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United States
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New York
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Tours & Activities
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NYC Speakeasy Walking Tour
3 h
By walk
About this activity
The meeting point for the group is always at a park where there is seating, shade, and water. While the group awaits for all the attendees to arrive, the tour guide will provide some general colonial history of New York City and deliver interesting facts related to the era — like why we say 'bucks' instead of dollars, why 'Houston' is pronounced differently in NYC, and much more.
Once the whole group is ready, the tour guide will provide a small introduction about the speakeasy tour and explain how long it is, how many speakeasies will be visited (it's usually six or seven), and at which speakeasy the group will be allowed to grab a drink. The tour guide will also explain where the tour ends, which is always an area with nightlife, bars, clubs, and restaurants — all located in close proximity to subway entrances.
On every tour, the first drink is enjoyed at the first speakeasy. In most cases, the group will either skip the line, get a reserved table, or both — but skipping the line is guaranteed. While enjoying a high-quality, internationally recognized, award-winning cocktail, the tour guide will explain about the causes and effects that led to passing the 18th amendment (Prohibition). The guide will not only explain how and why it was passed, but the history of alcohol consumption in the US in general, the history of alcohol taxation, and most importantly, how the US tried to enforce Prohibition.
For each drink, spend up to an hour, but in most cases, the group only takes around 40 minutes. Tour guides are obliged to assure that no one feels too rushed to finish their drinks because they are high-quality crafted cocktails that ought to be savored and enjoyed.
Some speakeasies will have even Burlesque shows, but all are completely hidden from the exterior. Go through unmarked doors, back alley ways, phone booths, a bank's vault door, behind a psychic shop, through doors indicating 'No Entrance,' 'Emergency exit only' or even through a Five Guys burger joint. Most of the speakeasies are so well hidden that most of our clientele are actually locals struggling to find them, even with the physical address on their phones.
At the last stop, the guide will give the option to either stay at the last speakeasy for a third drink or to explore the stimulated and vivid neighborhood where the tour ends, where there is many nightlife establishments, restaurants, clubs, bars, stand up comedy, life music and much more.
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Once the whole group is ready, the tour guide will provide a small introduction about the speakeasy tour and explain how long it is, how many speakeasies will be visited (it's usually six or seven), and at which speakeasy the group will be allowed to grab a drink. The tour guide will also explain where the tour ends, which is always an area with nightlife, bars, clubs, and restaurants — all located in close proximity to subway entrances.
On every tour, the first drink is enjoyed at the first speakeasy. In most cases, the group will either skip the line, get a reserved table, or both — but skipping the line is guaranteed. While enjoying a high-quality, internationally recognized, award-winning cocktail, the tour guide will explain about the causes and effects that led to passing the 18th amendment (Prohibition). The guide will not only explain how and why it was passed, but the history of alcohol consumption in the US in general, the history of alcohol taxation, and most importantly, how the US tried to enforce Prohibition.
For each drink, spend up to an hour, but in most cases, the group only takes around 40 minutes. Tour guides are obliged to assure that no one feels too rushed to finish their drinks because they are high-quality crafted cocktails that ought to be savored and enjoyed.
Some speakeasies will have even Burlesque shows, but all are completely hidden from the exterior. Go through unmarked doors, back alley ways, phone booths, a bank's vault door, behind a psychic shop, through doors indicating 'No Entrance,' 'Emergency exit only' or even through a Five Guys burger joint. Most of the speakeasies are so well hidden that most of our clientele are actually locals struggling to find them, even with the physical address on their phones.
At the last stop, the guide will give the option to either stay at the last speakeasy for a third drink or to explore the stimulated and vivid neighborhood where the tour ends, where there is many nightlife establishments, restaurants, clubs, bars, stand up comedy, life music and much more.
Included
- Local, professional guide
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines
- Small-group walking tour
- Special treatment at the speakeasies
- List of all the visited speakeasies (only after the tour)
- Highly accurate and documented history facts
- Guaranteed to skip the lines
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Minimum age is 21 years
- Dress code is smart casual
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- A maximum of 12 people per booking
- Availability for shows cannot be checked without making a booking. Credit cards will only be charged upon confirmation of show availability
Features
Tourism
85%
Cultural
70%
Sport
30%
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Alex was fantastic. Very informative and engaging. The small size of the group ensured we had his attention and made new friends by the end of the evening. The bars on the tour were fab especially the first one (no names - take the tour), recommend the Shark cocktail on this place.
Alex was our guide for the West NYC tour. There was some discrepancy on clothing reqd. Viator had advised that no jeans or sneakers allowed. On arrival, Alex was wearing jeans. He said that he would get this fixed, but this trip must have been running for some time?? The only non jeans I had were shorts (as had 2 other blokes), but it would appear that shorts are something that shouldn't really be worn. It didn't detract TBH, as no-one said anything but I suggest you ignore Viator's policy and contact Alex (it's his company running the tours) to figure out exactly what is supposed to be worn. Alex was exceptionally knowledgeable, but he really had a tough time trying to impart all his info to us, there was just so much to tell. He made a good job of tying together what appeared to be unrelated material and made it interesting, and was able to stop mid flow and answer questions without losing his train of thought. We visited 5 bars - 3 bars to drink, and whilst we were keen to learn what the speakeasy's were about, there wasn't much time to talk to anyone else on the tour, as his talks commenced as soon as the last person had their drink in place. It should be noted that due to the early timing, there were no queues to be jumped, and no preferential treatment was given at the bar (e.g other members of public came in and got their drinks in the middle of our round). We did however, shake hands with bouncers/managers at some bars. There is a lot of walking... As there was 11 of us, it took way too long to get drinks ordered - most of the bars had only one member of staff making up cocktails, and complex ones at that. I guess it's difficult to predict what people want as the "best cocktail", but I think this process could be a bit more streamlined. e.g choice of two drinks at next bar and phone them in? The speakeasy's are not original (most of them were pulled down), but most of those visited were in a novel place e.g. go through pizza jt or through no access door in the Chelsea market. Definitely wouldn't find them without insider knowledge. The drinks themselves were pretty steep, around $18 a pop for the ones we ordered, so call it $40 after tips, but you could have ordered e.g beer if money was tight. I guess we were unimpressed with the cocktails - none of them were particularly palatable and after spending $120 for the two of us (excluding the tour fee), I was still pretty sober. All told, glad we went, but wouldn't hurry back.
Fantastic tour, loved every minute Sam our tour guide was brilliant. Would definitely go again the next time we are in NYC.
The West Village tour was a lot of fun. I liked the bar selections. Many I had heard of but never visited. Even as locals, this was a good way to learn more about the city. I’d definitely like to do another tour in a different neighborhood. That said, one thing did sort of irk me about the experience. There were only two couples on the tour when we went to the first bar (others joined later.) The tour guide offered to pay for the other couple’s first round and handed his credit card to the bartender when they ordered. Even though my husband and I were standing directly next to the other couple and the guide, he never offered to pay for ours. I’m not sure why any of this happened, but I found it rather rude. I came on the tour with the expectation of paying for my own drinks. But if you’re paying for the other couple, at the very least offer an explanation if you’re not going to give us the same treatment.
One of the highlights of our NYC trip!! Alex was a fantastic guide. We really enjoyed the history side of the tour as well as enjoying a few cocktails. Everyone I have told about this now wants to go to New York to do the tour. We would definitely do another one of these tours, money well spent. If you are looking to do something fun and a bit different, then this is the tour for you. Great fun!!!
We had a great time and really enjoyed our guide! He took us places we never could have found on our own so it was a wonderful experience!
Great way to get more info on the Prohibition causes and consecuences... while getting into nice, hidden places. Alexs is super friendly and easy going. Will definitely do other areas of NYC (I took the East Village).
Alex is a great guide, he’s well known in the area and very knowledgeable. We visited some well hidden bars and had some awesome cocktails.
Felt a bit rushed and that we were more shuffled from place to place in an effort to get it over and done with, Might be better if on a weekday night.