Tour Highlights

• See the architectural ghosts of the nearly forgotten and partially abandoned, Chambers Street station then nicknamed the “Grand Central of Downtown”
• Discover the remnants of Union Square Station as you learn about a hidden art installation thousands of riders walk by everyday
• Use the 6 train as your own time machine as you ride through abandoned subway stations that most seasoned NYC commuters don’t know exist
• Explore the birth of the NYC subway system through amazing archival photos not available to the public
• Learn about the comically short route of the mythical “Subway before the Subway,” Alfred Ely Beach’s Pneumatic Transit System

Tour Description

Explore the world’s largest subway system, the beating heart of the city that never sleeps.

On this guided New York subway walking tour you will discover the fascinating beginnings of the New York City subway, and explore spaces even the most seasoned commuter might not know about. We will discover the story of the very first subway which was built illegally under the cover of night and many other surprising stories. Using the 6 train as our own ten-car time machine, we will also ride through and see abandoned stations that riders unknowingly pass by everyday, including the famed City Hall Station. The subway tour will end in one of the latest transportation hubs of lower Manhattan where we will discuss of mass transit in NYC.

Please note that although you will see abandoned subway stations from the train, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) does not grant public access into them under any circumstances.

• Walking tour in English, led by a local New Yorker

• Ear pieces provided to each guests, ensuring everyone hears the guide perfectly, even from a distance

• Guests will need one MetroCard swipe, or OMNY tap, to enter the subway.

City Hall Park
Municipal Building
Astor Place
14th St Union Square

Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour at the meeting location. Your guide will hold an "Untapped New York" sign. We simply need your first and last name to check you in, no need to print anything!

Please bring comfortable shoes

This tour is easy and most people can participate. If you think you'll need assistance, please email us at tours@untappedcities.com so we can best prepare your visit.

• Please note that although you will see abandoned subway stations from inside the train, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) does not grant public access into them under any circumstances.

• Untapped New York is an independent, Brooklyn based and minority owned walking tour company. We are not affiliated with the MTA, just sharing our love for NYC's subway system one tour at a time!