High Line Self Guided Tour Explore NYC's Elevated Park
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High Line Self Guided Tour Explore NYC's Elevated Park

Active
2h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover how the High Line transformed from a forgotten railway to a vibrant urban park on this immersive self-guided journey.

As you stroll above the bustling streets of Manhattan, unique stories of the city’s architectural evolution come to life.

Travel from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards, exploring art galleries, lush plantings, and the historical significance of this elevated sanctuary.

This tour offers a fresh perspective on New York City’s past, present, and future, allowing you to delve deep into the hidden narratives that shaped this iconic space.

— Walk through the High Line, a renowned elevated park in NYC
— Self-guided experience lets you explore at your own pace
— Learn about the historical transformation from railway to park
— Uncover art, architecture, and stories often overlooked by crowds

Available options

High Line Self Guided Tour Explore NYC's Elevated Park

What's included

Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
Audio Guide
App and Tour Download

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Step into a glass-bottomed amphitheater that transforms the bustling traffic of 10th Avenue into a living theater performance. This iconic overlook offers a unique window onto the city streets, providing a perfect vantage point for people-watching and photography.

2
Stop 2

Gaze at these massive brick structures—the Baker & Williams Warehouses—that once served as the backbone of Manhattan’s 19th-century shipping industry. Their transition from gritty industrial storage to high-end galleries and residences perfectly illustrates the neighborhood’s dramatic transformation.

3
Stop 3

Wander through the historic brick corridors where the Oreo cookie was first invented inside the former National Biscuit Company factory. Today, this sprawling urban food hall blends industrial artifacts with some of the city’s most celebrated culinary treasures.

4
Stop 4

Discover the Sicilian Romanesque beauty of a church so central to the neighborhood that it was physically moved to make way for the High Line’s construction. Its limestone facade and quiet presence offer a serene contrast to the modern steel and glass surrounding it.

5
Stop 5

Visit the park’s dedicated stage for monumental contemporary art, where rotating large-scale sculptures challenge your perspective on the city. As the newest section of the original rail structure to open, it serves as a grand gateway where the industrial past meets the creative future.

6
Stop 6 Pass by

Marvel at the HL23 building, a slender glass-and-steel marvel that leans over the park with gravity-defying grace. Designed by Neil Denari, its sculpted form showcases how the High Line has inspired some of the world’s most daring modern architecture.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

Look for the shimmering white sails of Frank Gehry’s first major project in New York City, which mimics the movement of the nearby river. Its frosted glass exterior and undulating curves make it a standout icon of the West Side’s architectural renaissance.

8
Stop 8

Explore a whimsical floating park supported by over 100 concrete tulip-shaped pillars rising directly from the Hudson River. This innovative landscape offers winding paths, hidden overlooks, and a vibrant performance space that feels like a world of its own.

9
Stop 9 Pass by

Admire the sheer scale of what was once the largest apartment complex in the world, stretching an entire city block with its distinctive 1930s charm. Its history is a window into the lives of the white-collar workers who flocked to Chelsea during the rail line's peak.

10

Stand on the historic ground where the survivors of the Titanic first stepped onto American soil from the rescue ship Carpathia. Though only a rusted steel arch remains today, the site carries the haunting weight of maritime history and the legend of the Cunard White Star Line.

11

Venture into a reimagined shipping pier that now houses a massive rooftop park and a vibrant marketplace curated by the James Beard Foundation. Often called the Super Pier, it offers some of the most expansive Hudson River views and innovative public spaces in the city.

12
Stop 12

Walk directly beneath the bold concrete legs of a hotel that straddles the High Line, creating a stunning architectural bridge over the park. Its mid-century modern aesthetic and elevated position make it one of the most recognizable landmarks along your journey.

13
Stop 13 Pass by

Witness a feat of modern engineering in a building that can literally change its shape to accommodate different artistic performances. Its massive telescoping outer shell glides along tracks, demonstrating the peak of New York’s flexible and futuristic design.

14
Stop 14 Pass by

Gaze up at the gleaming, honeycomb-like structure of the Vessel, a labyrinth of interconnected stairways designed as a vertical climbing experience. It serves as the golden centerpiece of Hudson Yards, surrounded by lush gardens and the city's newest skyscrapers.

15
Stop 15 Pass by

Explore the cantilevered tiers of Renzo Piano’s masterpiece, where indoor galleries bleed into outdoor terraces overlooking the park. This landmark marks the southern anchor of the High Line and celebrates the bold spirit of American creativity.

16
Stop 16

Relax on reclaimed teak lounge chairs that glide along original rail tracks in one of the park’s most popular urban beaches. This cooling oasis features a subtle skin of water that invites you to pause and soak in the sun amidst the greenery.

17

Take in the breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Hudson River and the distant hills of New Jersey from this scenic vantage point. It’s the perfect spot to appreciate the park’s elevation and the vastness of the waterfront that fueled the city’s growth.

18
Stop 18

Peek into the wild past of the High Line at this dedicated area where the original, spontaneous vegetation of the abandoned tracks is preserved. It offers a rare glimpse of the "beautiful wasteland" that inspired the creation of the park we see today.

What's not included

Smartphone (bring your own)

Available languages

Audio guide
EN ES
Written guide
EN ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time

Meeting point

The High Line Entrance Gansevoort and Washington is found at the junction of the two streets. The entrance to the High Line is well signposted, and the dramatic overlook can be seen from the street. The Whitney Museum of American Art is nearby.

Important notes

IMPORTANT – YOUR ACCESS CODE IS: XTA721 - PLEASE READ STEPS BELOW -

To access your tour, you’ll need the Drives & Detours App. We recommend downloading the tour in advance in case cell service is unreliable.

DOWNLOAD THE APP:
iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drives-detours/id6443681888
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app6506

UNLOCK YOUR TOUR:

1. Open app, tap "Walking Tours", then "High Line Self-Guided Tour: Explore NYC's Elevated Park"
2. Enter Your Access Code (on iPhone tap "Login to Download" then "Login")
3. Tap "Download Tour" and wait until complete (1-2 minutes)

STARTING THE TOUR:

1. Open app, select your tour
2. Go to start location shown
3. Tap “Start Tour”

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Tour is valid for 180 days, no need to reschedule
Questions? TEXT us at 619.324.9920

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
$8 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 11-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 10
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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