Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour
At a glance
Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour is a 2h 30m small-group experience in New York City, United States, operated by Off the Beaten Subway Track Walking Tours. Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 151 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $50 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: This experience includes a guided walking tour., Max 15 people per tour for an intimate experience.
Highlights
- Rated 5.0/5 by 151 travellers
- Small group of up to 15 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 4 stops in one well-planned itinerary
- Wheelchair accessible
Quick facts
- Duration
- 2h 30m
- Group
- Small group, up to 15 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
The Garbage and Rats in NYC Walking Tour is a unique dive into dirty subjects:
-how New York City is built on trash;
-how rats thrive on human consumption;
- and how NYC has dealt with both these filthy, disease-causing problems since 1626.
We'll learn about rat biology and habits, garbage disposal systems, metaphorical rats (i.e. - corrupt people), and gross stories featuring all of the above. This is the intersection of science and history at its finest!
The guide is a graduate of the New York City Trash Academy, the New York City Rat Academy, and a member of the New York City Rat Pack, "an elite squad of dedicated anti-rat activists." Rats, garbage, and New York City history are her passions!
Please note: During the tour we may or may not see rats, but everyone will learn a lot about NYC's long history with garbage and rats!
What's included
What's included
- This experience includes a guided walking tour.
- Max 15 people per tour for an intimate experience
Not included
- Bottled water
Itinerary
-
Stop 1 · 15m
We will start on Wall Street and discuss its role as a garbage dump in Nieuw Amsterdam, as well as the official market for buying and renting enslaved African people.
-
Stop 2 · 1h 15m
As we walk up South Street, we will discuss the history of garbage, landfill, rats, and the former Fulton Street Fish Market. We will also stop at the former site of Sportsman's Hall, a notorious "rat pit," to talk about rat fights.
-
Stop 3 · 25m
We will visit DeLury Square and talk about the garbage strike of 1968, John DeLury, and the Sanitation Union. Then we shall stroll down the historic Ryder and Eden Alleys.
-
Stop 4 · 20m
The tour continues up Ann Street, the site of an infamous rat attack in 1979, into Theatre Alley, and to City Hall Park. Along the way, we will dive into more rat lore and trash-y facts.
Meeting point
We will meet on the southeast corner of Wall Street and Pearl Street (in front of the Hyatt Hotel). The guide will have a sign for Off the Beaten Subway Track Walking Tours.
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour take?
The experience lasts about 2h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $50 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
This experience includes a guided walking tour.; Max 15 people per tour for an intimate experience.
Where does it start?
We will meet on the southeast corner of Wall Street and Pearl Street (in front of the Hyatt Hotel). The guide will have a sign for Off the Beaten Subway Track Walking Tours.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 151 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in New York City.
