Brooklyn: Subway Secrets and Hidden Stations Private Tour

Explore the captivating world beneath the bustling streets of Brooklyn. This private tour promises an unparalleled exploration of the borough’s subway system, uncovering its oldest stations, abandoned tunnels, and the highest rapid transit platform in the world. Led by an expert guide, you will enjoy the rich history and hidden gems of the city’s underground, from intricate mosaics to filming locations that once inspired the King of Pop himself. With a flexible itinerary and comfortable attire, this unique adventure is poised to reveal Brooklyn’s most fascinating subway secrets.

Key Points

• Explore Brooklyn’s historic subway stations, featuring intricate tiled mosaics and vaulted ceilings that reflect the early 20th-century subway construction.
• Experience the world’s highest rapid transit station, Smith-9th Streets, with its 125-step escalator providing panoramic views of the surrounding neighborhood.
• Visit abandoned Nevins Street station and disused subway tunnels, offering a glimpse into the evolution of New York’s underground transportation system.
• Ride multiple subway lines, including the IRT, BMT, and IND systems, for a comprehensive understanding of the subway’s history and architecture.
• Discover the diverse public art projects, including vibrant murals and intricate mosaic designs, that enhance the subway experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring Brooklyn’s Oldest Subway Stations

The tour begins by exploring some of Brooklyn’s oldest subway stations, dating back to the early 20th century.

These historic stations, such as the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall station, feature intricate tiled mosaics, vaulted ceilings, and architectural elements that harken back to a bygone era.

Visitors can marvel at the ornate details and learn about the challenges faced during the construction of these early subway lines.

The tour also includes a visit to the Nevins Street lower-level station, which has been abandoned for decades, providing a unique glimpse into the subway’s past.

These stations offer a captivating window into New York City’s rich transportation history and the ingenuity of its early subway builders.

The Highest Rapid Transit Station

Although the Brooklyn subway system is known for its historic stations, one stop stands out as particularly remarkable – the Smith-9th Streets station.

This station, which serves the G and R lines, is the highest rapid transit station in the world, towering 88 feet above the streets below. Riders ascend an escalator spanning 125 steps to reach the platform, offering panoramic views of the surrounding neighborhood.

The station’s unique elevated design was a product of the subway’s expansion into Brooklyn, with engineers needing to navigate the borough’s hilly terrain.

Today, this lofty station remains a testament to the engineering ingenuity that shaped the city’s iconic transit network.

Abandoned Subway Stations and Tunnels

Beyond the record-breaking Smith-9th Streets station, the subway tour also explores a series of abandoned stations and tunnels that offer a glimpse into the city’s transit history.

The tour visits the lower-level Nevins Street station, which was closed in 1995 due to low ridership. Participants can wander through the eerie, dimly lit platforms and imagine the bustling activity that once filled these spaces.

Plus, the tour includes access to disused tunnels, providing a rare opportunity to witness the engineering feats that lie beneath the borough’s streets.

These abandoned spaces not only captivate the imagination but also showcase the evolution of New York’s intricate underground transportation network.

Multi-Line Subway Adventure

As participants embark on this captivating subway tour, they’ll have the opportunity to ride multiple train lines, including the 4/5, D, G, F, and R, which represent the three major subway companies – IRT, BMT, and IND.

This diverse experience allows them to witness the evolution of New York City’s subway system firsthand. From the historic IRT stations to the more modern BMT and IND lines, the tour showcases the architectural and design elements unique to each era.

Traversing these different routes provides a comprehensive understanding of the subway’s past, present, and future, offering a truly immersive journey through Brooklyn’s underground transportation network.

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Public Art Along the Way

The tour explores a diverse array of public art projects throughout the borough, allowing participants to appreciate the creative expressions that adorn the subway stations and tunnels.

From vibrant murals depicting local culture to intricate mosaic designs, the tour showcases the artistic talents that enliven the underground transit network.

Riders will marvel at the creative ways in which artists have transformed utilitarian spaces into captivating visual experiences.

Whether it’s admiring the striking geometric patterns at a station or discovering a hidden gem of a sculpture, the public art exploration adds an engaging artistic dimension to the subway journey.

Moonwalking in Michael Jackson’s Footsteps

One of the unique highlights of the Brooklyn Subway Secrets Tour is the opportunity for participants to practice the iconic moonwalk dance move at a specific location.

The tour guide, Rayn Riel, will lead the group to a section of the subway where Michael Jackson famously filmed the music video for his hit song "Bad".

Participants can channel their inner King of Pop and attempt the smooth, gliding backward steps that made the moonwalk one of the most recognizable dance moves in history.

This interactive experience allows tour-goers to:

• Recreate Michael Jackson’s legendary choreography
• Feel connected to the iconic pop culture moment
• Showcase their own moonwalking skills in a unique subway setting

Knowledgeable Guide and Adaptable Itinerary

Rayn Riel, the licensed and accredited urban planner leading the Brooklyn Subway Secrets Tour, brings a wealth of expertise to the experience.

With extensive knowledge of NYC subway history, architecture, and transit evolution, Riel offers a unique perspective on the borough’s hidden gems.

The tour’s itinerary is adaptable, allowing Riel to adjust based on train schedules and group needs.

Visitors can expect to ride multiple subway lines, including the IRT, BMT, and IND systems, and explore abandoned stations and tunnels like the Nevins St lower level.

Riel’s expertise and flexibility ensure an engaging and tailored experience for all participants, from families to local residents.

Meeting Point and Tour Requirements

Located outside the rear steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall, next to Joralemon Street, the meeting point for the Brooklyn Subway Secrets Tour provides a convenient starting point for participants.

To make the most of the tour, attendees are encouraged to wear:

• Comfortable shoes suitable for walking and navigating steps.
• Casual, weather-appropriate attire.
• Any necessary personal items or medications.

While the areas visited during the tour are open to the public, access to restricted subway areas isn’t included.

The guide is adept at tailoring the itinerary to train schedules and group needs, ensuring an engaging and informative experience for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is 15 participants. According to the tour overview, the price is discounted to $135.00 per group (up to 15 participants), indicating the maximum group size is 15.

Does the Tour Include Any Food or Refreshment Stops?

The tour does not include any food or refreshment stops. It is a 2-hour walking tour focused on exploring Brooklyn’s hidden subway stations and secrets without breaks for meals or drinks along the way.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for participants on this tour. The tour is open to all ages and families are welcome to join. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the 2-hour experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized or Personalized for Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized or personalized based on participants’ specific interests. The guide is able to adjust the itinerary to focus on areas of greatest interest, such as architecture, history, or unique subway features.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for This Tour?

The tour offers a 10% discount, bringing the price down to $135 per group. There are no other special offers or customization options available, but the guide can adjust the itinerary based on the group’s interests and needs.

Recap

This immersive subway tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Brooklyn’s rich transit history. From gazing at intricate mosaics to practicing the moonwalk in a cinematic filming location, you will be captivated by the hidden gems of the underground world. Led by the knowledgeable guide Rayn Riel, this unique exploration promises to unveil the city’s most remarkable subway secrets and hidden stations.

You can check if your dates are available here: