were great, some were ok, some where terrible . Here’s the best walking tours I took in Bologna to help you plan your visit:

Best Overall Tour

Take Walks is my go-to tour company in Italy, offering access to places that no other gets and featuring incredibly knowledgeable guides. I always have fun and learn a lot on these tours. I can’t recommend them enough.

Their Tastes & Traditions tour lasts 3.5 hours and includes nine mouth-watering offerings (plus coffee and wine). You’ll get to visit markets, sample artisan fare, and learn all about traditional cuisine. If you only do one tour here, make it this one.

Best Free Tour

Free Walking Tour Bologna

Offered daily, this is the best (and most popular) free tour in town and a good introduction to Bologna. It lasts two hours and covers all the highlights, including Piazza Nettuno, the Jewish Ghetto, Piazza Maggiore, and more. It’s informative without being boring and perfect primer for first-time visitors. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

While those are my favorite paid and free tour operators in town, Bologna as a lot more to offer walking tour companies. Here are three other companies I like a lot:

1. Do Eat Better

If you’ve still got an appetite, join Do Eat Better’s Traditional Food Tour . Led by an expert local guide, this 3.5-hour tour makes stops at four hand-picked eateries, where you can try fresh pasta, artisanal ice cream, locally sourced meats, and more (you’ll definitely leave full). I especially like that you not only get to try some amazing traditional food but get off the tourist trail and beat the crowds. It’s a must-do tour for foodies.

Tours start at 90 EUR.

Book here!  

2. Bologna Wine

If you’re like me and love vino, you’re going to want to book this guided wine tour . It’s led by a sommelier and features a wide variety of wines from around Bologna. You’ll visit lesser-known spots, try some unique vintages, and develop a deeper appreciation for the region’s wines. You’ll also get to stop at the city’s oldest tavern, which I think is really neat. Tours last 2-3 hours (depending on which you book) and include 2-5 glasses of wine (again, depending on the tour). The guides really know their stuff, so you’ll learn a ton on this tour.

Tours start at 69 EUR.

3. Travelhoo

To burn off all the amazing food you’ve been enjoying, take a guided bike tour with Travelhoo. Over the course of 2.5 hours, you’ll learn about Bologna’s long history and visit its main sights, such as Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, and the Neptune Fountain. It’s a solid introduction to the city and how it came to be the food and wine hub that it is today.

While this is an active tour, the guide leads you at a leisurely pace, so you don’t need to be super fit to enjoy it.

Tours start at 75 EUR.

Bologna may not get the attention that Rome or Venice do, but when it comes to food, it holds its own. Take one of the walking tours above and learn about its history and culture and feast on the amazing eats that have put the city on the map for centuries!

And while these are my favourite tours in the city, the website GetYourGuide has lots more options so check them out if you’re looking for additional tours!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Italy: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Tennis season is picking back up.

From now until June 9, the French Open is in full swing at Paris’ Roland Garros Stadium. After that, Wimbledon slices into the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in early July.

However, New York-based tennis fans have likely blocked out Aug. 26 through Sept. 8 on their calendars. On those 14 days, the U.S. Open returns to Flushing’s Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, and Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre for two weeks of high-level racket play.

While we don’t who will be competing this year — although it’s likely big names like Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Świątek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff should be on the iconic blue and green Queens courts — we do know that tickets for all matches can be picked up as soon as today.

Some are reasonably priced as of now, too.

At the time of publication, we found tickets going for as low as $71 before fees on Vivid Seats.

Other matches start anywhere from $77 to $370 before fees.

Can’t wait to see the game’s most talented athletes all in one place?

If that’s the case, we’ve got everything you need to know and more about the 2024 U.S. Open below.

All prices listed above are subject to fluctuation.

U.S. Open 2024 tickets

The U.S. Open officially kicks off on Monday, Aug. 26 at 11 a.m.

Once the first serve lands, the U.S. Open will last two weeks stretching until the Finals on  Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m.

In between, there are  44 more huge matches that are all available to purchase on Vivid Seats as of today.

Biggies you won’t want to miss include the Men’s Final , Women’s Final , Men’s Semifinal and Women’s Double Final .

To find the match that’s right for you,  click here .

Huge concerts in New York

If you need something a bit louder than the U.S. Open, we can help in that department as well.

Here are just five superstars we can’t wait to see live coming to the Big Apple this year.

•  Billy Joel

•  Justin Timberlake

•  Blink-182

•  Jennifer Lopez

•  Aerosmith

Want to see who else is volleying their way into town? Check out our list of the 50 biggest concert tours in 2024 to find out.

Why you should trust ‘Post Wanted’ by the New York Post

This article was written by Matt Levy , New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed Bruce Springsteen and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.

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