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)

Eduardo B

Apr 2019

Very nice tour with an amazing guide. Would have liked to spend a little more time underground, but understand why that may be difficult.

Response from Host

Apr 2019

Thank you Eduardo!

sdg729

Mar 2019

Justin is not only an excellent presenter, but he is also supremely knowledgeable about all aspects of NYC history Both presenters pointed out both historic as well as artistic features that are hidden in plain sight throughout the transit system. It really raises one's awareness as to their surroundings. A fun and educational tour for even this seasoned and home grown New Yorker!

Response from Host

Mar 2019

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback! Really glad you enjoyed it!

Emily H

Mar 2019

This tour, co-conceptualized and led by Justin Rivers and Aaron Asis, was excellent! This is my second tour with Justin and I was not disappointed -- he is just as knowledgable about the history of the New York subway system as he was about Penn Station, and his enthusiasm is infectious. Aaron brings the same deep knowledge and enthusiasm about public art to the tour, encouraging tour-goers to see the artist's intention as well as reflect on their own participation in the artistic process. I will never ride the subway or wait on the platform the same way again, as I will constantly be on the lookout for art! Thanks so much -- highly recommended.

Response from Host

Mar 2019

Thank you so much Emily!