NYC Upper East Side Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt

New York City , United States of America

NYC Upper East Side Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt

Active

2h - 3h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Looking for things to do on the Upper East Side? Our self-guided walking tour/scavenger hunt will take you from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park via its zoo, several museums, and art galleries!

Solve challenges at every step to discover your next destination and learn new things. Learn a little history as well as interesting facts about what surrounds you. See the sights.

The New York Manhattan Upper East Side Tourist Scavenger Hunt is a 3.9 km / 2.4 mi self-guided walking tour with challenges along the way. It should take you 3 hours to complete.

-A fun learning experience
-See the sights! 38 locations
-Learn some local history
-Challenge your knowledge: 39 varied challenges
-Fun for all ages, kids included
-Wheelchair and stroller accessible throughout
-Pet-friendly throughout
-Start whenever you are ready, from your smartphone – no fixed schedule
-Take as little, or as much time as you wish to complete your hunt

Available options

NYC Upper East Side Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt

What's included

24/7 customer service

Instructions and directions on your smartphone

39 varied challenges

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Learn about the history and architecture of this museum, as you also solve 3 challenges.

Stop 2 Pass by

Learn about Benjamin Duke and this beautiful house, as you also solve a challenge. You will also see his brother's house near the end of your tour.

Solve 2 challenges as you learn about this playground, related to the MET, and its inspirations.

Stop 4 Pass by

Learn about this galerie and the building's owners as you solve a few challenges here.

Stop 5 Pass by

Solve a challenge as you learn about this museum, its architecture, and history.

Learn about this small but beautiful museum, and solve a challenge to discover your next destination.

Stop 7

Solve a challenge as you learn about this beautiful church.

Learn about the Carnegie House Museum and its gardens while you solve challenges to uncover your next destination.

Stop 9

Learn about the Engineer's Gate, and other similar gates around Central Park, as you enter the park for a segment of your tour. Solve 3 challenges here.

Stop 10

Learn about the Reservoir, Jacky Kennedy, and Central Park and you make your way to the South Gate House.

Stop 11

Learn about this gate house as you solve 3 challenges here.

Stop 12 Pass by

Learn about this Pinetum as you make your way to the Alexander Hamilton Monument

Solve 2 challenges as you learn about Alexander Hamilton

Solve 2 challenges as you learn about this obelisk which originally stood in Alexandria, Egypt.

Stop 15

Make your way through Central Park to find this small castle. Climb to the top for great views of the park.
Solve challenges while you're here

Stop 16

Solve a challenge as you cross the beautiful Bow Bridge over The Lake.

Stop 17

Solve a challenge while admiring this beautiful fountain and terrace.

Solve 2 challenges while learning about this historical author.

Solve a challenge while admiring this large statue before making your way to a small playground and yet another challenge.

Admire this beautiful building and learn its history as you solve a challenge.

What's not included

No entry tickets are provided as this tour is strictly exterior and does not enter any venue

Available languages

Written guide

Important information

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

Meeting point

Once you're standing outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art, on the sidewalk near 5th Ave, and have completed the transaction with our website, log in with your account (My Account / Scavenger Hunts) and click on the blue button to begin your scavenger hunt.

Important notes

You must convert your voucher on our website before beginning the activity.
To do so, your TripAdvisor/Viator account Must Have your Real Email as we will email instructions to them. These will tell you how to convert your purchase on our website to complete the activity.

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