NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour in New York, United States
New York, United States

NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour

Outty Ranking 60 5.0 · 2 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $30
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

60/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour worth booking?

NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour is a 2-hour experience in New York, United States, from $30 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
60 / 100
Rating
5/5 (2)
Duration
2 hours
From
$30 per person

Discover a side of Midtown Manhattan you've never heard before on this engaging walking tour filled with sensational stories strange true tales once splashed across New York’s newspapers. This tour brings to life headline-worthy stories including alligators in the sewers, eccentric celebrities, a death-defying survival story, and the mystery of “The Missingest Man in America.” From the iconic Empire State Building to the unique history of Times Square, each location reveals a captivating narrative. Ideal for visitors and locals alike, this tour offers a mix of famous sites and hidden gems alongside expert storytelling for a truly memorable experience. - Guided walking tour through Midtown Manhattan's most iconic locations - Hear fascinating and bizarre stories from NYC’s rich history - Visit landmarks like Macy's, Empire State Building, and Times Square - Perfect for groups and individuals looking to uncover NYC's hidden tales

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover a side of Midtown Manhattan you've never heard before on this engaging walking tour filled with sensational stories strange true tales once splashed across New York’s newspapers. This tour brings to life headline-worthy stories including alligators in the sewers, eccentric celebrities, a death-defying survival story, and the mystery of “The Missingest Man in America.” From the iconic Empire State Building to the unique history of Times Square, each location reveals a captivating narrative. Ideal for visitors and locals alike, this tour offers a mix of famous sites and hidden gems alongside expert storytelling for a truly memorable experience. - Guided walking tour through Midtown Manhattan's most iconic locations - Hear fascinating and bizarre stories from NYC’s rich history - Visit landmarks like Macy's, Empire State Building, and Times Square - Perfect for groups and individuals looking to uncover NYC's hidden tales

    What's included

    Included

    • In-person guide

    What you'll see and do

    1. Herald Square

      Discover the strange story of a powerful newspaper magnate whose obsession with owls was as unusual as it was unforgettable.

      5 minutes here

    2. Macy's Herald Square

      At the flagship store of Macy's Herald Square, hear about the parade balloon mishap that turned a beloved holiday tradition into headline news.

      5 minutes here

    3. Empire State Building

      Learn about an astonishing survival story involving a fall at one of the tallest buildings in the world.

      5 minutes here

    4. Morgan Library

      Appreciate the unusual photo of financier J. P. Morgan that changed public opinion and the life of a Barnum & Bailey Circus star.

      5 minutes here

    5. Park Avenue

      Stroll along Park Avenue and hear the famous story of one of the most vilified women in American History.

      3 minutes here

    6. Hear how this beloved landmark once served as a backdrop for Cold War espionage, secrets, and betrayal.

      3 minutes here

    7. Bryant Park

      At Tesla Corner, learn about inventor Nikola Tesla and his surprisingly devoted love for the park’s pigeons.

      5 minutes here

    8. Times Square

      Wrap up with the true crime mystery of a judge who vanished from the Crossroads of the World and became one of the most baffling missing persons cases in American history.

      5 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    New York

    We'll meet in front of the Hilton Garden Inn at 63 West 35th St. Your guide will have a yellow flag.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Tour ends at Times Square near Subway stations.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    I'm Walkin' Here Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour in New York, photo 2NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour in New York, photo 3NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour in New York, photo 4NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour in New York, photo 5NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour in New York, photo 6NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour in New York, photo 7

    Traveler reviews

    2 verified traveler reviews for NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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    W69YPzoef · July 2026

    Strange and Sensational Stories

    We loved Strange and Sensational Stories of NYC! What a great tour! Kat is an expert story teller. This was a great way to learn interesting, little known tales of things hidden in plain sight. We highly recommend this tour!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! It means a lot to hear you enjoyed the Strange & Sensational Stories tour. One of my favorite things is sharing the hidden stories that most people walk past every day, so I'm thrilled those tales resonated with you. Thank you!

    via Tripadvisor

    LCX862 · May 2026

    Fantastic stories about Midtown

    I am a big NYC geek, and I loved this tour because I learned so much! Kat is a fantastic guide - she told great stories that I had somehow never heard and kept me rapt! I usually stay away from midtown due to the crowds, but this tour was worth all the people-dodging! I highly recommend this for anyone ranging from fresh to NYC to a grizzled New Yorker. Super fun.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for this thoughtful review! I absolutely love hearing from fellow NYC geeks, especially when I can share stories and details that are still new and surprising.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Price range
    $30 to $40
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by I'm Walkin' Here Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.9.

    See everything I'm Walkin' Here Tours runs

    Why this scores 60

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)77
    Review evidence (18% weight)14
    Booking momentum (14% weight)10
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.

    How much does NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $30 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New York is not rushed.

    Is NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour?

    +

    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New York and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in New York?

    +

    New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit New York?

    +

    September to early November, and late April through June. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in New York?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour?

    +

    Included: In-person guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour?

    +

    We'll meet in front of the Hilton Garden Inn at 63 West 35th St. Your guide will have a yellow flag. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for NYC: Strange & Sensational Stories Midtown Walking Tour.

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