More about: Upper and Lower Manhattan Tours
Manhattan is an island of skyscrapers, monuments, squares, shops, people and, above all, life – lots of life. And as unique as any other district in New York, Manhattan has its own contrasts between Upper and Lower Manhattan. To discover them all and experience Manhattan in style, I have a recommendation for you: the Upper and Lower Manhattan tour.
New York Upper & Lower Manhattan Guided Tour
Discover Manhattan on a 4-hour guided tour
Explore the best of Upper and Lower Manhattan on a half-day tour with a Spanish-speaking guide. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle as you visit iconic landmarks such as Times Square, Central Park, Wall Street, the Freedom Tower and more. Includes a stop at Battery Park to admire the Statue of Liberty from the water.
Make the most of your visit to New York and book your guided tour of Upper and Lower Manhattan in advance. In just 4 hours, you'll tour the city's most iconic neighbourhoods in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle and in the company of a professional English-speaking guide who will make sure you don't miss a thing.
During the tour, you'll discover the dynamism of Midtown, the historic charm of Harlem and the energy of the Financial District, with stops at such iconic locations as Times Square, Central Park, Wall Street and the Freedom Tower. At Battery Park, you'll enjoy a privileged view for taking unforgettable photos of the Statue of Liberty.
Why take this tour: It's a comfortable and comprehensive way to get to know Manhattan in a short time, ideal as an introduction to your trip. You can tour the city by bus, with explanations from a Spanish-speaking guide who will provide context and stories to help you enjoy each place more.
Recommended if... you only have a few days in New York, are travelling with children, or prefer to explore from the comfort of a seat, without long walks, while discovering the city's most iconic areas.
What is the Upper and Lower Manhattan Tour like?
This 4-hour guided tour in Spanish takes you in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to the most emblematic places in New York, from Upper Manhattan to Downtown.
What you will see
- Times Square and Central Park
- Harlem and its cultural history
- Wall Street and the Financial District
- Freedom Tower (One World Trade Centre)
- Stop at Battery Park for views of the Statue of Liberty
Practical details
- Departure from 1651 Broadway (corner of 51st Street)
- Pick-up options at 3 central locations between 8:00 and 8:45 a.m.
- Transportation included in air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional guide in Spanish throughout the tour
- Ends at the starting point
The option just for you and your group
If you want to enjoy the same experience but with a guide just for you and your group, you can opt for the Private Guided Tour of Upper and Lower Manhattan. This option gives you more flexibility in terms of schedules, a tour adapted to your pace and the exclusive attention of a professional guide.
Stops and places you will see on the Upper and Lower Manhattan tour
- Columbus Circle – A square located at the intersection of Broadway and Central Park, with a statue of Christopher Columbus watching over it from its pedestal.
- Lincoln Centre – A complex of buildings dedicated to the performing arts, famous for its operas, theatres and concert halls.
- Dakota Building – Historic building that has housed artists such as Judy Garland and John Lennon, in front of which he was murdered in 1980.
- Central Park and Strawberry Fields – You will walk around the famous park and visit the Imagine mosaic in Strawberry Fields, a tribute to John Lennon.
- St. John the Divine Cathedral – One of the largest Anglican cathedrals in the world, with an impressive Gothic style.
- Columbia University – Ivy League campus with elegant, symmetrical architecture.
- Harlem – A neighbourhood steeped in history, the cradle of African-American culture and home to the Apollo Theatre and the Cotton Club.
- Metropolitan Museum of Art – Exterior of the Met or Metropolitan Museum of Art, whose steps are a regular meeting place for New Yorkers.
- Fifth Avenue – The avenue of historic mansions and New York's most exclusive shops.
- Rockefeller Centre – Architectural complex famous for its Christmas tree and ice rink.
- St. Patrick's Cathedral – An iconic neo-Gothic church with stained glass windows and a large rose window.
- Flatiron Building – One of New York's first skyscrapers, with a unique and unmistakable shape.
- SoHo and Greenwich Village – Neighbourhoods with art galleries, restaurants and settings for famous TV series and films.
- Washington Square – A lively square with its triumphal arch and monuments such as the one dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi.
- Little Italy and Chinatown – In Little Italy you can enjoy traditional Italian restaurants; in Chinatown, shops and the best things to see and do surrounded by authentic oriental cuisine.
- Wall Street and Battery Park – The financial heart of the city with the New York Stock Exchange, the Charging Bull and views of the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park, the departure point for the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.
Differences between the Upper and Lower Manhattan tour and the Contrasts Tour and which one to choose
Although both tours are very popular, there are key differences:
- The Upper and Lower Manhattan Tour focuses exclusively on the island of Manhattan, covering its main neighbourhoods and monuments in about 4 hours.
- The Contrast Tour takes you further afield, visiting districts such as Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx to experience the city's cultural diversity.
If you want a comprehensive introduction to Manhattan, with a guide in English and without leaving the island, the Upper and Lower Manhattan Tour is your best option. If you already know something about Manhattan or are looking for a broader experience, the Contrast Tour will be perfect for you.
When is the best time to take the Upper and Lower Manhattan tour?
If this is your first time in New York, it's best to book the Upper and Lower Manhattan tour for the first or second day of your trip. This will give you an overview of the city and help you find your way around when exploring on your own.
Doing it in the morning will allow you to spend the rest of the day visiting the places you liked best on the tour at a more leisurely pace. It's also a great way to familiarise yourself with transport and distances in Manhattan.
What clothes and accessories should you bring for the tour?
Although much of the tour is done in an air-conditioned vehicle, during the Upper and Lower Manhattan tour you will make several stops to explore on foot, so comfortable footwear is a must.
In winter, opt for warm clothing and gloves, as the wind can be strong at some stops, especially near Battery Park. In summer, bring sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. And whatever the time of year, don't forget water and extra batteries for your mobile phone or camera, because you'll want to capture every moment.
Useful tips for enjoying the Upper and Lower Manhattan tour
- During the Upper and Lower Manhattan tour, you will stop at Battery Park to enjoy the views of the Statue of Liberty and take unforgettable photos before returning to the starting point.
- Don't get too hung up on taking photos from the vehicle: many shots won't be from the best angle. The most valuable thing is to listen to the guide's explanations and familiarise yourself with the city so that you can get around better on your own later.
- Have your camera or mobile phone ready for the scheduled stops, where you will be able to capture iconic images of New York.
- If you want to continue the day with more visits, plan ahead to take advantage of the fact that you will end up in the heart of Midtown.
Other interesting experiences in New York
If you feel like taking action and discovering New York from above, I recommend climbing one of its legendary buildings, such as the Empire State Building, to enjoy the skyline from above. Here is a link to my practical guide so you can find out all the details Empire State Building Tickets and Tours. If you're thinking of treating yourself and enjoying the best experience Manhattan has to offer, I recommend the New York Helicopter Flights.