High Line Self Guided Tour Explore NYC's Elevated Park

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 3 more

Discover how the High Line transformed from a forgotten railway to a vibrant urban park on this immersive self-guided journey.

As you stroll above the bustling streets of Manhattan, unique stories of the city’s architectural evolution come to life.

Travel from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards, exploring art galleries, lush plantings, and the historical significance of this elevated sanctuary.

This tour offers a fresh perspective on New York City’s past, present, and future, allowing you to delve deep into the hidden narratives that shaped this iconic space.

— Walk through the High Line, a renowned elevated park in NYC
— Self-guided experience lets you explore at your own pace
— Learn about the historical transformation from railway to park
— Uncover art, architecture, and stories often overlooked by crowds

What's Included

Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
Audio Guide
App and Tour Download
Smartphone (bring your own)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The High Line Entrance Gansevoort and Washington is found at the junction of the two streets. The entrance to the High Line is well signposted, and the dramatic overlook can be seen from the street. The Whitney Museum of American Art is nearby.

End point

Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens is where you can find the Vessel at the north end of the High Line. It is beside the MTA West Side Yard and Hudson Yards shopping Mall.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1

    Step into a glass-bottomed amphitheater that transforms the bustling traffic of 10th Avenue into a living theater performance. This iconic overlook offers a unique window onto the city streets, providing a perfect vantage point for people-watching and photography.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Gaze at these massive brick structures—the Baker & Williams Warehouses—that once served as the backbone of Manhattan’s 19th-century shipping industry. Their transition from gritty industrial storage to high-end galleries and residences perfectly illustrates the neighborhood’s dramatic transformation.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Chelsea Market

    Wander through the historic brick corridors where the Oreo cookie was first invented inside the former National Biscuit Company factory. Today, this sprawling urban food hall blends industrial artifacts with some of the city’s most celebrated culinary treasures.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Discover the Sicilian Romanesque beauty of a church so central to the neighborhood that it was physically moved to make way for the High Line’s construction. Its limestone facade and quiet presence offer a serene contrast to the modern steel and glass surrounding it.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Visit the park’s dedicated stage for monumental contemporary art, where rotating large-scale sculptures challenge your perspective on the city. As the newest section of the original rail structure to open, it serves as a grand gateway where the industrial past meets the creative future.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Marvel at the HL23 building, a slender glass-and-steel marvel that leans over the park with gravity-defying grace. Designed by Neil Denari, its sculpted form showcases how the High Line has inspired some of the world’s most daring modern architecture.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Look for the shimmering white sails of Frank Gehry’s first major project in New York City, which mimics the movement of the nearby river. Its frosted glass exterior and undulating curves make it a standout icon of the West Side’s architectural renaissance.

    Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Explore a whimsical floating park supported by over 100 concrete tulip-shaped pillars rising directly from the Hudson River. This innovative landscape offers winding paths, hidden overlooks, and a vibrant performance space that feels like a world of its own.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Admire the sheer scale of what was once the largest apartment complex in the world, stretching an entire city block with its distinctive 1930s charm. Its history is a window into the lives of the white-collar workers who flocked to Chelsea during the rail line's peak.

    Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Stand on the historic ground where the survivors of the Titanic first stepped onto American soil from the rescue ship Carpathia. Though only a rusted steel arch remains today, the site carries the haunting weight of maritime history and the legend of the Cunard White Star Line.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8

    Venture into a reimagined shipping pier that now houses a massive rooftop park and a vibrant marketplace curated by the James Beard Foundation. Often called the Super Pier, it offers some of the most expansive Hudson River views and innovative public spaces in the city.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9

    Walk directly beneath the bold concrete legs of a hotel that straddles the High Line, creating a stunning architectural bridge over the park. Its mid-century modern aesthetic and elevated position make it one of the most recognizable landmarks along your journey.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Witness a feat of modern engineering in a building that can literally change its shape to accommodate different artistic performances. Its massive telescoping outer shell glides along tracks, demonstrating the peak of New York’s flexible and futuristic design.

    Admission ticket free
  • The Vessel (Pass by)

    Gaze up at the gleaming, honeycomb-like structure of the Vessel, a labyrinth of interconnected stairways designed as a vertical climbing experience. It serves as the golden centerpiece of Hudson Yards, surrounded by lush gardens and the city's newest skyscrapers.

    Admission ticket free
  • Whitney Museum of American Art (Pass by)

    Explore the cantilevered tiers of Renzo Piano’s masterpiece, where indoor galleries bleed into outdoor terraces overlooking the park. This landmark marks the southern anchor of the High Line and celebrates the bold spirit of American creativity.

    Admission ticket free
  • 10

    Relax on reclaimed teak lounge chairs that glide along original rail tracks in one of the park’s most popular urban beaches. This cooling oasis features a subtle skin of water that invites you to pause and soak in the sun amidst the greenery.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 11

    Take in the breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Hudson River and the distant hills of New Jersey from this scenic vantage point. It’s the perfect spot to appreciate the park’s elevation and the vastness of the waterfront that fueled the city’s growth.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 12

    Peek into the wild past of the High Line at this dedicated area where the original, spontaneous vegetation of the abandoned tracks is preserved. It offers a rare glimpse of the "beautiful wasteland" that inspired the creation of the park we see today.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
  • GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
  • Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
  • Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time
Supplied by Drives & Detours

Tags

Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Architecture Tours
Historical Tours
Art Tours
Walking Tours
Street Art Tour
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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