42nd Street New York City Tours
30 Reviews

Running west to east across Midtown Manhattan, 42nd Street is New York City’s all-singing, all-dancing entertainment hub. Part of the Times Square intersection and Broadway Theater District, the famous street draws visitors with its shows, shops, bright lights, and architectural landmarks.
The Basics
No trip to New York City is complete without exploring 42nd Street, which is divided into two sections: East 42nd, with its stately office and residential blocks, and West 42nd, where gigantic digital billboards, flashing theater marquees, and honking yellow cabs rule both day and night.
The street is a popular stop on all the city’s hop-on hop-off bus tours—letting you admire the sights from your seat or jump out to catch a show or do a little shopping. Alternatively, opt for a tour that features 42nd Street alongside other architecturally interesting areas of Manhattan, or one that focuses on Times Square’s Prohibition-era history.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Extending for 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from end to end, 42nd Street cuts through the center of Midtown Manhattan. Key subway stations are 42nd Street–Times Square, 42nd Street–Bryant Park/Fifth Avenue, and Grand Central–42nd Street. Buses 199, M42, M55, QM2, and QM24 stop near Times Square.
When to Get There
The intersection of 42nd Street, Broadway, and Times Square is always busy, so expect to weave through crowds almost anytime you go. For a slightly less congested experience, visit right after the morning rush hour—before many tourists arrive. After dark, the lights of the billboards and theaters make a memorable sight.
East 42nd Street
Once you’ve experienced the lights, shops, and perhaps a show on West 42nd Street, check out East 42nd Street. This elegant thoroughfare begins at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Bryant Park, and boasts NYC signatures such as Grand Central Terminal, the art deco Chrysler Building, and the towering United Nations Headquarters, overlooking the East River.
The Basics
No trip to New York City is complete without exploring 42nd Street, which is divided into two sections: East 42nd, with its stately office and residential blocks, and West 42nd, where gigantic digital billboards, flashing theater marquees, and honking yellow cabs rule both day and night.
The street is a popular stop on all the city’s hop-on hop-off bus tours—letting you admire the sights from your seat or jump out to catch a show or do a little shopping. Alternatively, opt for a tour that features 42nd Street alongside other architecturally interesting areas of Manhattan, or one that focuses on Times Square’s Prohibition-era history.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The street is a must for sightseers, shoppers, theater lovers, and first-time visitors to New York City.
- The street is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, though be ready to negotiate crowded sidewalks.
Extending for 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from end to end, 42nd Street cuts through the center of Midtown Manhattan. Key subway stations are 42nd Street–Times Square, 42nd Street–Bryant Park/Fifth Avenue, and Grand Central–42nd Street. Buses 199, M42, M55, QM2, and QM24 stop near Times Square.
When to Get There
The intersection of 42nd Street, Broadway, and Times Square is always busy, so expect to weave through crowds almost anytime you go. For a slightly less congested experience, visit right after the morning rush hour—before many tourists arrive. After dark, the lights of the billboards and theaters make a memorable sight.
East 42nd Street
Once you’ve experienced the lights, shops, and perhaps a show on West 42nd Street, check out East 42nd Street. This elegant thoroughfare begins at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Bryant Park, and boasts NYC signatures such as Grand Central Terminal, the art deco Chrysler Building, and the towering United Nations Headquarters, overlooking the East River.
Address: 42nd Street, New York City, New York, USA 10036, USA
3 Tours and Activities to Experience 42nd Street New York City
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THE TOUR New York City Powered by THE RIDE
Want to experience a side of Manhattan that not even locals see? This tour of New York City is a visual treat. Board the multimillion-dollar coach, loaded with stadium-style seats, all of which are side facing and allow for optimum views of the City that Never Sleeps. With multimedia to complement the views, the coach brings attractions such as Central Park, Rockefeller Center and Times Square to life. Learn about the history and culture of each place, as the immersive technology takes you inside each attraction like never before.
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From
$35.00
From
$35.00

Holdouts: A NYC Architecture Walking Tour
Explore another side of Manhattan’s ever-busy Midtown neighborhood—and discover details that most visitors overlook—during this small-group walking tour. Choose between convenient morning or afternoon departure times, and find your guide at an accessible meeting point in Midtown East. As you explore, learn about the holdouts who refused to sell their properties to developers, and how their personal stories changed the layout of the city forever.
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From
$38.00
From
$38.00

Private Guided 42nd Street Architecture Tour
Manhattan's 42nd Street is located in the heart of the Big Apple and this popular privately guided tour of the thoroughfare's architecture is one of the most popular tour's in Times Square. Learn about the diverse neighborhoods that line this dynamic street as you wander alongside your expert guide. Learn about the history of iconic building and discover the mystery of some of the city's lesser-known gems. Whether you're a first-time visitors or a resident of this great city, the 42nd Street architectural tour is a must!
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From
$165.59
per group
From
$165.59
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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