Midtown Manhattan: Unexpected Adventures in the Big Apple
How many are playing?
Unlock · $29.99Live in New York City? The Annual Pass is how locals play · $79.99/yr. See the Annual Pass →
Places you will visit
11
It will take you
55-85 mins
You will walk
4600 steps
Total distance
3.5 km
A note from Iren Gurarye
“My name is Iren, and I want to welcome you to New York! I'm a professional New York City tour guide and an avid storyteller. I enjoy wrapping New York's multilayered, complicated history into stories that make the city come alive. I'm in love with New York's energy and rhythm and am always amazed at its many feels and faces. Besides being a guide and a writer, I also dance swing: the dance born here in the 1920s and set to jazz - the best soundtrack for New York City.”
What you'll actually do
Download the Questo app and unlock the quest. Walk to USS Maine Monument whenever you like · no guide, no group, no time slot.
Solve 11 puzzles hidden in the streets around you. Each one you crack unlocks the next location.
Finish at New York Public Library and see where you land on the New York City leaderboard.
Highlights
Find out how to locate the Polar Star from Midtown Manhattan
See the most decorated building in New York
Find a medieval church on Fifth Avenue
Learn the tragic story of "American Venus"
Discover the legends and symbolism behind monuments
Bring your crew
Race to the finish.
Everyone plays on their own phone · race solo, as a couple, or with a crew of any size. First to solve every clue takes the crown.
Adventure
Your pace, no timer
Escape
Beat the clock
Plays offline at your own pace · live group races need a connection.
Final leaderboard
The mission: Your story in New York City
You are Hermes – the Messenger of the Gods. The Olympians became curious to find out if the humans still remembered them. No wonder they picked you – the God of trade, wealth, luck, thieves and travel – only you could handle New York City.
HISTORY AND CULTURE IN NEW YORK CITY
A history-led way to explore New York City
Midtown Manhattan: Unexpected Adventures in the Big Apple is for visitors who want more context than a casual walk, but more freedom than a scheduled guided tour. The quest uses a route through New York City to connect clues, places and stories.
The route starts at USS Maine Monument and finishes at New York Public Library over 3.5 km, with 11 challenge locations. Typical duration: 70 min; 3.5 km walking route; 11 challenge locations; Includes audio stories
Choose this for active, private discovery at your pace. Choose a guided historical tour or museum when expert live interpretation or curated exhibits matter more. Playable languages: English.
Good to know before you play
- Audio Stories
- Family friendly
- Fun to do as a couple
- Route open 24/7 but better during daylight hours
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 at least 60% 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
Quests are more fun with friends or family. Each player who wants to play on their own phone needs their own access.
Ratings and Reviews
14 ratings
tim baker
Graeme Pugh
Lisa Cohen
Nina Wallace
Nick133
Beat the best: Top New York City explorers
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Frequently asked questions
Is Midtown Manhattan: Unexpected Adventures in the Big Apple self-guided?
Where does Midtown Manhattan: Unexpected Adventures in the Big Apple start and finish?
How many accesses does our group need?
What language is Midtown Manhattan: Unexpected Adventures in the Big Apple available in?
Compare Questo vs. Guided Walking Tours
Flexibility
Regular Guided Tours
Fixed schedules & no pausing
Questo
Start, pause, and resume anytime
Privacy
Regular Guided Tours
Crowds of up to 30 strangers
Questo
Private experience for your group only
Pricing
Regular Guided Tours
$30-$40 per person
Questo
Transparent pricing shown before checkout
Availability
Regular Guided Tours
Requires advance booking
Questo
Instant access 24/7/365
Experience
Regular Guided Tours
Passive listening to a guide
Questo
Active gamification; you solve the mystery
| 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 | Transparent pricing shown before checkout |
| Availability | Requires advance booking | Instant access 24/7/365 |
| Experience | Passive listening to a guide | Active gamification; you solve the mystery |
