Discover the artistic heart of New York City through the Private New York Art and Architecture Custom Walking Tour. Led by expert guide Dr. Ivan Shumkov, this personalized experience offers an immersive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden architectural gems. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply curious about the urban landscape, this tour promises to captivate your senses and deepen your understanding of New York’s rich cultural heritage. From discussing the city’s diverse architectural styles to capturing breathtaking photographs, this tailored experience will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the creative spirit that permeates the streets of the Big Apple.
Key Points

- Personalized guided tour of New York’s renowned architectural landmarks and hidden gems, tailored to participants’ interests and preferences.
- Exploring iconic buildings like the Empire State and Chrysler Building, as well as lesser-known architectural treasures.
- Opportunities for photography, sketching, and in-depth discussions about the city’s artistic and architectural heritage.
- Tour led by an expert, Dr. Ivan Shumkov, providing insights into New York’s captivating history and remarkable architecture.
- Flexible booking process, wheelchair accessibility, and a cancellation policy ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
👉 Check out our guide to the 3 Best Craft Beer Tours And Tastings In New York City
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Booking Information
- Experience Highlights
- Tour Itinerary
- Important Restrictions
- New York Art and Architecture
- Exploring Hidden Gems
- Tailored Private Tours
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Bring Snacks and Beverages on the Tour?
- Is the Tour Guide Available for Private Hire Outside the Tour?
- Can We Customize the Tour to Focus on a Specific Architectural Era?
- Is There a Discount for Larger Groups?
- Do I Need to Have Any Prior Knowledge of Art or Architecture?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in New York City
- More Walking Tours in New York City
- More Tours in New York City
- More Tour Reviews in New York City
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in New York City we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview

The private New York Art and Architecture Custom Walking Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s renowned landmarks and hidden architectural gems.
Priced from Kč4,633 per group (up to 2 participants), the tour lasts between 2 to 4 hours, starting at Washington Square Park in Manhattan.
Available in English, Spanish, and Italian, the tour is wheelchair accessible and features a flexible cancellation policy with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
Participants can expect a guided journey through the city’s rich history and architecture, with opportunities to capture photographs and make sketches of the fascinating sights.
If you're enjoying exploring New York City on foot, you'll love these other walking tours we recommend
Booking Information

Reserving a spot on the private New York Art and Architecture Custom Walking Tour is a straightforward process.
Customers can easily book their tour by taking the following steps:
- Check the tour’s availability and select a preferred starting time.
- Provide the necessary booking details, such as the number of participants.
- Secure the reservation without any upfront payment, taking advantage of the "Reserve now & pay later" option.
- Contact the tour operator at [email protected] for any additional information or special requests.
The flexible booking system allows customers to plan their tour with ease and confidence, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
Experience Highlights

Participants can look forward to an immersive guided tour that explores the captivating history and remarkable architecture of New York’s most significant landmarks.
Led by the knowledgeable Dr. Ivan Shumkov, the tour allows visitors to discover hidden gems and fascinating stories behind the city’s iconic buildings.
Tailored to individual preferences, the experience offers the opportunity to take photographs and sketch the architectural details.
Whether admiring the grandeur of historic structures or uncovering little-known facts, the tour promises an in-depth appreciation of New York’s rich artistic and architectural heritage.
Tour Itinerary

Each private tour explores a different area of New York, showcasing the city’s most significant architectural sights and their historical context.
Led by Dr. Ivan Shumkov, a renowned expert in the field, the tours offer a deep dive into the city’s architectural heritage. The itinerary can be tailored to the specific interests and preferences of the participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
The tour highlights may include:
- Exploring the grandeur of iconic buildings like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building.
- Discovering hidden architectural gems and learning about their fascinating histories.
- Analyzing the design elements and styles that have shaped the city’s skyline over the centuries.
- Engaging in thought-provoking discussions about the intersection of art, architecture, and urban planning.
Important Restrictions

The tour imposes a few important restrictions to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
Weapons, sharp objects, drones, alcohol, drugs, swimming, and fireworks are strictly prohibited. These items could pose a risk to the group and disrupt the tour experience.
Participants are expected to respect the rules and guidelines set forth by the tour organizers. This allows everyone to focus on the architectural and historical highlights without distractions or safety concerns.
The restrictions are in place to create a secure and enriching environment for the private tour. Adherence to these rules ensures a smooth and memorable experience for all.
Want to keep it personal? More private experiences we love in New York City
New York Art and Architecture

New York City boasts an awe-inspiring array of architectural marvels and artistic masterpieces that have captivated visitors for generations.
From the iconic skyscrapers of Manhattan to the meticulously designed landmarks scattered throughout the five boroughs, the city’s built environment reflects a rich tapestry of styles, influences, and historical eras.
The private walking tour offers a unique opportunity to explore this vibrant cultural landscape, unveiling:
- The neo-Gothic grandeur of the Woolworth Building.
- The striking Art Deco elegance of the Chrysler Building.
- The avant-garde modernism of the Whitney Museum of American Art.
- The timeless beauty of the Washington Square Arch.
Guided by an expert, participants can expect a captivating exploration of New York’s architectural and artistic treasures.
Exploring Hidden Gems

One of the highlights of the private New York Art and Architecture Tour is the opportunity to discover the city’s hidden gems.
Led by Dr. Ivan Shumkov, the tour takes visitors on a journey through the fascinating history and lesser-known architectural wonders of New York.
From tucked-away courtyards to hidden staircases, participants have the chance to uncover the city’s secrets and gain a deeper appreciation for its rich cultural heritage.
Whether it’s a beautifully preserved landmark or a contemporary masterpiece, the tour provides a unique perspective on the city’s architectural landscape, allowing visitors to explore the city in a way that goes beyond the typical tourist experience.
Tailored Private Tours

Beyond uncovering the city’s hidden gems, the private New York Art and Architecture Tour offers a highly personalized experience.
The tour is tailored to the preferences and interests of each group, ensuring an engaging and meaningful exploration.
Some key features of the customized experience include:
-
Flexible itinerary: The tour can be adjusted to focus on specific areas, buildings, or architectural styles of greatest interest to the participants.
-
Customized commentary: The guide, Dr. Ivan Shumkov, adapts the depth and focus of his explanations based on the group’s level of knowledge and curiosity.
-
Personalized pace: The tour progresses at a comfortable speed, allowing ample time for photos, sketches, and in-depth discussions.
-
Responsive to feedback: The guide welcomes input from the group and is open to modifying the tour to enhance their enjoyment and understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Snacks and Beverages on the Tour?
Yes, the tour allows participants to bring snacks and beverages. However, the tour guidelines prohibit the consumption of alcohol and drugs during the walking tour for safety reasons.
Is the Tour Guide Available for Private Hire Outside the Tour?
The tour guide, Dr. Ivan Shumkov, may be available for private hire outside the tour. However, the website does not explicitly mention this option. Interested parties should contact the tour company, Build Tours, to inquire about hiring the guide separately.
Can We Customize the Tour to Focus on a Specific Architectural Era?
Yes, the tour can be customized to focus on a specific architectural era. The tour guide, Dr. Ivan Shumkov, will tailor the private tours based on the participants’ preferences, including highlighting notable architecture from a particular time period.
Is There a Discount for Larger Groups?
Yes, there’s a group discount for this tour. The base price of €4,633 covers up to 2 participants, but larger groups of 3-6 people can get a 10% discount per additional person.
Do I Need to Have Any Prior Knowledge of Art or Architecture?
No, you don’t need any prior knowledge of art or architecture to enjoy this tour. The knowledgeable guide will provide all the necessary information and context, tailoring the experience to the participants’ interests and level of expertise.
Private New York Art and Architecture Custom Walking Tour
Recap
The Private New York Art and Architecture Custom Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich artistic heritage. Led by an expert guide, this personalized experience caters to participants’ interests, allowing for engaging discussions and an in-depth appreciation of New York’s iconic landmarks and hidden architectural gems. With a focus on photography and sketching, this immersive tour promises an unforgettable exploration of the city’s diverse architectural styles and cultural significance.
You can check availability for your dates here:








































