New York High Line - Self-Guided Tour for one of NYC's best walks

Overview

Start the tour at the entrance to the Highline where you should find a fantastic view of the Hudson River to your left. Learn about the Whitney Museum, an art museum showing the full range of twentieth-century and contemporary American art, with a special focus on works by living artists.

Look down 13th Street at Pier 54 and learn about its interesting, and somewhat tragic, past. Today the piers in the area, collectively known as Chelsea Piers, are parks and recreation centers. There’s also a quirky overwater park called Little Island you can spot which opened in spring of 2021.

Head on to this New York staple: Chelsea Market, one of the most iconic destinations of the Meatpacking District. Step inside the Chelsea Market and discover a bustling array of food-themed shops, from seafood and butcheries to tacos and brownies, there’s something for everyone!

Check out the meatpacking district's iconic architecture, from the IAC Building to the famous ROXY. Originally a roller disco, the ROXY was one of many beating hearts of the neighborhood’s nightlife. It transformed into a regular club as roller skating became less popular, but The ROXY only grew in fame. Everyone from Madonna and Liza Minelli to Whitney Houston and Beyoncé performed here at one point.

Home of the infamous Manhattan Projects, , the nuclear project that led to the development of the world’s first atomic bomb used during World War II, look down onto the Baker & Williams Warehouses.

Admire one of New York's few churches, the Church of the Guardian Angel, before heading onto the Flyover. Tucked between 25th and 27th Streets, the Flyover is divided up into different garden segments to display local flora. This includes a raised walkway to look down on the plant life and forgotten train tracks below.

Visit some of West Side’s most iconic buildings. Once a 19th century rail depot used for passenger trains, long before Penn Station and Grand Central Stations became mainstays of Manhattan, this area has been a NYC hub for 200 years. The forgotten 30th Street Station – not to be confused with the station of the same name in Philadelphia – stood here until the Morgan General Mail Facility replaced it.

The Highline's most contemporary and, perhaps, popular addition, this bizarre structure dominates the Highline's final curve. No matter your take on the artistic structure, which includes plenty of different levels and interlocking staircases, The Vessel offers a unique perspectives of Manhattan and over the High Line for anyone visiting Hudson Yards.

Finish off this tour with a stunning view of the Hudson Yards and River. This little corner of Manhattan’s West Side is a model for urban renewal and sustainably-driven gentrification that, hopefully, brings both locals and visitors advantages over time.

The Vidi Guides experience is enriched with on-screen photos and videos. We also point out where to take the perfect Instagram photos during the tour, and include recommendations for food, drinks, and local attractions. Don't worry, none of our recommendations are sponsored - they are simply favourites of the locals who helped craft the experience.

Vidi Guides creates immersive audio experiences that are like podcasts. This is a self-guided audio tour that can be started or stopped at your own convenience. Download the Vidi Guides app & your tour to explore the area independently and safely! Make sure to download your tour before your visit to streamline your trip!