Midtown Walking Tour with Empire State Building Tickets

Walk past Midtown Manhattan’s architectural icons and ascend to the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory on this 90-min guided tour.

Getting started

Meet your guide outside Épicerie Boulud at 1 Vanderbilt Avenue, easily spotted by their orange ExperienceFirst hat. After a brief introduction, your group will set off at a relaxed pace, covering about three-quarters of a mile through Midtown’s storied streets.

What to expect

Midtown walking tour

This walking tour explores the evolution of New York’s skyline, spotlighting the visionaries and rivalries that shaped Midtown’s most famous landmarks. Your guide shares stories behind each stop, from Art Deco masterpieces to modern skyscrapers.

Features:

• One Vanderbilt: See this modern skyscraper and learn how it frames views of the Chrysler Building, the world’s first supertall skyscraper.

• New York Public Library: Visit a Beaux-Arts landmark, home to marble lions and hidden stories, including underground tunnels.

• Bryant Park: Pause in this 9.6-acre green space, known as Midtown’s “town square,” with views of surrounding Art Deco architecture.

• Fifth Avenue & Herald Square: Discover the cultural impact of Macy’s and the role of these avenues in shaping New York’s identity.

Empire State Building

Your journey culminates at the Empire State Building. Learn how this marvel of Art Deco design rose during the Great Depression, born from a fierce construction rivalry. Hear behind-the-scenes stories of its rapid construction and enduring pop culture fame.

Features:

• Art Deco design: Discover the architectural elements that make this building a timeless masterpiece.

• Historical insight: Learn about the 1930s “race to the skies” and what made the Empire State Building a symbol of resilience and ambition.

• 86th-floor Observatory access: End your tour with admission to the main observatory deck. Enjoy 360-degree views of New York City and, on a clear day, as far as Massachusetts.

Midtown Walking Tour with Empire State Building Tickets

Dive into a tapestry of architectural marvels and historical intrigue during your 90-minute English-guided journey through Midtown Manhattan, where towering skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building stand as sentinels to the city’s skyline. Explore the vibrant Bryant Park, home to countless stories woven into its lush greenery, and delve into the grandeur of New York Public Library, a beacon for knowledge and culture in this bustling metropolis. With access to the Empire State Building's 86th-floor observatory included in your tour package, you'll ascend to heights where panoramic views await, capturing Times Square’s vibrant glow and distant silhouettes of the Statue of Liberty. This experience weaves the past into the present, offering memorable encounters that forge connections while understanding the ever-evolving essence of New York City.

Discovering Midtown Manhattan's Skyscrapers

Experience Midtown Manhattan during the tour’s highlight segment where you'll stand in awe before some of the tallest buildings in the world, including the Chrysler Building and One Vanderbilt. As part of this comprehensive itinerary featuring architectural wonders, guests will uncover the intricate details that make these structures iconic, from their sleek design to their towering heights. Each step reveals a story of rivalry and ambition from the 1930s, with measurements and specifications adding depth to the narrative. Marvel at how these skyscrapers not only shape the skyline but also the spirit of New York.

Wandering Through Bryant Park's Serene Gardens

Access Bryant Park included in the tour package, enabling you to explore its serene gardens as a respite from the bustling city. As part of your journey through Midtown Manhattan, this park offers a tranquil escape where history and nature coexist harmoniously. Visitors can wander through meticulously maintained greenery while learning about the park’s rich heritage, including its transformation into a public space in 1853. Bryant Park's distinct character as a hub for cultural events adds to its allure, making it an essential stop on your tour.

Exploring New York Public Library's Literary Legacy

Visit the New York Public Library representing the tour’s centerpiece where you'll immerse yourself in one of the most renowned libraries in the world. This iconic landmark invites guests to discover its vast literary collection and stunning architectural features, such as the majestic Rose Main Reading Room with its soaring ceiling and grand columns. The library's significance extends beyond books; it serves as a beacon for intellectual pursuits and cultural appreciation, making it an integral part of New York’s identity.

Ascending Empire State Building's Vantage Point

Experience the Empire State Building during your tour where you'll ascend to its 86th floor observatory included in the package. As you journey up to a height of 1,050 feet, panoramic city views unfold before your eyes, capturing the essence of New York from an unparalleled vantage point. The observatory's comprehensive view offers glimpses of landmarks such as Times Square and the Statue of Liberty, creating unforgettable moments that weave together history and modernity.

Tour Highlights

• Visit Midtown Manhattan’s tallest buildings highest viewpoint
• Experience 1930s skyscraper rivalries fascinating stories captivatingly told
• Explore New York Public Library literary legacy architecturally impressive
• Ascend Empire State Building vantage point panoramic views spectacular
• Access Bryant Park serene gardens tranquil escape included
• Discover Statue of Liberty distant silhouette iconic landmark unique

Explorers for explorers of Midtown Manhattan’s architectural treasures, Explorers of New York Public Library's literary legacy, and seekers of the Empire State Building’s panoramic vantage point, this journey through time weaves history into the present, offering memorable encounters that forge connections while understanding the ever-evolving essence of New York City. Like a poem etched in stone and steel, your tour will leave you with stories as enduring as the skyline itself.