Nick N.United States
Great tour by Richard! One of the best guides we have had (and we have taken 100 plus tours around the world) e
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Private tour in New York City Richard B
Lower East Side, Chinatown, Little Italy, SoHo and Greenwich Village
4.9
(10) reviews
-
4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Richard B.
4.9
Guide rating
141
Reviews
Tours delivered
5 hrs
Avg. response time
Greetings from New York City! I'm Richard, a licensed tour guide, and I love New York. I'm a third-generation New Yorker, the grandson of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. I've lived here all my life. My perspective of the city is enriched and broadened by the variety of paths I've taken here. For twenty-five years, I was a professional illustrator, a career that immersed me in New York's publishing and art worlds. I was also an office worker throughout the city, including ten years in the World Trade Center. When I was an art student at Pratt Institute, I got to know Brooklyn more—wow, what a fascinating place. I am continually awed by the charm and cultural richness of my city. I hold a New York State teacher's license, as well as a Masters in Education. These, and the years I taught in the city's public schools, in tandem with my enthusiasm and New York life experience, help make me a great New York City tour guide. Any tour with me will be fun, informative and stimulating. Thanks to New York City's vastness and diversity, each tour can be as individual as a client's tastes and interests. Licensed Sightseeing Guide through the NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs; Bachelor's degree in Literature; Master's degree in Education; Twenty-five years working as a visual artist
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Richard B.
Half-Day Walking Tour Discovering Downtown New York's Distinct and Overlapping Worlds
Overview of your New York City tour
Between 1880 and 1920, almost 2 million Eastern European Jews had settled in and made a lasting mark on New York's Lower East Side. Chinatown is the largest Chinese community in the Western Hemisphere. A major tourist attraction, Little Italy has shrunk to a small, yet enticing, stretch of Italian restaurants, bakeries and food shops. SoHo, built as a business district dominated by a distinctive cast-iron architectural style, became an artists' community in the mid-twentieth century when they began squatting in the buildings which had been abandoned. Now it's a major shopping district. Greenwich Village was a farming community settled by freed slaves in the 1640s. After being a magnet for artists in the nineteenth through mid-twentieth centuries, what remains is a charming neighborhood now prime real estate. In this tour, we walk through these distinctive areas that abut and overlap in interesting and delightful ways.
Recent Reviews
Robert R.United States
Highly recommend Richard as a tour guide. He has a wealth of knowledge that he conveys in a user friendly way. Very flexible in designing the tour and able to make adjustments to accommodate the brutally cold weather to allow us to warm up. His personal history with the village was impressive. Thoroughly enjoyable tour!
Mark G.United States
I have lived in NYC and visited many times, but Richard shared knowledge and stories about NYC that felt entirely new for me and my family. We felt like we were brought to another time and place. My teenage children were entranced by the stories and knowledge that Richard brought to the tour. Was an absolute highlight to our visit to NYC and I couldn't endorse Richard more!
Cecelia A.United States
Richard is excellent and professional guide. We ended up completely changing the tour because 2 people canceled last minute and he made several suggestions on the "fly" tailored to my past NYC experiences. By the end of the tour, I felt I was walking though the history of NYC with an old friend. Don't see what you want or don't even know what you want in a tour, contact Richard and he will figure it out.
Jay H.United States
Richard is a simply outstanding guide. He is very warm, personable, and knowledgeable; it is truly fun to spend time with him as he shares his keen insights as a native New Yorker. We saw and learned so much--in so many different areas of the city--on this tour. We highly recommend Richard, this tour, and any tour with Richard--he is great!
Anthony Y.United States
Great walking tour. Richard was full of local knowledge and stories. We were a group of 6 adults and we had great fun and learned a lot.
Your New York City tour itinerary
During the tour, there will be multiple opportunities for sitting, taking a coffee break, or using a restroom. Below is a list of some of the many noteworthy things we will see: Henry Street Settlement Seward Park Jewish Daily Forward Building Educational Alliance Columbus Park Mott Street Jarmulowsky Bank Building Eldridge Street Synagogue First Cemetery of the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue Haughwout Building Bust of Sylvette (a large public sculpture by Pablo Picasso) Washington Square Park Stonewall Inn "Friends" Apartment Building Tour can be customized upon request.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
Subway or taxi if we meet outside the tour's itinerary. Otherwise, just walking.
What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
New York, New York, United States
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Architecture
History
Tour reference number
736169
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
4.9
FAQs
Who is this private tour in New York City best suited for?
This private tour is perfect for travellers who want to explore the distinct and overlapping worlds of New York City's Lower East Side, Chinatown, Little Italy, SoHo, and Greenwich Village. It's ideal for those interested in history, culture, and architecture, as well as anyone looking to connect with a local guide like Richard B. for deeper insights into these vibrant neighbourhoods.
Can this private tour in New York City be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.