Midtown Manhattan self-guided walking tour

This self-guided audio and GPS tour begins at the buzzing Columbus Circle, then heads to Carnegie Hall, where music legends have performed for over a century. Get the story behind the hall and its founder before moving on to the unbelievably ornate Russian Tea Room, a Manhattan staple since 1927. Next, visit the city's most famous hotels, the Ritz and the Plaza. These five-star digs aren't just landmarks, they're also packed with Manhattan history you'll uncover during the tour.

After that, you'll have the chance to snap a few photos of the famous Pulitzer Fountain before heading down Fifth Avenue, where New Yorkers come to get their high-end apparel from stores like Saks, Bergdorf, and Louis Vuitton. Then, head to the Saint Regis Hotel and learn of the fierce legal dueling between the Astors and the Vanderbilts surrounding this gorgeous landmark.

The route continues to a place you've definitely seen before: Rockefeller Center. From the iconic ice rink to the NBC studios in 30 Rock, this is a must-see New York landmark. Afterward, it's time to say hello to Broadway and get an inside glimpse at the city's thriving theatre scene. No tour of NYC would be complete without Times Square, so that's up next! Tour this wild square and learn about its transformation from criminal haven to tourism hub.

If you're ready to take a break from walking, the next stop is Bryant Park, a perfect little oasis that has also seen plenty of Hollywood magic over the years. When you're ready to keep going, the next couple sights are two of the city's most astonishing architectural marvels: the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Terminal. Take in the stunning designs while learning about how they both came to be.

Then it's on to the vast New York Public Library, which houses a staggering 125 miles of shelving and used to transport books from floor to floor using pneumatic tubes! Finally, get the full, fascinating history behind the Empire State Building as you walk to New York's most iconic skyscraper. This tour concludes at the Empire State Building.