NYC Slavery History: Underground Railroad Tour

Uncover the hidden history of NYC’s enslaved people and their brave uprisings. Explore the Underground Railroad’s secret routes and hear stories of courage and triumph on this historical walking tour.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • National Museum of the American Indian - (Exterior Visit) Built in 1907, Alexander Hamilton Custom House stands as a Beaux-Arts treasure commemorating the rise of trade and commerce in NYC with 3 floors of art and artifacts dedicated to Native Americans.
What's Included
  • History of the Underground Railroad
  • Slavery in Historical Context
  • The site of New York’s first slave market
  • Local guide
  • African Burial Ground
  • New York’s Role in Slavery
  • Fraunces Tavern
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Explore the crucial role played by enslaved individuals in shaping NYC and their courageous resistance against subjugation. Delve into the intriguing history of the Underground Railroad, a secret system of pathways and sanctuaries used primarily by enslaved African Americans to flee to free states and Canada.
Tour an excavation site and monument honoring…

Location
1 Bowling Green
Bowling Green
In front of the National Museum of the American Indian.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(413 Ratings)
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Z9411aematthewm
Mar 10, 2026
The Highlight of Our Trip[ - I visited NYC with a friend, and we had a bucket list of things to see and do. The New York City Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour, led by Ludie, was far and away the highlight of our trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maryann
Nov 2, 2025
Excellent Guide and Tour - Maia was an excellent tour guide. 2 1/2 hours went by so quickly. I lived in New York City for about 18 years and everything that I learned on this tour was pretty much new information to me. Maia was so knowledgeable and engaging. I can’t wait to do some more of these tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lenore_c
Oct 26, 2025
Informative and interesting - Great tour guide who shared her wealth of knowledge with us. Even if you think you already know a lot about the topic you'll learn something new
Review provided by Viator
Laurenbp3998gd
Oct 19, 2025
Who knew??? - Ludie is a history professor. I learned so much on this tour. Her energy and enthusiasm made the tour more interesting then I expected. I want to come back a do another tour with her.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephaniebt7662ld
Oct 6, 2025
Civil Rights Walk - They were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The students enjoyed every bit of the experience! Thank you very much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sightsee37241219705
Oct 6, 2025
A whole new perspective. - This was different, but in a good way. I learned so many new things, and both guides were so helpful and informative, they were both so fun and seemed as if they actually WANTED to talk about this. Not just “oh I have to do this just to do this.” No they wanted to teach people, they wanted to show us new perspectives and overall it was just very great, I wouldn’t have chose a different guide. Especially Ms. Loody, she really dug deep and made sure that we were well informed, interacted, and even acted out that way we could really feel. Overall 10/10-Forever Moore
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Itsurgirljalynj
Oct 6, 2025
The New York Experience - I feel like this was a great experience and definitely recommend to come here. 10/10 for sure l, I've learned so much, love NY
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rebeccadm5495ga
Oct 6, 2025
Thoughtful, thorough, informative! - Ludi is great— passionate and knowledgable!! She knows so much and makes the tour very engaging for all ages. Timely and organized, I wish we had more time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
666rahimt
Oct 6, 2025
Great tour by tall black man - This tour was pretty good and I learned a lot. I came with my school and we can’t stop talking about it on the bus. Highly Recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Heather_k
Dec 13, 2025
Tour canceled with little explanation - My tour was canceled due to “weather”. There were zero weather issues in NYC today. It was a beautiful day. Yes, it’s cold but not dangerously cold. Bundled up like the rest of us and do the tour you promised.
Review provided by Viator
From $49
up to 9 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).