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)

aaronthegirl

Sep 2018

I took my father on the subway tour and we both loved it. Having lived in the city for 10 years, we take for granted what we walk by every day. Mandy was so knowledgeable and very personable. She peaked our curiosity for more. I highly recommend this!!!

Response from Host

Aug 2019

Thanks a lot!

vlahauna

Sep 2018

Lots of information was provided but was very hard to hear due to the noise and the very large group. (17 people was way too big for this tour...it should have been half). Tour guide was nice and spoke quite a bit on the history of the subway but that was 75% of the "tour" and would have been better to sit in a cafe to hear her better.

Response from Host

Aug 2019

That's great feedback thank you very much! We have since limited the size of this tour to 10 guests max in order for everyone to hear the guide correctly... as the NYC subway is indeed a noisy environment! Thanks again, we appreciate the feedback

Catherine F

Jul 2018

Definitely would recommend this tour to native New Yorkers and visitors alike. Being from NYC, I know surprisingly little about its history and the cool buildings and artifacts I pass by every day. Our tour guide, Mandy, was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and maneuvered us around the subway with ease (despite all the noise and people).

Response from Host

Jul 2018

Thank you Catherine!