Team vs team
Use your own phones and join a team. Any teammate’s answer advances everyone. Beat the other teams on the leaderboard.
City exploration game
Secret Societies of Manhattan: Magic Hunt Walking Tour & Escape Game
4.56Player rating
A DIFFERENT WAY TO SEE THE CITY
Play at your pace · usually 106 min 5.6 km New York City App-guided
Play in
English
The experience
About this quest
Dive into the mysterious world of secret societies and urban legends with this immersive walking tour and escape game through downtown Manhattan.
As you explore iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and the NY Public Library, you’ll also uncover hidden stories, visit New York's oldest magic shop, and solve puzzles that reveal some of the city’s best-kept secrets.
In this adventure, you’ll take on the role of a young reporter on the trail of a magical society hidden in Midtown. Your investigation begins at Grand Central, where you meet a mysterious informant who hands you everything you need for this dangerous, yet thrilling mission.
Will you discover the truth about magic in the heart of New York City? Perfect for adventurers, puzzle enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the city’s hidden stories, this self-guided tour offers a mix of history, mystery, and exploration at your own pace.
Is this for you?
Who it's for
Families and couples curious about urban legends, magic and secret history play young reporters on a 5.6 km Midtown walk, solving puzzles at the Public Library, the Empire State Building and Tannen's Magic, New York's oldest magic shop. It takes close to three hours, so anyone who would struggle with that much walking, or who wants a live guide to question, should pick something shorter.
What makes this quest special
Highlights
Visit the oldest magic shop in New York City
Experience amazing Manhattan attractions such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, NY Public Library, and more
Learn some of the best-kept secrets and urban legends of NYC
Discover local favorite hidden gems between prime midtown landmarks
From people who played this quest
Good times. In their words.
4.56 / 5
68 player ratings
Selected player reviews. Original words and ratings.
Most relevant starts with detailed five-star reviews. All ratings remain available.
From your phone to the streets
A walk that turns into an adventure.
- 1
Open the app. You’re on your way.
Choose your pass, then open your quest in the Questo app. It guides you from the starting point.
- 2
Get outside. Follow your curiosity.
Discover real places and their stories on foot. Stop for a coffee or a photo, then pick up where you left off.
- 3
Crack a clue. Share a little victory.
Look around for answers, solve puzzles and enjoy the “we got it!” moments.
CHOOSE YOUR PASS
How many are playing?
Get this questNo booking slot · play any dayFull refund until you start playing
BRING YOUR WHOLE GROUP
One city. Rival teams. Great stories together.
A school trip, a team day or friends out together. Turn your next outing into a little friendly competition.
Everyone for themselves
One player per phone. Solve clues on your own and race for the top spot on the final leaderboard.
Can a team share one phone?
Yes. Play together on one phone per team, or use your own phones and join the same team in the app. We recommend your own phones so everyone can take part.
Your walk, at a glance
New York City
A · Start
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA
B · Finish
768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA
Start and finish only. Discover the stops as you play.
Along the way
Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included
The people behind the adventure
Created by Hailey Sprinkles.
A route that brings places and playful storytelling together.
Made by Hailey Sprinkles
WHAT MAKES A QUEST DIFFERENT
Your adventure, with a playful twist.
1 / 4
Experience
- This quest
- Discover places through stories and clues in the app
- Guided walking tour
- Hear stories and ask a guide questions
2 / 4
Pace
- This quest
- Pause for a photo, a café or a longer look
- Guided walking tour
- Usually follows the guide’s schedule
3 / 4
Company
- This quest
- Explore with your own people or on your own
- Guided walking tour
- Private and shared group tours are available
4 / 4
Guidance
- This quest
- Directions and challenges in the Questo app
- Guided walking tour
- Live interpretation from a guide
Features and terms vary by experience. Check the details before booking.
Good to know before you play
- Best during the day
- Kid friendly
- Best for couples
- Recommended activity for families
A little clarity before you go
Frequently asked questions
Is there a self-guided secret societies walk in NYC?
Yes. This quest leads you through Midtown Manhattan on your phone, telling stories of secret societies and urban legends at each stop while you play a young reporter and solve puzzles based on what is in front of you. There is no guide and no group to join.
Does the walk include a magic shop in Manhattan?
Yes. Tannen's Magic, New York's oldest magic shop, is the fourth stop on the route, reached after Grand Central, the New York Public Library and the Empire State Building. The route then continues to Herald Square and Bryant Park.
Where does it start and finish, and how long does it take?
It starts at Grand Central Station and finishes at The Plaza hotel, so it does not return to the start. The route covers 5.6 km past stops such as Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and St. Patrick's Cathedral, and most players take close to three hours.
Is it good for kids, and can we play as a group?
It is tagged as kid friendly and recommended for families, so it suits children who can manage around 5.6 km of walking and enjoy solving puzzles. One ticket covers the whole group playing together on the route.
Do we need to book a time, and can we take breaks?
No time slot is needed: you start whenever you like and can pause the game and continue later. The quest is played outdoors between landmarks and is best done during the day.
Is Secret Societies of Manhattan: Magic Hunt Walking Tour & Escape Game self-guided?
Yes. The Questo app guides you between locations without a tour guide or fixed departure. Start when it suits you and pause if needed.
Where does Secret Societies of Manhattan: Magic Hunt Walking Tour & Escape Game start and finish?
It starts at Grand central station, 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA and finishes at The Plaza - A Fairmont Managed Hotel, 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA. The route is approximately 5.6 km and includes 12 location-based puzzles.
How many accesses does our group need?
This classic quest sells access per device and player. Each person who wants to solve clues on their own phone needs their own access.
Keep exploring
Every quest. One year.
Explore the annual passGive them a story
A day out, gifted.
Explore Questo giftsKeep exploring New York City
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FANTASY ADVENTURE IN NEW YORK CITY
A story adventure played through New York City
Secret Societies of Manhattan: Magic Hunt Walking Tour & Escape Game is for players who want a fantasy, folklore or adventure story tied to a real-world route in New York City. It works best when the story and puzzles matter as much as the walk.
The route starts at Grand central station and finishes at The Plaza over 5.6 km, with 12 challenge locations. Typical duration: 106 min; 5.6 km walking route; 12 challenge locations
Choose this for a self-guided story mission outdoors. Choose a venue attraction when a contained indoor experience matters more. Playable languages: English.
