NEW YORK CITY HISTORY TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 new york city history tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Review of NYC’s three-hour speakeasy tour, with Prohibition stories, historic bars, cocktail costs, meeting tips, and honest booking advice.
“This was a really fun tour, the cocktails at all the bars were incredible. Walter was a great tour guide, helpful, well informed and fun! Had a great time on this tour, would 100% recommend.”
Explore Hamilton and Washington’s New York through an engaging three-hour walk from Bowling Green to Trinity Church.
“Bruce exceeded all our expectations. He made the experience personal based on the needs of the group. I would HIGHLY recommend this tour to anyone interested in the history of NYC and our country. He gave us loads of extra information and sources to expand our learning experience. Could not be happier that we chose this tour.”
Explore NYC Chinatown through dim sum, Peking duck, local history, and five generous tastings on this three-hour walking tour.
“Our guide was so engaging and entertaining! Learned so much , the food was terrific .such a great day”
Explore Tribeca’s architecture, 300 years of history, cast-iron buildings, celebrity lore, and the Ghostbusters firehouse on a small-group walk.
“We had a terrific time on the tour. Mehgan was an animated guide with a wealth of information on the area. Of course we would have walked right by some interesting buildings and history without noticing many of the details. Highly recommended from someone who is usually not too enthusiastic about tours. Good to take the tour early in your stay if you are a visitor as there are good lunch and dinner suggestions”
Explore Midtown bars and speakeasies while learning New York Prohibition and immigrant history on a lively three-hour night tour.
“Jenna was a great host, really enjoyed learning about the prohibition era and the history of the speakeasy’s. Would have liked to have met either in the first bar or nearer to it. Drinks were expensive, around $20 each per bar. All being said we had a fabulous night and would recommend the tour ☺️”
Explore Lower Manhattan’s biggest stories on a small-group walking tour with Brooklyn Bridge views, 9/11 reflection, and New York pizza.
“My wife and I happened to be the only ones signed up for our time slot, so we ended up getting a private tour with the one and only, Meghan Sara! Whether you’re from out of town or not, this is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Highly recommend and we’ll definitely do it again :)”
Walk Lower Manhattan’s African American history, from the African Burial Ground to Underground Railroad sites, with a thoughtful guide.
“Such an informative tour! Maia taught our group a lot about African American history spanning back to the formation of New Amsterdam all the way to the African Burial Ground National Monument. Definitely a must-see for anyone visiting or living in New York!”
Explore Harlem’s music, church, and civil rights history on a lively two-hour walking tour with Sunday gospel and local guides.
“amazing guide, countless interesting facts about harlem and its historical & cultural significance. would definitely recommend this tour!!”
Explore Little Italy mob history, from Lucky Luciano to John Gotti, on a small-group walking tour with crime scenes and film locations.
“Very interesting and comprehensive information about the mafia, it’s precursors and current activities. Very knowledgeable guide, walk well structured along the historical development. Includes places of and information on the Godfather and Sopranos films.”
Explore Central Park by private pedicab with local stories, movie sites, photo stops, and optional American Museum of Natural History entry.
“Brilliant i was there with my ten year old son and our guide Max, was really fun and informative,shared a lot of good information, and really made the trip fun for both of us, he explained so well all the attractions around the movies so this is definitely one of the highlights for us. Thank you Max :)”
Taste pizza, bagels, coffee, and pastries while exploring Flatiron and Union Square on a small-group New York food tour.
“Loved this tour because it was a new part of NYC I have visited before. I now have a new appreciation for this neighborhood and the great places to eat when in the Flatiron Neighborhood.”
Walk through New York’s rock history, from Dylan and Hendrix to CBGB, the Fillmore East, album covers, and the White Horse Tavern.
“We really felt that the guide was knowledgeable the music scene in NY. We enjoyed the circuit, passing by different music periods and artists spots”
Explore Greenwich Village comedy landmarks, hear NYC stand-up stories, and receive free show options on this lively 75-minute walking tour.
“Fantastic! I learned a lot. I enjoyed the stops and neighborhood walk. Joe’s great.”
Explore Manhattan’s radical past by bike, from Yiddish anarchists to Beatnik Greenwich Village, with a local guide and snack stop.
“Our guide Robert was sick so he arranged his friend Kevin who is also a guide. This guy was amazing. He really listened to us and our expectations and showed us the ‘other’ New York as requested. Really enjoyed it very much. Get well soon Robert and many thanks to Kevin. Keep up the good work guys.”
Taste the Lower East Side on a three-hour food tour featuring Katz’s, Chinatown dumplings, Dominican breakfast, bagels, pickles, and doughnuts.
“Guide was outstanding. Great knowledge of history of the area and shared an interest in food with all of the people on the tour. Took my 11 and 13 year-old boys and they had a great time.”
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