Join the unforgettable journey of our walking tours that take you through the stunning sights, buildings and places that define the extraordinary New York City.
Led by our architect guides, you’ll uncover the hidden gems and fascinating history of the city. Join one of our public tours of the art and architecture of New York with fellow art and architecture lovers.
Book your own private custom tour for your group or company to have an exclusive experience of New York.
Experience New York with our Public Tours
Our public tours are 2 hours of transformational experiences that connect people with the city on a deeper level. We focus on 7 areas according to the location, neighborhood and their distinct character – weaving culture, history, architecture, art and design in an engaging, story-telling manner to uncover some of the city’s hidden gems and best-kept secrets.
Explore New York with our Private Tours
Our private tours of 2, 4 or 8 hours are dedicated to Art, Architecture and Real Estate, and can be customized. We focus on 7 areas according to the location, neighborhood and their distinct character – weaving culture, history, architecture, art and design in an engaging, story-telling manner to uncover some of the city’s hidden gems and best-kept secrets.
Join Upcoming Public Tours
Join one of our upcoming New York Art and Architecture Tours and immerse yourself in this extraordinary city. During each tour, we explore a different area and discuss the history and architecture of its most important buildings and landmarks. Feel free to bring your camera and your sketchbooks if you feel inspired.
Financial District and WTC Tour
10am-12pm, Saturdays, October 5, 12, 19, 26
$39-49 per person
Join us for an exciting exploration of the art and architecture of NYC’s Financial District and Ground Zero and the juxtaposition of the oldest and the newest architectural highlights of the city! Our in-person walking tour will take you on a journey through the stunning sights and structures that define this iconic neighborhood and helo us unravel it’s rich history.
Soho and the Village Tour
5:30-7:30pm, Fridays, October 4, 11, 18, 25
$39-49 per person
From the historically diverse communities to cosmopolitan hot spots, SoHo, the East, Greenwich and West Village have a fascinating history captured by the area’s architecture. During this tour, we discover this history by looking at some of the defining architectural typologies of these neighborhoods including the cast iron industrial spaces of Soho, Washington and Cooper Sq.
Chelsea and the High Line Tour
5-7pm, Saturdays, October 5, 12, 19, 26
$39-49 per person
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to delve into the creative world of art, architecture and urban design! Discover the stories behind the art installations and architectural marvels that make the High Line a must-see destination. This in-person walking tour culminates in the newest addition to NYC’s neighborhoods, Hudson Yards.
Midtown South Tour
5:30-7:30pm, Thursdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24
$39-49 per person
Situated at the heart of New York City, Midtown South and its surrounding neighborhoods are the dynamic epicenter of the metropolis. This locality’s frenetic energy finds physical translation in Bryant Park and the ascendant skyscrapers of the area. We chart the history of Midtown South through its architecture, starting with examples from the early twentieth century and culminating with the latest additions to this area’s urban landscape.
Midtown North Tour
10am-12pm, Sundays, October 6, 13, 20, 27
$39-49 per person
Situated at the heart of New York City, Midtown North and its surrounding neighborhoods are the dynamic epicenter of the metropolis. This locality’s frenetic energy finds physical translation in the dazzling lights of the ascendant skyscrapers of the business district. We will chart the history of Midtown North through its architecture, starting with examples from the early twentieth century and culminating with the latest additions to this area’s urban landscape.
Upper East Side Tour
3-5pm, Sundays, October 6, 13, 20, 27
$39-49 per person
Shining with the tarnished gleam of New York’ Gilded Age the ornate town houses of the Upper East Side stand as a monuments to the moneyed families that played an essential role in the city’s growth. In this Upper East Side Architecture Tour, we will examine highlights from this Victorian era including the Henry Clay Frick mansion, the Metropolitan Museum, the French Consulate, Central Park, and modern masterpieces such as the Guggenheim Museum and the former Whitney Museum.
Upper West Side Tour
12-2pm, Sundays, October 6, 13, 20, 27
$39-49 per person
Situated between Central park and the Hudson River, the Upper West Side of Manhattan is home of some of the most prestigious academic and cultural buildings in the city. This is one of the prominent residential areas in the city, situated in between the parks and well connected by subway. Projects featured on this Upper West Side Architecture Tour include Lincoln Center for the Arts, Hears Tower by Foster and Partners, VIA W57 by Bjarke Ingels Group, Fordham University School of Law, St Jones Cathedral, Columbia University and its many buildings.
Customize your Exclusive Private Tour
Curate your own private adventure into NYC’s world of architecture and design. Fill out the form below and one of our team members will be in touch to create an exclusive tailored-made tour just for you and your guests.
Real Estate Developers and Investors Tour
Private 2 or 4h Walking or Car Tour
Starting at $199
Build Tours helps real estate developers and investors make the best investment decisions by offering them a deep and well-rounded understanding of New York City’s neighborhoods, projects, urban planning, land development and investment opportunities.
Exclusive Private Custom Tour
Private 2, 4, or 8h Walking or Car Tour
Starting at $199
We invite you to plan your private New York Art and Architecture Tour and immerse yourself in this extraordinary city. During each tour, we explore a different area and discuss the history and architecture of its most important buildings and landmarks.
Your PhD Architect Guides
Ivan Shumkov, PhD
Dr. Ivan Shumkov is a New York based architect, urban planner, entrepreneur, and professor with more than 20 years of experience across the private, public, and academic sectors. He is the founder of Build World and Build Academy, organizations dedicated to providing professional solutions and education for the built environment…
Afshan Bokhari, PhD
Dr. Afshan Bokhari grew up in Queens, NY and is a New York based art and architectural historian with more than 15 years of experience across the private, public, and academic sectors. She combines her experience of teaching art and architectural history with her passion for discovering and sharing the history and secrets of her hometown…
Stefan Al, PhD
Stefan Al is an experienced architect and professor, who has worked on large scale projects around the world, including the Canton Tower. Dedicated to integrating the domains of architecture, urbanism and sustainability, he aims to create transformative spaces that balance human needs with environmental stewardship…
Testimonials
Both of us enjoyed the tour immensely, not only because of Ivan’s wide-ranging knowledge of the field of architecture, which, of course, is his domain, but because of his unique insights and exceedingly personable self. He was attentive to the most peripheral of our questions, and instead of one-liners, he engaged us in a discursive manner. Nor was it just conversation about architecture and the buildings that filter our world, but about the whole environment subtending it.
I enjoyed every minute of Ivan Shumkov’s top-flight New York City Architectural Tour. He offered participants an opportunity to experience, explore, and understand a carefully curated selection of can’t miss sites. To do so, he drew on his palette of insights, captivating examples, and creative approaches – all grounded by his extensive academic and professional background in Architecture and Design.”
I can’t praise our guide, Ivan, enough. Ivan’s extensive knowledge and passion for New York City’s history brought the tour to life in a way that was engaging and enlightening.
This tour was an incredible experience, thanks to Ivan’s expertise and enthusiasm. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore the rich art, architecture and history of New York City.
I think I can speak on behalf of the team and say that we thoroughly enjoyed the tour. It was really amazing to hear a different point of view and perspective about the architecture in the neighborhood. My lunchtime walks will surely have new meaning, and I will continue to learn about the landscape of New York! Absolutely fascinating.
Great event, thank you again.
Sign up for our New York Architecture Online Course
Want to discover New York’s architecture from the comfort of your own home? Sign up for our sister company Build Academy’s online course about New York Architecture.
The course analyzes major architectural ideas and projects that shaped New York and trace development of the city since its foundation in 1609 until today by discussing the work of some of its most influential architects and urban planners. You will develop a critical view on architecture and learn how to “read” buildings both from their exteriors and interiors. You will examine the evolution of New York and at the same time understand the recent challenges and opportunities for the architecture of the city.
Join Tours from our Friends and Partners
Founded in 2009, Untapped New York is powered by a team of passionate New Yorkers, always exploring the city. We are dedicated to our mission of discovery, so come back daily to uncover new secret and hidden places, get behind-the-scenes access to the places we cover and meet the incredible people shaping our city.
