Wonderful tour of an amazing NYC landmark! Great tidbits and cool use of AI! Bob and Ed really bring the building to life! read more

Woolworth Tours - Tours Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Our tour guide for the Woolworth Building was Bob Gelber. He was a true professional, could not have more knowledgeable or more considerate of the tour participants. We choose the 90-minute tour, and the time just flew by. The only downside was there was no place to sit, and the restrooms are not available to tour participants. Neither are something the tour operator could do anything about. Bob, Thank You, your tour was the most interesting event in my seven days in New York City. Five Stars. read more

See all

This was a really excellent experience. (I'm a dedicated architecture buff, so your mileage may vary.) Our guide was very knowledgeable about the history and architecture of this gorgeous neo-gothic edifice. He also was a font of information (to the level of citing specific biographies) about Mr. Woolworth and his business, which I hadn't expected. He also points out all the little Easter eggs: how the corbels depict the architect Cass Gilbert, the engineer, and Woolworth the patron and so on. One of the key selling points of the tour is that you get access to the glittering lobby, drenched in marble and mosaic. This includes the majestic side balconies and a lower level. read more

See all

At one point, I wanted to be an architect, before I realized that everything I built would probably end up being neo-Gothic in design. I guess Frank Woolworth had the same problem, because when he commissioned Cass Gilbert to build his towering skyscraper, he insisted that it be built in a neo-Gothic style--despite knowing that that specific architectural form was reserved primarily for religious structures. No matter, thought Woolworth; he would just have a Cathedral of Commerce. And so went up my favorite building in all of New York City. So many things about this building amaze me. First, the size of it is magnificent, especially since at the time it was built, it was the tallest building in the world. The fact that it dwarfs so many of the buildings around it--including Trinity Church and City Hall--only adds to its grandeur. Second, despite being built before the institution of legislation that required the "setting back" of buildings over a certain height, the Woolworth is actually set back in its rear; perhaps Gilbert had a sense of things to come, or perhaps he wanted to even further emphasize the sheer magnitude of the building's face. And third: that copper top! If I can stand all the way at West 4th and Broadway and see it, you know Gilbert did something right. Security has been beefed up since 9/11, but you can still see the lobby, which is decorated in colorful marble in an ornateness rarely seen outside of...cathedrals. You might get chased off by a guard, but trust me, it's worth it. And if you get the chance to visit an office in the building, like I did a few years ago, take it. The gilded elevators take you to floors where the views are simply breath-taking. Bathroom Grade: N/A. Security. And all that. read more

Woolworth Tours - As seen from under the Brooklyn Bridge - Tours Near Me - New York, New York

I loved working in this building for 3.5 years--it has so much character. Walking to it through City Hall Park every morning always make weekday mornings a little better. The interior is beautiful though tourists aren't allowed in. You can get a pretty view of the lobby interior through the NYU entrance on Barclay Street but you'd need NYU ID to go in there as well. I often see filming of a few TV series here: Ugly Betty, Blue Bloods. And you can hear protests, concerts, and all sorts of events from City Hall all the way to the 17th floor. As you work, you get used to tuning all the sounds out. They have Christmas choir singing in the lobby every year in front of the huge Christmas tree they put up. Unfortunately, I don't have good things to say about the old elevators in these old buildings. read more

Woolworth Tours you are most certainly amazing, I had a lovely experience here today. Honestly great value for the price. These guys certainly have a magnificent menu also. Workers are very courteous. They're accommodating, well-mannered and always on their game. Woolworth Tours is a jewel and I can't wait to go back. read more

This building has always been one of my favorites; the classic neo-gothic architecture is reminiscent of an era gone by, where buildings took years of planning and insane amounts of meticulously detailed craftsmanship to achieve grandness on a scale that is not seen today. That city has been replaced by a modern one; full dull glass behemoths competing for attention with angles that can be painful to the eye, pushing heights that are as impressive and dazzling as their forms are overly skinny and bland. Don't get me wrong, glass can be a powerful medium in architecture, and some buildings utilize it masterfully - The Hearst building for example is gorgeous in my opinion, with simple geometric angles that are pleasing (because they are symmetric). Others though are god awful, like the Westin at Times Square for instance - with painfully contrasting multicolored glass, and curves that don't fit in with the surrounding buildings; it begs for attention like a cheap call girl in a part of town that is overly flamboyant for flamboyancies sake. And yet even the good examples of these quick build towers can't compare with the stone and metal that makes up classics like the Woolworth. The iconic tower that rises from the rest of the building was a bold statement by the architects; it let the world know who they were, that this type of structure was difficult to achieve (it was the tallest building in the world from 1913 to 1930), and that it was to be a permanent feature of the growing skyline of lower Manhattan. A hundred and two years later we still look up at the copper vaulted roof that's turned green from suffering countless bouts of New York City rain, and marvel at the beauty that those pioneers of early skyscraper architecture were able to accomplish. read more

Woolworth Tours - Tours Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Hi...uh...I was sitting over there in Tribeca having a drink and couldn't help seeing you standing there around Wall Street...Do you mind if I sit down? No! Don't run away -- You can't!...Why? Well, because you're rooted in Manhattan Schist! Solid bedrock! OK...here's the thing...God. Jeez. I think you're great. You've got so much style. Guys must tell you this all the time but...um...you look like a really extruded Gothic cathedral! Pardon my language, but you're built like a brick skyscraper (although, actually, you're made out of a steel frame with glazed terra cotta exterior decorative elements)! 57 stories tall. You're one of the twenty tallest buildings in New York! You've got a great career going for yourself. You're one of the world's first skyscrapers. You were born in 1913. Hey, age is only a number! You're hotter than any of those 6th Avenue buildings built in the 1960s. You've rubbed shoulders with some real heavyweights -- The Singer Building, the Twin Towers...And you're cool, too. Columbia Records was one of your tenants. Hey, who am I kidding, a guy like me. A schmo, talking to you. A guy who should be hanging out in Palookaville instead of Woolworthville. Trying to get something going with the Woolworth Building! Well, thanks for the drink. I'll see you around!! read more

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the Woolworth Bldg Tour with Ray (who was a wonderful guide!). It is one thing to admire the W. Bldg from the exterior, but a completely different experience to see it inside. Never had we seen a bldg. so chock full of interesting details (you are really missing out if you don't see this building!). I really tip my hat to Frank Woolworth! The whimsical gnome like figures tucked in the walls and ceilings were really able to tell the story of F.W. firsthand, and I thank Ray for pointing out each and every one. I was glad I chose the 90 minute tour as the time flew by. Now my interest is piqued to read a biography of the great man. read more

The Woolworth Building is so sorely unappreciated what with the Empire State Building, 30 Rock, the Chrysler Building, and the New New York Times Building hogging up all the face time. But every time you're walking near City Hall you see the marvelous copper top, the pronounced neo-Gothic details and the architectural beauty that this building is; you can't resist looking at it as it peaks the skyline. A couple fun facts: the neo-Gothic details are so pronounced so that you can see them while you're looking up at street level; also, the building cost $13.5M to construct (expense mostly due to zoning laws) and its commissioner and namesake, Frank Woolworth, paid for it in CASH. (Baller.) On a dark rainy night it's even prettier than in the daytime. read more

I get to work here every day and every day I am awed by what a beautiful building this is. You can get tours, and that's basically the only way to get pics of the beautiful mosaics when you walk in. I think this is one of the most underrated buildings in NYC. Some great history here and for a brief time it was the tallest building in the world! Come and check out Woolworth .. real beauty far better than Empire or Chrysler. read more

What a great day! The 90 minute tour of the Woolworth building was lead by Ray Victor. He was terrific! There was so much to learn about the building, it's context in the history of New York City and the world. He also knew about the surrounding area and how the location and the commerce of the times played a roll in how the building was designed and built. I highly recommend taking this tour with Mr. Victor. read more

If you are an architecture fan, then this is a must see tour when visiting NYC. There are 3 tours: 30, 60, and 90 minutes. See the main web site for full descriptions. We did the 90 which adds details about the building's history and surrounding lower Manhattan areas. If you are a hard-core architecture fan, you probably want the 90. Each time we travel to NYC, we've wanted to tour this beautiful building but after 9/11, it was permanently closed to the public. We've also attended the Open House NY weekends but those Woolworth tours are often gone within seconds of the registration opening. So this past Open House NY weekend, we thought, OK let's fly in a few days early for OHNY and privately tour the Woolworth Building! That worked perfectly! We met our guide at the main front entrance promptly at 14:00. It was a cool and rainy day. The group was small. BTW, be sure to hit the restrooms before your tour because there are no facilities available - not even for this tour! We started at the main entrance and proceeded inside. Our guide was well versed about the building, the period, the history behind why the building was built and many details about what's planned for restoring the interiors to their former glory! He explained many details which are often overlooked such as modifications made over the years which have drastically altered the way the interiors are viewed. Luckily, he said they are planning to undo many of those modifications to restore the building closer to it's original state. Sadly, tours still do not include the rooftop but at least we got to see the magnificent lobby of this NYC gem! BTW, all the construction is from parts floors which are being retrofitted for new apartments! Wow, now that's going to be a great location! Highly Recommended! Peace. read more

What a treasure! Our guide, Lisa, was very informed. Delightful afternoon. The tour is a must for anyone that loves New York, architecture and just a beautiful building. P.S. The Cafe "Woolworth Tower Kitchen" is the best place to have lunch before your tour. We had dessert after, but wish we could have had lunch there too! read more

Hubs and I did the 90 minute tour of this amazing building a couple of weekends ago. We live close by, I have always been curious to know more about the building and the architect. If history and architecture are your interests, I highly recommend taking one of the tours of this building. Our tour guide was a wonderful fountain of information on the architect, Cass Gilbert, and the building itself. He made our tour a great experience. It was fascinating to hear all of the details of the construction, and the history of not only the Woolworth, but of the neighborhood, as well. did you know that there is a now defunct subway entrance in the basement of the building? I believe it connects with the now abandoned City Hall station, which is another place I would love to visit. Our tour included discussion of the exterior, the lobby, the mezzanine, and the basement. I am not aware of any tour that includes the upper floors. The Woolworth Building has three different tours. If you are the history buff, and you want to know more, I suggest the 90 minute tour. I really enjoyed it. read more

We did the 90-minute tour and it was excellent. The guide was excellent--she's deeply passionate about the building and actively researching its history in the archives, so incredibly knowledgeable, and she's funny too. I'm so glad we did this tour and would definitely recommend it for others. read more

Bob Gerber is a class act! I took the 90 minute tour and was late (7) minutes. The men in the lobby of Woolworth were kind enough to point me in the right direction. Bob was cool with me being a bit late too. His knowledge on the building is insane. His passion also helped me retain much more than I usually do. Fascinating tour. I recommend this tour for anyone who wants to understand NYC history. This building was revolutionary in many different areas (first building to have lighting, tallest building in the world, most fireproof building in the USA, first building in the USA to connect to the subway, etc) during its opening in 1913. I enjoy architecture, but I wouldn't say the 90 minute tour is for architecture geeks. I firmly believe that 90 minutes isn't enough time. Bob says he has special tours that go up to four hours. Excellent piece of Americana. read more

As a non-NYC girl, I had no idea that this gorgeous building existed. Thanks to Ed Welter, I was able to learn all about the history of the Woolworth Building. His knowledge is immeasurable... he is a walking encyclopedia of everything NY (uh oh- I think I just dated myself- Google watch out). As a visual learner, I was thrilled that Ed had a "book" of pictures to go along with his stories. Ed was patient, thorough and entertaining. Highly recommend taking this tour with Ed. I'm looking forward to going on other tours that he does when the weather warms up. Thanks, Ed! Keep enlightening people about the little gems of NYC! read more

What do they say... they don't make 'em like they used to? This here building is a poster child for that old adage. Gorgeous. The lobby of this building is so ornate, you feel like you're stepping into a gothic cathedral. Built in different era, one where details line every corner, from the doorways to the walls, and exteriors 40 floors up. I worked in this building back in 99 or so, for an internet startup which had recently moved here. It was a pleasure going to their offices. Not a detail out of place. If you have guests in from out of town, they may meander down this way, but won't be able to really gawk inside as the lobby is somewhat strict about who they allow in the building. read more

Great architecture. I love all the details on the outside. I would give this building 5 stars, but you can't even go in the lobby to see all the details so one star taken off for that. read more

A Gothic-style gem, with gargoyles and flying buttresses and the works. It was built in 1913, and was the tallest building in the world for 17 years. Its vertical lines still make it soar. It's a beauty. My parents and I once stayed at the Millennium Hilton; the biggest perk was the spectacular view of the Woolworth. It looks even better from up high than from the street. Ranked 44th in AIA's Favorite Architecture list http://favoritearchitecture.org/afa150.php read more

Very informative and entertaining tour. We did the 90 minute tour and it was worth it The building is impressive with beautiful detail, and the tour guide made it even more interesting with the stories about the people involved with its construction as well as context about that neighborhood and NYC during the time of construction I'd definitely recommend it read more

Took a 90-min tour with Lisa Renz. I take about 8 architectural tours a year around the country and she is by far one of the best tour guides I have experienced. Her knowledge is vast yet accessible. She is very open to dialogue and answering questions. I feared that 90-minutes would be a bit too long and my attention would wander, but not so. Her passion for this building and research on its history make such grand architecture into a compelling everyday experience. read more

Did the 1.5 hour tour for $45 and was disappointed. The guide was good but it wasn't much of a tour.....more of a lecture on the history of Woolworth and the building history. The tour only included the lobby which could have been seen on the $20 thirty minute tour. read more

The tour was great. It's not the same old same old NYC tourist thing. If you want to see something special and get pictures none of your friends will ever have blow the extra cash and get the 90 minute tour. It's worth it. Our guide was informative and will tell you things you can impress you friends with. The tour will leave you with a sense of the opulence that made this city so famous. read more

The Cathedral of Commerce! They just don't build them like they use to! The Woolworth Building is a Sheine to old world constuction and architecture. Absoutly stuning! The Woolworth building is such a lavised building. When u step you feel like you should be looking for a peuw, because of the gorgeus Neo Gothic architecture. 100 years ago they never missed a detail! Millions of tiny details spans the beautiful building from the ornate loony to the crown in the sky! Cass Gilbert did not miss a single detail while designing this piece of art! The lavished sites of the Woolworth building complete the Manhattan skyline. From the Brookly Bridge-WTC site- The bowery, the Woolworth looks great at any angle of view. Nothing defines the beauty of old world architecture and New York early 20th century like the Woolworth Building. This building should be celebrated more for it's heritage and history. 10/5 stars! read more

How can someone give one start to this landmark Cathedral of Commerce, this terra-cotta skyscraper that helps to define the lower Manhattan skyline since 1913? Well the stewardship of this building has fallen into the hands of people who have no respect for the building or its history. The first floor store are mostly vacant, the upper tower floors have been vacated, signs at the front door warn off tourists with a keep out message. The operators of this building totally disrespect the history and dignity of this tower. They should sell the building to people who can afford to manage it it like it should be run. read more

I took the tour yesterday.. 2pm.. The historical guide was perfection! Now I wish I could purchase a condo in the building!

The time is now, folks. How quickly we forget. Skyscrapers once meant something to the masses. They cut through clouds and anchored our once great cities. Now we don't even look up anymore. We walk around with our heads down. Faces in our phones when they ought to be in the clouds. Cass Gilbert understood this. Let's just say he would've been a flip phone guy given the chance. They say if you stare hard enough on a clear night, you can still see the face of Gilbert resting in the illuminated tower, watching, admiring but most of all smiling at his finest creation. We're all the beneficiaries of such a proud monument to brawn and imagination. read more

This building to me is one of the most beautiful examples of old New York. While most other buildings in New York need size and glitter to show it beauty, this baby simply doesn't need any of that stuff. The next time you are in downtown Manhattan you must pay a visit to this bad boy. read more

I took this tour recently while in NYC on vacation and it was fantastic. The lobby is not open to the public so the tour is the only way to get inside. I took the 90 minute tour so I was able to view the mezzanine - it was long (just in terms of standing still for that long) but well worth it in the end. Our tour guide (I didn't catch her name but she was from Minnesota) did a wonderful job taking us around the building outside and giving good history on the construction and then taking us inside and showing us the finer points and details along with additional history and information. I highly recommend the tour for anyone visiting New York. You will not be disappointed. Don't forget your camera!! read more

My friend and I are both history buffs and thoroughly enjoyed our 60-minute tour of this architectural masterpiece. Our guide from Woolworth Tours was filled with enthusiasm and amazing facts that made me appreciate this Lower Manhattan jewel even more than I already had. He also helped bring F.W. Woolworth back to life with colorful anecdotes and funny stories. Getting to explore areas of the building that are not usually open to the public was a great experience for tourists and lifelong New Yorkers alike. read more

Excellent tour of a fascinating building rich in NY history. We pass beautiful buildings each day but this one stands out. The excellent guide took our group back in history to a time of opulence rarely experienced today. A tour not to be missed especially if you have an interest in architecture. read more

The 90 minute tour was as good as it gets. Our guide was the best and presented information regarding the building regarding the people involved. We got to see a lot of the building including the mezzanine and the tremendous vault in the basement. Not to be missed. read more

I took this tour recently at 2pm while in NYC, it was fantastic. The lobby is not open to the public so the tour is the only way to get inside. I took the 90 minute tour so I was able to view the mezzanine - it was long (just in terms of standing still for that long) but well worth it in the end. Our tour guide (I didn't catch her name but she was from Minnesota) did a wonderful job taking us around the building outside and giving good history on the construction and then taking us inside and showing us the finer points and details along with additional history and information. I highly recommend the tour for anyone visiting New York. You will not be disappointed. read more

This is an excellent 60 minute tour made so because of the knowledge of the tour guide (Bob ?). He has clearly researched the history of the building, the owner, the architect, and others involved in this wonderful structure. Added value was his broad knowledge of other New York buildings and history. read more

I did they 60 minute tour and wish the 90 was available. I loved every minute. I highly recommend this tour

it's one of the landmark buildings of (lower)manhattan, but don't attempt to go in as it's a private building. Well you could try but may well be spent packing through the pretty ornate revolving door. it was built in the Gothic style and has a green turret on top, which is one of the reasons why it is distinctive (although it's not the only building with a green tip, so dont be getting confused). It used to be the tallest building in NYC and then the Chryser building came along and metaphorically pushed it out of the way. It's right next to City Hall -so check out the changing open air art exhibits there. I loved the Julian Opie one they put on a few years back. read more

A treasure in NYC. Beyond typical tourist sights, visiting the Woolworth Building, seeing its beauty, and learning its history was a treat! Very knowledgeable guide! Very cordial! Shared his own binder of photos! A bit pricey for a 90-minute tour, though. Having a small group of 6 was great. read more

The 90 minute tour I took was fabulous! Our guide was as qualified as you can get as a writer, professor and a definite expert on the Woolworth Building. She amazed with the extent of her knowledge. The mosaic ceiling was beautiful beyond description, and the whole place opened up a more correct connection between the name and the merchandise he sold in his stores. As a child it was always a treat to go to the 5&10 cent store because it was one of few that could be afforded on an allowance. Now I truly understand how my nickels & dimes helped make the Mr. Woolworth a very rich man!! read more