"Best Place To Take Out Of Town Guests" - The Village Voice, 2014
"Great way to experience the city" - TripAdvisor Review, May 2016
"Best Place To Take Out Of Town Guests" - The Village Voice, 2014
"Great way to experience the city" - TripAdvisor Review, May 2016
On our walk we will discuss and explore the history, politics, culture and speakeasies of New York in the Roaring ‘20s – one of the most volatile eras in American history. The 18th Amendment is the only Constitutional Amendment restricting the rights of Americans. This restrictive 13 year period gave rise to an explosive arts and literary scene, incredibly innovative legal loopholes…and the Great Depression! Please note: this is a history-based walking tour and no alcohol will be offered on the outing. Stops could include: John McGurk’s “Suicide Hall”, The Black Swan, Chumley’s and sites associated with Margaret Sanger, Al Jolson, Bernie Gallant, Carrie Nation, and Fiorello LaGuardia. The “Satan’s Seat” walk does contain mature content within the historic discussion.
Created in conjunction with WNET New York Public Media, a walking tour based on the 2011 Ken Burn’s documentary “Prohibition”.
Health & Safety Guidelines
For our in-person walking tours, see our FAQs below for information regarding our Stay Well NYC Pledge.
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Big Onion requires all walkers to reserve and pay in advance. Prepayment helps us determine group size and appropriate guide numbers.
NOTE: You will select your date in the next step.
Whether you are looking to integrate a tour into your academic curriculm or entertaining out-of-towners, a Big Onion walking tour is a great way to experience the city.
For more information, or to arrange, please call (718) 499-3001 or email info@bigonion.com.
Location:
Northeast corner of Bowery & Houston Street, in front of the iron-fenced community garden.
Subway Trains
F to Second Avenue; 6 to Bleecker Street; F/B/D to Broadway-Lafayette.
Social Distancing
On in person tours, Big Onion will follow the current recommended outdoor social distancing protocols.
Contact Tracing
Big Onion will securely retain client contact information for one month, for contact tracing purposes, if necessary.
Guides
The finest group of tour guides anywhere. Most of us are full-time graduate
students researching and writing doctoral dissertations in history passionate
about the history, architecture and people of New York.
More about our guides.
Finding Your Guides
All guides carry an 8×11 sign that says “Big Onion Walking Tours”.
Time & Distance
All tours last approximately two hours. We start on time and walk between one
and two miles at a moderate walking pace, stopping at various sites along the tour.
Rain/Inclement Weather
Big Onion generally presents tours rain or shine. In the event of inclement
weather please check our home page for notifications or call our hotline
[(888) 606-WALK (9255) ext. 1], to confirm our schedule.
Tips
Gratuities are always appreciated, but never expected.
Reschedule Policy
With 24+ hours prior to a walking tour, Big Onion offers a full credit for the value of the booking. Credits will be given as Gift Cards in dollar amounts. Gift Cards are good for two years and can be used on any Big Onion outing. Cancellations with less than 24 hours prior to the tour or no shows cannot be credited.
Walks are held rain or shine, but may be cancelled for severe weather or if museum is closed. In the event of a Big Onion cancellation or museum closure, full refunds or rescheduled tickets will be offered.
More Questions? Check out How it Works for more details.
Helpful Links
Local weather forecast
NYC Subway Map
Weekly Service Advisories
Subway Fares
