Private New York Art and Architecture Tours
Book your own private New York architecture tour and experience the unforgettable journey through the stunning sights, buildings and places that define our extraordinary city. Led by our architect guides, you’ll uncover the hidden gems and fascinating history of the city. During each tours, we explore a different areas 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 to take pictures and draw sketches.
Please contact us at info@buildtours.com for more information.
Explore New York with our Private Tours
We focus on 1o 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. Our private tours are 2 or 4 hours and available in 12 languages.
Book your Exclusive Private Tour
Plan and schedule your private New York Art and Architecture experience 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.
Private Financial District and WTC Tour
Weekdays at 10am, 2pm and 5pm
Starting at $199 for 2h, $349 for 4h
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 400 year history.
Private Soho and the Village Tour
Weekdays at 10am, 2pm and 5pm
Starting at $199 for 2h, $349 for 4h
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.
Private Chelsea and the High Line Tour
Weekdays at 10am, 2pm and 5pm
Starting at $199 for 2h, $349 for 4h
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.
Private Midtown South Tour
Weekdays at 10am, 2pm and 5pm
Starting at $199 for 2h, $349 for 4h
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.
Private Midtown East Tour
Weekdays at 10am, 2pm and 5pm
Starting at $199 for 2h, $349 for 4h
Situated at the heart of New York City, Midtown East 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.
Private Midtown North Tour
Weekdays at 10am, 2pm and 5pm
Starting at $199 for 2h, $349 for 4h
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.
Private Upper East Side Tour
Weekdays at 10am, 2pm and 5pm
Starting at $199 for 2h, $349 for 4h
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 by Frank Lloyd Wright and the former Whitney Museum Marcel Breuer.
Private Upper West Side Tour
Weekdays at 10am, 2pm and 5pm
Starting at $199 for 2h, $349 for 4h
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.
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…
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 8 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.
