Holdouts: A NYC Architecture Walking Tour
Overview
This 2.5 hour walking tour around the Midtown Manhattan shows-and-tells the fascinating stories of holdouts—the intriguing side effect of Manhattan's pressure cooker real estate industry: when a property owner (or lease holder) refused to sell to a developer, forced them to rework their plans, and forever changed the city streetscape. Stories, like the elderly lady who never knew any other home; or the poker player-like landlord who overplayed his hand; or the restauranteur whose long term lease (justifiably) demanded budget-busting sums, all add a human dimension to these transactional anomalies. And personal stories that were otherwise lost, are awesomely amplified by the everlasting impression left behind: seemingly ill-planned entrances for skyscrapers, odd shaped buildings, 20-story tall notches in office towers, are just some of the 16 examples of holdouts we'll see.
This tour is based on the book, Holdouts! By Alpern and Durst.
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Gratuities
Meeting Location
3rd Avenue
New York, NY 10022, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
East 54th Street
New York, NY 100, USA
Papillion Restaurant
What To Expect
TPR Holdings
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Citicorp Center (Pass By)
Wollensky's Grill
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Amster Yard
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Sparks Steak House
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
United Nations Headquarters (Pass By)
42nd Street
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Grand Central Terminal
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
One Vanderbilt (Pass By)
Brooks Brothers
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Bank of America Tower (Pass By)
The Roosevelt Hotel (Pass By)
Diamond District (Pass By)
Rockefeller Center
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Papillon Bistro & Bar
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes
Frequently Asked Questions
(7)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Holdouts: A NYC Architecture Walking Tour?
A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025
Traveler Photos





Reviews
Average 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 28 traveler reviews collected by Cool New York City and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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