February 27, 2019
Four Great Walking Tours of NoMad You Should Try
As one of the most-walkable cities in America, New York City offers a wealth of surprises for the casual wanderer and history-hunter alike. The NoMad neighborhood is particularly rich in places to experience. Currently in the midst of a rapid redevelopment, this community reveals a unique hodgepodge of nostalgia and trendiness, with historic architectural gems and modern marvels sometimes within steps of each other—not to mention fantastic restaurants everywhere you look. For those who want to learn more about various aspects of the neighborhood, here are three walking tours of NoMad worth checking out.
1. Oscar Wilde in New York
Fans of literary culture in general—and Oscar Wilde in particular—will thoroughly enjoy this tour. During a year-long stay in the U.S. in his formative years, the famed playwright and author spent a good deal of time in NYC, much of it in what is now the NoMad neighborhood. Led by Wilde expert John Cooper, this tour traces Wilde’s various hangouts and living spaces through Madison Square Park, Gramercy Park and Greenwich Village, discussing how the aesthetic movement influenced him and how he eventually influenced many others. The tour also relies heavily on original research, which means you’ll learn interesting points about Oscar Wilde on this walk that you won’t hear anywhere else. Public and private tours are available.
Oscar Wilde in New York
www.oscarwildeinnewyork.com
Email info@oscarwildeinamerica.org for information on tour dates and times.
2. Avital Food Tour: NoMad
Where the Oscar Wilde tour covers NoMad’s literary and cultural heritage, this 1.5-mile walk focuses on the food. Avital’s philosophy is to tell the stories of New York through people and food—and since NoMad is a “foodie” destination with numerous Michelin-rated establishments, what better way to get to know the neighborhood? This three-hour food tour guides you through a progressive four-course meal across a curated selection of some of the finest restaurants and flavors in both NoMad and Flatiron, punctuated with vibrant tales of New York’s storied culinary history. For a slight upcharge, guests over 21 can add an alcohol pairing to the experience. Tours occur each Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a maximum of 25 guests per tour. Private tours can also be scheduled.
Avital Food Tours
www.avitaltours.com
Tickets and booking available via the website.
3. Evelyn Hotel’s Free NoMad Walking Tour
For a great all-around exploration of the neighborhood (at a great price), be sure to check out the free walking tour of NoMad courtesy of the Evelyn Hotel at 7 East 27th Street. Offered in partnership with Streetwise New York Tours, this walk begins at the hotel entrance and takes guests past some of the neighborhood’s most notable landmarks and attractions through NoMad and Flatiron, from Eataly all the way down to the Union Square Greenmarket. Did we mention it’s free? The tour kicks off each Saturday at 10 a.m., but you’ll need to make a reservation to participate by shooting an email to evelyninfo@triumphhotels.com.
Evelyn Hotel—Free NoMad Walking Tour
7 East 27th Street
New York, NY 10016
(646) 507-5498
www.theevelyn.com/explore-nyc/walking-tours
Reservations: evelyninfo@triumphhotels.com
4. Miriam Berman’s Historic NoMad Walking Tour
Miriam Berman, historian, urban archivist, graphic designer, and the author of “Madison Square: The Park and Its Celebrated Landmarks” and “New York in Words and Images,” leads this 90-minute walking tour of some of NoMad’s famous landmarks. Stops include the MetLife Clock Tower, the New York Life Insurance Building, and the historic Appellate Courthouse on 25th Street, among others. This free tour, which takes place rain or shine, leaves every Sunday at 11 a.m. To join, no notice or registration is required. Just meet at the base of the Flatiron Building, on 23rd Street east of Fifth Avenue. Themed tours are held several times a year, most recently for Presidents’ Day.
Free NoMad Walking Tour
www.flatirondistrict.nyc/free-walking-tour