How personalized is the private tour?

The private tour is tailored to your interests, allowing for a more in-depth and focused experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children who enjoy architecture and walking will find it engaging, but consider the pace and duration.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather; layers are recommended for varying temperatures.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

While the tour is primarily a walking experience, recommendations for nearby cafes can be provided if needed.

How far in advance should I book?

It’s best to reserve your spot at least a week ahead, especially for weekend slots.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?

The tour involves walking on city sidewalks and some uneven surfaces; accessibility options can be discussed upon request.

Architectural Walking Tour with Build Tours in New York | Private | Walking Tour

Adventure Brief

Discover the layers of New York City’s architecture on a private walking tour led by expert architect Dr. Ivan Shumkov. Uncover hidden gems, iconic buildings, and the stories behind the city’s evolving skyline. Read on to find out why this tour is a must for design enthusiasts and curious explorers alike.

2–3 hours

easy

From $422.94

In the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Bowery, and SoHo, Build Tours offers a walking journey through one of New York City’s most architecturally rich neighborhoods. Led by Dr. Ivan Shumkov, a seasoned architect, this private tour transforms the city into an open-air museum of design, history, and urban evolution. Over the course of several hours, participants traverse narrow streets flanked by historic tenements, landmarked warehouses, and cutting-edge glass facades crafted by leading architects. Shumkov’s expert commentary elevates the experience—spotting architectural details that often go unnoticed, from cast-iron storefronts to the sleek lines of contemporary structures. This route unveils the layers of NYC’s urban fabric, highlighting how past and present architecture coexist in a dynamic, visually stimulating environment.

What makes this tour stand out is the personalized approach and expert guidance, offering visitors insights into architectural styles, building functions, and the cultural stories that shaped each site. It’s more than just a walk; it’s a deep dive into the city’s creative heartbeat and urban development. Perfect for design buffs, history enthusiasts, or anyone curious about NYC’s building heritage, the tour provides a fresh perspective on urban living and architecture’s role in shaping society.

Build Tours is a distinct part of New York’s vibrant outdoor scene—focusing on walking experiences that blend education with practicality. Their offerings make Manhattan’s architecture accessible and engaging, giving you the tools to appreciate the city’s celebrated skyline and hidden gems alike. Whether you're a first-timer or a longtime resident, this journey through SoHo and beyond offers new stories behind familiar facades, making it a must-do for urban explorers and architecture lovers alike.

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.