We will be in Manhattan during Thanksgiving week, and would like recommendations for guided walking tours that last 2 or 3 hours. We are especially interested in architecture and history tours, and will have a couple of young teens with us. Any feedback on especially good (or bad) tours is appreciated. Thanks!

Try Big Apple Greeters (volunteers who show you their own neighborhoods) for something that can be much better than the standaard group walking tour

Also take a look at Big Onion Walking tours http://www.bigonion.com and the tours offered by Municipal Art Society http://www.mas.org/Events/tours.cfm

If you use Big Apple Greeters, be sure to (1) apply far in advance, ilke NOW; and (2) discuss your plans and expectations thoroughly with your guide. I had a major miscommunication with mine and thus a disappointing experience.

Info on free walking tours
http://newyorkmetro.com/urban/guides...lkingtours.htm

Big Apple Greeters is a great concept - but - I booked a tour two months before my last trip to New York, confirmed it by phone a week before departure, only to receive a last minute message (very apologetic) that there wasn't a tour guide available. I had every confidence, considering the confirmation, that the tour would be a go despite some negative Fodorites comments re BAG so I was quite disappointed. I would try them again because I think it's a great idea but I would be sure to have a back-up plan in place just in case.

And - I ended up finding a Big Onion 2-hour walking tour of Harlem that was scheduled during the time I was in the city and it was excellent - very informative especially regarding history and architecture. Sounds like exactly what you'd be looking for since the guides have history degrees and/or similar knowledge. Check out their site: www.bigonion.com for more info. Good luck and have a great time.

Not exactly history oriented, but I really enjoyed the food tasting walking tour of the village.

http://www.foodsofny.com/gvtour.html

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'll post a walking tour review after we return.

My daughters and I did the walking tour with Big Apple Greeters. Our host was quite gracious and informative, and tailored the walk to our interests, stamina, and the rainy weather. We toured the Chrysler Building, Rockefller Center, and the nearby area. The hidden gem was the old Bowery Savings Bank Building, which is now the restaurant Cipriani. It is a temple to commerce, with a sixty foot arched entry way, and beautiful decor inside. We never would have even known about it had we been on our own. So thanks to the posters who recommended that we try this free service!