NYC Subway Secrets Unveiled by Untapped New York
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most adults comfortable with walking moderate city distances and navigating transit
Overview
Ride the 6 train as your time machine through New York’s hidden subway history with Untapped New York. Discover abandoned stations and untold stories beneath NYC’s streets on this intimate private tour.
NYC's Underground Subway Tour - Private Tour
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About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating journey through the world's largest subway system on this guided New York tour. Discover hidden gems, including abandoned stations and fascinating stories of the subway's origins. Ride the 6 train as your time machine, unveiling secrets even seasoned commuters overlook, and explore the evolution of NYC's mass transit.
Take a ride through the surprising history of the world’s largest subway system!
Duration
1.5 hours
About
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. All the stops on this tour are in stations which are publicly accessible. Guests will need to swipe once inside the subway system.
Adventure Tips
Bring a MetroCard or OMNY tap
You’ll need to swipe or tap once to enter the subway system for the train segments of the tour.
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour includes walking between stations and standing on platforms, so sturdy footwear is a must.
Arrive early to check in
Plan to be at the meeting spot 10 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth start.
Note accessibility limitations
Stations visited are not ADA accessible, so this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with strollers.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban rats occasionally spotted near stations
- Pigeons congregating in station areas
History
The NYC subway opened in 1904, originally constructed in secret during the night to avoid political obstacles.
Conservation
Untapped New York encourages sustainable transit use by highlighting public transportation’s role in reducing urban carbon footprints.
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Adventure Hotspots in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for navigating station platforms and walking between stops.
MetroCard or OMNY-enabled device
Required for subway entry during the tour.
Light jacket or layering
Useful for cooler weather outside and variable subway temperatures.
spring|fall|winter specific
Small backpack or bag
Handy for carrying essentials without slowing down your walk.