Best New York City Private Walking Tours
Context Travel NYC Tours
New York City isn’t just one of the most visited places on Earth; it’s a living, breathing archive of American history, culture, and innovation. With Context Travel’s New York City private tours, you’ll step beyond the crowds and see the city through the eyes of an expert, whether that’s a museum curator, an urban historian, or a lifelong New Yorker.
We don’t do cookie-cutter sightseeing. Our New York City walking tours are designed for curious travelers who want to go deeper into the stories behind the architecture, the untold history of immigration, and the legacy of creativity that shaped the city’s rise.
What to Do in NYC with Context Travel
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, our tours help you navigate the city's complexity with clarity, context, and an insider perspective.
Stroll through the Financial District or Midtown with an urbanist or preservationist to learn how the city grew skyward—from Art Deco towers to postmodern marvels. This tour reveals the why behind New York’s iconic skyline.
Cross the Brooklyn Bridge on foot, then uncover the cultural layers of Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO. Along the way, you’ll learn how immigration, industry, and gentrification continue to shape the borough’s identity.
Join an art historian to decode the masterpieces inside one of the world’s most comprehensive museums. You’ll connect the global art collection to New York’s own evolution. Also available:
Met Museum Tour for Kids, a version tailored to spark curiosity in children ages 6–12.
Board the ferry and experience two of America’s most powerful symbols of hope and migration. Your expert will guide you through personal stories of arrival, resilience, and identity—right where millions once stepped onto American soil.
Uncover the boozy history of New York’s speakeasies, prohibition culture, and golden-age hotels with a mixology expert. Enjoy classic drinks while learning how cocktail culture evolved alongside the city itself.
Want to Explore at Your Own Pace?
What Is NYC Known For?
New York City is known for its landmarks, the Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square, but its true essence lies in its diversity, energy, and constant reinvention. It’s a city of immigrants, entrepreneurs, artists, and thinkers. From Wall Street to Harlem, Chinatown to Greenwich Village, each neighborhood tells a different story, and Context’s guided tours help you hear them.
How to Tour New York City
The best way to explore NYC is on foot, with a local expert by your side. Public transport is reliable, but walking lets you experience the scale and texture of the city block by block. Our private walking tours run rain or shine, and are typically 2–3 hours long, perfect for a deep dive without overwhelming your day.
Why Book a Context NYC Tour?
Local Experts: All tours are led by historians, curators, chefs, and other vetted professionals.
Small Group Sizes: Most tours are capped at six guests for a more personal, immersive experience.
Flexible Options: Choose from private tours, group walks, or audio guides to suit your pace and style.
B Corp Certified: We’re committed to sustainable tourism that benefits both travelers and the communities we explore.
Book the Best NYC Walking Tours Today
Context Travel’s New York City private tours offer a deeper, smarter, and more human way to experience one of the world’s most complex cities. Whether you’re into history, food, architecture, or art—we’ll match you with a guide who shares your curiosity.