New York Historic Center (in English)

10% of all profits go to support Ukrainian Armed Forces

New York does not have one center. Instead it has several! Commercial, Financial, Theatre, Visual Art, Fashion districts of New York are all mostly distinct and separate from each other. But did you know Manhattan has a historic center?

I define the part of Manhattan roughly corresponding to South Midtown as New York Historic Center. It goes from Madison Square and Flatiron district to Union Square and 14th street. This is where life was at full swing in 1870-90s. Let me show you the architecture and life in New York as it was after the Civil War and before the skyscraper boom. The route includes the Flatiron building, part of Broadway that used to be called Ladies’ Mile, house museum of Theodore Roosevelt, the last private park in New York – at Gramercy and much more. I will tell the stories of unique buildings populating this historic area, the very center of New York just 100-120 years ago.

Appellate courthoues

New York State Appellate Courthouse together with the old Metlife building

Grand Madison

Metlife

The shorter building on the left was supposed to be the highest in the world in 1920s

Flatiron building front view

Flatiron and the clock that stood next to the old Fifth ave hotel

Ladies’ Mile

Old shopping district called Ladies’ Mile

George Washington

The oldest sculpture in New York

Gandhi

Most recent permanent sculpture in Union Square – Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

New York Life Insurance

This is were 2 of the original Madison Square Gardens stood

Me near Gramercy Park

One of my favorite stops on this tour is Gramercy Park

Me showing pics

I use my laptop to show photos and pictures during my tours

Me with Washington

Union Square is the end of New York Historic Center tour

Slava and Pete’s Tavern

One of the oldest bars in New York

Me on Broadway

Explaining the importance of Ladies’ Mile as a phenomenon

• The tour takes approximately 2 hours but often we go a little bit over that
• This route is about 2 miles long; it’s mostly flat and should be stroller and wheelchair accessible
• If your kids appreciate some history in their Sunday take them with you
• Don’t forget to check the weather couple of days prior

Interactive route map

Clickable

Want this same tour just for yourself?

Private 2 hour walking tour is $150 for you and up to 9 of your guests

Did you know?

Slava Shpigel

Your guide

Licensed New York Guide, leading tours since 2012.

I have never appreciated history before I moved to New York in 2010. Maybe it was an immigrant thing – to study up on the new city and country – but it quickly fascinated me. Now 4 shelves of USA and New York history books and 10 years guiding experience behind me I more than ever want to share the stories I learned.

• instagram label to visit new york city account
• Slava Shpigel facebook page link
• Telegram messenger for Slava Shpigel
• Google Local guide link for Slava