16.06 Miles, 6 Hours, and Every Stop You’ll Love

There’s something magical about seeing New York City on foot. Last year I walked from the top of Manhattan all the way to the southern tip and my Instagram Reel blew up with over 5.5 million views. I even vlogged it for my YouTube channel and you can still watch that first adventure here. But apparently I didn’t technically start at the “very top”. New Yorkers were quick to point out that I began at Dyckman Street, which isn’t the official northern end of the island.

So this year I came back to do it right; starting alllllll the way up at 207th Street, the last and final stop on the A train and I made a few changes along the way.

By the end of the day we had logged a total of 16.06 miles, walked for 5 hours and 30 minutes, and were out for a total of 6 hours and 20 minutes including a long lunch break. My Apple Watch loved me; my legs felt like a mix of jello and adrenaline. And yes, I filmed a brand-new reel so you can join me virtually.

Why Walking NYC Feeds My Soul

I walk 10,000 to 15,000 steps most days with little to no effort, between getting around the city on foot and just being a walk lover, I get in a lot of steps on the daily. Walking isn’t just exercise for me; it’s a moving meditation. It clears my head, sparks creativity and keeps me grounded when life gets loud.

Doing this Manhattan walk is like that but on steroids. Hours (and hours and hours) of moving through different neighborhoods, smells, sounds and little micro-moments of the city… it’s basically therapy in sneakers. I love that I can start the day uptown surrounded by old forests and end with the salty breeze at Battery Park with a view of the Statue of Liberty, all powered by my own two feet. Until you do it, I don’t think you’ll get it, and by get it I mean GET just how empowering it feels to walk the entire city in a day; the feeling at the end is unparalleled!!

And if you’re a Broad City fan, you might remember Abbi and Ilana’s iconic walk-the-island episode. It’s literally called “The Broad City Walk,” and honestly, it lived rent-free in my head when I first moved to New York three years ago so of course, I had to do my own version. Total New York bucket list energy.

What to Pack for a Top-to-Bottom Manhattan Walk

You’ll be out for at least 6 hours, so think practical, not heavy. My must-haves:

• Mini backpack – this one is my favorite. Big enough for layers and snacks but still light.
• Water bottle – hydration is everything.
• Portable charger + cord – your phone will be working overtime for maps, photos and videos. I used this one and it certainly came in clutch!!!
• Light snacks – I brought a protein bars and a banana.
• Hat & sunglasses – trust me, you’ll thank yourself by Midtown.
• Comfy sneakers – I wore these sneakers both times I did this walk and they’re perfect for long miles.

Tip: Check the weather, do it during the week if you can (so you can skip morning rush hour on the trains!). We hopped on the A train around 10:30 AM to enjoy a quieter commute uptown and less busy streets.

The 16.06-Mile Manhattan Walking Route

Here’s my updated stop-by-stop path. Plug these into your GPS (I use Apple Maps) and just flow!!

1. 207th Street Station – Inwood

This is the real northernmost point of Manhattan on the A train. Inwood feels like a small town inside the city, with leafy streets and the last natural forest in Manhattan at Inwood Hill Park. We grabbed a quick coffee before hopping on the train uptown and took a deep breath before the miles ahead. Starting here felt like a true reset and made up for last year’s not-quite-top start.

2. Fort Tryon Park

Immediately south of the station, this park is like a hidden fortress of calm. Towering trees, stone archways, and dramatic Hudson River views made it feel almost European. It’s quiet in the morning, and you can hear birds instead of car horns which is lovely. Also lots of cutie squirrels! I will say, we walked through Fort Tryon Park to get to our next stop (The Met Cloisters) and there were a lot of uphill stairs so just be prepared for that.

3. The Met Cloisters

Perched inside Fort Tryon Park, the Cloisters are like stepping into a medieval monastery. I love pausing here for a long drink of water and a snack. Even if you don’t go inside, the gardens and Hudson River overlooks are stunning. We did go inside for about 15 minutes just to take a peak around since we were there, however I will absolutely be going back to make a day out of it! We were eager to get into our walk though so we only stayed for a bit.

4. High Bridge Park

Built in 1848, the High Bridge is NYC’s oldest standing bridge and part of the original Croton Aqueduct. The long stairs here are a quad-burner but worth every step for views of the Harlem River and the Bronx beyond. History meets cardio.

5. Morris-Jumel Mansion

This 1765 house is the oldest in Manhattan. Really beautiful surrounding neighborhood, plus old woodwork and quiet gardens that feel worlds away from the city’s buzz.

6. St. Nicholas Park

A serene green ribbon between Harlem and Hamilton Heights. We walked through tree-lined paths where families were out with strollers and dogs. It felt like a pause button on the city.

7. Apollo Theater

Harlem is electric. The Apollo is where legends like Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown made history. Sadly it was under construction this time when we stopped – I did get to see it last year in all its glory though!

8. Lunch at Chele’s in Harlem

By this point we were about I want to say like 5 miles in and ready for food and water. We stopped at Chele’s, a cozy, welcoming spot with soulful flavors. The interiors are GORG and what was meant to be a quick bite turned into a 50-minute break because we met the owner, Chele who was so warm and lovely that we ended up chatting like old friends. This unplanned pause ended up being one of my favorite memories of the day!! I got the Chinese Chicken Salad no chicken (weird I know but I don’t eat meat lol) and it was sooooo good!!!! Highly recommend and will 1000% be going back!

9. Central Park

Manhattan’s heart and lungs. We entered from the north end and drifted under shady trees, passing runners, families, and musicians. I love how every corner of this park feels different – a hidden bridge here, a rose garden there, and always a new view of the skyline peeking through. We decided to pop back out onto the street and walk down 5th Ave so we could grab a coffee at Blue Stone Lane (this location is stunning because it is located inside a church!)

10. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Those iconic steps never get old. Last year I sat here with my Activate Align Expand journal to reflect and write; this time I soaked up the Upper East Side buzz with my iced coffee and kept moving… we reentered Central Park right near the Met and walked through Central Park to get to our next stop!

11. Radio City Music Hall

An Art Deco masterpiece glowing in neon. Even if you’re just passing by, the scale and style are breathtaking!

12. Times Square

Overstimulating? Absolutely. But it’s also quintessential New York. The massive LED screens, costumed characters, and constant motion give you a literal jolt of energy. I taught a massive yoga class here for the summer solstice back in June, so I always smile remembering that sea of yoga mats where cabs usually honk.

13. Herald Square

We threaded through the flagship Macy’s and endless storefronts. It’s a quick but fun slice of Midtown commerce.

14. Empire State Building

Nothing compares to the first moment you look up and catch the spire against the sky. We didn’t get up close as I feel as though you can’t get a very good view when you’re on the ground and right up against the building, but if you walk down Broadway towards Madison Square Park, look down West 34th street and you’ll get a perfect view of this iconic building. 

15. Madison Square Park

A small but mighty oasis. We paused here briefly for water and to stretch our legs, but mostly just passed through on our way to see the Flatiron Building!

16. Flatiron Building

That triangular silhouette never gets old, even when covered in scaffolding.

17. Washington Square Park

Pure downtown energy. Musicians, chess games and the arch all under the watch of NYU’s campus life. Busy, yes, but worth every step! I will be honest and say this is around the time when we started to lose a little momentum and my feet started to ache a bit but once you get through the park and walk down Thompson St you’ll be able to see the Freedom Tower – which is when you know you’re in the home stretch!

18. Freedom Tower

From the walking path you get a direct view of One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Even without stepping inside, you can feel the weight of the space. I’ve visited the 9/11 Memorial & Museum before and it’s absolutely breathtaking and beautiful, a place to sit, reflect, and honor. The contrast of the Oculus’ white ribs and the quiet stillness of the memorial is unforgettable.

19. Zuccotti Park

A tiny plaza forever linked to the Occupy Wall Street movement. A short but meaningful stop, however, this time when we did the walk, it was completely blocked off so it was a little anticlimactic, but still great to pass through on your way downtown.

20. Charging Bull

This bronze icon of Wall Street is always surrounded by tourists, but it’s worth weaving through the crowd for a quick photo. We quite literally couldn’t get an unobstructed photo of the bull because there were SO many people there but we saw it which was fun and at this point you know when you see the Charging Bull, you’ve basically made it to the end, so the energy and momentum comes back in FULL FORCE!

21. Battery Park

The southern tip of Manhattan and the perfect finale. Harbor breezes and front-row Statue of Liberty views made the long trek feel like a celebration. We lingered here to just breathe and take it all in. Although I will just flag, the battery park is currently under construction so you might have to stand on a bench or climb through the bushes to get a view of liberty.

22. SeaGlass Carousel

Hidden inside Battery Park, this whimsical, glowing carousel of giant glass fish feels like you’ve stepped into an underwater dream. I love the quiet magic of it after a day of pounding pavement.

23. Dead Rabbit

And finally—a toast to the day!!!!! Dead Rabbit, one of New York’s most beloved cocktail bars, is the ultimate victory lap. We sank into our chairs with a glass of wine and a a giant order of fries reliving the best moments of the walk.

Things I Noticed This Time

Even though I’d done a similar walk before, this round was completely different. New murals, hidden gardens and unexpected conversations (like our long lunch at Chele’s!) made the city feel new again. That’s the magic of New York: you can walk the same streets a hundred times and still discover something unexpected. The city never stays the same, and neither does this walk.

How to Make It Fun & Manageable

• Start early – a morning start is key for cooler temps and emptier streets!
• Go during the week – the city is buzzing constantly, but even more so on the weekends, so if you can try to go during the week, otherwise Times Square will be even more wild than it normally is. 
• Fuel smartly – Pack snacks, but also plan for a sit-down meal. That 50-minute lunch at Chele’s gave us the energy to finish strong.
• Take breaks – Central Park, The Met stairs, Madison Square Park, and Washington Square Park are ideal for stretching and resetting.
• Dress Comfortably – I wore leggings, a sports bra, a hat and sneakers, and then brought a light hoodie with me! Comfort is KEY on a long walk like this one!
• Stay flexible – The best part of this route is the freedom to wander off if something catches your eye. I planned all of our major stops, but when it came to where we got coffee or stopped for food, I wanted to those to be a decision that we would make on a whim!! It’s fun to walk through a new neighborhood and if you see something that piques your interest to just pop in and check it out rather than looking up a viral spot that you see on social media.
• Stay positive – at the beginning of the walk, it’s easy to have a positive mindset because you’re excited about the trek ahead, but as the miles tick on, I think it’s easy to start to focus on the fact that you’re tired, that the walk is long, that your feet hurt, etc. but the more you focus on that the harder it’s going to be. Just try to not think about it too much, put one foot in front of the other and lock into the excitement that you’re doing something cool that a lot of people probably want to do but many people won’t actually do.

Final Thoughts

From 207th Street to Battery Park, covering 16.06 miles in just over five hours, this was the ultimate love letter to New York. For me, it’s part urban adventure, part moving meditation.

One of the questions I get most after a walk like this is “did your feet hurt, and how sore were you the next day?” Honestly, I was a little more sore than I was this time VS the first time I did this walk but we covered more ground this time! The next day my feet were a little tender and my quads and hamstrings were a bit sore, but I have to own the fact that I did a heavy leg day at the gym the day before, which probably wasn’t my smartest move (lol) and definitely played a role. That said, considering we covered 16.06 miles at a very fast walking pace I actually felt surprisingly good the next morning. I credit that to wearing a super comfortable, supportive pair of sneakers and taking care of myself afterward with stretching, plenty of water and an Epsom salt bath. At the end of the day, you are walking a really long distance, so a little soreness is completely normal, but with the right shoes and a realistic mindset you’ll wake up feeling accomplished instead of wrecked.

Whether you live here or are visiting, I can’t recommend it enough. Lace up, charge your phone, and go see the city—every neighborhood, every story, every step. And if you want to come along virtually, check out my original reel, my new reel, and my full YouTube vlog from the OG walk I did!