NYC: Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour

New York City’s storied past as a hub of Prohibition-era speakeasies and bootlegging operations continues to captivate visitors. The "Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour" promises an immersive journey through this captivating chapter, taking participants from Midtown to Times Square. With exclusive access, period-inspired cocktails, and engaging storytelling, this 3-hour guided experience offers a chance to uncover the hidden histories and intriguing characters that shaped a tumultuous, yet fascinating, era in the city’s history.

This experience made our article of Which New York City Historical Tours To Choose? We Rank The 16 Best.

Key Points

• This 3-hour guided tour explores the Gilded Age and Prohibition history in New York City, with a focus on historic bars, speakeasies, gangsters, and bootleggers.
• Participants can enjoy skip-the-line access to hidden speakeasies from the Prohibition era and an optional tasting of period-inspired cocktails and craft beverages.
• The engaging storytelling by the live tour guide brings the history of gangsters and bootleggers to life, with an in-depth exploration of Prohibition’s origins, consequences, and demise.
• The tour starts in Midtown Manhattan and ends in Times Square, and valid photo ID is required for entry to the speakeasies, as the tour is restricted to individuals 21 and over.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 406 reviews, with positive feedback on the guides’ engagement, storytelling abilities, and the value for money.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The NYC Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour is a 3-hour guided experience that takes participants on a journey through the Gilded Age and Prohibition-era history of New York City.

The tour starts in Midtown Manhattan and ends in Times Square. Tickets are likely to sell out, with prices starting from $36 per person.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Participants can reserve now and pay later.

The tour highlights include visiting historic bars and speakeasies, learning about gangsters and bootleggers, and exploring the origins and consequences of Prohibition.

Highlights of the Tour

Although the tour covers a range of historical highlights, a few key experiences stand out. Participants will discover hidden speakeasies from the Prohibition era, skipping the lines to gain exclusive access. At these venues, they’ll hear captivating stories about gangsters and bootleggers who fueled the underground liquor trade. The tour also explores the origins, consequences, and eventual demise of Prohibition, providing a deeper understanding of this pivotal era in American history. Throughout the experience, guests can optionally indulge in period-inspired cocktails and craft beverages, fully seeing the speakeasy atmosphere.

| Highlights | Description |

| — | — |

| Speakeasy Exploration | Skip-the-line access to historic bars |

| Prohibition Storytelling | Engaging tales of gangsters and bootleggers |

| Historical Insights | Origins, impacts, and end of Prohibition |

| Optional Cocktail Tastings | Period-inspired drinks and beverages |

Guided Experience

As guests arrive at the meeting point, the live tour guide greets them and provides an engaging introduction to the Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour.

The guide’s storytelling brings history to life, sharing tales of gangsters and bootleggers during the Gilded Age and Prohibition era. Participants must present valid photo ID, as the tour isn’t suitable for those under 21.

The guide ensures a classy atmosphere, requiring attire free of sandals, large bags, or ripped clothing. With the guide’s expertise, guests explore the origins, consequences, and demise of Prohibition, seeing this captivating chapter of New York City’s past.

Meeting Information

Guests meet the tour guide at the designated location on 8th Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets, outside One Worldwide Plaza.

Landmarks like a bike rack, a large American flag, and the Carnegie Diner help identify the meeting spot.

Participants must have a valid photo ID, as entry to the speakeasies is restricted to those 21 and over.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.

Guests are expected to dress in classy attire, as the venues have a dress code – no sandals, large bags, or ripped clothing are allowed.

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Customer Feedback

The Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour has earned an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 406 reviews.

Guests praised the engaging guides, rating them 4.8 out of 5. The tour also received a 4.5 out of 5 for value for money.

Guests praise the engaging guides, rating them 4.8 out of 5, with the tour also receiving a 4.5 out of 5 for value for money.

Reviewers highlighted the guides’ storytelling abilities, with one guest from the UK noting "Ryan was a fantastic host, a great storyteller."

A guest from Puerto Rico shared, "Our guide was really cool and ensured everyone felt comfortable."

Another reviewer from the USA simply stated, "Whole thing was great!! Walter the guide was perfect!!"

Gilded Age and Prohibition-Era History

During the Gilded Age of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the United States experienced a period of rapid industrialization, economic growth, and social inequality.

This set the stage for the Prohibition era, when the 18th Amendment banned the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages.

Despite the law, speakeasies and bootleggers thrived, leading to increased crime and corruption.

The tour highlights this tumultuous period, exploring historic bars and sharing stories of gangsters and bootleggers.

Participants gain insights into the origins, consequences, and eventual demise of Prohibition, an era that left a lasting impact on American culture and society.

Exploring Speakeasies and Bars

Amidst the Gilded Age and Prohibition-era upheaval, the tour guides participants on a captivating journey through the speakeasies and historic bars that once thrived during this tumultuous period.

Visitors skip the lines and step inside these hidden gems, where they’ll learn about the origins, consequences, and ultimate demise of Prohibition.

Along the way, they’ll hear stories of notorious gangsters and bootleggers who fueled the underground nightlife scene.

Though cocktail purchases are optional, the tour provides a unique opportunity to take in the vibrant and secretive world of Prohibition-era entertainment.

Cocktail Purchases and Attire

Participants may choose to enhance their experience by purchasing optional cocktails, beer, or wine during the tour. Prices for beverages range from $10-14 for beer and $18-25 for wine and cocktails.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals under 21, so alcohol purchases are limited to legal drinking age participants only. Plus, the tour has a classy attire requirement, excluding sandals, large bags, and ripped clothing. This upscale dress code sets the tone for the historic speakeasy experience.

Proper identification, such as a valid photo ID or passport for non-U.S. citizens, is also necessary to join the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. According to the tour details, it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Can We Take Photos Inside the Venues?

Photos are generally permitted inside the venues, but guests are advised to be respectful and discreet. The tour guide will provide guidance on appropriate photography etiquette to ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants.

Do We Need to Tip the Tour Guide?

Tipping the tour guide is customary, as they provide a valuable service. The recommended tip is typically 15-20% of the tour price. This helps recognize the guide’s efforts in delivering an engaging and informative experience.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?

The tour is only available in English. The tour operator does not currently offer a multilingual option, so it’s designed for English-speaking participants. Non-English speakers may have difficulty fully understanding the guide’s historical storytelling and commentary.

Are Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?

The tour doesn’t appear to specifically accommodate dietary restrictions. It’s focused on exploring historic bars and speakeasies, with optional cocktail purchases. Participants would need to inquire about any special accommodations when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

This immersive Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour offers a captivating journey through NYC’s Gilded Age and Prohibition past. Guests will uncover hidden speakeasies, historic bars, and thrilling tales of gangsters and bootleggers, all while enjoying period-inspired cocktails in a classy atmosphere. It’s a must-do experience for anyone seeking to step back in time and explore the city’s rich Prohibition-era history.

You can check availability for your dates here: