About this English self-guided 1h:43m walking tour in New York
Hello there and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of Manhattan in New York City! We will start at the Empire State Building and finish at Columbus Circle.
On this tour we will see some amazing architecture, visit some historical sites, take in some beautiful scenery, and learn a lot of fun facts about Manhattan that you didn’t know you needed to know! Are you ready to explore? Great! Just follow your navigation to our starting point and I'll meet you there!
Welcome to a New York City icon!
The Empire State Building is not just a building; it’s a living legend.
Located in the heart of Manhattan, it’s New York City’s most famous symbol. Built in 1931, it held the title of "the tallest building in the world" for nearly 40 years. The iconic structure, designed in the Art Deco style, rises to a height of 381 meters (443 meters if you include the antenna).
Construction of the Empire State Building began in 1930 and was part of the "race to the skies." At the time, other skyscrapers, like the Manhattan Bank Building and the Chrysler Building (which we’ll visit later), were also being constructed.
The architectural design was entrusted to the firm of architect William Lamb, whose milestones included a simple yet impressive Art Deco style.
For $44 per adult, you can visit the observation deck on the 86th floor, which offers stunning panoramic views of New York and its key landmarks, including Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
For $79 per adult, you can take the elevator up 16 more floors to the 102nd floor for a more intimate viewing experience. I suggest saving your money for one of the two recommended observation points in this tour, either the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building—at least one is a must-see. Note that prices may vary depending on the season.
The Empire State Building wasn’t just a skyscraper; it was a cultural phenomenon. People came from all over the world to marvel at its stunning Art Deco facade and ride the fast elevator. It’s said that the views from the top were so breathtaking they once cured someone of a fear of heights. The building has served as the backdrop for countless iconic films like *King Kong*, *Spider-Man*, *The Avengers*, *Independence Day*, and *Sleepless in Seattle*.
During World War II, the building's lights were dimmed to conserve electricity but still flashed patriotic Morse code messages to boost soldiers' morale. Yes, a skyscraper that’s also a patriot.
Today, the impressive Empire State Building still stands tall and stars in thousands of Instagram selfies every day. It’s not just a building; it’s a symbol of the power, ambition, and daring spirit of New York.
Here are some must-know facts:
- The building is struck by lightning an average of 25 times a year.
- It was built during the Great Depression at record speed—410 days, or roughly four and a half floors per week.
- Over 3,400 workers, many of them immigrants, participated in the construction project.
- The spire, added to make it the tallest, was originally designed as a mooring mast for airships, adding another 200 feet to its height.
- Every year, a stair-climbing race to the 86th floor (1,576 steps) is held. The record: less than 10 minutes! Ready, set, go!
The building’s exterior lighting at night changes for events and holidays, and you can even request custom lighting for your birthday through the building’s website if you submit your application at least three months in advance.
Alright, let’s keep moving! Follow the navigation instructions to East 34th Street!
We are going to turn right on 34th street and head over to Park Avenue, but I wanted to tell you all about 5th Avenue, which is the street we have been walking along. Fifth Avenue is the stuff of legends, stretching from the artsy vibes of Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village all the way up to 142nd Street in Harlem. This avenue is like Manhattan’s runway, flaunting luxury, fashion, and culture as if it's strutting in the latest designer collection.
Starting downtown, Fifth Avenue kicks off near NYU, where students pretend to study while actually scoping out the best food trucks. As you head north, you enter the glitzy heart of Midtown, where Fifth Avenue shows off its true colors as the ultimate shopping paradise. Here, you'll find high-end boutiques, flagship stores, and luxury brands that make your credit card sweat just by walking past. Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co. are basically temples of retail therapy, where window shopping is a high-stakes sport.
But don’t worry, Fifth Avenue isn't all about burning holes in your wallet. It's also home to some of the city's most iconic landmarks. The New York Public Library, guarded by the ever-patient Patience and Fortitude, offers a grand entrance at 42nd Street. We will be visiting there soon.
If you journey further up Fifth Avenue, you’ll hit the Museum Mile, a cultural buffet with institutions like the Met, the Guggenheim, and the Museum of the City of New York. Although these sites are not part of this tour, you may want to check it out in the future. This stretch is a playground for art lovers and history buffs, where you can pretend to be sophisticated while secretly trying to remember the last time you dusted your bookshelf.
Central Park, the city’s leafy sanctuary, cozies up to Fifth Avenue from 59th to 110th Street. It’s the perfect place to escape the concrete jungle, have a picnic, or just marvel at the squirrels who are living their best lives.
Finally, as you approach the upper stretches of Fifth Avenue, things get a bit more residential, with elegant apartment buildings and historic brownstones. It’s like the avenue is saying, “Even I need to chill sometimes.”
In essence, Fifth Avenue is New York City’s showpiece—diverse, dynamic, and full of life. Whether you’re splurging on fashion, soaking in culture, or just people-watching, Fifth Avenue offers an experience that’s as unforgettable as a New York minute.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1The Empire State Building
Place 25th Avenue
Place 3Park Avenue
Place 4MetLife Building
Place 5Chrysler Building
Place 6Grand Central Terminal
Place 7New York Public Library
Place 8Bryant Park
Place 9Times Square
Place 10One Times Square
Place 11Broadway Street
Place 12Father Duffy Square
Place 13Radio City Music Hall
Place 14Top of the Rock
Place 15Rockefeller Center
Place 16St. Patrick's Cathedral
Place 17St. Thomas Church
Place 18The Museum of Modern Art
Place 19Carnegie Hall
Place 20Central Park
Place 21Columbus Circle
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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
