Joan Didion's Manhattan Life: Self-Guided Audio Tour in New York

New York, US

Included

  • inclusion
    Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • inclusion
    App for Android and iOS
  • inclusion
    Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • inclusion
    Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after
  • inclusion
    Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Transportation
  • exclusion
    Smartphone and headphones
  • exclusion
    Food and drink
  • exclusion
    Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Meeting Point

The tour begins at East 62nd Street and 5th Avenue, on the Central Park side of 5th Avenue. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Meeting point

112 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065 , United States

End point

End Point

This tour end opposite the Carlyle Hotel on the corner of Madison Avenue and East 76th Street.

Meeting point

971-973 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021 , United States

End point

What to expect

1
5 th Avenue

Start your journey along New York’s historic 5th Avenue, where the Knickerbocker Club sits—a private club Didion frequented. This iconic avenue sets the scene for her Upper East Side life, surrounded by elegance and tradition.

2

Knickerbocker Club

Stroll by the exclusive Knickerbocker Club, one of Didion’s favored dining spots, reflects her affinity for old New York’s charm and exclusivity. Standing outside, you'll sense the club's mysterious air, recalling Didion’s quietly observant presence here.

3

The Colony Club

Visit the Colony Club, another storied institution Didion held dear, renowned as New York’s first social club for women. As you pass by, imagine the intellectual and social circles Didion brushed shoulders with here in her early days in the city.

4

Barbizon Hotel

The Barbizon Hotel is a landmarked building famous for hosting young women who arrived in New York to pursue careers in the arts. Its pink-brick facade and neo-Gothic details evoke the city’s 20th-century allure.

5
Park Avenue Armory

Marvel at this massive structure on Park Avenue, originally built as a military facility, now serves as a cultural institution and event space. Known for its expansive Drill Hall, it’s an architectural marvel and a historic treasure.

6
Shakespeare & Co

Pass by a favorite among New Yorkers, Shakespeare & Co offers a charming selection of books and a cozy cafe. Located in the heart of the Upper East Side, it provides a calm escape for book lovers in a bustling neighborhood.

7

St James' Church

Marvel at this Gothic Revival-style church, which has been a fixture on Madison Avenue since 1884. With its tall spire and intricate stonework, it’s a beautiful example of ecclesiastical architecture in the neighborhood.

8

Via Quadronno

See this cozy Italian eatery, which was one of Didion’s favorite haunts, known for its espresso and Tuscan charm. Stopping here, you can imagine her savoring a quiet moment, observing the neighborhood she came to know so intimately.

9

Three Guys

Pass by this diner beloved by locals, Three Guys was where Didion often started her mornings with a simple breakfast. Here, amid unassuming settings, she blended in with fellow Upper East Side residents, capturing snapshots of everyday New York.

10

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

This luxurious hotel became a regular retreat for Didion during her LA years, offering a blend of glamour and nostalgia. Standing outside, you’ll glimpse the elegance that appealed to her, a fitting endpoint to her Upper East Side story.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
Provided by VoiceMap Audio Tours

What our experts say

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    Start at East 62nd St, 5th Ave.
  • icon
    Try brunch at Via Quadronno nearby.
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    Visit the Carlyle for a classy drink.
  • icon
    Check out St. James' Church close by.
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    Bring headphones for a better experience.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Embark on a journey through the Upper East Side of Manhattan with the Joan Didion Manhattan's Life: Self-Guided Audio Tour in New York. Immerse yourself in the world of the iconic writer, Joan Didion, as you explore her former homes, favorite spots, and sources of inspiration at your own pace.

What to expect?

During this self-guided audio tour, you can anticipate discovering the Upper East Side through the lens of Joan Didion's life and work. From the Knickerbocker Club to the Barbizon Hotel, you'll trace her footsteps and uncover the connections between her experiences and the neighborhood's landmarks. Gain insight into Didion's world through audio narratives at each stop, offering a deeper understanding of her legacy and impact on Manhattan.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for literature enthusiasts, fans of Joan Didion, history buffs, and anyone looking to explore the Upper East Side in a unique and immersive way. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to New York, this experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of culture, art, and personal history.

Why book this?

Experience the Upper East Side through a new lens with the Joan Didion Manhattan's Life: Self-Guided Audio Tour. Uncover the hidden gems of Manhattan's iconic neighborhood as you follow in the footsteps of one of America's most revered writers. With lifetime access to the tour, offline audio guides, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace, this experience promises a one-of-a-kind adventure that combines history, literature, and exploration.

Good to know

As you embark on this self-guided audio tour, remember to bring your smartphone and headphones for an immersive experience. Explore the Upper East Side at your leisure, taking in the sights and sounds of Joan Didion's world. Be sure to download the app for Android and iOS before your journey to make the most of your time in Manhattan.

Reviews

Travelers who have taken the Joan Didion Manhattan's Life: Self-Guided Audio Tour rave about the depth of insight provided by the audio narratives. Many appreciate the flexibility of exploring at their own pace and the opportunity to uncover hidden connections between Joan Didion's life and the Upper East Side. Overall, visitors are impressed by the rich storytelling and unique perspective offered by this immersive experience.

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