New York Upper West Side Walking Tour

Explore the Upper West Side on a self-guided audio walk from Columbus Circle to Zabar’s. This New York Upper West Side Walking Tour follows the neighborhood’s rise from sparsely settled farmland to a celebrated stretch of Manhattan, revealing the stories behind its grand buildings, cultural landmarks, and colorful characters.

As you make your way north at your own pace, hear how Gilded Age rivalry helped bring the Metropolitan Opera into being. Learn about the Ansonia’s surprising rooftop farm and lobby seals, then discover how the fictional street battles of West Side Story were filmed amid the real demolition that cleared the way for Lincoln Center. The route ends at Zabar’s, the Broadway food institution that has served the neighborhood since 1934.

Download the app before you arrive, use the code on your confirmation ticket, and follow the GPS directions to begin. Offline audio, maps, and geodata let you explore without relying on a live guide. Set out when it suits you and experience the New York Upper West Side Walking Tour one story and landmark at a time.