Now in its eighth year, the Jane's Walk NYC festival invites you to explore the city's most fascinating corners via free guided walking tours–and, not surprisingly, Upper Manhattan has more than its fair share of gems.
Inspired by the work of urban activist Jane Jacobs, the 200-plus walks are taking place May 4-6 across all five boroughs and cover themes like advocacy, art & architecture, environment, food & entertainment, and history & culture.
Featured strolls–most are around 90 minutes–include "David Bowie's New York," which starts in Washington Square Park. But if you're an uptowner and want to learn more about your own neck of the woods, you can pick from 18 walks north of 110th Street, including, "How Audubon Park Disrupted Manhattan’s Grid" in Washington Heights and "Harlem: From Ragtime Through the Renaissance" on Strivers' Row.
Part of the fun is discovering the surprising histories of various neighborhoods. For example, in "City College and the Hebrew Orphan Asylum: Institutions Through Time," you'll learn about the imposing Jewish orphanage that once stood opposite City College on Amsterdam Avenue–demolished in 1955 and now the leafy Jacob H. Schiff Playground.
But you'll also be walking, discussing, and meeting like-minded citizens–all with the goal of inspiring you to make this city a better place.
