Bowery Historic District: Journey Through NYC's Oldest Street
5.0
4 Ratings
New York
Discover the rich history of NYC's oldest street, from Native American footpath to bustling entertainment district. Explore its connections to art, music, literature, and more!
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Statue of Confucius - Meeting point is at the Confucius Statue at Confucius Plaza, corner of Bowery and Division Street
  • Doyers Street - We’ll stop at the entrance to Doyers Street, aka Murder Alley and the Bloody Angle during the 19th Century
  • Manhattan Bridge - We’ll pass by the Triumphal Arch and Colonnade of the Manhattan Bridge, we’ll stop to talk about the Original Diamond District on Bowery and Canal, the old Citizens Bank Building, Confucius Plaza and former sights of the German Winter Garden and Windsor Theatre
  • The Bowery Ballroom - We will stop near the old Bowery Ballroom, one of the last music vestiges of the Bowery, we’ll also talk about the old LIncoln Hotel, former site of one of the Germania Bank Buildings and more
  • New Museum of Contemporary Art - Stopping near the New Museum of Contemporary Art Building we will talk about the Bowery Mission, Italian Opera Houses, Yiddish Theatre and more
  • Bowery Poetry Club - We will stop near the Bowery Poetry Club and talk about the Punk Rock era of Bowery. Right across the street was the location of the famous CBGB’s. We are not far from Electric Ladyland and former residence of Deborah Harry (Blondie)
  • Cooper Union Foundation Building - As we approach the Cooper Union Foundation Building we will also have a few stops along Cooper Square including the old Village Voice Building, Carl Fischer Music Building, McSorley’s Ale House, and more
What's Included
  • Sightseeing tour with a knowledgeable guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuity
Additional Information

Embark on an exploration through more than 400 years of history as we traverse New York City’s most ancient thoroughfare! Initially used as a Native American pathway and Dutch agricultural route, it was the location of the inaugural homes owned by free African-Americans, became a hotspot for gang conflicts, the brutal Astor Place Riot, and Abraham Lincoln’s renowned speech against slavery at Cooper Union. It served as a primary road used by blue-collar workers, including sailors, retail workers, gang members, homosexuals, and a host of immigrants including Irish, Italians, Germans, Jews, and Chinese. As the first entertainment hub in NYC, it has deeply ingrained ties with tap dancing, vaudeville, Yiddish Theatre, Houdini, Stephen Foster, Irving Berlin, Mae West, contemporary tattoo arts, Abstract Expressionism, Beat Era literature, improvisational jazz, and punk music. Despite its decline in the 20th century, characterised by an influx of cheap lodging houses and shoddy bars, it still emerged as a hub for economical jewelry, lighting, and restaurant supply outlets, and served as a residence and workspace for artists such as Marc Rothko, Maya Lin, William Burroughs, Robert Frank, and Debbie Harry.

Location
Confucius Plaza
Bowery
Please meet in front of the Confucius Statue on corner of Bowery and Division Streets
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
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Karasq2355ms
Mar 18, 2024
Amazing tour of the Bowery! - Amazing tour!! Ramona was a fantastic guide and so incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. So much fascinating history we would not have otherwise learned! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Getawayfromitall67
Feb 27, 2024
Fascinating history tour - Ramona was an excellent guide. Knowledgeable, interesting, accommodating. It was only me on the tour in the end (it was very cold). She answered all my question and I had a lovely afternoon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trek43975661234
Nov 16, 2023
The Bowery Tour - tommysnewyork - Ramona Tour Guide - Ramona was a great tour guide for the Bowery Tour (tommysnewyork) She dressed in period clothes for the tour which was fun. What impressed me most was Ramona's absolute enthusiasm when speaking about the area. She is well spoken & obviously knows her history. It was a pleasure to learn so much from someone who has a joy speaking about it. Great job Ramona!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D9650lktomc
Oct 29, 2023
The most fascinating tour you'll take in NYC! - This tour does the Bowery justice! The guide was very in depth and well researched. You won't regret taking this tour and having plenty of lesser known history to tell your friends.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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