NYC Underground Subway Private Walking Tour

Overview

Explore the world’s largest subway system, the beating heart of the city that never sleeps. On this guided NYC subway tour you will discover the fascinating beginnings of the NYC subway, and explore spaces even the most seasoned commuter might not know about.

- Explore City Hall Park as the birthplace of the NYC subway system
- Learn about the comically short route of the mythical “Subway before the Subway,” Alfred Ely Beach’s Pneumatic Transit System
- See the architectural ghosts of the now nearly forgotten, and partially abandoned, Chambers Street station then nicknamed the “Grand Central of Downtown”
- Use the 6 train as your own time machine as you ride through abandoned subway stations
- Discover the remnants of Union Station as you learn about a hidden art installation thousands of riders walk by everyday

Guests will need one MetroCard swipe or OMNY tap to enter the subway.

All the stops on this tour are in stations which are publicly accessible.

City: New York City

Sun 22 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $140.00

Make a reservation

Sun 22 Dec

Starting at $140.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Guided walking tour with a native New Yorker!

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
We provide ear pieces to each participants so guests can hear the guides perfectly, even from a distance while maintaining social distancing.

What To Expect

Woolworth Building

We meet at the foot of what was once the world's tallest building

City Hall Park

You will learn about the creation of the very first NYC subway station while looking at visible remnants from City Hall park!

New York City Hall

We will see New York City Hall from City Hall Park and discuss its importance in the creation of the NYC Subway system

Brooklyn Bridge

We will see the Brooklyn at the beginning of the tour

Tweed Courthouse

We will walk by the famous Tweed Courthouse

The Municipal Building

Learn about the importance of this building in the creation of the NYC subway system!

Union Square

Explore the 14th St Union Square Subway Station

Show 4 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (5)

mscott2969

Aug 2022

Justin did a great tour, explained the history and walk us through all city hall and explain from the beginning how it all began. It was great tour, definitely booking another tour. Keep up the great work! It was awesome. I am a native New Yorker and it is always great to learn about the history of New York.

Response from Host

Sep 2022

Many thanks and glad you enjoyed your Underground Subway tour. My favorite reviews are from Native New Yorkers who learn more about their city. New York is always full of amazing secrets and hidden gems. Glad you join us to discover some in our subway system. Be well!

jamespD2352GM

Aug 2022

Did not care for our tour guides presentation. He spoke extremely fast never repeated the questions and had a pretty lackadaisical attitude. I would not recommend the tour in general. It's just too hot down there and too much time standing outside. I went on a tour yesterday of Grand Central terminal with John and that was excellent! John got a gratuity the gentleman's name today had only from remember got to thank you and that was it for me. Other people in the party as well were not extremely thrilled with the whole tour. Sorry for the review but I got to be honest.

Response from Host

Aug 2022

Hi James, please don't apologize for being honest. We always value feedback as it helps to make our tours and our guides better. I am very sorry you didn't enjoy your Underground Subway tour experience with us. The summer time is definitely a challenging time for this tour especially when it is hot both outside and in the subway system. I will be sure to speak to our guide about his presentation and please email us [email protected] so we can take additional steps to rectify the situation. I am lastly glad to hear you enjoyed your Grand Central tour with John. Take good care!

RayBannon

Jun 2022

The tour guide was knowledgeable and personable; he remembered the names of the people in the tour group. There is a lot of standing around at first, which might be bothersome to some people. The tour also focussed primarily on the part of the subway around City Hall/Chambers Street - I was left wondering what exists in other parts of the system. I knew the City Hall station was off-limits, but the glimpse of it (unfortunately, with the "artistry" of the graffiti artists) was pretty cool.

Response from Host

Jun 2022

My thanks for the review and for the feedback, we will share it with the guide for sure. And we are already working on keeping the beginning of the tour moving more than standing. It's striking that balance between the history you need to tell and the history you need to see. To your point about other areas of the subway system, we do offer a Underground Art in the Subway tour which covers a good deal of Manhattan and now we have a Brooklyn Subway tour which explores the more hidden elements of the Brooklyn end of the system. Thanks again and hope to see you again. Take care!