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

Wed 20 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $35.00

Make a reservation

Wed 20 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)

Derek_M

Apr 2022

This tour was really fun and informative, and we had a great guide who was very knowledgeable. I live in NY but love local tourism and learning stories and history of the place I live. Among the many things I learned was that there was a devastating horse flu in 1872 that crippled the economy, and was an impetus to invest in public transport. I also enjoyed riding the loop at City Hall station and seeing the abandoned platform. Tip: Use your slow motion video setting to capture it.

Response from Host

Apr 2022

Derek I thank you for leaving this review and for sharing your tip. I actually tried it on a guide training yesterday and the slow motion setting looks AWESOME! Be well and thanks for joining us.

Rodolfo_R

Mar 2022

I grew up in NYC and still learn things about this city everytime I come back. Great tour and encourage it.

Response from Host

Apr 2022

Rodolofo my thanks for taking time to leave a review. NYC is always full of surprises. I'm happy you discovered some attending our Underground Subway Tour. Please be well and take care!

Philip_H

Mar 2022

An excellent insight into the NY subway origins by a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide who kept us interested through the wind, rain and snow. Really pleased we opted for this tour 👍👍

Response from Host

Mar 2022

Philip, we are pleased you opted for this tour as well and enjoyed it. Thanks for letting us know. Be well!