Afisha Life Homepage
New York City
Explore
Solo Travelers' Tours
Off the beaten track: Flatiron/Gramercy History Tour

Off the beaten track: Flatiron/Gramercy History Tour

Overview

Discover New York that tourists don't usually get to see. The tour starts in one of the oldest bars in New York famed by its literary history. A Prohibition-era speakeasy, it stayed open despite the law and survived in its original form.

We'll take a walk along the path not usually visited by tourists, where we'll see a private park and facades of private clubs. We'll get to a vantage point from which we'll be able to see some of New York's most fascinating buildings. I’ll share some of my favorite New York tales filled with daring, ambition, movie characters, love, murder, Prohibition, and ladies' skirts.

City: New York City

Sun 22 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $80.00

Make a reservation

Sun 22 Dec

Starting at $80.00

Make a reservation

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (103) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (113) Entry Tickets (47) Sporting Events (1) Good for Small Groups (6) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (41) Walking Tours (697) Outdoor Activities (20) Limitied Availability Tours (6) LGBT Friendly Tours (4) Family-friendly Activities (7) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (27) Travelers recommend (73) Good for Groups (8) Top Activities (18) Guided Audio Tours (3) Art, Culture & History (135) Attractions to explore (38)

What's Included

Get insider suggestions for live jazz, speakeasies, and hidden spots

Get a free NYC map for your further city exploration

See NYC highlights with a licensed NYC Guide

Enjoy the intimate atmosphere of a small group

Discover the city's fascinating history and culture

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff

What To Expect

Gramercy Park

The only private park in New York, it has a very interesting history which I'll tell you about. Also, it allows views to the glorious Chrysler Building. Irving Place is named after Washington Irving, a writer and a historian, known for "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" among other works.

The National Arts Club

One of the city's private clubs open for members only. We can admire its beautiful facade from the outside

Flatiron Building

One of the most picturesque buildings in New York City, it owes its unique appearance to its shape. Of course, there is more to its story than what meets the eye!

MetLife Building

The MetLife Tower used to be the tallest in the world in 1909. Also, look at those clocks!

Empire State Building

The most important building in NYC and one of the best known in the world. Our route will allow for some of the best views to the Empire State.

Madison Square Park

Lively city park which was the first home to the Madison Square Garden (thus, the name). The story of the second Madison Square Garden involves a beautiful woman, a love story and an actual murder.

Show 3 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Reviews (3)

S0f-2014

Jan 2020

Let me tell you – this was an unforgettable evening. I love New York City and love walking the streets of the city thinking about this fantastic place - so unique in the world. Experience with Iren brought many events and places into a new and a very interesting angle. Great idea to start with a drink in a club-like whiskey bar built on prohibition era views and experiences – with the list of cocktails from the 20th of 20th century to the modern days and walls covered with a full collection of whiskey bottles. Nice music, and Iren - a wonderful story teller showing us how America was built and how Manhattan became what it is, and what was it that made the early settlers drink, and what was it that brought the prohibition into law. And, of course, – how it affected our great city. After the drink we walked the same streets I often walked myself towards Madison Square Park and further to Gramercy Park seeing everything in a different light and understanding events that took place in 19th and 20th century that shaped our city. Incredible night views – Flatiron; MetLife Tower, New York Life – and stories, stories, and stories about them, making the city so alive. Gramercy Park – so mysterious and so full of the spirit of the city, with historical characters brought to life by Iren by the Mayor Lamps lights. Last stop – oldest (at least fighting for this title) bar in New York City – Pete’s tavern - where time stood still and where everything is at it was in 1864. And more stories about the bar crowd such a long time ago…

Regina9000

Jan 2020

I bought this tour for my husband (a history enthusiast) last year. We really enjoyed our tour with Iren. She shared many interesting facts and had a depth of knowledge on all of the subjects. Although I’m a native New Yorker, I uncovered new places that day...jazz bars I’ve walked by many times, but never knew were there. I also learned the history behind some monuments I also passed many times, but knew nothing about. The tour was intimate and personal, and included a visit to the iconic Pete’s Tavern. It felt like we were walking around the city with a longtime friend. I’d love to take another tour and see Iren again.

olilke

Jan 2020

It was not just a tour, it was an experience. I was fascinated with Iren's deep knowledge of the history of the city, literature, art, music. It never got dull, as the information was combined with interesting relevant stories and anecdotes. You could tell Iren loved the subject mater and was an expert in it. The place that she took us after the walk was a total surprise; I would have never known about it if it wasn't for Iren. And she can also dance (you'll see)! Will do it again and recommend to all!