SoHo and the Village NYC Architecture Walking Tour
Explore the Heart of New York’s Architectural and Cultural History
Discover the iconic architecture, artistic landmarks, and vibrant history of SoHo, the Village, LES, Nolita and the Bowery on our expertly guided walking tour. These neighborhoods have long been at the crossroads of diversity and innovation, their character reflected in cast-iron facades, historic churches, cultural landmarks, and bold contemporary designs. From SoHo’s industrial-era buildings to the evolving urban landscape of the Bowery, each stop reveals a new layer of New York City’s story. Highlights include the Condict (Bayard) Building, Basilica of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral, Washington Square Arch, Silver Towers, the Bobst Library, Cooper Union’s Foundation and Engineering Buildings, and a wide range of contemporary icons such as the New Museum, 40 Bond Street, and the Prada flagship boutique. This tour offers an in-depth look at how New York’s most dynamic neighborhoods continue to blend history, culture, and cutting-edge architecture.
Tours Details
Time: Fridays, 5:30-7:30pm EST (2 hours)
Meeting Point: Cooper Square
End Point: Washington Square
Participants limit: 10
Tour Highlights: Must-See Architectural Gems
- Washington Square Park (1827): A historic green space in the heart of Greenwich Village.
- Washington Square Arch (Stanford White, 1889): A stunning example of Beaux-Arts design.
- Judson Memorial Church (Stanford White, 1877): Romanesque Revival architecture with a rich cultural legacy.
- NYU Bobst Library (Philip Johnson, 1971): A modernist icon on Washington Square.
- Jefferson Market Library (Frederick Clarke Withers, 1874–77): A Gothic Revival masterpiece.
- 40 Bond Street (Herzog & de Meuron, 2008): Cutting-edge residential architecture.
- Public Hotel (Herzog & de Meuron, 2013): A striking addition to the Bowery’s skyline.
- New Museum (Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, SANAA, 2007): A contemporary art and architecture landmark.
- Cooper Union Foundation Building (Frederick Peterson, 1858): A historic cornerstone of innovation.
- Cooper Union Engineering Building (Morphosis, 2009): A bold statement of modern design.
- Little Singer Building (Ernest Flagg, 1904): A Beaux-Arts gem in SoHo.
- Condict (Bayard) Building (Louis Sullivan, 1898): A seminal early skyscraper.
Tour Experience
This tour is Perfect for Architecture and Art Lovers. Whether you’re an avid architecture enthusiast or a casual traveler looking to experience New York’s vibrant cultural heritage, this tour will leave you inspired. Explore the intricate details of SoHo’s cast-iron architecture, learn about the transformation of the Lower East Side, and witness how cutting-edge design reshapes iconic neighborhoods.
Languages
- Public Tours: Offered in English.
- Private Tours: Available in English, Spanish, Italian, French, Russian, Bulgarian, and Catalan.
Why Choose This Tour?
- Dive into Architectural Diversity: Experience a mix of historical and modern architecture, from 19th-century landmarks to cutting-edge designs.
- Learn from the Experts: Our architect guides offer engaging insights into the cultural and architectural significance of each site.
- Book Your Tour Today: Don’t miss the opportunity to uncover the stories behind New York City’s most fascinating neighborhoods. Reserve your spot now and embark on a journey through history, art, and architecture.
Cancellation Policy
Customers will be issued a full refund or credit if canceling up to 24 hours in advance. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of our cancellation due to weather, not enough guests, or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by email at info@buildtours.com to inquire about rescheduling or cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Washington Square Arch
Your PhD Architect Guide
Ivan R. Shumkov, PhD
CEO and Founder
Ivan 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 Tours, Build World and Build Academy, organizations dedicated to providing professional solutions and education for the built environment. He is currnetly a professor of architecture and urban design at Columbia Univeristy GSAPP, and has previously taught at Harvard, NYU, Pratt, Parsons, UIC and UPC Barcelona.
Ivan combines his experience of practicing and teaching architecture with his passion for discovering and sharing the history and secrets of New York. His tours provoke curiosity, show hidden urban gems, and provide opportunities for experiencing and understanding art and architecture in a unique way. He helps his guests to see and connect the city through the eyes of an architect. They are activated and transformed by these immersive experiences and view the city in a new way.
Ivan earned his PhD in Architecture in 2009 at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and Columbia University GSAPP, as fellow of the Fondation Le Corbusier. He graduated with four masters degrees from ETSA Barcelona, University of Florence, and Harvard University GSD, as a Fulbright scholar.
Ivan is a licensed NYC tour guide. Being fluent in multiple languages, he can conduct tours in English, Spanish, Catalan, Bulgarian, French and Italian.
Public Walking Tour
You’ll expperience NY with a small group of up to 10 other Art and Architecture professinals, enthusiasts and lovers.
Exclusive Private Tour
You’ll experience NY by yourself or with a group of your family, freinds and colleagues. Call or email us to customize your tour experience.
Experience New York with our Architecture Tours led by local architects.
Our public tours are 2 hours of transformational experiences that connect people with the city on a deeper level. We focus on 9 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.
