Explore the hidden secrets of New York’s Prohibition-era nightlife on this captivating guided walking tour. Explore the intriguing history of speakeasies as you visit several of the city’s clandestine drinking establishments, sampling specialty cocktails and spirits along the way. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this immersive 3-hour experience offers a unique glimpse into the city’s vibrant past, transporting you back to a time when alcohol was outlawed but still flowing freely. With a maximum of 7 participants, you’ll enjoy an intimate and exclusive tour – one that promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the city’s resilient spirit and its ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
Key Points
- This 3-hour guided walking tour in New York explores the history of Prohibition-era speakeasies, featuring cocktail and spirits tastings at various hidden venues.
- Participants can learn about the rise and fall of Prohibition in America and visit locations featured in popular shows like Boardwalk Empire.
- The tour includes knowledgeable guides, historical decor, and drinks served in Prohibition-era teacups, offering an immersive experience into New York’s past.
- The tour is available in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for international visitors and an enriching understanding of the era’s stories.
- The tour is limited to a maximum of 7 participants, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary and Experience
- Historical Insights
- Tour Inclusions and Restrictions
- Customer Feedback
- Pricing and Availability
- Meeting Point and Duration
- Languages Offered
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can We Bring Our Own Snacks or Drinks on the Tour?
- Are the Speakeasies Accessible for Individuals With Disabilities?
- Can We Take Video Recordings During the Tour?
- Are Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
- What Measures Are in Place for COVID-19 Safety Protocols?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in New York City
- More Walking Tours in New York City
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Tour Overview
This guided walking tour takes visitors to discover hidden speakeasies in New York City.
It lasts 3 hours and costs $39 per person, with a small group size limited to 7 participants.
Offered in multiple languages, the tour also provides the option for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Guests can reserve now and pay later.
The tour starts at Tompkins Square Park and visits three concealed bars, where participants can enjoy cocktail, wine, and spirits tastings for an immersive Prohibition-era experience.
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Itinerary and Experience
The tour begins at the Tompkins Square Park entrance on E9th Street and Avenue A, across from Doc Hollidays.
Participants will visit three concealed bars and speakeasies in Lower Manhattan. The first stop involves a cocktail and spirits tasting for an hour.
Next, they’ll enjoy a wine and cocktail tasting for another hour.
The final stop features a beer, cocktail, and spirits tasting, also lasting an hour.
The tour concludes at 103 Norfolk St., a venue featured in the TV show Boardwalk Empire, where participants can experience historical decor and drinks served in teacups from the Prohibition era.
Historical Insights
The tour also provides historical insights into the Prohibition era in the United States. Guests will learn about this pivotal period from cross-referenced academic sources.
The tour includes collaboration with New York City Hall and the New York City Hall of Records, ensuring authenticity.
Highlights of the historical insights include:
- Stories and facts about the rise and fall of Prohibition in America
- Visits to venues featured in popular shows like Boardwalk Empire
- Exploration of how speakeasies operated during the Prohibition years
Through these engaging historical elements, the tour offers a unique window into New York City’s past and the intriguing world of Prohibition-era speakeasies.
Tour Inclusions and Restrictions
The tour package includes a knowledgeable guide, a walking tour through the hidden speakeasies, a selection of food and drinks, and gratuities. However, the tour is not suitable for individuals under 21 years of age. Participants must bring a valid passport or ID card as proof of age. Plus, the tour has a dress code – no sleeveless shirts, sportswear, or gym clothing are allowed, although dress-up shorts are accepted. Outside drinks are prohibited, and flash photography is not permitted, though regular photography is allowed.
| Tour Inclusions | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Knowledgeable guide | Minimum age: 21 years |
| Walking tour | Valid ID required |
| Food and drinks | No sleeveless shirts or sportswear |
| Gratuities | No outside drinks |
| No flash photography |
Customer Feedback
Customers have provided an overall rating of 4 out of 5 for the Guided Walking Tour to Hidden Speakeasies based on 3 reviews.
Travelers highlighted the knowledgeable and friendly guides as positive aspects of the experience. Many expressed a willingness to repeat the tour, indicating their satisfaction.
The tour’s key attractions include:
- Visiting historical venues with Prohibition-era decor and drinks served in tea cups
- Learning about Prohibition history in the U.S. from cross-referenced academic sources
- Exploring a venue featured in the TV show Boardwalk Empire
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Pricing and Availability
The Guided Walking Tour to Hidden Speakeasies is priced from $39.00 per person. This 3-hour walking tour offers a small group experience, with a maximum of 7 participants. The tour is available in several languages, including English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as the reserve now & pay later option.
| Duration | Group Size | Languages |
|---|---|---|
| 3 hours | Limited to 7 | English, French, German, Italian, Spanish |
Guests will visit three concealed bars/speakeasies in Lower Manhattan, with tastings of cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits throughout the experience. The tour also includes historical insights and collaboration with New York City Hall for authenticity.
Meeting Point and Duration
The tour kicks off at the entrance to Tompkins Square Park on E9th Street and Avenue A, just across from Doc Hollidays.
The 3-hour guided walking adventure takes guests to three hidden speakeasies in Lower Manhattan.
Along the way, you’ll:
- Enjoy a cocktail and spirits tasting at the first stop
- Savor wine and cocktails at the second location
- Indulge in beer, cocktails, and spirits at the final venue
The tour culminates at 103 Norfolk St, where you’ll explore historical bars with Prohibition-era decor and sip drinks served in teacups.
Languages Offered
Available languages for the guided walking tour to hidden speakeasies include English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. This ensures the tour is accessible to a wide range of international visitors.
Whether you’re a native English speaker or prefer exploring the city in your mother tongue, the knowledgeable guides can provide an engaging and immersive experience tailored to your linguistic needs.
The multilingual option allows travelers to fully appreciate the historical insights and stories shared throughout the 3-hour tour, enriching their understanding of New York’s Prohibition-era speakeasies.
This inclusive approach guarantees a memorable and informative outing for guests from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Bring Our Own Snacks or Drinks on the Tour?
No, outside drinks are not allowed on the tour. The tour inclusions specifically state that "No outside drinks allowed" to ensure a consistent experience for all participants.
Are the Speakeasies Accessible for Individuals With Disabilities?
The speakeasies may not be fully accessible, as the tour involves visiting historical venues with Prohibition-era decor. However, the tour company encourages guests with disabilities to contact them in advance to discuss any accessibility needs.
Can We Take Video Recordings During the Tour?
According to the tour information, flash photography is prohibited, but regular photography is allowed. However, the tour guidelines do not mention whether video recording is permitted during the tour.
Are Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or students. The standard adult price of $39 per person applies, regardless of age or student status. There are no special pricing options available for this experience.
What Measures Are in Place for COVID-19 Safety Protocols?
The tour requires participants to wear masks and maintain social distancing. Hand sanitizer is provided, and the group size is limited to ensure safety protocols are followed. Tour policies may change based on evolving COVID-19 guidelines.
New York: Guided Walking Tour to Hidden Speakeasies
Recap
This guided walking tour through New York’s hidden speakeasies offers a unique and immersive experience, transporting participants back to the Prohibition era. With a knowledgeable guide, attendees can enjoy delightful cocktails, spirits, wine, and beer while learning about the intriguing history of vintage New York nightlife. A maximum of 7 participants ensures a personalized and intimate experience, making it a must-do for anyone interested in the city’s captivating past.
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