NYC Flatiron Time Travel: Self-Guided History Puzzle Walk

5.0 (4 reviews) 1 h 51 min – 2 h 21 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

4 reviews

5.0

NYC Flatiron Time Travel: Self-Guided History Puzzle Walk — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

NYC Flatiron Time Travel: Self-Guided History Puzzle Walk, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Step into a time machine and explore the Flatiron and Gramercy neighbourhoods as a traveller from 2520. This self-guided puzzle adventure takes you through 15 stops across some of New York's most fascinating hidden history.

Your mission: test a portable time travel device by pointing it at landmarks and jumping between centuries. Decode messages at a Prohibition-era tavern, unravel a mystery at Manhattan's only private park, and witness a shocking crime at the original Madison Square Garden.

Discover stories most tourists never hear: a grave in the middle of Broadway, three buildings that were each the world's tallest, and a president whose glasses kept getting stolen.

The route covers 3.5 km from Union Square to Madison Square Park with audio at every stop. Best during daylight. Start anytime and play at your own pace.

Great for couples, families, and history lovers. Download the Questo app, enter your booking code, and head to Union Square to begin.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate Agent Low Quality Product

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 51 min – 2 h 21 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Written guide: English
Operated by: Questo

Ages: Adults (1–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Audio narration at every stop bringing each era to life
Included: Real NYC history from the 1830s to the Empire State Building era
Included: Flexible scheduling, start anytime, play at your own pace
Included: Interactive puzzles with code-breaking, riddles, and hidden clues
Included: Self-guided time travel adventure through Flatiron and Gramercy

Not included

Not included: Live tour guide (self-guided via the app)

Itinerary

Stop 1

5 min

You will begin at Union Square Fountain. Here you will be given your first clue to solve the challenge that awaits you, which will unlock the next part of the story and give you the directions to the next stop.
Stop 2

5 min

Here you will find your first clue to solve the challenge that awaits you, which will unlock the next part of the story and give you the directions to the next stop.
Gramercy Park

5 min

Study your next clue on Gramercy Park
Stop 4

5 min

To unlock the next part of the story you will be given your next clue to solve the challenge that awaits you around The Players and the National Arts Club.
Stop 5

5 min

Look up your next clue to unlock the next part of the story and give you the correct directions.
MetLife Building

5 min

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at MetLife Building. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace
Stop 7

5 min

Receive your next clue. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
Flatiron Building

5 min

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Flatiron Building. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
William Jenkins Worth Monument

5 min

Enjoy the view and continue exploring at your own pace.
The Little Church - The Church of the Transfiguration

5 min

To solve the challenge that awaits you at The Church of the Transfiguration you will be given the next clue.
Madison Square Garden

5 min

See the The World's Most Famous Arena and get your next clue to solve the challenge and get new directions.
Stop 12

5 min

Enjoy the view and continue exploring at your own pace.
Stop 13

5 min

Explore at your own pace while admiring An outdoor bronze sculpture of Chester A. Arthur.
Stop 14

5 min

You will finish at Fifth Avenue Building Clock. Here is where both the story and the city exploration games end.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The game starts at the Union Square drinking fountain. After booking, we'll message you a code and activation link. Activate with your own email, then log in to the Questo app with that email. No message? Open the app, tap "Bought a quest somewhere else?" and enter your booking reference number.

End point

You will finish at Fifth Avenue Building Clock

Using your ticket

Thank you for booking with Questo. Your code is your booking reference number: the digits after "BR-".

Here's how to play it:

1. Activate your quest. Go to the unlock page on the Questo website (questoapp.com/unlock), enter your email and your code.

2. Download the Questo app on your phone (App Store or Google Play) and create an account with the same email used for activation.

3. Once you're logged in to the Questo app, open the Quests section. Your quest will be there, ready to be played.

IMPORTANT

Booked more than one ticket? You can invite the other participants right after activating, or later from the Quests section in the app.
If you don't see your quest in the Quests section in the Questo app, tap "Bought a quest somewhere else?" and enter your code again. You can also upload a screenshot of your booking confirmation there.

GOOD TO KNOW

The quest is available every day, at any hour. Go to the starting point and begin whenever you're ready.
Download the story and the map before you head out. After that, it works without internet.
Start with at least 50% battery.

Still have questions? Send us a message or talk to our customer support at: questoapp.com/chat