NYC Upper West Side Self Guided Walking Tour Scavenger Hunt
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Are you looking for things to do on the Upper West Side? Our self-guided walking tour/scavenger hunt will take you from the Lincoln Center to the American Natural History Museum through Central Park and much more!
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 West Side Explorer Scavenger Hunt is a self-guided walking tour with challenges along the way. It should take you 3 hours to complete.
Available options
NYC Upper West Side self-guided walking tour scavenger hunt
Duration: 3 hours: This version of the tour spends more time in Central Park than the regular version but follows the same itinerary.<br/>NYC Upper West Side Explorer : The Explorer version is longer than the regular one and goes further into Central Park
Upper East Side Regular Hunt
Duration: 2 hours: This regular version of the tour follows the same itinerary except for itinerary step 12- The Ramble which is skipped.<br/>NYC Upper East Side regular: The Regular walking tour is 4km/2.5mi, it doesn't go so far into Central Park. The Explorer version (5.3km/3.5mi).
Upper West Side Mini tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: This much shorter version of the Upper West Side tour takes you to 31 locations with 32 challenges, only 2.9km/1.8mi.<br/>Shorter version / easier: This shorter version of the tour takes you quickly into Central Park, much much less than do the longer tour versions.
What's included
48 varied challenges
Instructions & directions on your smartphone
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
There are 30 indoor and outdoor facilities in the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
Learn much more about the history and each theatre on this tour
2
Stop 2
Solve a challenge on the exterior colonnade - 5 minutes
3
Stop 3
Solve a challenge about this location and learn its history and significance
4
Stop 4
Solve a challenge outside this theatre as you lear about its history
5
Stop 5
Learn about the 3 theatres here and solve a challenge.
6
Discover this intimate and cozy park and solve 2 challenges white you are here
7
Stop 7
Solve 3 challenges are you walk the city block known as Sesame Street.
You'll solve several other challenges as you see a few other sites along the way.
8
Learn about this church, its role in Ghostbusters, as well as a few local apartment buildings
9
Learn about the First Church, originally the Second, and some apartment buildings around it and solve challenges
10
Stop 10
Learn about this historic building and solve a challenge here.
You'll also learn about a few other buildings around here.
11
Stop 11
Walk through Central Park. See the John Lennon Memorial, Cherry Hill, the Bow Bridge, and Belvedere Castle. Solve 10+ challenges there.
Only 15min for the Regular Tour
12
Walk through the Ramble as you make your way from the Bow Bridge to Belvedere Castle.
You will solve several challenges at each point of interest.
From there, walk through Shakespeare Garden and the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
This section is skipped on the Regular Tour
13
Stop 13
Solve 3 challenges here before making your way to the next location
14
Stop 14
Admire the facade of this grand museum, find plaques on the exterior and solve challenges here.
15
Walk to the Beacon Theatre. Before you reach it, you'll solve a few challenges, on Columbus Ave and at the West Side Institutional Synagogue on W 76th. This leg will take up to 20 minutes
16
Learn about this beautiful apartment building at Broadway and W73rd and solve a challenge.
5 minutes to get here and another 5 learning about it.
17
Solve a few challenges when you reach Verdi Square.
18
Stop 18
Walk from Verdi Square to Sherman Square (much smaller) and learn about this decorated military man. Solve a challenge while here - 10 minutes.
As you leave, learn about the Coronado Condominium building to the east.
19
Walk from W70th to W68th on Broadway. Solve 3 challenges along the way.
10 minutes.
20
Stop 20
This is your final stop on this tour. Learn about the Juilliard School and solve 2 final challenges.
What's not included
Snacks
Internet access on your smartphone is required
Available languages
Written guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.0
1 reviews
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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
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
Once you're standing near the Lincoln Center, 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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
