Private NYC Architecture Tour - Take in Iconic Sights | Classic Harbor Line
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Architecture Tours

Highlights of the

NYC Architecture Boat Tour

See Art Deco spires like the World Trade Center, Chrysler Building, harbor monuments, and infrastructure like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Learn about recent buildings by famous Architects Frank Gehry, FAIA, & Renzo Piano, and Hon on a private NYC architecture tour. FAIA and other world-renowned architects are seen during your Manhattan architecture cruise.

Explore NYC’s historic waterways, the Hudson River and New York Harbor on a classic yacht!

All of Our Aiany Around Manhattan Architecture Tours can be Booked Privately in Easy Steps:

1 Choose a Boat

the yacht manhattan, cruising down a river with the city in the background

The Yachts Manhattan and Manhattan II host up to 46-65/80-100 guests and are available year-round for NYC architecture tours. The Yacht Kingston hosts up to 35 guests and is available from April – November.

2 Choose Catering and Beverages

Consider adding catering, full bars, alternate pick-up and drop-off locations, and more to tailor your architectural cruise of New York City to your needs.

3 Choose an AIA Tour

AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture Tour

The AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture Tour (offered since 2010 by Classic Harbor Line), is one of the most sought-after narrated programs we offer. Hosted, curated, and revised annually by the award-winning AIA New York Tour Committee, you and your guests will be treated to one of the most elegantly delivered New York Architecture tours the Big Apple offers. The New York Times says, “The cruise is a fisheye lens that takes in just about everything.”

Continuing education credits available »

AIANY Climate Change Tour

Resiliency, Sustainable Architecture and the Future of NYC

The best way to understand the many facets of climate change in New York City is by traveling along its waterways. Join us aboard Yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II for the AIANY Climate Change Tour: Resiliency, Sustainable Architecture and the Future of NYC and learn about how climate change is affecting our city and people, and the actions NYC is taking to mitigate pending threats and reduce its carbon footprint. This tour will address the pressing need for sustainable design and greater resiliency, delving into how New York City is reducing fossil fuel consumption, strengthening its natural habitats, and reimagining its transportation infrastructure. The tour will also explore the importance of the environmental justice movement in New York City.

Continuing education credits available »

AIANY Lower Manhattan Architecture Tour

This around NYC tour is best enjoyed during the day with a full circumnavigation of Manhattan. It takes an in-depth look at the engineering marvels of New York City’s fantastic infrastructure in terms of transportation, power, sanitation, water supply, housing, and much more. Expect some architectural highlights as well! It is hosted by John Kriskiewicz, professor of Architecture and City Planning at Parsons and FIT.

Continuing education credits available »

AIANY Industrial Waterfront Tour Into Freshkills Park

During this AIA boat tour of NYC, you will cruise the active, vibrant waterway of the Kill Van Kull and into the heart of Freshkills Park of Staten Island on one of our luxury yachts.The AIANY & planners of the Freshkills Park host this special Classic Harbor Line tour. This is the only water tour available to the public into the Freshkills waterway. Officially closed in 2001, Freshkills has embarked on a 30-year project to be transformed into the largest city park in NYC!

AIANY Around Manhattan Bridge & Infrastructure Tour

Urban planners, engineers or anyone with a curiosity about ‘how the city works’ are likely to enjoy this special themed AIANY Tour. This around NYC tour is best enjoyed during the day with a full circumnavigation of Manhattan. It takes an in-depth look at the engineering marvels of New York City’s fantastic infrastructure in terms of transportation, power, sanitation, water supply, housing, and much more. Expect some architectural highlights as well! It is hosted by John Kriskiewicz, professor of Architecture and City Planning at Parsons and FIT.

Continuing education credits available »

Paseo En Barco Por La Arquitectura De NYC Con Narracion En Espanol

(AIANY Architecture Tour in Spanish!)

Book your Manhattan Architecture tour spoken fully in Espanol! Cruise with your own private AIANY guide around the Island of Manhattan and enjoy Insightful coverage of Manhattan’s classic spires, including the Chrysler and Woolworth Buildings, as well as a sharp focus on the new World Trade Center buildings and recent local, national, and international award-winning architects, including buildings by Frank Gehry and other noted international and local architects! And much, much more!

4 Contact Our Private Charter Team

Fill out our form to book these private tours or to book a ‘group’ on a ticketed cruise.

Private Tour Rates for AIANY Cruises & General Charter Rates

If you are interested in taking one of our public NYC Architecture Cruises, click here.

**If you are a student group, please consider our reduced AIA charter rates above and notify your sales representative when you call. You will be asked to show proof of your association. Also, please notify the sales rep. if your industry group intends to receive ‘Continuing Education Credits’ through this event.

The Best Private

NYC Architecture Tour

AIANY Private New York Architecture Tour

The best way to see the most famous city in the world and buildings that make up Manhattan’s iconic skyline is on a private NYC architecture tour. In collaboration with the American Institute of Architects New York chapter, Classic Harbor Line seeks to provide the best New York City architecture tour you’ll find anywhere.

During your private Manhattan architecture yacht cruise we aim to tell the story of:

  • The vast transformation of NYC’s waterfront including new waterfront parks and recreation piers
  • Learn about the history of iconic NYC sights such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island along with newer monuments such as the FDR Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island
  • Discuss ecologically driven park design during your New York architecture boat tour
  • Hear about the resilient urban planning to accommodate storm surges and rising sea levels from your New York City architecture tour guide

These architectural boat tours of NYC will be filled with fascinating information and will leave you and your team wanting more. Above all, our yachts are both elegant and comfortable which is perfect for your private Manhattan architecture yacht cruise!

Meet the AIANY Guides