Adventure Collective
Architectural Walking Tour with Build Tours in New York - New York

Architectural Walking Tour with Build Tours in New York

New Yorkeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; comfortable walking is enough.

Overview

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.

New York, New York

Private SoHo & the Village Architecture Walking Tour

Private • 2, 4 or 6 Hours

Select participants and date

About This Adventure

Explore the rich architectural history of New York's Lower East Side, Bowery, and SoHo on a captivating walking tour led by Dr. Ivan Shumkov, a seasoned architect. Discover iconic buildings, from historic tenements to contemporary masterpieces, and gain a unique perspective on the city's hidden gems and vibrant urban landscape.

Duration

2 or 4 Hours, Private Walking Tour

Pricing

Base price includes 2 people. Additional cost per additional person

About

From the historically diverse communities to cosmopolitan hot spots, the Lower East Side, Bowery, and SoHo 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 and tenement apartments of the LES as well stand-out contemporary buildings such as the New Museum by SANAA, Prada flagship boutique by Rem Koolhas, and Copper Union by Morphosis.

Famous building featured on this walking tour:

  • NY by Frank Gehry, Frank Gehry, 2010
  • City Hall, J. Mangin & J. McComb, Jr., 1812
  • Tweed Courthouse, Kellum Leopold Eidlitz, 1881
  • Hall of Records / Surrogate’s Court, Horgan & Slattery, 1907
  • Municipal Building, McKim, Mead & White, 1914
  • Engine Co 31, Napoleon LeBrun & Sons, 1895
  • Chatham Towers, Kelly & Gruzen, 1965
  • Eldridge St. Synagogue, Herter Brothers, 1886
  • Lower E. Side Tenement Museum, 1863
  • Bowery Savings Bank, McKim, Mead & White, 1895
  • New Museum, Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa (SANAA), 2007
  • Little Singer Building, Ernest Flagg, 1904
  • Condict (Bayard Building), Louis Sullivan (Architect), 1898
  • NYU Silver Towers, I.M. Pei & Associates, 1966
  • 51 Astor Place, Fumihiko Maki, 2014
  • Cooper Union Engineering, Morphosis, 2009

Your guide: Dr. Ivan Shumkov is a New York based licensed 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.

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 give 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.

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes

The tour involves several hours of walking through uneven city streets, so comfortable footwear is essential.

Bring a camera or smartphone

Capture the architectural details and unique cityscape views along the route.

Check the weather forecast

Since the tour is outdoors, dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Book in advance

Private tours fill quickly, so securing your spot early ensures availability.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Pigeons
  • Squirrels

History

Many buildings on this route date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting NYC’s architectural boom times.

Conservation

Build Tours emphasizes respectful urban touring practices, encouraging appreciation and preservation of architectural heritage.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in New York

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Sturdy shoes will keep you comfortable across city streets and uneven surfaces.

Light rain jacket or umbrella

Protection against unexpected rain or wind while touring outdoors.

spring|summer|fall|winter specific

Camera or smartphone with extra battery

Essential

Capture close-up details and panoramic city views during the walk.

Water bottle

Stay hydrated during your outdoor city strolls.