New York Self Guided Walk of Joan Didion Manhattan Life

New To The Site! New York City, USA
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60 to 90 minutes (Approx.)
Mobile Ticket
Instant Confirmation

Overview

Step into the world of Joan Didion on this self-guided audio tour of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, exploring her former homes, haunts, and inspirations at your own pace. From the stately Knickerbocker Club, where she dined on Dover sole, to her first residence at the iconic Barbizon Hotel, you’ll trace her footsteps through this storied neighborhood. Wander past the Colony Club, then stroll along Lexington Avenue, stopping at her longtime residence near St. James' Church. Familiar spots like Three Guys diner and Via Quadronno, as well as Marche Madison, her preferred market, all reveal their connections to Didion’s life and writing through audio insights. The tour concludes at the Carlyle Hotel, where Didion often stayed during LA visits, capturing the neighborhood’s timeless sophistication. With rich narration and carefully chosen stops, this audio tour invites you to immerse yourself in Didion's Upper East Side, uncovering her legacy with the flexibility to explore as you wish.

Description

Pass By: 5 th Avenue, New York City, New York

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.

Pass By: Knickerbocker Club, 807 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

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.

Pass By: The Colony Club, 564 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

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.

Pass By: Barbizon Hotel, 140 E 63rd St, New York, NY 10065, USA

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.

Pass By: Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Ave, New York City, New York 10065

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.

Pass By: Shakespeare & Co, 2020 Broadway, Between 69th and 70th Streets, New York City, New York 10023

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.

Pass By: St James' Church, 865 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA

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.

Pass By: Via Quadronno, 25 E 73rd St, New York, NY 10021, USA

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.

Pass By: Three Guys, 960 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA

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.

Pass By: The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, 35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021, USA

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.

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Schedule

  • Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
  • Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
  • Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
  • Duration: 60 to 90 minutes (Approx.)
  • Departure Time:
    Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
    Joan Didion's Manhattan Life: Self-Guided Audio Tour in New York
    11/8/2024 - 12/18/2025
    Monday - Sunday :12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
  • Return Details:

    971-973 Madison Ave, 971-973 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA

What's Included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup not offered
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
  • Food and Drink
  • Transportation
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What To Bring

  • Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
  • Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.
  • A Smile!

Additional Info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. Call Us, Text Us, or Live Chat to speak with a Cool New York City specialist!
Product code: C-110804P841

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