New York’s Prohibition-era history comes alive on this guided walking tour to hidden speakeasies in Lower Manhattan. Participants can explore three concealed bars, sipping expertly crafted cocktails in vintage teacups. With skip-the-line access and a small group size, the tour provides personalized commentary about the fascinating past of these historic establishments. What secrets lie behind the doors of these clandestine watering holes? Uncover the intriguing history of New York’s secretive drinking culture on this immersive 3-hour adventure.

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Key Points

Discover hidden speakeasies in Lower Manhattan during a 3-hour guided walking tour.
Enjoy cocktails and learn about the history of Prohibition while skipping the lines at the venues.
Visit historically accurate establishments, including one featured in the TV series "Boardwalk Empire."
Sip drinks served in tea cups, reflecting the Prohibition-era practices.
Flexible payment options, a free cancellation policy, and a limited group size of 7 participants ensure a personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This New York walking tour takes participants on a journey to discover hidden speakeasies in Lower Manhattan.

The 3-hour experience is priced from $39 per person and is limited to 7 participants. Tours are offered in multiple languages, with the meeting point at Tompkins Square Park.

A 3-hour walking tour exploring hidden speakeasies in Lower Manhattan, limited to 7 participants and starting at Tompkins Square Park.

Highlights include enjoying cocktails, learning about Prohibition history, and accessing speakeasies with skip-the-line privileges.

The itinerary covers three hidden bars, offering a variety of drinks and guided commentary.

Flexible booking and free cancellation policies are available, though a dress code and age limit apply.

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Experience Highlights

While on the guided walking tour, participants can discover hidden bars and speakeasies in Lower Manhattan.

The experience highlights include:

Enjoying cocktails while learning about Prohibition history.
Skipping the line to access venues and securing the best seating.
Visiting historically accurate establishments, including one featured in "Boardwalk Empire."
Sipping drinks served in tea cups, a nod to Prohibition-era practices.

The tour provides an immersive journey through New York’s illicit past, offering a unique and engaging way to explore the city’s hidden speakeasy culture.

Itinerary

The guided walking tour starts at the entrance of Tompkins Square Park on E9th Street and Avenue A, across from Doc Hollidays.

The first stop is a hidden bar where guests enjoy cocktails and learn about Prohibition history, lasting around 1 hour.

Next, the group visits another concealed venue, spending an hour sampling cocktails, spirits, and taking a short walk.

The final hidden bar features beer, cocktails, and spirits, concluding the 3-hour experience at 103 Norfolk St.

Throughout the tour, guests skip the line and receive the best seating at the historically accurate establishments.

Booking Information

How does one go about booking this guided walking tour to hidden speakeasies in New York? The tour offers flexible payment options, allowing you to reserve your spot without upfront payment.

Plus, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring you can get a full refund if your plans change.

To book, you’ll need to bring a valid passport or ID card. The tour also features a limited group size of 7 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

To book this tour:

Select your preferred date and time.
Provide your payment information, or choose to pay later.
Ensure you have a valid passport or ID card.
Review the important notes for the tour.

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Important Notes

This tour isn’t suitable for individuals under 21 years of age.

This tour is restricted to guests 21 and older due to the nature of the speakeasies visited.

Dress code is smart casual – no sleeveless shirts, flash photography, or sportswear. Dress shorts are acceptable.

The tour occurs rain or shine, so guests should dress accordingly. No outside drinks are allowed, as cocktails and beverages are served at the speakeasies.

The tour has a 4/5 rating based on 3 reviews, highlighting the quality of the expert guide.

Guests should bring a valid passport or ID card to access the hidden bars.

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Exploring Hidden Bars and Speakeasies

As participants embark on the guided walking tour, they’ll discover a hidden world of Prohibition-era speakeasies tucked away in Lower Manhattan.

The tour promises:

Skip-the-line access to the best seating at historically accurate establishments, including one featured in "Boardwalk Empire."
Cocktails served in tea cups, a nod to the clandestine practices of the Prohibition era.
Guided exploration of concealed venues, accompanied by detailed history on the speakeasies’ origins and operations.
The opportunity to savor a variety of drinks, from cocktails to spirits and beer, while seeing the illicit atmosphere of the past.

The History of Prohibition in New York

The Prohibition era in New York City was a tumultuous period marked by a complex interplay of law, crime, and social change. From 1920 to 1933, the 18th Amendment banned the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages, but failed to curb the public’s thirst for liquor.

Speakeasies, hidden bars that illegally served alcohol, sprung up across the city, catering to a lively underground culture. Mobsters and bootleggers capitalized on the lucrative black market, while law enforcement struggled to enforce the unpopular law.

The repeal of Prohibition in 1933 ended this era of illicit drinking, but its impacts on New York’s social fabric endured.

What to Expect on the Tour

Participants on the Guided Walking Tour to Hidden Speakeasies can expect an immersive, historical experience that transports them back to the Prohibition era.

The tour includes:

Skip-the-line access to historically accurate establishments, including one featured in "Boardwalk Empire."
Cocktails served in tea cups, a nod to Prohibition-era practices.
Guided history and commentary at each hidden bar, providing insights into the underground drinking culture.
The opportunity to visit three different concealed venues, each offering a unique atmosphere and selection of drinks.

The tour lasts 3 hours and covers Lower Manhattan, showcasing the city’s speakeasy legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Bars?

The tour does not allow flash photography inside the bars. Guests are advised to dress appropriately and refrain from wearing sportswear or sleeveless shirts. The experience occurs rain or shine, so visitors should plan accordingly.

Will There Be a Chance to Use the Restroom During the Tour?

Yes, there will be opportunities to use the restroom during the tour. The tour itinerary allows for stops at each venue, providing guests with access to restroom facilities as needed throughout the 3-hour experience.

Are the Hidden Bars Wheelchair Accessible?

The accessibility of the hidden bars is not explicitly stated in the tour overview. While some may be wheelchair-accessible, others may have limited mobility access due to their concealed and historic nature. It’s best to inquire with the tour operator for specific details.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Beverages?

No, outside snacks and beverages are not allowed on the tour. The experience includes access to hidden bars and speakeasies, where guests are served cocktails, spirits, and beer as part of the guided experience.

Do You Offer a Vegetarian/Vegan Food Option?

The tour does not offer a vegetarian or vegan food option. The experience focuses on visiting hidden speakeasies and enjoying cocktails, spirits, and beers. Outside food and beverages are not permitted during the tour.

The Sum Up

This guided walking tour offers an immersive experience into New York’s Prohibition-era history. Participants will visit three hidden speakeasies, enjoy vintage cocktails, and learn about the city’s secretive drinking culture. With skip-the-line access and a small group size, the tour provides an exclusive and personalized journey through this fascinating aspect of the past.