Bryant Park

Bryant Park

Bryant Park is a 9.6-acre public park in the New York City borough of Manhattan. It is located between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown Manhattan. Today, half of Bryant Park is occupied by the Main Branch of the New York Public Library while the other half contains a large lawn, a carousel, and an underground structure that houses the library’s stacks of books.

Bryant Park has a long history. It opened in 1847 when it was called Reservoir Square due to the Croton Distributing Reservoir. It also contained the New York Crystal Palace, which hosted the Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations in 1853 and burned down in 1858. The square was renamed in 1884 for journalist William Cullen Bryant.

The reservoir was demolished in 1900 and the New York Public Library’s main branch was built on the site, opening in 1911. Currently, the park is being transformed into the “Winter Village” for the holiday season. The village has an ice-skating rink, numerous shops, and vendors to purchase food.

Come take a New York City walking tour with me and we’ll explore the many secrets and treasures of Bryant Park. Visit my website EyesOnManhattan.com and you’ll be able to book a family oriented and personalized tour called “42nd Street from East to West.”

 

Bryant Park
Bryant Park

 

 

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

1830s Gotham in Lower Manhattan: From Moving Day to The Great Fire of 1835

Dramatic events from 19th-century New York come to life on this unique tour!

While New York is a city continually changing and evolving in almost every aspect, it’s hard to top the upheaval of the 1830s. Between the worst fire in New York City history to absolute pandemonium surrounding Moving Day — when all NYC leases expired on the exact same day — it was truly one of the city’s wildest periods. It’s time to hit the streets and uncover the stories and remnants of 1830s New York like never before.

Join Eyes On Manhattan for an exploration of lower Manhattan and the notable sights and scandals of 1830s New York, with a close look at 1835 and how a single year forever changed New York City in big ways.

Led by James Scully — NYC tour guide and director / co-creator of the award-winning historical audio fiction soap opera, Burning Gotham

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

Secrets of the Lower East Side Tour and Tasting

Delve into the rich history of the Lower East Side, once the most densely populated district in the world. This tour offers a glimpse into the past, focusing on the era of Jewish immigration and the transformation of the neighborhood over the last hundred years. Explore the remaining vestiges of this vibrant history and enjoy tastings at some of the area's iconic food establishments.

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

Secrets of the Upper West Side

Embark on a captivating tour of the Upper West Side, one of Manhattan's most desirable neighborhoods. This area is renowned for its magnificent architecture and rich history. Our guided tour will take you through the scenic streets along Central Park and Riverside Park, where you'll learn about the transformation of this area from farmland to a bustling urban neighborhood.

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

Chinatown, Little Italy & The Lower East Side

Explore the vibrant history and culture of New York City's Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Lower East Side. This walking tour offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the transformation of historic buildings into modern spaces while sampling traditional Chinese, Italian, and Jewish foods. Discover the impact of immigration on these neighborhoods and uncover the stories of tenement life.

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

The History of Old New York

Embark on a journey through time with our 'The History of Old New York' walking tour. Discover how New York City evolved from a Dutch trading post to one of the greatest cities in the world. This tour will take you through the pivotal moments in history that shaped the city and the nation, including the Revolutionary War and the influence of key figures like Alexander Hamilton.

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

42nd Street from West to East

Explore the iconic 42nd Street in Manhattan, a vibrant hub of history and culture. This guided walking tour takes you through the heart of New York City, showcasing its transformation from farmland to a bustling urban center. Discover the stories behind famous landmarks and hidden gems as you stroll along this legendary street.