The Best April Walking Tours in NYC
By Christina Elia
April is a fantastic time to explore NYC on foot—spring is in the air and there’s so much to see and do! If you’re searching for a way to enjoy the great weather and learn more about the city’s fascinating history, check out these best April walking tours in NYC. From spirit-tasting to guided hikes and appreciating neighborhood street art, there are options for culture seekers and outdoorsy types alike.
Sunday, April 6th
Spanish Harlem has been shaped by the Puerto Rican, Cuban, Mexican, and other Latinx immigrants who reside there, creating a diverse mix of political and social identities. In this two-hour walking tour with New York Adventure Club, the neighborhood’s murals and mosaics will offer unique insight into how this melting pot formed, as well as more about the talented artists who call the area home.
Saturday, April 12th
Experience two kinds of spirits on this afternoon tour of Green-wood Cemetery, examining influential figures from the Revolutionary War and distillers who made a mark in early United States history. After the tour, head to Fort Hamilton Distillery in Industry City to taste “white” rye straight off the still, sample whiskey from the barrel, and bottle your own spirits!
Sunday, April 13th
What can we do to save our wildlife, in light of the ongoing climate crisis? Explore Hamilton Heights, where noted American ornithologist John James Audubon once lived, in this two-hour walking tour from New York Adventure Club. Attendees can learn more about the Audubon Mural Project, a collaboration between the National Audubon Society and art dealer Avi Gitler, highlighting endangered North American bird species through colorful works of street art.
Saturday, April 26th
Learn more about the Olmsted Brothers—the landscape architectural duo behind many of NYC”S famous parks—in this guided historic tour at Fort Tryon Park. Local expert Robin Boomer will dive into the park’s past during this free one-hour event, discussing the story behind the fabled Tryon Hall mansion and how Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. spent almost four years transforming the topography into what we recognize today.
Sunday, April 27th
On the Upper East Side, one neighborhood harbors a dark history: Yorkville. In this two-hour tour with New York Adventure Club, guide Robert Brenner dissects a little-known part of the city’s pre-WWII past, when Nazi sympathizers infiltrated communities throughout the tri-state area, including Manhattan. Stroll by important German businesses and cultural landmarks as you hear tales of saboteurs and spies, from former Nazi fronts to secret graves.
Wednesdays and Saturdays Throughout April
Ever wondered about New York City’s acclaimed ‘park in the sky’ or where the idea materialized from? On Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout April, join The High Line for a free first-come, first-served From Freight To Flowers tour, led by docents who will offer an insider perspective into the park’s design, landscape, and history.
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