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
(407 Ratings)
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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
Dariav306
Oct 6, 2025
Thurgood Marshall Academy Black Power Trip - School group for history trip. Really enjoyed it and loved Ms. Loody. Very informational and beautiful sites that reflect on the history of Harlem and Black Pride.
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Ciera_p
Aug 7, 2025
This Tour was very... - This Tour was very educational and sentimental. The African Burial Grounds was so touching. If you like history this is definitely a must do tour. I was not aware that so much took place in New York during slavery. I learned a lot
Review provided by Viator
Y9050rujoshuap
Jul 13, 2025
Good - Educational. Not meant for kids in elementary school as the tour is more educational than it is site seeing of sites. Expect 2 hrs total.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Claudia_j
Jul 12, 2025
I Learned So Much! - Our Tour Guide, Maya, was phenomenal! I learned so much, and walked away with book and museum recommendations to further my learning. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in learning more about the Underground Railroad and New York City’s rich history.
Review provided by Viator
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
Venture48091261357
Oct 6, 2025
Very nice, and innovative. - It’s was very innovative. Learning more black history in Harlem is interesting. More people should experience this so they can fully understand African American history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $49
up to 9 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).