Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes
What To Expect
We start in lower lobby of this distinctive building where we'll lay the groundwork for the tour, where we'll go and what we'll see. The building itself is the result of holdouts, and our first subject.
A fascinating ego building
Options
Start Times
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
35 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour for NYC history/architecture!
127mariannb,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We love history and architecture and selected this tour because it sounded a bit quirky from typical tours. It was fantastic! Rob is so enthusiastic and knowledgeble. We really enjoyed this tour- we kept pointing to other possible "holdouts" during the rest of our time in New York! We'll definitely take one of Rob's other tours next time we're in the city!
Very educational tour and the guide was happy to modify to address our interests.
James S,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a walking tour so be aware. That said I am elderly and the guide was happy to find sitting spots during the tour. Very knowledgeable guid who combined architecture with general history of the city. Plenty of old pictures and graphs. Also, we were interested in churches so the tour was modified to spend more time there.
See NYC from then to now!
patricia t,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide was full of interesting details about the development of NYC, the buildings, the Open Spaces, the Underground alleyways and galleries- a truly delightful experience.
Outstanding Tour and Guide
Serena F,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed the tour! Our guide was fantastic— extremely knowledgeable and friendly and very attentive to what the group might be interested in or need, etc. It’s a lot of walking (3 hours) but very enjoyable!
Nice Tour and Grab your Tennis Shoes and get ready to move fast.
Susanne A,Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice tour, a bit rushed, no time for photos or question, but interesting none the less. I learned about the Privately Owned Public Places which was helpful information that I shared with a young traveler visiting New York after me. My only suggestion would be to move quicker through the beginning of the tour where we sat and looked a printer copy of buildings. We could have done that during the tour and allowed for photo, questions, and a slower pace to enjoy the city scape.
5 Stars Skycraper Tour
robertj m,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent explanation of the NYC history of skyscrapers & how they began to flourish in the skyscraper race. Our guide, Rob, was outstanding! Answered questions throughly & new intricate ideas about city planning, building & impact on local housing. Intriguing view of NYC skyline.I highly recommend this tour! 5 stars
Very informative and interesting
Stephen B,May 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Robert was amazing. Packed with so much contextual knowledge! Had a great pace and answered all of our questions enthusiastically.
Fantastic tour by a fabulous tour guide- thank you!
866shmuelh,Dec 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rob is a fountain of enthusiasm and information- he knows more about NYC architecture and history than anyone I have ever met- and he loves constantly reading and learning. Anyone doing this tour will be rewarded and realize just how lucky they are- highly recommended!
Unique angle on NYC, guided by a master
MaryD151,Dec 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Who knew? Maybe you’ve seen a small building crammed between two skyscrapers and wondered what went wrong. In fact, these “ holdout” owners and buildings have unique histories and often, powerful purposes. For example, have you ever heard of a “lightsaver?” Not the candy, a short building that doesn’t block the sunlight of the apartments on the side of a very tall structure. Or the charm and pride of small businesses built by families who don’t want to give them up. The stories are many and all interesting. Rob Amell’s meticulous research has uncovered their histories and secrets, and the trip is worth it! This tour is not for first time visitors to our City but for those from NYC and away who love the uniqueness of our town. Rob is a master and he should write books about is work. His tours are 3 hours but zoom by. Highly recommend.
Unique
Sifredo A,Dec 11, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Great! Very knowledgeable. We were the I ly ones so got an extra hour. Highly recomend. Got to learn a few secret spots to enjoy later on.
Related Experiences
Operated by Manhattan Unlocked Historical and Architectural Walking Tours