Self Guided Walk from New York's East to West Village

New York City , United States of America

Self Guided Walk from New York's East to West Village

Active

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This self-guided walking tour takes you through the heart of Manhattan’s East and West Village, tracing the footsteps of pop culture icons and artistic trailblazers. Starting at Astor Place, you’ll pass landmarks like Taylor Swift’s Cornelia Street residence, the site of The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan album cover, and McSorley’s Old Ale House. Along the way, immerse yourself in captivating stories of musicians, artists, and cultural revolutionaries like Sarah Jessica Parker from Sex and the City. You’ll also see hidden gems like the Comedy Cellar and Picasso’s Bust of Sylvette. By the tour’s end at Corner Bistro, you’ll have experienced the rich history and vibrant culture of these iconic neighborhoods.

Available options

Self Guided Walk from New York's East to West Village

What's included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it

English Audio and Written Guides

The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

This tour begins at Astor Place Plaza, a lively intersection where art meets history. You’ll pass by the iconic Alamo Astor Place Cube, a massive rotating sculpture that has become a local landmark. Entrance to the cube is not required, as it’s an interactive outdoor art piece

You’ll pass by McSorley’s Old Ale House, the oldest continuously operated bar in NYC, famous for its 100-year-old wishbones hanging from the chandelier. Admission tickets are not necessary, but you can stop for a drink later if you’d like.

Stop 3 Pass by

As you walk through the vibrant streets, you’ll pass the former residence of Jean-Michel Basquiat, one of the most famous African American painters. No tickets are required to appreciate the commemorative plaque that marks his legacy.

Stop 4 Pass by

This tour passes by the Ode to CBGB mural, paying homage to the birthplace of modern rock & roll. Admission isn’t needed to take in the mural’s bold tribute to one of NYC’s most iconic music venues.

Stop 5 Pass by

Stroll along Bleecker Street, a cultural hub packed with history and vibrant art. You’ll pass notable sites and hear stories that trace the evolution of this street, home to revolutionaries in music and art.

Stop 6 Pass by

On this walking tour, you’ll pass by the Bust of Sylvette, a massive Picasso sculpture tucked away in the heart of New York University’s campus. This hidden gem is an outdoor piece that requires no entry or admission tickets.

Stop 7 Pass by

You’ll pass Taylor Swift’s former residence on Cornelia Street, the inspiration for one of her popular songs. As with other stops, no admission is required, but it’s a chance to snap photos of this pop culture landmark.

Stop 8 Pass by

Walk by the iconic spot where the cover for Bob Dylan’s The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan album was shot. You can re-create the famous moment, standing exactly where history was made.

Stop 9 Pass by

You’ll pass by the Comedy Cellar, one of NYC’s most popular stand-up comedy venues where legends have performed. Admission tickets are excluded, but it’s worth returning for a show after the tour.

The tour ends at Corner Bistro, a quintessential New York burger bar, famously known as the place where Yoko Ono once waitressed. No reservations or tickets are needed to enjoy a meal here if you decide to stay.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones (please bring your own)

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The tour begins in Astor Place in front of the Astor Place Cube (149-179 E 8th St, New York, NY). Take the 6 train to the Astor Place stop and walk to the big black cube as soon as you exit the station.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE 
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE 
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT 
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information