Manhattan's architectural landscape is incredibly eclectic. 19th century aesthetics demanded recreating the old-world look, giving birth to a variety of revival styles. The 20th century produced a completely new architectural vision - that of modernity, technical progress and practicality. We will look at some spectacular examples of Beaux-Arts such as the Grand Central Terminal, Gothic revival - St. Patrick's Cathedral, and, the glorious Art Deco masterpieces such as the magnificent Chrysler.
Grand Army Plaza, in front of the Plaza Hotel
10:00 Greetings and introduction to New York's architectural landscape
----------------
Please, note that this is just a sample itinerary. I included my favorite buildings, some of which are world-famous, while some are lesser known but just as beautiful. The start time is flexible; this tour could be done during the day, in the morning or late afternoon depending on your preference.
- The Plaza Hotel
One of America’s finest and most celebrated luxury hotels, it was hailed the “greatest hotel in the world.” The Plaza was designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh in the style of an opulent French Château and was located in the most fashionable residential section of New York City during the Gilded Age.
----------------
- St. Patrick's Cathedral
The St. Patrick’s was unapologetically spectacular. Built as a Gothic Cathedral, it’s light and graceful. The structure is the crowning achievement of New Yorks' own architect James Renwick Jr. St. Patrick Cathedral is named after the patron saint of the Irish. It’s the seat of the Archbishop and the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of New York.
----------------
- Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 interconnected buildings — 14 of them being the original Art Deco office buildings from the 1930s. The focal point of the complex is 30 Rockefeller Plaza (formerly the GE and RCA building), a stunning Art Deco masterpiece. Narrow, simple, and elegant, it appears taller than its actual height and is crowned by a three-tiered observation deck.
----------------
- Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central, designed to serve the complex function of a major train terminal and gateway to New York City, was conceived in the spirit of the City Beautiful movement. With its Corinthian columns, semicircular arched windows, strictly symmetrical composition, and grand entrance, the terminal was built to resemble an ancient temple.
----------------
- The Chrysler Building
With its glistening spire and glorious triangle-shaped crown, the Chrysler Building is considered by many to be one of the finest buildings in the world. The most recognizable Art Deco silhouette in the city, it was the tallest in the world for a brief eleven months.
----------------
- The Empire State Building
Billed as the Eighth Wonder of the World at its opening, the Empire State Building broke records as the tallest in the world, the first to have more than 100 stories, and the one to be constructed in a record time of one year and forty-five days. Stunning in both its height and Art Deco simplicity, the building rises in a series of setbacks, ending with a bold tower.
----------------
- The New York Public Library
One of the most significant national treasures, the New York Public Library, was not created by the government but was a product of philanthropy. Built in 1911, it is housed in a spectacular Beaux-Arts building designed by Carrère and Hastings.
The Grand Central Terminal
Licensed NYC Guide
Food, drinks, personal expences
Please, contact me if you'd like to book a tour on a non-working day, I can be flexible.
This is a walking tour. Please, wear comfortable shoes and dress according to the weather. Depending on the weather and your interest, we could step inside Grand Central Terminal, New York Public Library, and other places.
Iren was knowledgeable, kind and very thorough! She showed, explained, enlightened and discovered fabulous icons and places in New York. She anticipated our needs and was very accommodating. She is exceptional!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I really appreciate it!
Iren was friendly, on-time, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, well-prepared, and just a joy to spend time with. By the end of our time with her we felt like we were seeing the city with a good friend. We had told her what we were interested in seeing, and she set it all up in a very logical order. We has such a good time with her.
Dear John and Elaine, thank you! It was a joy exploring the city with you, and - you took the words right out of my mouth - it did feel like spending time with friends. I'm very happy you had a good time in New York and hope you'll come back to visit again, there are just too many stories left to tell!
Our tour with Iren was absolutely awesome! She was very friendly and accommodating, and extremely knowledgeable of all the sites we visited. She made our experience most enjoyable, and gave us an appreciation of the city that we otherwise may not have had. I highly recommend Iren for any tour when you are in New York. We will definitely be looking her up again and will recommend her to everyone! Thank you Iren for an unforgettable day! ❤️
Dear Christie, thank you so much for your warm words, for choosing my tour and for being such a fun group! You made it a pleasure to share my enthusiasm for New York with you. We did have a wonderful day! There is so much more to see and do in the city; I hope you will come again and hope I can be a part of your next visit!