Thanks in part to one of the most famous streets in the world — and the first subway line in New York City running right underneath it — the Upper West Side transformed from a rural landscape to one of the city's most desirable neighborhoods seemingly overnight. But how exactly did the neighborhood change with the building of Broadway, and what relics of its storied past still exist? This is the story of one of New York's most storied neighborhoods, and the drama and scandals it had along the way.
Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the secrets of the Upper West Side, one of the most desirable and influential neighborhoods in New York City that is steeped in entertainment, crime, and history.
Led by NYC Tour Guide and Upper West Side resident Gary Dennis, our unique experience between 116th and 103rd Streets west of Broadway will include:
- The importance of Broadway, and its evolution from a dirt path to one of the most famous streets in the world in just a century
- How the neighborhood became home to an eclectic mix of residents and industries, including wealthy and renowned industrialists, retailers, doctors, inventors, artists, actors, musicians and the movie business
- An Art Deco Himalayan-mountain-of-a-building with an incredible past, not to mention being the "spooky building" inspiration in one of the biggest movies of all time
- A look at a row of historic mansions built for the wealthy, one of which played a role in a notorious crime in the 1930s
- Mentions of buildings, monuments, and other large structures that are no more, including concepts that would have transformed the neighborhood had they left the drawing board
- Famous film and TV shows that were shot in the neighborhood
See you there!
*Please bring water and comfortable shoes as we’ll be on our feet for most of the tour
**This tour concludes at Broadway and 103 Street
About Gary Dennis
"I am a native New Yorker, NY subway aficionado, and product of an insanely competitive family of "know it alls". My parents, younger brothers, and I all love New York City history, and to get some parental attention I had to be historically correct and entertaining at the same time.
"I love this city and all its peculiarities, and I love sharing it with newcomers, returning visitors or native New Yorkers— I'll tell you these and other fascinating things you never knew about this amazing place I call home because 'there are 8 million stories in the naked city' and I will share with you as many as possible."
Testimonials
"The insights and enthusiasm that this local guide had for his neighborhood where he grew up and where he still lives." -Lee
"The tour guide had a personal connection to the area, which was a lot of fun!" -Nick
"Gary is amazing. So knowledgeable." -Laura
"The guide's first-hand knowledge." -Tony
"Interesting info; engaging guide." -Susie
"Educational and fascinating well presented content." -Bette
"Gary was a fabulous guide. Incredibly knowledgeable and funny, too!" -Carolyn
"The guide was really informative and engaging. He certainly knew his subject." -Anne
"Gary is a superb guide, a walking encyclopedia of NYC history." -Paul
"The guide was really informative and engaging. He certainly knew his subject." -Anne
"Engaging story telling" -Nancy
"I liked learning lots of new interesting stories and facts" -Nomi
"Excellent guide" -Laurie
"I liked everything, sites, details, tour guide and the people that joined us." -Michael
"Very knowledgeable local guide. Pleasant personality. Strong clear voice. Open to questions. Good sense of humor" -Francoise
"Loved it!" -Sharon
Disclaimer
Event takes place rain or shine.
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours
