Long before it was dubbed the Big Apple, those who knew New York City called it The Big Onion…
Since 1991, Big Onion Walking Tours has led locals and visitors alike on innovative and exciting tours through New York’s ethnic neighborhoods and historic districts. For more than two decades, Big Onion guides have lead tours that explore the diverse fabric of New York City. Our educator & graduate student guides lead tours that are the finest, most comprehensive, and thought provoking walks available.
Big Onion Walking Tours emphasizes the diversity of New York City’s neighborhoods and people. Our educator-guides expertly use architecture and the built environment to explore the city’s historical roots of immigration, race, ethnicity, and gender that have shaped the city’s unique social and cultural identity.
Meet The Guides

Seth Kamil

Alice Walkiewicz

Nick Juravich

T. Passwater
Our Books
Take a Big Onion tour when the time is right for you! Filled with facts, legends, and historical perspectives for which the Big Onion is famous.
The Big Onion Guide To New York City
Features 9 neighborhood walking tours and the unique “Other Borough Driving Tour”. Filled with facts, legends, and historical perspectives for which the Big Onion is famous. Photographs from the collections of The New-York Historical Society. This book is a must have for all New Yorkers and visitors alike. Buy it on Amazon.com.
The Big Onion Guide To Brooklyn
Includes ten neighborhood walks throughout the Borough of Kings. Areas include: Greenpoint, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Prospect Park, and Coney Island. Photographs from the collections of the Brooklyn Historical Society. This book is crucial for anyone wanting to explore Brooklyn. Buy it on Amazon.com.
Partnerships & Affiliations
Big Onion Walking Tours is proud to partner and co-sponsor tours and events with the following organizations.

Brooklyn Historical Society
Big Onion Walking Tours is proud to cosponsor a Historic Brooklyn Heights walking tour with Brooklyn Historical Society. All members of Brooklyn Historical Society enjoy a discount on all Big Onion tours. Please join BHS and support local history!
Visit the Brooklyn Historical Society website for more information.

New York Historical Society
Big Onion Walking Tours and the New York Historical Society, two leaders in interpreting the history of New York City, have joined forces to present the best walking tours the city has to offer.
Visit the New York Historical Society website for more information.

King’s County Distillery
Big Onion Walking Tours is excited to be partnering with Kings County Distillery on our Brooklyn Distilled tour. An ideal pairing for whiskey and history enthusiasts!
Visit the Kings County Distillery website for more information.