Inside Out Tours operates several different guided walking tours that shed light on New York City’s unique architecture, history, neighborhoods, landmarks, and of course, people. Numbered among their most popular products are tours like: the Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Neighborhood Tour; the How Money Was Made: Wall Street to the World Trade Center Walking Tour; the Harlem Gospel Experience Walking Tour; and the Colonial New York Retold tour.
History of Inside Out Tours, NYC
Inside Out Tours was founded over a decade ago for the purpose of organizing educational walking tours that share the stories of marginalized New York City people and places. Their award-winning tours illuminate so-called “hidden histories” throughout the city by calling attention to the rich diversity of New York’s many cultures, communities, and civic institutions. Their tour guides often come from backgrounds in education, music, art, and food, and are proud to share their expertise with guests from all over the world.
What’s to see on an Inside Out Tour
The Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Neighborhood Tour takes you on a scenic stroll from historic Tweed Courthouse in Manhattan, across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, and into the heart of Brooklyn’s hip DUMBO neighborhood. The tour lasts 2.5 hours, covers 2 miles, and concludes at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Those visitors with an interest in learning more about how the stock market has shaped New York City will love Inside Out’s How Money Was Made: Wall Street to the World Trade Center Walking Tour. This 2.5-hour tour takes you past the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve Bank, Fraunces Tavern, Trinity Church, One World Trade Center, and more. Along the way, you’ll hear all about Wall Street’s tumultuous history and the role it has played in making and remaking America.
You can’t visit New York City and not experience the world-famous Statue of Liberty, which is why many guests choose to go on Inside Out’s Secrets of the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Walking Tour. This four-hour excursion will get you up close and personal with this symbol of freedom. If you’re searching for a more unique destination, though, consider Inside Out’s Harlem Gospel Experience Walking Tour. This remarkable tour combines an informative walk past Harlem landmarks like the Apollo Theater, the Abyssinian Baptist Church, and Striver’s Row with a live performance of gospel music at a local church service.
Inside Out’s Colonial New York Retold bills itself as “an inclusive tour of New Amsterdam and British New York.” Accordingly, this powerful walking tour shares the stories of those Native Americans, African Americans, Latino Americans, and women who did so much to shape the early years of colonial America. Likewise, the NYC Slavery & the Underground Railroad Walking Tour takes you to the site of New York City’s first slave market, the African Burial Ground Memorial, and a location that once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Tips for Touring with Inside Out Tours, NYC
- Inside Out Tours is included on several money saving tourist passes including the New York Pass, Go NY All-Inclusive Pass and NY Explorer Pass.
- Please be advised that advance reservations are required by Inside Out Tours. Many of their experiences sell out quickly, too, so you’ll want to book your spot as far in advance as you can.
- If for any reason you need to change your reservation, you’ll need to put that request in writing at least 48 hours before your tour’s scheduled departure time.
- Make certain to arrive for your Inside Out tour at least 15 minutes prior to its scheduled departure time.
- If you plan to go on the Harlem Gospel Experience Walking Tour, Inside Out Tours requests that you avoid wearing flip-flops, tank tops, or shorts. This is out of respect to the church congregation you’ll be joining during a worship service. Inside Out Tours reserves the right to deny church entry to any individual deemed to be dressed inappropriately for the tour.
- Inside Out Tours operates regardless of the weather, so it’s always a good idea to bring along an umbrella just in case.