A locals guide to the architecture of the Upper West Side

Highlights

Itinerary

1. 1

   Central Park

   Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Central Park is the “green heart” of Manhattan and one of the most visited urban parks in the world. Stretching over 840 acres, it was the first landscaped public park in the U.S. and remains an oasis of lakes, gardens, and winding paths. From Strawberry Fields to the Great Lawn, every corner has a story — making it as much a work of art as it is a park.

   30 minutes•Admission free•See on map

2. 2

   Once dubbed the “Palace for the People,” The Ansonia

   Once dubbed the “Palace for the People,” The Ansonia is a Beaux-Arts masterpiece with a colorful past. Originally built as a luxury residential hotel, it has seen everything from grand ballroom dances to secret speakeasies and even the infamous Continental Baths in the 1970s. With its turreted towers and elaborate details, the Ansonia remains one of the Upper West Side’s most dramatic landmarks.

   10 minutes•Admission free

3. 3

   The Dakota Apartments

   One of New York’s most legendary apartment buildings, The Dakota is a masterpiece of Gilded Age architecture. Known for its ornate German Renaissance style, it has housed countless cultural icons, most famously John Lennon, who lived here with Yoko Ono. With its striking façade and fascinating history, The Dakota remains one of the city’s most exclusive addresses.

   10 minutes•Admission free•See on map

4. 4

   The twin-towered San Remo

   The twin-towered San Remo is one of the Upper West Side’s most recognizable landmarks, designed by famed architect Emery Roth. Its elegant blend of Art Deco and Renaissance Revival design has made it a home to celebrities from Rita Hayworth to Bono. The building’s iconic silhouette overlooking Central Park is a defining feature of the Manhattan skyline.

   10 minutes•Admission free

5. 5

   Roosevelt Island

   A striking example of Beaux-Arts architecture, The Athorp

   A striking example of Beaux-Arts architecture, The Athorp is a luxury apartment building that has long symbolized Upper West Side elegance. Its grand façade, ornate detailing, and stately presence make it a standout on Broadway, reflecting the neighborhood’s early 20th-century charm. Over the decades, it has housed prominent figures, adding to its aura of prestige and history.

   10 minutes•Admission free•See on map

6. 6

   Famed for its three majestic towers, The Beresford

   Famed for its three majestic towers, The Beresford is one of the Upper West Side’s most iconic apartment buildings. Designed by Emery Roth, its elegant Beaux-Arts façade and luxurious apartments have attracted celebrities like Steve Martin and Glenn Close. Overlooking Central Park, the Beresford combines architectural grandeur with a rich cultural history, making it a standout landmark of Manhattan.

   10 minutes•Admission free

Meeting point

Meet around the giant globe

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Pickup

• Everyone meets at the start point

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

Cancellation and refunds

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.