Notes & Daydreams on the Upper West Side, New York
🔒 Instant Access: Book now and start immediately. No need to wait for a guide.
⏱️ Total Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume whenever you want.
🧩 Gamified Discovery: Solve 15 location-based puzzles to unlock hidden stories and secret spots.
📍 Starting Point: 55 Central Park West, 55 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023, USA
🛡️ Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours before your planned start for a full refund.
🌐 Available In: 🇬🇧 English
Places you will visit
15
It will take you
60-90 mins
You will walk
6170 steps
Total distance
4.7 km
Route you will explore
Starting point 55 Central Park West
55 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023, USAFinish point The Dakota
1 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023, USAAbout this quest
Along the way, discover where legendary music careers started – including where some of the biggest hits were recorded that still stand the test of time.
What to Expect
This self-guided walking tour in New York City combines exploration, storytelling, and puzzle-solving into one unique experience. As you navigate through the city, you will discover 15 carefully selected locations, each revealing a piece of the story.
The entire quest takes approximately 4500 minutes to complete and covers 4.7km on foot. You will move at your own pace, with the freedom to pause whenever you want to take photos, grab a coffee, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
Each location features a challenge or puzzle that unlocks the next chapter of your story. These challenges are designed to be fun and engaging while teaching you about the history, culture, and hidden gems of New York City.
No tour guide needed – your smartphone becomes your guide. The Questo app provides directions, shares stories, and presents challenges along the way.
Highlights
Discover what Lincoln Center and the movie West Side Story have in common.
Learn why they call this place Spook Central.
Find out where Mark Twain and baseball great Babe Ruth lived.
Visit Verdi Square where some of the most talented artists of their time used to mingle.
Learn why The Ansonia had farm animals on the roof and a trained seal in the lobby fountain.
The mission: Your story in New York City
You studied to be an artist, to make the world better, but the world got the better of you. As you sit outside a store scribbling on a receipt, your last ten dollars spent and your lower lip wobbling, a young woman sees. She hands you $50 for it, then a note.
- Best during the day
- Best for couples
- Recommended activity for families
Tips & Recommendations
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be walking throughout the city, so comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the experience.
Charge Your Phone
Make sure your smartphone is fully charged. The quest runs through the Questo app, and you will be using it throughout.
Check the Weather
This is an outdoor activity. Bring an umbrella or sunscreen depending on the forecast.
Bring a Camera
You will discover photogenic locations and hidden gems perfect for capturing memories.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months or longer quests.
Play with Friends
While you can play solo, quests are more fun with friends or family. One ticket works for a group.
Important Information
Duration
Approximately 4500 minutes
Distance
4.7km walking
Group Size
Unlimited
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible (stairs and uneven surfaces)
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled start time
Need to Know Before Booking
- •You will need the Questo app on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
- •Each ticket can be used by a group (share one device or play separately)
- •Internet connection required to download the quest initially
- •Once downloaded, you can play offline if needed
Ratings and Reviews
13 ratings
Beat the best: Top New York City explorers
Compare Questo vs. Guided Walking Tours
| Feature | Regular Guided Tours | Questo |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Fixed schedules & no pausing | Start, pause, and resume anytime |
| Privacy | Crowds of up to 30 strangers | Private experience for your group only |
| Pricing | $30-$40 per person | Affordable per-group pricing |
| Availability | Requires advance booking | Instant access 24/7/365 |
| Experience | Passive listening to a guide | Active gamification; you solve the mystery |
