Take a Historic Walk Up Broadway

Walk the Street That Built New York

Tour Details

Duration: 2 hours
Location: Broadway from Bowling Green to City Hall Park
Tour Type: Historical walking tour
Best For: History lovers, architecture enthusiasts, visitors, locals, and curious New Yorkers
Guide: Licensed New York City guide
Experience Level: Easy walking

Broadway is more than a famous street. It is one of New York City’s great historic corridors, carrying the story of the city from Dutch New Amsterdam through the American Revolution, the rise of commerce, presidential history, immigration, architecture, journalism, and civic life.

Inspired by the nation’s 250th anniversary, this tour follows Broadway north from Bowling Green through Lower Manhattan, revealing the sites, stories, buildings, and hidden details that shaped both New York City and the United States.

From Fort Amsterdam, Trinity Church, and Washington’s inauguration to Steamship Row, the Canyon of Heroes, City Hall, Newspaper Row, and the African Burial Ground, this walk connects nearly four centuries of history along one remarkable route. It is also offered as a tribute to Barry Lewis, whose acclaimed 1999 PBS special A Walk Up Broadway helped inspire this journey through New York’s past.

What You’ll Experience

Walk Through the Major Chapters of New York City’s Story, including a Rare Peek Inside the Iconic Woolworth Building Lobby.

Broadway has served as New York City’s main thoroughfare for nearly four centuries. Along this historic route, you’ll encounter the people, places, and events that transformed a small Dutch settlement into one of the world’s great cities.

From colonial New Amsterdam and the American Revolution to steamship empires, presidential history, architectural landmarks, and civic institutions, each stop reveals another chapter in the story of New York.

Explore the origins of New York City at Bowling Green, the site of Fort Amsterdam, and the foundations of colonial New Amsterdam. Learn about the Dutch settlers, the British takeover, and the dramatic events surrounding the American Revolution.
Discover the stories behind Fraunces Tavern, Federal Hall, Washington’s inauguration, King George III’s statue, and the birth of the new nation.

Follow in the footsteps of George Washington and Alexander Hamilton as Broadway became the center of political life in the young United States.


Visit the sites associated with Washington’s presidency, Hamilton’s legacy, Federal Hall, Trinity Church, and the historic locations that helped shape the nation’s earliest years.

Learn how Trinity Church became one of New York’s most influential institutions while exploring its remarkable architecture, cemetery, and centuries of history.


Hear stories of notable figures buried here, including Alexander Hamilton, and discover the role the church played in the city’s growth and development.

Long before air travel, Lower Broadway connected America to the world.


Discover the headquarters of Cunard, White Star Line, and United States Lines, and learn how New York became the gateway for millions of travelers, immigrants, and global commerce.

Walk the route of New York’s famous ticker-tape parades and uncover the stories behind the celebrations that captivated the city.


Learn about the astronauts, military leaders, athletes, royalty, presidents, and cultural icons honored along Broadway’s legendary Canyon of Heroes.

Explore the buildings and personalities that transformed Lower Manhattan into a global center of finance and commerce.


Discover the Standard Oil Building, John D. Rockefeller’s influence, the former Singer Building site, and other landmarks that helped define New York’s skyline.

As the tour moves north, uncover the stories of Newspaper Row, City Hall, the Tweed Courthouse, and the institutions that shaped public life in New York City.


Learn how newspapers, politics, and civic leadership influenced both the city and the nation.

Along the route, discover lesser-known sites and surprising stories that many New Yorkers pass every day without noticing.
From vanished buildings and historic taverns to Lincoln connections, Barnum’s American Museum, and the African Burial Ground, these stories reveal another side of Broadway’s remarkable history.

Tour Highlights

Broadway tells the story of New York City like no other street. From Dutch settlers and Revolutionary patriots to steamship empires, presidents, industrialists, and civic leaders, each stop reveals another chapter in the city’s remarkable evolution.

Historic map of New Amsterdam on the southern tip of Manhattan in the seventeenth century
The Birth of New York

Explore the Dutch origins of New Amsterdam and the colonial settlement that became New York City.

George Washington and America's Founding Fathers during the early years of the United States
Revolution & The Founding Fathers

Follow the footsteps of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and the leaders who shaped a new nation.

Ticker-tape parade traveling through New York City's Canyon of Heroes in Lower Manhattan
The Canyon of Heroes

Walk New York’s famous ticker-tape parade route and discover the celebrations that captivated the city.

Historic Cunard Building on Lower Broadway during New York's age of global ocean travel and commerce
Steamship Row & Global Commerce

Learn how Lower Broadway connected New York to the world during the great age of ocean travel.

  • Historic Fraunces Tavern in Lower Manhattan where George Washington bid farewell to his officers
  • Bowling Green park marking the former location of the King George III statue
  • Building at the site of New York City's first presidential residence on Broadway
  • Historic map of New Amsterdam on the southern tip of Manhattan in the seventeenth century
  • Abraham Lincoln during the period of his influential Cooper Union address in New York City
  • Portrait of Abraham Lincoln connected to New York City and Civil War history
  • Historic Trinity Church on Broadway in Lower Manhattan
  • Public reading of the Declaration of Independence in colonial New York City
  • Historic Park Theatre near City Hall Park and Broadway
  • Barry Lewis discussing New York City history and architecture
  • Historic presidential residence in Lower Manhattan associated with early American government
  • Destruction of the King George III statue at Bowling Green during the American Revolution
  • Surviving fragment of the horse tail from the King George III statue that once stood in Bowling Green
  • Historic St. Paul's Chapel on Broadway in Lower Manhattan
  • Historic Park Theatre near City Hall Park and Broadway in New York City
  • Historic building associated with New York City's first presidential residence on Broadway
  • Historical marker commemorating Thomas Jefferson's residence on Maiden Lane in Lower Manhattan
  • Guided tour inside the historic Woolworth Building lobby in Lower Manhattan

Good to Know Before You Go

  • Advance booking is recommended.
  • Tour operates rain or shine.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
  • Most of the experience takes place outdoors.
  • The route covers approximately 1.5 miles.
  • Suitable for adults, families, and history enthusiasts.

Why This Tour Is Special

Experience the Entire Story of New York Through One Street

Few places in America contain as much history in such a compact area as Broadway in Lower Manhattan. Rather than focusing on a single landmark or neighborhood, this tour connects the major chapters of New York City’s story into one compelling experience.

From colonial beginnings and presidential history to architecture, commerce, immigration, and civic life, Broadway provides a unique lens through which to understand the city and the nation it helped shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your tour, including meeting information, timing, booking details, and helpful tips for making the most of your experience.

The tour begins at the plaza between Bowling Green Park and the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House at the southern end of Broadway.


Please arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled start time to allow time for check-in.

No. This tour focuses on historic Broadway in Lower Manhattan and the role it played in New York City’s development, government, commerce, and culture.

The route covers approximately 1.5 miles at a comfortable pace with frequent stops for stories and discussion.

Yes. It provides an excellent introduction to New York City’s history while offering fascinating details that even longtime New Yorkers may not know.

Most sites are viewed from the exterior. Interior access may vary depending on public access and operating conditions.

Yes. Advance registration is strongly recommended.

Ready to Walk Through New York History?

Join us for a journey along the street that witnessed the growth of New York City from a Dutch settlement to a world capital.

Meeting Location & Tour Starting Point
Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House
1 Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004