A locals guide to the architecture of the Upper West Side

New To The Site! New York City, USA

Loading Options

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Most tours focus on the big names and obvious landmarks, but this one is different — I’m 18, a local, and I know the Upper West Side from the ground up. I’ll show you hidden gems, tell the stories behind the buildings, and give you insider insights you won’t find in guidebooks. From historic architecture to secret spots with fascinating pasts, this tour combines history, culture, and local flavor — all through the eyes of someone who actually walks these streets every day.

What's Included

  • Admission fee

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point
    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Central Park

    Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Central Park is the “green heart” of Manhattan and one of the most visited urban parks in the world. Stretching over 840 acres, it was the first landscaped public park in the U.S. and remains an oasis of lakes, gardens, and winding paths. From Strawberry Fields to the Great Lawn, every corner has a story — making it as much a work of art as it is a park.
    Read more

    30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    The Ansonia

    Once dubbed the “Palace for the People,” The Ansonia is a Beaux-Arts masterpiece with a colorful past. Originally built as a luxury residential hotel, it has seen everything from grand ballroom dances to secret speakeasies and even the infamous Continental Baths in the 1970s. With its turreted towers and elaborate details, the Ansonia remains one of the Upper West Side’s most dramatic landmarks.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    The Dakota

    One of New York’s most legendary apartment buildings, The Dakota is a masterpiece of Gilded Age architecture. Known for its ornate German Renaissance style, it has housed countless cultural icons, most famously John Lennon, who lived here with Yoko Ono. With its striking façade and fascinating history, The Dakota remains one of the city’s most exclusive addresses.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    The San Remo

    The twin-towered San Remo is one of the Upper West Side’s most recognizable landmarks, designed by famed architect Emery Roth. Its elegant blend of Art Deco and Renaissance Revival design has made it a home to celebrities from Rita Hayworth to Bono. The building’s iconic silhouette overlooking Central Park is a defining feature of the Manhattan skyline.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Apthorp Gate House

    A striking example of Beaux-Arts architecture, The Athorp is a luxury apartment building that has long symbolized Upper West Side elegance. Its grand façade, ornate detailing, and stately presence make it a standout on Broadway, reflecting the neighborhood’s early 20th-century charm. Over the decades, it has housed prominent figures, adding to its aura of prestige and history.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Beresford

    Famed for its three majestic towers, The Beresford is one of the Upper West Side’s most iconic apartment buildings. Designed by Emery Roth, its elegant Beaux-Arts façade and luxurious apartments have attracted celebrities like Steve Martin and Glenn Close. Overlooking Central Park, the Beresford combines architectural grandeur with a rich cultural history, making it a standout landmark of Manhattan.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Show 4 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (6)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the A locals guide to the architecture of the Upper West Side?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-393618P1


    Loading Options

    Similar Tours & Activities

    Private Tour: Explore the festivities in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn

    Private Tour: Explore the festivities in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn

    New To The Site!
     3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $172.25

    Gossip girl Tour

    Gossip girl Tour

    1
     1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $160

    Private Romantic NYC Helicopter Scenic Charter with Champagne

    Private Romantic NYC Helicopter Scenic Charter with Champagne

    4
     30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $4,465

    Two Day Combo: Niagara Falls and Washington with Philadelphia from New York

    Two Day Combo: Niagara Falls and Washington with Philadelphia from New York

    5
     2 days  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $393

    Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

    American Dream DreamWorks Indoor Water Park Ticket
    Likely to Sell Out

    American Dream DreamWorks Indoor Water Park Ticket

     1 day  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $69

    American Dream Nickelodeon Universe Indoor Theme Park Ticket
    Likely to Sell Out

    American Dream Nickelodeon Universe Indoor Theme Park Ticket

     1 day  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $62.91

    NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports

    NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports

     6 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $84

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Admission fee

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

    Report Product Issue

    Activity name

    Language
    Currency

    Site Settings

    Activity name

    Currency

    Activity name

    Free Cancellation

    Activity name

    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).

    Sorting, ranking, and search results

    Activity name

    Cool New York City wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

    On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

    If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool New York City over a 12-month period.

    The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.