New York Upper West Side History Tour

Explore the rich history of New York's Upper West Side on a captivating walking tour that traces its evolution from wilderness to the current vibrant and coveted neighborhood. Starting at the American Museum of Natural History, delve into the Indigenous roots and the ambitious developments of the 1800s, including railroad expansion and the rise of iconic row houses. Discover how immigrants influenced the area's growth and hear tales of artists and activists who shaped its culture throughout the 20th century. The tour will showcase notable landmarks like the Dakota and Ansonia, concluding at Lincoln Center, a symbol of transformation.
The route spans about 3 miles at a relaxed pace, with a few spots to sit and take in the surroundings. It’s not a strenuous walk, but we’ll cover a bit of ground—comfortable shoes recommended!

Meeting Point

Central Park West/W 77 St

New York, NY 10024, USA

We will meet across the street form the museum on Central Park West, directly across from the flagpole on the park side of the street.

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours, 15 minutes

The Dakota

1 W 72nd St, , New York City, 10023-3486, New York

Guests will stand before the iconic Dakota, one of the most storied and striking buildings in New York. We'll explore its ornate Gothic Revival architecture and its role in shaping the Upper West Side. We'll learn about famous residents, including Theodore Steinway and Lauren Bacall. I’ll share stories that bring the building’s rich and sometimes haunting history to life—including the tragic 1980 event that made this location world-famous. As we take in its elegant façade and ironwork, I’ll connect the Dakota to broader themes of the neighborhood's evolution and the cultural figures who helped shape it.

10 minutes

Riverside Park

Riverside Dr, New York City, 10025, New York

We will learn about the development of this iconic avenue and park and pass by the iconic Mount Tom where Edgar Allen Poe famously wrote "The Raven."

10 minutes

Zabar's

2245 Broadway, At 80th St, New York City, 10024-5806, New York

We will learn about the influence of the Jewish immigrant community and how this manifested in one of the neighborhood's most iconic culinary institutions.

5 minutes

The Ansonia

2109 Broadway, New York City, 10023-2138, New York

One of the neighborhood's most ornate buildings, the Ansonia holds a wealth of interesting history, including espionage during World War I and the rise of Bette Midler.

10 minutes

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Lincoln Center Plaza, Josie Robertson Plaza, New York City, 10023, New York

We will learn about the convergence of New York's major performing arts institutions during the 1950s into a single campus. But the development of Lincoln Center is fraught with controversy, and the demolition of a minority neighborhood became the set for an incredibly famous film

8 minutes