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)

Giraffe66

Sep 2022

I cannot say enough about our guide, who's name I have sadly forgotten. We took the tour on Wed., September 7, 2022, so if our guide is reading this, my apologies! We were the couple from Canada; the only other two people on the tour were from Portland, Oregon. Our guide was a walking encyclopedia of information pertaining to the NYC subway system. We learned how the subway came to be, and what came before it, who built it and the battle between "new" and "old" NY money, which is a common theme in the HBO series "Enlightened". We learned how different lines were built by different investors, and how they eventually combined to become what exists today. We learned that the original City Hall station was/is extremely opulent, with skylights, tile, coloured glass tile work and brass chandeliers. Sadly, it is closed to the public, but you can view it by 1) Becoming a member of the New York Transit Museum; and 2) Submitting government ID at least 72 hours before the date of the tour. I wish we lived in NYC because I would jump through these hoops to see it; the photos that our guide showed us were spectacular. Even though we could not see the original City Hall station, we were shown tile work and tile pictures on various station walls that have significant historical meaning. We were also given tips on what to look for when riding the MTA. We highly recommend this tour.

Response from Host

Sep 2022

Wow what an amazingly thorough review! Your guide's name was AJ and I shared your review with him. I thank you and am so glad you enjoyed our Underground Subway tour with him. Safe travels back to Canada and take good care!

Ying_H

Sep 2022

Alexis did a great job providing a fun and educational tour of the NYC subway. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend it!

Response from Host

Sep 2022

Hi Ying, thanks a million for this review and we'll be sure to share your kind words with Alexis. Be well!

11ko11

Jul 2022

My 10 year old and I had a fabulous time uncovering the secrets and incredible history of the subway. I’m a native New Yorker and my son is obsessed with the subway and we both learned so much! Our tour guide’s energy and passion were infectious. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone, even locals.

Response from Host

Jul 2022

What an amazing review. So glad you and your 10 year old enjoyed our Subway tour with AJ. You’re right his energy and passion are infectious. Our thanks and be well!