A Perfect Season for Walking Tours

This is the ideal time to experience New York the way it was meant to be experienced—by walking it. I offer a variety of tours that are especially enjoyable in the spring, including my popular Lower East Side “nosh” tour, Greenwich Village, the High Line, and more. Each one offers a different perspective on the city’s history, culture, and neighborhoods.

A New Tour Coming Soon

I am also working on something new that I am very excited about. Soon, I will be introducing a Brooklyn Bagel Tour, complete with a full spread of bagels and classic New York toppings. If you enjoy great food and local flavor, this is one to watch for.

A Little New York Culture: Bodega Cats

In the spirit of bagels and New York life, I want to introduce you to a unique artist whose work captures a true piece of the city’s character—the famous bodega cat.

This piece was created by Simon Johnson, an artist from Staten Island who works with Pure Vision Arts in Manhattan. Pure Vision Arts is a nonprofit organization that provides studio space and exhibition opportunities for artists with autism and other developmental differences, helping bring their work to a wider audience.

Take a close look at the artwork and you will see a classic New York scene with a creative twist. Bodega cats are surrounded by bagels, a variety of cream cheeses, and even a bottle of orange juice. The entire piece is created with colored pencils, and it captures both the humor and charm of everyday life in the city.

Join Me This Spring

Spring is one of the best times to experience New York, and there is no better way to do it than on foot. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for another look, a walking tour offers a deeper and more personal connection to the city.

I hope to see you out there.

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Yes, the major attractions are impressive. But New York is far more than its postcard views. When you walk the city, you uncover the neighborhoods, cultures, and hidden corners that give New York its real personality.

Beyond Manhattan

Walking in New York is not limited to Manhattan. The city is made up of five boroughs, each with its own character: the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island offer just as much to explore.

In Queens, for example, Woodside is home to a vibrant and traditional Indian neighborhood. It is easily accessible by subway and filled with authentic restaurants, shops, and markets. Spend an afternoon walking those streets, and you will feel transported.

In Brooklyn, take a stroll along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. The views of the Manhattan skyline are unforgettable, and the neighborhood itself is lined with historic brownstones, charming shops, and tree-lined streets that invite you to wander.

Scenic Walks and Hidden Gems

One of the best scenic experiences in New York is actually free. The Staten Island Ferry offers a 25-minute ride each way with stunning views of the harbor, New York City, New Jersey, and, of course, the Statue of Liberty. It is one of the city’s great treasures.

In the Bronx, consider visiting Wave Hill in the northeastern part of the borough. Its gardens are beautifully maintained, and the views of the Palisades across the Hudson River are spectacular. It was once home to the renowned conductor Arturo Toscanini, adding another layer of history to your visit.

Parks and Seasonal Traditions

New York’s parks are made for walking. Central Park in Manhattan and Prospect Park in Brooklyn offer miles of paths, scenic landscapes, and places to sit and enjoy the city’s energy. The Japanese Garden in Brooklyn is another peaceful destination worth exploring.

Spring also brings beloved traditions, such as the Easter Parade along Fifth Avenue near St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Events like this remind us that New York is not only a place to see, but a place to experience.

Getting Around Is Easy

One of the great advantages of New York is how easy it is to navigate. The subway and bus systems make it simple to explore beyond the obvious tourist areas. A little curiosity and a MetroCard can take you almost anywhere.

And About Those Bagels

Of course, no discussion of walking in New York would be complete without mentioning bagels. Just like pizza, the debate over the best bagel in the city never ends. Everyone has a favorite, and you will likely get a different answer from every New Yorker you ask. That is part of the fun.

If you would like a native New Yorker to guide you through these neighborhoods and hidden gems, I would be happy to show you around. You can reach me at ben@bensbageltours.com or visit www.bensbageltours.com to learn more.

I look forward to walking the city with you.

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Today’s tour guides operate in a very different world. Styles, expectations, and tools have evolved. The profession has become more dynamic, more professional, and far more engaging for visitors.

Below is a breakdown of the key differences between tour guides of the 1950s and the present day, showing how much the field has improved.

Content and Focus

1950s Tour Guides

Tour guides in the 1950s mainly emphasized major historical landmarks and classic attractions like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Their tours often reflected the era’s post-war optimism, jazz culture, and the growing popularity of Broadway.

Interpretations of the city were limited. Perspectives tended to be narrow, leaving out much of New York’s ethnic diversity and the stories of its many neighborhoods.

Present-Day Tour Guides

Today’s guides cover a far wider range of topics, from modern culture and social issues to the unique identities of different communities. Visitors can choose specialized tours that focus on food, street art, local history, or cultural neighborhoods across all five boroughs. Tours now celebrate the full diversity and character of New York City.

Style and Delivery

1950s Tour Guides

Tour guides of the 1950s were formal and scripted. Presentations were factual, polished, and delivered with strict adherence to memorized material. Audience interaction was minimal.

Present-Day Tour Guides

Modern tour guides are conversational and engaging. They incorporate humor, storytelling, and personal experiences. They welcome questions and encourage participation, creating a more interactive and memorable experience.

Technology and Resources

1950s Tour Guides

Without the internet or digital tools, guides depended on printed brochures, static maps, and memorized routes. Everything relied on preparation, memory, and verbal narration.

Present-Day Tour Guides

Technology plays a significant role today. Guides use mobile apps, GPS tools, videos, and sometimes virtual or augmented reality. They have access to real-time updates about events, street closures, or neighborhood activities that can enhance the tour experience.

Cultural Context

1950s Tour Guides

Tours reflected the cultural norms of the era. Guides often presented an idealized view of New York, avoiding topics that touched on social issues, inequality, or political events.

Present-Day Tour Guides

Tours today embrace a more inclusive and realistic interpretation of the city. Guides may discuss gentrification, social justice, immigration, and climate-related challenges. Modern narratives include voices and stories from communities that were historically overlooked.

Tour Formats

1950s Tour Guides

Most tours followed pre-set routes, usually by bus or on foot. Options were limited, and experiences were generally the same for every group.

Present-Day Tour Guides

Tour formats have expanded dramatically. Visitors now choose from food tours, ghost tours, art walks, history-focused routes, and neighborhood deep-dives. Private and custom tours are common, and online platforms make booking easier than ever.

Final Thoughts

While the tour guides of the 1950s offered structured and historically centered experiences, today’s guides bring more dynamic stories, diverse perspectives, and technology-enhanced opportunities. The evolution reflects the changing nature of New York itself.

Modern tours allow visitors to experience the city in richer, more engaging ways, and that growth has made the profession stronger, more inclusive, and more enjoyable for everyone.

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As someone who grew up, worked, and still lives here, I’ve witnessed firsthand how New York has changed and blossomed over the years. (I may be dating myself, but my memories go all the way back to the late 1950s!) Even guides with decades of experience can’t match the personal stories and historical perspective a lifelong New Yorker can share to make your tour extra memorable and fun.

Below are a few reasons why choosing a native New Yorker as your tour guide can make all the difference.

Local Expertise

Growing up in Manhattan provides an intimate knowledge of the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems that only a local would know. This insider perspective can transform an ordinary tour into something truly special.

A Personal Touch

A native New Yorker can share personal anecdotes and family stories from different neighborhoods, making your experience more engaging, authentic, and enjoyable.

Community Connections

Having strong ties within the community gives local guides access to venues, local businesses, and experiences that outsiders might not even know exist. These relationships can open doors to unique, customized moments during your tour.

Cultural Insight

A Manhattan-born guide understands the city’s rich diversity—its neighborhoods, food scenes, and cultural events—not just in Manhattan, but throughout all five boroughs: the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the vibrant tapestry that defines New York.

Genuine Passion for the City

A lifelong love for New York is contagious. When your guide truly loves the city, that enthusiasm shines through—turning every story, street corner, and skyline view into something unforgettable.

Experiential Recommendations

Beyond the standard tourist attractions, a native guide can point you toward lesser-known spots, family-run restaurants, and off-the-beaten-path experiences that fit your personal interests. It’s like getting your own insider itinerary.

Adaptability and Street Smarts

Having navigated the city for years, Manhattan natives are skilled at adjusting to the ever-changing rhythm of urban life. Whether it’s a last-minute route change, a street closure, or a surprise event, they’ll make sure your experience stays smooth and enjoyable.

Experience New York with a True Local

Choosing a guide who’s a native New Yorker means more than just hearing facts—it’s about connecting with the city through the eyes of someone who’s lived its history.

If you’d like to explore with a native Manhattanite, sign up for one of our standard tours or request a custom experience.

And remember: every tour starts with a fresh bagel—the ultimate symbol of New York!

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Here are some great ideas to make sure your day in New York is anything but wasted. Some are well-known favorites, others are hidden gems — all are part of the authentic New York experience.

🖼️ Museums, Galleries & Cultural Spaces

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Easily Manhattan’s most iconic museum, The Met is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world, spanning over 5,000 years of human history. With over 1.5 million works of art from around the globe — from Ancient Egypt to Renaissance Europe, Asian sculptures, Islamic art, Impressionism, and Contemporary America — it’s a must-see for any art or history lover.

If you’re stuck indoors, this is where you’ll want to be.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
When the rain starts to fall, take shelter at one of NYC’s premier art museums — the Museum of Modern Art on 53rd Street near Central Park. For more than 80 years, MoMA has showcased some of the world’s most celebrated works by artists like Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Dalí, Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet.

Its permanent collection includes paintings, sculptures, photography, architecture, film, and prints — plus rotating exhibits that highlight emerging contemporary artists.

9/11 Memorial & Museum
A solemn, powerful tribute to the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001 (and, lesser known, February 26, 1993), this poignant museum is an important stop on any visit to New York City.

Located underground, it features artifacts from the 9/11 tragedy — firefighter uniforms, personal items, building debris, and moving firsthand accounts. The exhibition unfolds across three sections: Events of the Day, Before 9/11, and After 9/11, each offering deep insight into the tragedy and resilience of New York.

The Tenement Museum
Step back in time with immersive, historical tours of immigrant life in NYC. This nonprofit institution welcomes visitors into historically recreated homes of immigrants, migrants, and refugees who lived on the Lower East Side between the 1860s and 1980s.

Interactive guided tours reveal how diverse families helped shape the city — and the nation — making this one of the most meaningful museum experiences in New York.

🎭 Theater, Shows & Performances

Catch a Broadway or Off-Broadway Show
A classic rainy-day activity! The lights still glow in Times Square, the marquees shine through the drizzle, and the moment you step inside a theater, the weather no longer matters.

Comedy Clubs
If you’d rather laugh the rain away, check out one of New York’s many comedy clubs — like Second City NYC. With shows running nightly across the city, you’ll find everything from established headliners to rising stars performing improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy.

📚 Shopping, Browsing & Cozy Spots

The Strand Bookstore
Eighteen miles of books! Wander through the towering stacks, hunt for hidden gems, and enjoy the literary charm of this iconic bookstore near Union Square.

Food Halls & Markets
Rainy days are perfect for exploring NYC’s indoor food markets — like Chelsea Market, Eataly, and Essex Market. You can wander, snack, and people-watch without ever needing an umbrella.

Department Stores & Boutiques
Stroll along 5th Avenue or duck into boutique shops throughout SoHo and Midtown. Whether window shopping or splurging, it’s all part of the New York experience.

Need a Custom Rainy-Day Plan?

If you tell me what area you’re in — Upper West Side, Midtown, or Lower Manhattan — I can map out a custom rainy-day walking route filled with indoor stops near you so you don’t get soaked.

Want a personalized itinerary?
👉 Email me at ben@bensbageltours.com and I’ll help you plan the perfect indoor adventure in New York City.

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Here are a few ways to experience the city:

🔹 Types of Guided Tours in New York

Walking Tours
Explore specific neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, Harlem, Chinatown, SoHo, or the Lower East Side.
Perfect for history buffs, architecture lovers, and foodies alike.
Always look for licensed NYC guides.

Bus Tours
Hop-on-hop-off buses let you see all the major landmarks—Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge—in a single day.
A great choice for first-time visitors wanting a big-picture overview.

Private Guides
Personalized tours tailored to your interests: art, history, food, Broadway, or street photography.
Enjoy flexible timing and pace—your guide, your day.

Boat & Ferry Tours
Circle Line cruises or private boat rides offer stunning views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

Specialty Tours

• Food tours (pizza walks, bagel crawls)

• TV & movie location tours

• Museum tours of the Met, MoMA, or the Museum of Natural History

🔹 How to Book a Tour Guide

Official Guide Services
Find licensed professionals through the Guides Association of New York City (GANYC).

Tour Companies
Trusted providers include Ben’s Bagel Tours, Free Tours by Foot, Context Travel, Big Bus Tours, and Foods of NY.

Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
Book local guides directly through platforms like ToursByLocals, Viator, and GetYourGuide.

🔹 Tips for a Great Experience

• Decide your focus: History, food, or a little of everything?

• Budget wisely: Walking tours usually charge per person; private tours may range from $200–$400 for a half day.

• Book early: Tours fill up quickly during spring, summer, and the December holidays.

• Dress comfortably: You’ll walk a lot in NYC!

• Ask questions: Local guides love sharing insider tips beyond the typical tourist stops.

Need a Custom Itinerary?

Would you like Ben Bagel to create a sample guided itinerary for a day or two in New York—so you know exactly what to expect?
📩 Email me at ben@bensbageltours.com to make arrangements.

And remember: everyone on my tours gets a fresh bagel!

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🥯 Brooklyn Bridge Whole Wheat Tour

Your journey begins across from the Oculus, winds past City Hall, and continues onto the legendary Brooklyn Bridge. Along the way, you’ll dive into its fascinating history while soaking in breathtaking views of the skyline. Crossing into Brooklyn, you’ll discover DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges), a once-industrial hub now alive with art, shops, and culture. The tour wraps up at Fulton’s Landing, where ferries once carried New Yorkers back and forth across the East River.

🥯 Greenwich Village Multicolor Bagel Tour

Step into the heart of the “Village,” a neighborhood with roots going back to Dutch New Amsterdam. Stroll through its storied streets as we trace its transformation—from bohemian haven to beatnik hangout, to the counterculture of the 1960s, and today’s thriving cultural hub. Along the way, we’ll stop at landmarks like the Stonewall Inn, where the modern LGBTQ+ movement took hold, and celebrate the Village’s ongoing legacy in art, music, and history.

More to Explore with Ben

If you are looking for additional sites to visit in New York and need an exceptional tour guide to assist you, let me suggest the following sites:

• Central Park, with its changing fall colors, is an essential part of the New York experience. See such features as Bethesda Fountain, the Zoo, and the Wollman Skating Rink.
• Rockefeller Center with its art deco architecture, Radio City Music Hall, the broadcasting studios of NBC (including the Today Show!), the site of the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, and others.
• The Upper West Side Museum of Natural History, Grant’s Tomb, the famous Zabar’s, the West Side Park, as well as others.

If you are interested in my newest tours or those areas “off the beaten path”, book your tour today. And remember, every tour starts with a fresh bagel! 🥯

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CENTRAL PARK

One of the most magnificent parks not only in New York but in the world. An oasis of calm and peace in the City that never sleeps. Very easy to walk through and so much to see. There is the famous Central Park Zoo with its exhibits of a wide variety of wildlife; the Great Lawn where New Yorkers go to relax; Bethesda Fountain; the Harlem Moor; Shakespeare in the Park plus so much more.

BROOKLYN BRIDGE

One of the iconic structures of New York City. You walk across this bridge from the New York side without realizing that it was completed in 1883 and still functions as a major thoroughfare between Manhattan and Brooklyn.  A walk of over a mile lets you see the beautiful skyline of New York City. At the Brooklyn end of the Bridge, you enter the neighborhood known as  DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge Overpasses). This was once an industrial area and now one with upscale apartments, restaurants and high end shopping.

THE STATEN ISLAND FERRY

This is the ultimate ride in New York. A 25 minute trip each way between  Manhattan and Staten Island. Great views, lovely breezes from the Atlantic Ocean and most importantly, ITS FREE!

THE CLOISTERS

Located in the northern end of Manhattan, you will visit an area of peace and tranquility. Filled with religious items from churches and abbeys from all over Europe. Not only that, you can enjoy a great view of the Palisades of New Jersey. From here you can walk south and explore Washington Heights.

THE BRONX

Let’s not forget the other boroughs that you can explore.  There is the Bronx with its famous Bronx Botanical Gardens. It displays an amazing variety of flowers and plants especially in the famous Enid Haupt Conservatory. (Keep in mind the Botanical Gardens are also close to the Bronx Zoo and Arthur Avenue – the true Little Italy of New York). You also have Wave Hill, another lovely park and conservatory where you can visit the house that Toscanini, the famous orchestra conductor, lived in.

BROOKLYN

Brooklyn also has neighborhoods to explore. Examples would be Park Slope and Cobble Hill.  Let’s not forget the Brooklyn Museum, one of the famous art museums in America.

There is so much more to explore in New York during Autumn that a list would seem to go on forever. Keep in mind that all of these sites are accessible by Subway.

For more information regarding things to do in New York, contact Ben Bagel of Ben’s Bagel Tours for one of my tours or to arrange a custom tour if you prefer.

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Your presence here doesn’t just support local businesses, it adds to the vibrancy and spirit that makes New York so unique. While I have a vested interest in encouraging tourism (I run Ben’s Bagel Tours, after all), this sentiment extends far beyond my own business. The entire hospitality sector—hotels, theaters, restaurants, museums, and walking tours—relies on the energy and enthusiasm that visitors bring.

Domestic Travel Is Strong, But We Miss Our International Friends

Currently, most tourists in New York are coming from within the U.S., while international travel has slowed, likely due to global politics, border concerns, and complicated travel experiences. I’ve seen this trend personally: in years past, I welcomed guests from all over the world, including Canada. For 2025, those international bookings have nearly disappeared.

This isn’t just a concern for me; it has a ripple effect. The city invested over $12.5 billion in tourism-related sectors in 2024, and projections for 2025 show a decline in visitors of over 17%. That’s 150,000 hotel rooms to fill and nearly 300,000 tourism-related jobs that rely on strong visitor turnout.

So, Why Visit Now?

Because New York is still New York. From iconic landmarks and legendary neighborhoods to hidden gems and local institutions, the city remains one of the most fascinating and dynamic destinations in the world. And right now, you can experience it with fewer crowds and more breathing room.

Bagels, Stories, and Sights: Join Me on Tour

Ben’s Bagel Tours offers more than just great food (though we definitely have that too). I offer immersive, educational walking tours that connect you to New York’s layered history through its neighborhoods, people, and yes, its bagels. From the Lower East Side Nosh Tour to the Chinatown & Little Italy Tour, Grand Central’s Open Sesame Tour, and the Wall Street Egg Bagel Tour, each experience is rooted in the rich stories of this city.

One of the most common questions I get is, “Where can I find the best bagel in New York?” I love pointing people to the authentic, sometimes hidden, bagel shops that represent generations of tradition and community pride. The bagel isn’t just a snack; it’s a cultural symbol of New York’s immigrant past and enduring spirit.

Come See for Yourself

I invite you to visit New York, whether it’s for a day, a weekend, or longer. You’ll be supporting local businesses, learning about one of the most influential cities in the world, and enjoying some of the best bagels you’ll ever eat.

Let’s remain hopeful about 2025 and beyond. And wherever you are, don’t forget to support your neighborhood bagel shop—and if you’re in New York, join me for a Ben’s Bagel Tour. Every tour starts with a fresh, authentic New York bagel… and a great story.

Ready to explore?

Check out our full lineup of walking tours like the Lower East Side Bagel Tour, Chinatown & Little Italy, Grand Central: The Open Sesame Tour, and Wall Street’s Egg Bagel Experience.

Book your spot today at bensbageltours.com and let’s walk and explore together.

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I decided to get back to blogging about bagels, my tours, and whatnot.

Today’s topic is questions about bagels. If you are a reader of the online app Quora, you will know that there are constantly questions that readers post about the bagel. Such as “How does one make a chewy New York bagel?”,” Do any bagels taste like cheesecake (REALLY?)”, and others, such as “Do they make bagels so much better than other types of bread? Also, “If bagels are the best form of bread, why do they waste dough and time making other breads instead of making only bagels?”

Some of these and others are not worth answering, but overall, it shows an interest in one of the human race’s best culinary inventions. The best way to answer all these questions is to say that baked out of dough, yeast, water, molasses, and additional flavorings and colors (NO, not cheesecake), the bagel has become an American and even worldwide favorite. Can you buy them fresh from a bagel bakery? Yes. Can you now make them at home? Yes. Can you cut them in half and put a schmear of something on each side? Yes, within limits. I admit I am a cream cheese and spread kind of guy.

Don’t worry about questions about bagels. Just eat them and enjoy!

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