Private African American Heritage Downtown Walking Tour

New York, US

Included

  • inclusion
    Private walking tour
  • inclusion
    Informative, friendly, professional guide

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Gratuities
  • exclusion
    Public transportation to neighborhood

Meeting Point

Our tour guide will meet your group at your Manhattan hotel. They will have a sign with your group's name. You may travel by public transportation depending on your location ( not included in the price of tour) to start the tour downtown.

Meeting point

New York , United States

End point

End Point

The tour ends in lower Manhattan.

Meeting point

New York, NY , United States

End point

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
Arthouse Hotel New York City
Hotel Beacon
Hotel Belleclaire
I will contact the supplier later
I will meet at the departure point
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham New York City Central Park
The Amsterdam Inn
The Lucerne Hotel
The Olcott
The Wallace
We meet clients at their Manhattan hotels

What to expect

1

Wall Street

Built by Africans to protect the Dutch settlement, Wall Street Housed NYC’s First Slave Market where African and Native Americans were bought, sold, and leased as day laborers.

Duration 15 minutes
2

Trinity Church Wall Street

Archives from June 1696 mention that the church used slave labor to construct a thirst church. They also practiced services for slaves and free blacks like catechism, burials, in its churchyard and were the precursor to the African Free School.

Duration 20 minutes
3

South Street Seaport Historic District

See some of the oldest architecture and the largest concentration of restored early 19th-century commercial buildings in the city. New York was a major player in the Tans-Atlantic Slave Trade which persisted despite it being outlawed.

Duration 30 minutes
4

African Burial Ground National Monument

Workers on a construction site uncovered the remains of more than 419 Africans buried during the late 17th and 18th centuries; the largest colonial-era cemetery for people of African descent. The memorial was dedicated in 2007 to commemorate the role of Africans and African Americans in colonial and federal New York City, and in United States history.

Duration 20 minutes
5

Foley Square

Originally the site of New York City's first free black settlement, by 1850 the Five Points district in lower Manhattan had instead become infamous for its dance halls, bars, gambling houses, and its mixed-race clientele.

Duration 15 minutes
6

Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village, the Lower East Side and Lower Manhattan was the home to North America’s earliest free Black settlement in the 1640s. Minetta Lane, Street and Place were called “Little Africa” . Mother AME Zion Church was the first Black church in New York City.

Duration 22 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Provided by Harlem Spirituals - New York Visions

What our experts say

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    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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    Consider lunch at nearby Stone Street.
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    Check out the African American Museum nearby.
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    Plan a visit to the Lower East Side afterward.
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    Bring water, especially in warmer months.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the vibrant and rich history of African Americans in New York City with the Private African American Heritage Downtown Walking Tour. This immersive tour takes you on a journey through the past, uncovering hidden sites and stories of the Underground Railroad, former slave markets, and the first free black settlement. With a knowledgeable and friendly guide, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the struggles, triumphs, and contributions of African Americans in shaping the city's history.

What to expect?

On this private walking tour, you can expect a captivating exploration of African American heritage in downtown New York City. Discover the significant landmarks and sites that played a pivotal role in the African American community's history. Your expert guide will share fascinating stories and insights, bringing the past to life. Learn about the Underground Railroad and follow the footsteps of those who sought freedom. Explore Wall Street, once a slave market, and the Five Points, the first free black settlement. Visit the First Free African Schools and Mother AME Zion, the first Black church. This tour promises an enlightening and educational experience that will deepen your appreciation for African American history.

Who is this for?

This tour is for anyone eager to delve into the rich African American heritage of New York City. History buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those seeking a deeper understanding of the city's diverse past will find this tour both engaging and enlightening. The Private African American Heritage Downtown Walking Tour is designed for all ages and backgrounds, welcoming locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a group, this tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the often overlooked contributions of African Americans in shaping the city we know today.

Why book this?

By booking the Private African American Heritage Downtown Walking Tour, you'll gain access to a wealth of knowledge and insights that few tourists have the opportunity to discover. Your experienced guide will provide a personalized and intimate experience, allowing you to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations. This tour offers a deeper understanding of the African American experience in New York City, highlighting their struggles, resilience, and cultural impact. It's a chance to honor and celebrate the contributions of African Americans while exploring the city's hidden gems and historical sites.

Good to know

During the Private African American Heritage Downtown Walking Tour, it's good to know that public transportation to the neighborhood is not included in the tour price. Depending on your location, you may need to use public transportation to get to the starting point, where your guide will meet you at your Manhattan hotel. Be prepared to walk and wear comfortable shoes as you explore the city streets. Don't forget to bring a water bottle and dress appropriately for the weather. Your informative and professional guide will ensure that you have a memorable and enlightening experience throughout the tour.

Reviews

Travelers who have taken the Private African American Heritage Downtown Walking Tour have been deeply moved by the experience. They commend the knowledgeable guides who bring the history to life and provide a fresh perspective on the city's past. Many reviewers appreciate the attention to detail and the opportunity to visit lesser-known sites related to the African American community. Overall, participants express their gratitude for this eye-opening tour that celebrates diversity, resilience, and the important contributions of African Americans in New York City.

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