NYC Underground Subway 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

Tue 19 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $35.00

Make a reservation

Tue 19 Nov

Starting at $35.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Ear pieces provided to each guests ensuring everyone hears the guide perfectly

Guided walking tour with a native New Yorker!

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
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
Temperature checks for travellers upon arrival
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

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!

Brooklyn Bridge

We will see the Brooklyn at the beginning of the tour

The Municipal Building

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

Union Square

Explore the Union Square subway station and its surprising Art installation

Show 1 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (158)

Marijo_T

Apr 2022

Incredibly informative tour! I learned a lot about the origins of NYC subway. Untapped NY was also incredibly kind and understanding when I was experiencing delays on the subway getting to the tour!

Response from Host

Apr 2022

Marijo, we are glad you enjoyed the tour and happy you were able to join us even with the delays. No one knows better about the pitfalls of subway delays than we do :) Be well!

Jeffrey_F

Apr 2022

My wife, sister-in-law, and I had a wonderful experience taking the tour. The guide, A.J., was very informative and enthusiastic so I enjoyed learning about the history of the subway system. He answered all of the questions that were asked and was not stumped once. The visuals were helpful to get a good idea of how things were compared to now. The information about the stations we visited were very interesting as well. Luckily, we were able to experience the surprise ending. I highly recommend this tour for subway and history buffs.

Response from Host

Apr 2022

Jeffery I'm so glad you enjoyed your experience with AJ on our Underground Subway Tour. The hidden gems on that tour surprise even the most seasoned NYC commuter. Take good care and thanks!

RobinJJ944

Apr 2022

Very informative; like a history lesson. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, and explained things well, answering all our questions too.

Response from Host

Apr 2022

Robin my thanks for this amazing review. Glad you enjoyed your experience on the subway tour. It's always an unexpected delight to know there are fun things to see and learn in the subway system. Be well!