Best of New York: Food, Cocktail and History Combo Tour (Full Day)

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: City Hall Park, 43 Park Row City Hall, New York City, NY 10038-1508

We meet at the fountain in this park just outside of New York’s City Hall. We discuss the beginnings of the city and sample a local treat. We also see some of the nearby buildings (Municipal Building, Woolworth Building, Brooklyn Bridge), and mention their history

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: The Municipal Building, Chambers and Centre streets, New York City, NY 10007-1602

We point out some of the exterior features and talk about the building’s history

Duration: 2 minutes

Stop At: Brooklyn Bridge, New York City, NY 10038

Take in the beauty of this amazing feat of engineering as we get a view from the Manhattan side. Our guides will give you tips on how to walk across it and can share some stories about its history.

Duration: 2 minutes

Stop At: African Burial Ground National Monument, Duane and Elk Streets next to 290 Broadway, New York City, NY

We discuss the discovery of the burial ground and the building of the memorial and monument, including the significance of some of the design. We also talk a little bit about the early African experience in New York through those that were brought here as slaves and those that were freed.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: New York City Supreme Court, 60 Centre St, New York City, NY 10007-1402

We talk about the history of the surrounding area that was once a poor Irish community and before that a polluted pond. You get to see the building that is now most famous for being featured on most episodes of Law & Order.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Columbus Park, 67 Mulberry St Baxter St, New York City, NY 10013-4331

We briefly walk through this park on the edge of Chinatown and talk about what used to be here: the notorious neighborhood of the Five Points. We discuss the Irish immigration and show photos of what the neighborhood used to look like.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Chinatown, Canal Street to Bayard Street, New York City, NY 10013

We walk through part of the neighborhood, discuss Chinese immigration, and visit a dumpling shop that is a local favorite. We also give tips on where else to visit in the large community

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Little Italy, Mulberry Street, New York City, NY 10013

We head up and around Mulberry Street and discuss Italian immigration. We get to see some amazing modern street art, hear stories about organized crime, and visit an historic local Italian food shop for a delicious tasting.



Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Nolita, New York City, NY

We cruise through one of the most trendy neighborhoods in New York today and discuss the changing neighborhood. This used to be Little Italy, but today it’s loaded with hip bars and restaurants and we get to see some of the best street art in the city.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: St. Patrick's Old Cathedral, 263 Mulberry St, New York City, NY 10012-3375

As we walk through Nolita, you get a chance to see the original St. Patrick’s and learn about the hardships Catholic immigrants first suffered when coming to this country.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Sara D Roosevelt Park, E Houston St Between Chrystie & Forsyth St, New York City, NY 10002

Learn about the history of this park, named for FDR’s mother, and take a quick stroll through the northern end. We’ll also stop at the M’Finda Kalunga Garden inside the park to discuss Latin American immigration and how this neighborhood has changed throughout the decades

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Lower East Side, New York City, NY

See the transformation of the neighborhood from an area filled with run-down tenements and poverty, to one that is currently being gentrified. See lots of great street art and community gardens. Learn about Jewish, German, and Latin American immigration in this neighborhood and sample some traditional food.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Tenement Museum, 103 Orchard St Lower East Side, New York City, NY 10002-3102

We share stories about the founding of the museum and its important part in Lower East Side history. Our tour comes very close to the museum and our guides can give you tips on how to get tickets and explore their excellent gift shop.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd Street, New York City, NY 10017-5503

Marvel at the magnificent terminal that was built in 1913 and is still a very relevant place for all New Yorkers. Learn about the history of its construction and uncover some secret stories. We’ll also bring you down to an intimate whisper gallery and through a secret passageway to make a secret exit away from all the crowds.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Urbanspace - Broadway Bites, Greeley Square Broadway, between 32nd and 33rd Street, New York City, NY

Next we’ll wander into a giant food hall that is known by locals as a great place to get lunch in the hustle and bustle of Midtown. Comprised of over 20 local food vendors, there is something for everyone. We have a sample from one of our favorites.

Duration: 25 minutes

Stop At: The Kneeling Fireman, 6 E 43rd St Between Madison and Fifth, New York City, NY 10017-4609

On certain days, we pass by this tribute to the firefighters who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks. It’s an emotional memorial that is on a side street and most tourists never get to see.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Rockefeller Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza Rockefeller Centre, New York City, NY 10111-0100

See the famous sites from movies and television shows as we wander around the plaza passing ice skaters in the winter and art installations in the summer. Admire the artwork all around, including one with a fascinating story inside the Comcast Building (aka 30 Rock). Then head down to the underground concourse and see how locals navigate through this city within a city.



Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: New York Public Library, 476 5th Ave New York, NY 10018, New York City, NY 10018

On weekends, we have a chance to gawk at the beautiful marble building that is a temple of learning. See the famous lions named Patience and Fortitude and head up to the majestic Rose Reading Room, where many New Yorkers do their research.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Bryant Park, between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Ave, New York City, NY 10017

The only park in Midtown had a storied infamous past. We learn about what used to be here and take advantage of the amazing public space today. During the holiday months, you can take a quick look at the local markets and in the summer, hang with the locals on the lawn soaking up rays.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Diamond District, Ave of the Americas & W 47th St, New York City, NY 10036

On most days, we’ll make our way through this bustling district along 47th Street. Admire the bling, avoid the salesman on the street, and let us bring you up to a secret little kosher restaurant for a savory treat.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Times Square, Broadway, New York City, NY 10036

Take in the lights of Broadway, along with all the sounds and smells of Times Square. We talk about how this all began, discuss the changes that have happened, and introduce you to a series of secret passageways that will help combat the crowds.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Tompkins Square Park, From 7th To 10th Streets Between Avenues A and B, New York City, NY 10009

From this park, we head off on our cocktail adventure around the East Village. After handing out some boozy cupcakes on most nights, you’ll get a chance to hear stories of temperance and see a working temperance fountain that has been here since well before Prohibition.



Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: East Village, Between Houston Street, Bowery, & 14th Street, New York City, NY

We go bar hopping through this colorful neighborhood that is home to both bohemian artists and NYU college kids. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to explore, including old historic speakeasies and modern mixology dens. We’ll stop into a few and give recommendations for future stops

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Museum of the American Gangster, 80 Saint Marks Pl, New York City, NY 10003-8194

This museum is housed in an old speakeasy from the age of Prohibition. We visit the bar downstairs for a surprising cocktail and an enthralling story about the gangster who used to run the place



Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Astor Wines & Spirits, 399 Lafayette St At East 4th Street, New York City, NY 10003-7001

On certain evenings, we will visit this wonderland of wine and spirits. The family owned shop is housed in an old printing press and has a huge selection of artisanal and locally produced spirits. Here we show you some of our favorites and discuss different varieties of spirits so you can understand the difference between a bourbon and a rye.

Duration: 10 minutes