Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This 2.5-hour walking tour meets at the Public Theater in Astor Place, across from Colonnade Row and what was the highest end residential block in the country in the 1830s, the resides of Astors, Delanos and Roosevelts. We end at the Civic Center, and the old Five Points neighborhood of "Gangs of New York" notoriety.
Going from the upper class residential precinct of today's Astor Place to the gang-infested slums of the Five Points was a typical request of visitors in the 1830s and 40s. That walk down Broadway would have taken them through a part of town that would, in the 1850s, break out as the new fashionable city center, what we now call SoHo. This part of Broadway was once a tether between the locales of these social extremes. In making that walk again, we decode and deconstruct the streetwalls of NoHo and SoHo to reveal the forces at work in the architectural creation of New York City.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
The Public Theater
We start at the ruins of Colonnade Row, the early 1830s residence in the country's elite. We will lay the groundwork of history and the forces that passed through a landmark location of many histories. What's most to be appreciated is the high ground setting of once was a pleasure garden when "the city" was far downtown.
Noho
We walk down Broadway and decode the streetscape making sense of history through the buildings, noticing their styles, and sizes, and how they may have been adapted (and re-adapted) for re-use. Images from the past show the evolution of the SoHo section of Broadway. What went on before the fashionable shops and the artists gallery before them? Who were the people who walked the sidewalks?
Options
Start Times
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour, learned a lot!
129jeannes,Nov 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour, great info, good visual aids, encyclopedic knowledge of history and architecture, the serial nature of Manhattan's land use planning ( mostly accidental): a really fun and interesting experience. And, I'm a native NY'er!
I have visited NYC many...
Robyn K,Oct 5, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00I have visited NYC many times, but saw it through a whole new light thanks to this amazing tour guide. He was over the top knowledgeable and fun to tour with. Excellent!!!
Don't miss this chance to hear of New York's history
Maren W,Jun 17, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing tour and so much detailed information and knowledge. Absolutely loved it. Our guide had such a passion for the history of New York. Highly recommend it. Thank you 🙏
Great walking tour
jrc645,Jun 12, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent guide, many facts not know about New York in the 1800’s Fascinating Architecture not noticed until pointed out, We take things for granted but understanding what went behind the building of NYC is very interesting.
Fantastic!
Julie S,Apr 25, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00This is my second tour with Manhattan Unlocked and both have been spectacular! We learned so much and saw things we would never have noticed (or understood the significance of) on our own. I highly recommend these tours!!
Fantastic!
lrobertson2304,Feb 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rob's tour was a highlight of our visit to New York, an immersion into the history, architecture and even topography of the city along its most famous original thoroughfare, Broadway. We'll never again look at Manhattan in the same way. Rob was an extremely well-informed, gracious and accommodating host, and we're truly grateful for the experience. We look forward to exploring more of the city with him on our next visit.
Experience Historical New York with an Expert!
Khushbu G,Nov 29, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00I had the most wonderful time learning about the history of New York & SoHo from Rob. He has done thorough research of the city and patiently answered all of my questions. It was a real treat to walk through a city I’ve been to numerous times with someone with a such wealth of knowledge. I would definitely take another tour with Rob next time I’m in the city!
Lots of interesting info!
christin367,Sep 29, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I Was impressed with the tour guide’s knowledge and love for his city. Would definitely take another tour of his.
Walking tour of New York City in 1840s
Elizabeth W,Jul 19, 2019
- Review from Viator
5.00Robert was a wonderful guide! Very knowledgeable and fun to be with! We learned so much history on the tour and can’t wait to book him again the next time we are in NY.
My wife and I very much enjoyed our...
GUTS,Nov 17, 2017
- Review from Viator
5.00My wife and I very much enjoyed our 1840's NY tour. The history, the architecture, the neighbors, all made for a fascinating morning!. Further, our guide was fabulous, with his detail, knowledge, and caring that we enjoyed our tour
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Operated by Manhattan Unlocked Historical and Architectural Walking Tours