New York City Tours
The Bowery Official Historic District Tour
5

The Bowery Official Historic District Tour

By Tommy's New York
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About
Join us on a journey through over four centuries as we walk down NYC’s oldest street! Originally a Native American footpath and Dutch farm road, site of the first free Black homesteads, it witnessed gang wars, the bloody Astor Place Riot, & Lincoln’s famous anti-slavery speech at Cooper Union. It was the working-class main street for sailors, shopgirls, gangs, gays, and waves of immigrant Irish, Italians, Germans, Jews, and Chinese. NYC’s first entertainment district, it has seminal links to tap dance, vaudeville, Yiddish theater, Houdini, Stephen Foster, Irving Berlin, Mae West, modern tattooing, Abstract Expressionism, Beat literature, improvisational jazz and punk rock. Though it declined in the 1900s, when flop houses and dive bars proliferated, it nonetheless became home to affordable jewelry, lighting, and restaurant supply stores, and a live-work home for artists like Marc Rothko, Maya Lin, William Burroughs, Robert Frank, and Debbie Harry.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 4-99, max of 50 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Sightseeing Guide
What's not included
  • Gratuity


Start:
  • Confucius Plaza, 1-9 Bowery, New York, NY 10002, USA
    Please meet in front of the Confucius Statue on corner of Bowery and Division Streets
End:
  • 7 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
    Tour ends at the Cooper Union Foundation Building

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 41393P10

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 41393P10

From
$38.00
per adult
Select date and travelers

Similar experiences

Itinerary
  • 1-9 Bowery, New York, NY 10002, USA
    Please meet in front of the Confucius Statue on corner of Bowery and Division Streets
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 7 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
    Tour ends at the Cooper Union Foundation Building
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
  • Tommy's New York
    1,731
    New York City, New York
    Joined in June 2016
  • Relax01096926307
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dead Guys !!!!
    Very Epic Sauce. Got to see A Bunch of Dead Guys. They were Very Dead and Stuff. Shoutout to Marlene for being Super Epic. Yeah
    Written October 11, 2024
  • H9926VYshellyh
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Got what we were hoping for!
    Very informative and interesting tour. Our guide, Lee, did a very nice job of telling stories and history and also answering questions. A very small and intimate group so we enjoyed that.
    Written October 8, 2024
  • micheledH8546SK
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you love little Italy. . .
    Ramona is an energetic, lively, likeable, and knowledgeable character who adds to the fun experience with her charming, period hand made costume.
    Written October 8, 2024
  • Y8526MHfernandos
    0 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not very interesting
    These aren't catacombs in the strict sense of the word; this is a crypt. You'll visit the church graveyard for around an hour and then 15 minutes in the crypt. While the guide knows a lot many of this storied ended with: but we don't know. This is only worth doing if you have visited everything else in New York and don't know what to do within a couple of hours.
    Written October 7, 2024
  • fabianmuench
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Charming and a lot to learn
    Lee gave us an absolute charming and interesting tour through the catacombs! We learned a lot about the history of the church and the district.
    Written September 25, 2024
  • 353marionz
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Local Guide
    The tour was very well designed and Jim, as a local, was able to tell us a lot about the area and life in New York. I can only recommend this tour.
    Written September 23, 2024
  • CaliforniaFangirl
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    ein besonderer Tourguide
    a very extraordinary tour, a very friendly guide, more than we expected. Lots of information about the area and the cemetery. We could never have seen that ourselves.
    Written September 22, 2024
  • 74merc_s
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating Journey Through New York’s Hidden History
    The Catacombs by Candlelight tour took us deep into the rich history of New York through the iconic Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. The tour lasted about an hour and a half and was packed with fascinating historical details that brought the city’s past to life. Our guide, Lee, was an absolute enthusiast! His passion and knowledge about the history of the cathedral and its importance in shaping New York City were contagious. From the early beginnings of the Irish community to the significance of this beautiful basilica, Lee made sure we understood every layer of history. He masterfully wove together stories of faith, resilience, and the diverse immigrant experience. The tour ends with a visit to the catacombs, an eerie yet captivating part of the city's heritage that not many people get to see. Lee's narration added depth to the experience, making it even more memorable. Overall, if you're a history buff or just curious about New York’s hidden treasures, this tour is a must-do. The atmosphere, the storytelling, and the unique locations all come together to create a truly unforgettable experience. Highly recommended!
    Written September 19, 2024
  • maryjoh2017
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic tour
    What a great tour! Ronny shared so much fascinating information- I learned a ton of really interesting facts. Old St Patrick’s Cathedral is beautiful and I’ve never see catacombs before - very cool experience.
    Written September 7, 2024
  • scotchandash
    0 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Guide was the highlight.
    This was very boring. It was hardly anything to see, not like you'd expect. The best thing was our tour guide. He was hilarious and very entertaining. The highlight of the entire thing.
    Written September 2, 2024
  • 635gwena
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Catacombs history in nyc
    Very informative bout some history of nyc. Our tour guide Leslie answered all the questions everyone had. She also shared info she had received from previous visitors who toured.
    Written September 1, 2024
  • Flyer44596116536
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unique and intimate experience
    Small group on this tour when we attended. Marlene hosted and she could not be more knowledgeable. She provided a lot of historical information and it was as though she were giving you a first hand account of a her experience. Beneath the basilica the catacombs are quite intimate, almost as though the buried were family. Serene by candlelight it was a unique and moving experience, oh and I’m not Catholic. Highly recommend this tour and Marlene as your hostess.
    Written August 31, 2024
  • roisinm874
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely amazing
    The tour guide Jimmy was an absolute delight. He made the tour so interesting and enjoyable. He was knowledgeable and you can tell he was passionate about the history. I learned a lot and really enjoyed my day!
    Written August 22, 2024
  • raphaell464
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very good
    I had a guided tour alone with Ramona. She has an excellent command of her subject, and the tour was very rewarding. I highly recommend her.
    Written August 14, 2024
  • Mgjboivin
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Thanks Lee!
    Found this tour in the Go City app and decided to try it. Our tour guide Lee really made this a fun experience. He gave us some history and context that made the tour a lot more interesting. It was not what I expected but I recommend it.
    Written August 11, 2024
See all 1,731 reviews
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles8 reviews
Excellent
8
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0
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0
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0
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These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

Mike D
New York2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Couples
We had been meaning to take this tour for a while, and it didn't disappoint! Ramona was a fantastic tour guide and tailored the tour to our interests, using specialty knowledge of hers (music publishing and entertainment history). It would have taken extensive research to find out some of the things we learned on this tour, and instead we had a nice day outside! Thanks Ramona!
Written July 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kara S
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
Amazing tour!! Ramona was a fantastic guide and so incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. So much fascinating history we would not have otherwise learned! Highly recommend!
Written March 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Getawayfromitall67
London, UK14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Solo
Ramona was an excellent guide. Knowledgeable, interesting, accommodating. It was only me on the tour in the end (it was very cold). She answered all my question and I had a lovely afternoon.
Written February 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tom C
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Solo
This tour does the Bowery justice! The guide was very in depth and well researched. You won't regret taking this tour and having plenty of lesser known history to tell your friends.
Written October 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Melanie J
Wegberg, Germany6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2024 • Couples
We did the Bowery Tour with Ramona as our guide.
Ramona is enthusiastic and takes you on an exciting journey to historic New York.
Highly recommended !
Automatically translated
Written September 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

The Bowery Official Historic District Tour provided by Tommy's New York

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