NYC: Night Out Prohibition History Bar and Speakeasy Tour

The "NYC: Night Out Prohibition History Bar and Speakeasy Tour" promises an immersive exploration of Midtown Manhattan’s vibrant nightlife. Participants can experience the city’s rich Prohibition-era past while visiting iconic bars and hidden speakeasies. With engaging stories from local guides, express entry, and a lively atmosphere, this 3-hour tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about New York’s history while enjoying drinks in an upscale casual setting. The tour’s highlight may very well be the fascinating insights into the city’s dark yet captivating past.

This experience made our article of 16 Most Highly Rated Drinking Tours In New York City.

Key Points

• This 3-hour guided tour explores Midtown Manhattan’s Prohibition-era history, visiting iconic bars, hidden speakeasies, and historic pubs.
• Participants can enjoy food, drinks, and an upscale casual atmosphere while learning about NYC’s captivating history, immigration, and politics.
• The tour covers approximately 1.5 miles of walking and requires a valid photo ID; it is not suitable for those under 21 or unable to walk for the duration.
• The tour offers free and express entry at each venue, with insights into the city’s past from expert local guides.
• With an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 102 reviews, the tour is praised for its engaging guides and excellent value for money.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The NYC Speakeasy Tour is a 3-hour guided adventure through Midtown Manhattan’s Prohibition-era history. Priced from $36 per person, this tour takes visitors to three iconic bars, hidden speakeasies, and historic pubs.

Guests can expect free and express entry at each venue, along with insights into NYC’s history, immigration, politics, and the Prohibition Era from expert local guides. The tour covers approximately 1.5 miles of walking and has an upscale casual dress code.

Reservations can be made in advance, with a free cancellation option up to 24 hours prior. Drinks and food are available for purchase during the tour.

Highlights of the Experience

Visitors on the NYC Speakeasy Tour can expect to gain free and express entry at each of the three iconic Midtown bars, hidden speakeasies, and historic pubs they’ll explore.

During the 3-hour experience, guests will:

Guests will learn about NYC’s captivating history, socialize with people from around the world, and enjoy food and drinks during the 3-hour experience.

• Learn about NYC’s captivating history, immigration, politics, and the Prohibition Era from expert local guides.

• Socialize and meet people from around the world while seeing the lively atmosphere.

• Enjoy the opportunity to purchase food and drinks, including beers and cocktails, at the venues.

The tour emphasizes an upscale casual dress code and isn’t suitable for those under 21 years old.

Itinerary Details

According to the itinerary details, the tour starts at 825 8th Ave in Manhattan, between 49th and 50th Streets. It finishes in Times Square, covering roughly 1.5 miles of walking.

Guests must dress in upscale casual attire, as the tour visits historic bars, pubs, lounges, and speakeasies. The starting point features a bike rack and a large American flag for easy identification.

Guests must be at least 21 years old and bring a valid photo ID, with non-U.S. citizens required to present a passport. The tour isn’t suitable for those unable to walk during the 3-hour experience.

What’s Included

The tour includes visits to three iconic bars, pubs, lounges, and speakeasies in Midtown Manhattan. Guests will:

• Gain free and express entry at each venue

• Learn about NYC history, immigration, politics, and the Prohibition Era from expert guides

• Have the opportunity to purchase food and drinks, including beers and cocktails

The tour also includes a walking component of approximately 1.5 miles, so guests must be able to walk during the tour.

Proper dress code is required, as no ripped clothing, flip flops, or tank tops are permitted.

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Important Information

As the tour isn’t suitable for individuals under 21 years of age, non-U.S. citizens must bring a valid passport, while U.S. citizens need to present a photo ID.

Guests must be able to walk during the tour, as it covers approximately 1.5 miles.

The meeting point features a bike rack and a large American flag for easy identification.

The dress code is upscale casual, with no ripped clothing, flip flops, or tank tops allowed.

Upscale casual attire is required, with no ripped clothing, flip flops, or tank tops permitted for the NYC Speakeasy Tour.

These requirements ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants in the NYC Speakeasy Tour.

Customer Reviews

Participants of the NYC Speakeasy Tour overwhelmingly praise the experience, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 102 reviews.

Guests highlight the following:

• Engaging and friendly guides who provide enjoyable experiences at the various bars visited.

• The tour’s excellent value for money, with a 4.4/5 rating.

• Specific mentions of having a great time at the speakeasies and historic pubs on the itinerary.

The tour’s exceptional ratings and positive customer feedback demonstrate its popularity and ability to deliver an immersive, entertaining, and educational exploration of New York City’s speakeasy history.

Exploring Midtown Bars and Speakeasies

Embarking on the NYC Speakeasy Tour, guests are immersed in the vibrant history and atmosphere of Midtown’s renowned bars, pubs, and speakeasies.

They’ll visit three iconic venues, gaining free and express entry at each. Along the way, expert guides share captivating stories of NYC’s Prohibition era, immigration, and politics.

The walking tour covers approximately 1.5 miles, showcasing the city’s unique architecture and landmarks. Guests are encouraged to dress in upscale casual attire, ready to socialize and meet people from around the world.

With a focus on providing an engaging and memorable experience, the tour offers a glimpse into Midtown’s storied past.

Learning About NYC’s Prohibition History

During the tour, guides regale guests with captivating tales of New York City’s tumultuous Prohibition era.

Guests learn about:

• The rise of speakeasies and underground bars that flourished despite the 18th Amendment banning the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages.

• How organized crime syndicates, such as the Five Families, controlled the illicit alcohol trade and used these hidden establishments as fronts for their operations.

• The clever ways patrons accessed speakeasies, including using secret passwords, hidden entrances, and intricate signaling systems to avoid detection by law enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tips for the Guide Expected?

Tips for the guide are generally expected on guided tours, though the specific expectation may vary. It’s a common practice to provide a tip to acknowledge the guide’s expertise and effort in providing a quality experience.

Can We Bring Outside Food or Drinks?

Guests are not allowed to bring outside food or drinks on the tour. All food and drinks must be purchased directly from the venues visited during the 3-hour experience. Outside consumption is prohibited for this type of guided bar and speakeasy tour.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not specifically wheelchair accessible. Guests must be able to walk during the tour, as it includes approximately 1.5 miles of walking. However, the meeting point features a bike rack, indicating accommodations may be available upon request.

Can We Switch Between Tour Groups?

Participants can’t switch between tour groups during the tour. The tour’s itinerary and logistics are designed for a specific group size, and allowing people to switch groups would disrupt the experience for everyone. The tour must be completed with the assigned group.

Are Photos and Videos Allowed During the Tour?

Photos and videos are generally allowed during the tour, though guests should be respectful of other participants and the venues visited. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific guidelines or restrictions on photography and filming.

The Sum Up

The "NYC: Night Out Prohibition History Bar and Speakeasy Tour" offers a unique glimpse into New York City’s vibrant past. Guests can expect an engaging and informative experience as they explore iconic bars and hidden speakeasies, seeing the city’s rich Prohibition-era history. With express entry, knowledgeable guides, and a lively atmosphere, this tour promises a memorable night out filled with drinks and fascinating insights into NYC’s captivating past.

You can check availability for your dates here: