The Best of Midtown Manhattan Self-Guided Walking Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.3/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Best of Midtown Manhattan Self-Guided Walking Tour worth booking?
The Best of Midtown Manhattan Self-Guided Walking Tour is a 1-hour experience in New York, United States, from $15 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.3/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 3.3/5 (3)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $15 per person
Welcome to the bustling, beating heart of New York City: Midtown Manhattan. Featuring Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and more, this is the section of the Big Apple where everything happens. Take a GPS-gu
What you get
About this experience
Welcome to the bustling, beating heart of New York City: Midtown Manhattan. Featuring Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and more, this is the section of the Big Apple where everything happens. Take a GPS-guided walk through the most iconic sights in this neighborhood and get the history behind it all. If you want to see New York like it appears in the movies, this is the place to do it! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
What's included
Included
- Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
- Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
- Just bring your phone and headphones; the app guides your walk.
- Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
- Private walking tour experience for your family or group.
- Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.
- Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
Not included
- Self-guided tour — no live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and transport are separate.
What you'll see and do
Columbus Circle
Your tour of Midtown Manhattan begins at Columbus Circle at the intersection of 59th and Broadway. From here, you'll stroll through the Big Apple's biggest attractions, from Carnegie Hall to Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building! NOTE: The tour is over 3+ miles long, with more than 30+ audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
5 minutes here
Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall dates back to 1891, and has been the premier venue for classical music ever since. But this hall doesn't just host classical concerts these days. It's also seen superstars like David Bowie and Jay-Z perform.
5 minutes here · Admission not included
This extravagant tea room is an integral part of Manhattan history. In addition to appearing in films like When Harry Met Sally, it has also seen plenty of major celebs over the years. Madonna once worked as a coat check girl here!
10 minutes here · Admission not included
This fountain honors the journalist Joseph Pulitzer. And yes, he's the man the Pulitzer Prize was named for. Here, you'll not only get to admire the fountain, but also get an explanation of the sculpture atop it.
10 minutes here
St. Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is so huge it spans an entire city block! It houses over 2,800 stained glass panels and an enormous organ with 7,855 pipes. It's also the site of a small crypt, where eight of New York’s Archbishops are interred.
10 minutes here
Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall is the largest indoor theater in the entire world, but it wasn't always a venue for live shows. At one point, it was actually a movie theater!
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Times Square
No visit to Manhattan would be complete without a stop in Times Square. This iconic square is positively glowing with huge electronic billboards, buzzing with street performers, and lined with one-of-a-kind stores like the strangely fascinating M&M Store. It's a place you won't soon forget!
10 minutes here
Bryant Park
This green oasis amid the bustle of the city is a great spot to take a break. It's also a favorite filming location for superhero flicks, including multiple Spiderman movies and Netflix's Jessica Jones series.
10 minutes here
Chrysler Building
The Chrysler Building is perhaps New York's second greatest example of the Art Deco movement, behind only the Empire State Building. Its crown, composed of seven radiating arches, is positively iconic, and makes it a fantastic target for photo shoots to commemorate your visit.
10 minutes here
Easily the most famous train terminal in the world, this station is absolutely awe inspiring. It towers over the street and features an impressive 50-foot statue above the main entrance. This station sees over 750,000 commuters every single day, and the number continues growing.
10 minutes here
New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
The New York Public Library is the third largesst in the entire world. It boasts over 50 million items in its collection, encompassing 125 miles of shelving. Here, you'll also get the explanation behind the statues which guard this iconic library.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
New York
You can also begin the tour from 207 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036, USA.
Meeting point
New York
Begin from Columbus Circle, 848 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOREVER, so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
You can also begin the tour from 207 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036, USA.
Ends at
Begin from Columbus Circle, 848 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOREVER, so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Drive with Action
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
- Private tour: Follow the route on your phone without an in-person guide or crowded group.
- At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
- Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
- Multi-device access: Use the same password on one device for each traveler included in your booking.
- More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
- Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
- Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
- Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
- Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for The Best of Midtown Manhattan Self-Guided Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Would not recommend
This app did not work well. I could not get it to synch with my location. The information it provided was not interesting and the voice was monotone. It was very distracting to my enjoyment of the area. After about 10 minutes I shut it down. What a waste of my money.
Response from the operator: Melanie, thank you for the feedback. What happened when you tried to sync the location? Did the app show your blue location dot moving on the map, or did it stay still? Also, do you remember where you started the tour—was it at the designated starting point near Times Square? That helps ensure the GPS works correctly. I’d also like to know which parts of the narration felt less engaging so I can pass that information to my content team. Your feedback really helps me improve the experience for future travelers. I’m available every day from 9 to 6 EST if you want me to review your setup or provide a replacement.
via Tripadvisor
Nice tour of mid town.
Nice tour. Quite a lot packed in. Some interesting factoids. Would’ve liked more details at times. The tech works well in terms of automatically connecting to the information as you drew near a point of interest. However it does eat up battery life so take a battery store with you. I just wanted to read the scripts really so found the auto one t a bit annoying at times,
Response from the operator: Felicia, I'm glad you enjoyed my Best of Midtown Manhattan tour details! If you’re eager for more, check out my New York City Self-Guided Audio Walking Bundle Tour, featuring everything from Niagara Falls to Grand Central. Discover your next NYC adventure at your own pace!
via Tripadvisor
Great tour and app
Seeing midtown and learning all the facts about the buildings was great. The gps was a great feature. Very good value.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for your feedback, Leland! I'm thrilled that my tour of Midtown Manhattan added to your learning and that you enjoyed it. I also have 100 other self-guided tours for other national parks, scenic drives, cities, and historic sites in the US. Hopefully, you’ll get the chance to try them next time! Also, just to remind you, the tour you bought is yours for a lifetime. So, you can listen to it at home or on your next visit.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Best of Midtown Manhattan Self-Guided Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.
How much does The Best of Midtown Manhattan Self-Guided Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $15 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 The Best of Midtown Manhattan Self-Guided Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 1 hour 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 The Best of Midtown Manhattan Self-Guided Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.3/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule The Best of Midtown Manhattan Self-Guided Walking Tour?
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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 The Best of Midtown Manhattan Self-Guided Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The Best of Midtown Manhattan Self-Guided Walking Tour?
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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?
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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 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The Best of Midtown Manhattan Self-Guided Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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 Grand Canyon VIP Helicopter Tour, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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