Find Your New York Groove

Wanderland is your gateway to New York City. Whether planning your first trip or looking for a new perspective on well-trodden turf, our team will elevate your experience of New York. Wanderland helps visitors explore the city’s architectural marvels, immerse themselves in the rich historical landscape, and unlock the unforgettable dining experiences that make this the greatest city in the world. Our tours are tailored to ensure you experience NYC in a way that resonates with your interests, be it hidden gems or iconic landmarks.

Brooklyn’s Evolving Waterfront | 2 hours

Experience Brooklyn’s dynamic waterfront starting at Atlantic Avenue and ending in DUMBO. This tour offers a rich journey through both architectural and cultural history. Beginning near Brooklyn Bridge Park, you’ll explore the storied industrial past of the area, where 19th-century warehouses and factories were once bustling with maritime trade. The cobblestone streets and brick facades of the Civil War-era buildings are a testament to Brooklyn’s role as a manufacturing and shipping hub. As you move toward DUMBO, the waterfront transforms into a blend of historic preservation and modern innovation, with loft conversions and repurposed factories showcasing the area's evolution. Iconic sites like the Tobacco Warehouse and Empire Stores reflect the architectural heritage, while the panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge emphasize the area's global significance. The tour weaves together Brooklyn’s industrial roots, gentrification, and the vibrant arts scene that defines the neighborhood today, making it a key intersection of history, creativity, and urban development.

A Journey Through Historic Lower Manhattan | 2 hours

Explore the rich architectural and cultural history of Lower Manhattan, where centuries-old landmarks stand alongside modern skyscrapers. From the historic Financial District and iconic Wall Street to the revitalized South Street Seaport, this tour highlights the area’s evolution from colonial roots to a global financial hub. Discover architectural gems like the Woolworth Building and Trinity Church, while reflecting on the profound history at sites like Federal Hall and the 9/11 Memorial.

Exploring Red Hook's Industrial Past | 2 hours

Discover the unique architectural and cultural history of Red Hook, Brooklyn, a waterfront neighborhood shaped by its maritime past and industrial roots. This tour showcases the area's iconic 19th-century warehouses, cobblestone streets, and vibrant art scene, all set against sweeping views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. From historic shipping yards to modern creative spaces, experience Red Hook’s evolution into a thriving community blending old and new.

Central Park & Uptown Manhattan | 2 hours

This tour brings to life the history and architecture that have shaped Uptown Manhattan, from the creation of Central Park in the 1850s—a revolutionary "greenspace" designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux—to the upscale residential areas that surround it. You’ll discover landmarks, including the famed Dakota building, a Gothic Revival masterpiece completed in 1884, which has housed luminaries like John Lennon and Lauren Bacall. After walking down Central Park West, we'll then cross through the park to the Upper East Side. From the lavish mansions along Fifth Avenue to the beaux-arts and pre-war elegance of apartment buildings lining both sides of the park, this tour uncovers the stories of the people and events that have made this corner of New York City one of the most historic and beloved.

RECENT TOURS

Taste of Manhattan - Culinary Tour | 2 hours

Begin your Manhattan food tour downtown in the Lower East Side with a visit to Russ & Daughters for bagels and lox, or try a classic knish at Yonah Schimmel’s. Next, head to Chinatown for soup dumplings at Joe’s Shanghai and dim sum at Nom Wah Tea Parlor. Continue north to Little Italy for authentic cannoli at Ferrara Bakery, then make your way to Greenwich Village for a slice at Joe’s Pizza or artisanal cheeses at Murray’s. Conclude your journey on the Upper West Side at Levain Bakery, home to the city’s most famous cookies—an indulgent finish to New York’s finest flavors!

About Wanderland

Meet Douglas

Douglas Smith Land is a New York City guide available for private hire. He is a proud resident of Brooklyn and brings his expertise in NYC architectural history, real estate development, and hospitality to provide visitors personalized tours of the five boroughs that highlight the city’s art and architecture, culture, cuisine, and history.

Douglas is a licensed New York City Tour Guide. He holds a Masters in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania, a Bachelors in Urban Studies from Wesleyan University, and completed the New York-Paris program at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.

Please be in touch

douglas@wanderland.nyc | 805-798-2743