Where does the tour start?

The tour begins at Columbus Circle, under the golden sculpture at Central Park's entrance.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The tour is best suited for adults and teenagers who can comfortably walk for two hours.

Are there any group size limits?

Yes, maximum group size is 10 people to ensure an intimate experience.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Absolutely! Feel free to capture the architectural highlights and urban scenes.

Is the route wheelchair accessible?

Please contact the guide ahead; as the tour covers city sidewalks, accessibility may vary due to street conditions.

What happens in case of rain?

The tour usually proceeds rain or shine, so bring appropriate rain gear if needed.

Explore Iconic Upper West Side Architecture on a Guided Walking Tour in NYC

The Upper West Side of Manhattan, bordered by Central Park to the east and the Hudson River to the west, is a storied neighborhood that embodies New York City's cultural and architectural evolution. This 2-hour walking tour invites you to traverse its streets with Dr. Ivan Shumkov, a licensed architect and urban planner, whose expert guidance transforms a simple stroll into an illuminating deep dive into design, history, and the urban landscape. Visitors discover a carefully curated range of architectural masterpieces, both historic and contemporary, that define this distinguished residential and cultural district.

Starting at Columbus Circle, the neighborhood pulses with landmark buildings that reveal New York’s layered identity. Highlights include the Time Warner Center, a modern glass complex by David Childs of SOM from 2004, which seamlessly integrates with the bustle of Broadway and 59th Street. Nearby, the LVMH Building designed by Christian de Portzamparc in 1999 stands out with its unique facade and subtle references to the luxury goods housed inside.

The tour shines with insights into structures like the Museum of Arts and Design by Allied Works Architecture (2008), a striking example of contemporary craftsmanship set against traditional city fabric. You’ll also witness Bjarke Ingels Group’s VIA West 57 (2016), an innovative “courtscraper” blending high-rise living with green space. For history buffs, landmarks such as Lincoln Center’s revamped plazas and theaters—home to the Metropolitan Opera House and the New York City Ballet—offer stories of mid-20th-century modernism and urban revitalization.

Dr. Shumkov’s combined academic and professional expertise enriches each stop, revealing hidden architectural details and the socio-cultural forces behind them. His intimate knowledge helps visitors see familiar cityscapes through a fresh lens, providing context that connects design to community, innovation, and historical shifts.

The Upper West Side’s unique positioning—from prestigious academic institutions like Fordham University School of Law to iconic performance spaces like the Vivian Beaumont Theater by Eero Saarinen—makes it an exceptional area to explore on foot. With a maximum group size of ten, this tour promises a personalized, engaging experience.

Whether you’re an architecture aficionado or a curious traveler, this tour offers a compelling chance to uncover urban art and architecture’s nuanced stories amid one of New York’s most vibrant neighborhoods. It’s more than sightseeing; it’s an opportunity to connect deeply with the city’s past, present, and future through its built environment.

About Build Tours

Build Tours is a New York–based tour operator that specializes in architecture, art, and design walking tours across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Build Tours offers scheduled public walks and private, custom tours that explore neighborhoods including SoHo, the Village, Chelsea, the High Line, Hudson Yards, Midtown, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, the Financial District, Downtown Brooklyn, Harlem, Morningside Heights, and Central Park.

Guided by credentialed experts, Build Tours presents neighborhood history, design context, and built‑form analysis. Architect Dr. Ivan Shumkov leads many architecture walking tours, offering professional insight into façades, urban plans, and recent developments. Art and architectural historian Dr. Afshan Bokhari leads Downtown Brooklyn tours and adds historical perspective on cultural institutions and streetscapes.

Offerings include two‑hour public architecture walks such as SoHo & the Village and Chelsea & the High Line, a four‑hour private Harlem architecture tour, private Central Park architecture walks, and bespoke developer and investor tours. Private options cover Midtown, Upper East and West Sides, Financial District, and custom design and real estate engagements.

Build Tours emphasizes clear meeting points in central New York locations, small group experiences, and curator‑level commentary suitable for visitors, students, professionals, and developers. Tour routes combine landmark highlights—Grand Central, the Empire State Building, the Whitney, The Vessel, Guggenheim, Apollo Theater, Belvedere Castle—and lesser‑known urban gems.

As a third‑party curator of guided architecture experiences, Build Tours provides factual, expert‑led interpretation of New York’s built environment for guests seeking a deeper understanding of the city’s design legacy.