These free walking tours of New York City explore a variety of New York City neighborhoods and attractions. Walking tours are one of my favorite ways to learn more about New York City and are great for first-time visitors and New Yorkers who want to better understand their hometown.
More: New York City's Best Walking Tours
More: Best Free Things To See & Do in NYC
1. The Grand Central Neighborhood Tour
Photo by Dan Cross, licensed to About.com
Every Friday at 12:30 p.m. you can experience a wonderful tour of Grand Central and the surrounding neighborhood led by Justin Ferate or Peter Laskowich. In addition to exploring some of the highlights of Grand Central terminal, it also includes many neighborhood highlights, including Pershing Square and the Chrysler Building.
- When: Fridays at 12:30 p.m.
- Length: 90 minutes
- Where: Sculpture court at 120 Park Avenue (southwest corner of East 42nd Street)
- Sponsor: Grand Central Partnership
- Details: The Grand Tour
2. Tours of The High Line
Photo by Heather Cross, licensed to About.com
Built upon an abandoned elevated railway on Manhattan's West Side, The High Line is both remarkable and beautiful. When the entire park is completed, it will run from Gansevoort to 34th Street. The first portion, from Gansevoort to 20th Street opened in June 2009, and the span from 20th-30th Streets opened in June 2011. The tours are led by High Line Docents who share information about the Park's history, design and art.
- When: Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
- Length: 60 minutes
- Where: High Line at West 14th Street
- Sponsor: Friends of the High Line
- Details: Tours of The High Line
3. Big Apple Greeter Tours
Want a private, guided tour of New York City? For free? Seems hard to believe, but that's exactly what Big Apple Greeters offers visitors to New York City. Since 1992, this non-profit organization has connected visitors with volunteer New Yorkers who want to share their know-how and favorite neighborhoods with visitors to New York City. They even have a no-tipping policy, but if you love what you experience, you should make a donation to Big Apple Greeters to keep their services available. Please note: tours are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so book well in advance to have the best chance of getting a tour.
- Website: Big Apple Greeters
- Request Your Tour: Tour Request Form
- Tips? Guides cannot accept tips, but you can make a donation to Big Apple Greeters
4. Free Tours by Foot
Photo Courtesy of Free Tours By Foot
Free Tours By Foot offers a variety of New York City walking tours, most of which are free (on their food tours you pay for your own samples). Most tours are 2 hours and cover a single neighborhood, but they also have an All-In-One-Tour that is 6-hours long and covers many areas of New York City. The guides on these tours work exclusively for tips, so keep that in mind and tip appropriately if you are happy with your experience. They recommend tipping $10/person for their 2-hour tours and $25/person for the 6-hour tour.
- Website: Free Tours By Foot
- Schedule: Free Tours By Foot Schedule
- Tips?: Guides work exclusively for tips, so please tip them appropriately
5. Central Park Conservancy Guided Tours
Photo by Heather Cross, licensed to About.com
The Central Park Conservancy offers free guided walking tours covering many different areas of Central Park. Tours range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, and are led by volunteers from the Central Park Conservancy Walking Tour Program. These tours offer visitors a great opportunity to understand Central Park and learn about the park's history and design. Tours are rated for difficulty, and some are handicap-accessible.
- Website: Central Park Conservancy Walking Tours
- Calendar: Central Park Conservancy Calendar
- More: Central Park Visitors Guide
- Tips?: No, but consider making a donation to the Central Park Conservancy
6. Greenwich Village Walking Tour
Explore East 8th Street and St. Mark's Place on this Greenwich Village walking tour that focuses on both the history of the area and the many famous visitors and residents.
- When: Saturdays (June-September) at 11:30 a.m.
- Length: 90 minutes
- Where: northwest corner of Second Avenue and St. Mark's Place in front of East Side Bakery
- Sponsor: Village Alliance BID
- Details: Greenwich Village Walking Tour
7. Free Lower East Side Historic Tours
This three-hour walking tour of the Lower East Side explores both the history and modern side of the Lower East Side.
- When: Sundays (April-November) at 11 a.m.
- Length: 3 hours
- Where: Katz's Delicatessen (corner of East Houston and Ludlow Street)
- Sponsor: Lower East Side BID
- Details: Lower East Side Historic Tours
8. Times Square Exposé Free Walking Tour
Learn about Times Square on this neighborhood walking tour sponsored by the Times Square Alliance. The tour covers the area's historic theaters, as well as new sites and promises a "behind-the-scenes" experience.
- When: Friday at 12 p.m.
- Length: 90 minutes
- Where: Times Square Visitor Center (Entrance on 7th Ave btw 46th & 47th Sts)
- Sponsor: Times Square Alliance
- Details: Times Square Expose Tour
9. Not Quite Free: Municipal Arts Society Walking Tours
The Municipal Arts Society offers two weekly tours with "suggested donations" of $10. On Tuesdays, the tour covers Downtown Manhattan, while Wednesdays tour visits Grand Central terminal. MAS offers many other tours as well, and their tour guides are very well regarded.
- When: Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m.
- Length: 90 minutes
- Tuesday Downtown Tour Start: In front of 55 Exchange Place
- Wednesday Grand Central Tour Start: Info Booth in Grand Central
- Sponsor: Municipal Art Society
- Details: Municipal Art Society Tours
