Walks · 34 places in all
Neighbourhood walks
The West Village, Lower Manhattan and Harlem on foot, with the stories behind the doors.
The best way to understand New York is one neighbourhood at a time, on foot. These walks cover three very different ones.
The West Village for crooked streets and history, Lower Manhattan for where the city began, and Harlem for music, food and architecture.
3 ways to do it
EThe editorsA West Village wanderCrooked streets, the narrowest house, Stonewall, a Friends building and a piano bar to end.12 placesHalf a day3 freeVillage & DowntownUse this list →
EThe editorsLower Manhattan on footWhere New York began: the Battery, Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial and the Seaport, in a loop.12 placesA full day8 freeLower ManhattanUse this list →
EThe editorsHarlemThe Apollo, soul food, jazz, Strivers’ Row and the churches and parks between.10 placesA full day3 freeHarlemUse this list →Questions people ask
Where was the Friends apartment?
The exterior shots used 90 Bedford Street, at Grove Street in the West Village. It’s a private building; look from the sidewalk.
Is Lower Manhattan worth visiting?
Yes: the 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street, the Battery and the Seaport are all within a short walk.
Can visitors go to a Harlem gospel service?
Many churches welcome visitors at Sunday services. Dress respectfully, arrive early and follow the ushers.