Walking New York: Manhattan History on Foot

by Keith Taillon

“There is no city like New York and no better tour guide to it than Keith Taillon! I’m a lifelong New Yorker but he has taught me things about each neighborhood and every block I never knew before. Keith brings the ‘city that never sleeps’ alive in a way no one else can.” – Anderson Cooper

Join Keith Taillon on twelve of his most popular walking tour routes, examining in depth the various neighbourhoods of Manhattan, their history, and the intricacies of their formation.

In Walking New York, Keith traces the evolution of the Big Apple back to some of its early seeds, focusing on the 19th and 20th centuries – a window in which New York City transformed from a small provincial port town into a global metropolis. He covers everything from the completion of the Erie Canal and Croton Aqueduct to some of the notorious characters behind the city’s Gilded Age. Each chapter features a suggested walking route, with a detailed map and notes on the route's length and time. Throughout each walk, readers are encouraged to pause and really take in the streetscape.

Filled with interesting facts and timelines, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of why the city looks and feels the way it does. Perfect for tourists, New Yorkers and armchair travellers alike, you will see New York in a new way, learning to look up, look around, and appreciate this truly special place anew.

Genres: Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2025

Reviews

[Grace Fedinets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shorter, more digestible Gotham (Burrows Wallace book) and loved that it focused on the historical landmarks beyond NYC’s most cliche / renowned

[Joel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve been looking to learn about nyc’s history/landmarks/evolution at a survey level without getting too lost in all the super specific details. I was very optimistic about this book after hearing about it on a podcast but sadly it disappointed. Too many details about things I personally didn’t find that interesting.

[Mit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun and interesting. Walking on the routes and looking at details you've never acknowledged before is so exciting.

I will say though that the Chinatown and LES route could have had more details. It seemed to be more about Jewish history than the history of other immigrants who also stayed in the area. Chinese immigrant history, for example, is pretty well documented and visible in the area.

[Reid Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

i'm a fan of the keithyorkcity ig account, and this book is a fun repository of just some of the vast nyc knowledge mr york city holds. you can really see what a triumph it must have been to turn his guided walking tours into book form, but perhaps most impressive is the way he seems to have held himself to describing things as "lovely" no more than 10-12 times per chapter. haha just kidding please dont ban me from your walking tours for that one keith

[Kate Hornstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is great for picking up some extra facts about a neighborhood you've visited, or a neighborhood you want to visit (that is if you remember where buildings are located?) I think it would be hard to walk around and read the long passages while on a walk. Maybe you could sit on a bench. Or someone could read it to you? It would make a great audiobook. The content is great, just maybe not the format.

[Paolo Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about the history of New York. It has given me great suggestions for places to see next time I go to NYC. Keith is so detailed and thorough, but also a great writer. I learned a lot and hope to one day take one of his walking tours!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent NYC guide that is different from the others. It's broken down into specific routes. It was an excellent companion on a day in NYC!

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and insightful! It’s an interesting read whether or not you plan to physically walk the paths outlined. It’s full of rich New York City history.

[Nick Salenga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book at great place to live in New York City in the future.

[Ken Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Have For Every New Yorker!

Absolutely terrific!!! Even if you don’t “walk the walks” it is a fascinating history of NYC!!I I bought both the Kindle and book.