Step back into the daring days of 1920s New York with the Prohibition Bus Tour by Forty Thieves Tours. Discover hidden speakeasies, legendary gangsters, and the underground culture that shaped the city’s rebellious spirit. Read on for a detailed look into this immersive historical adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, with minimal walking involved
Wildlife
History
The prohibition era lasted from 1920 to 1933, transforming New York into a hub of clandestine activity and underground nightlife.
Conservation
The tour promotes awareness of historic preservation and celebrates the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Forty Thieves Tours
Step back into the daring days of 1920s New York with the Prohibition Bus Tour by Forty Thieves Tours. Discover hidden speakeasies, legendary gangsters, and the underground culture that shaped the city’s rebellious spirit. Read on for a detailed look into this immersive historical adventure.
Forty Thieves Tours delivers immersive walking and bus tours in New York City that focus on Irish-American history and Prohibition-era stories. Founded to highlight overlooked urban narratives, Forty Thieves Tours offers a curated set of experiences ranging from neighborhood walks to family-focused immigration journeys. Guides combine archival research, local storytelling, and site-based interpretation to connect participants with landmarks, cultural contexts, and personal histories.
Popular offerings include the Manhattan's East Village and Midtown Tour, the Lower Manhattan Tour, Prohibition Walking Tour, Prohibition Bus Tour, and Across the Atlantic ancestral journeys. Several walking tours run approximately three hours, guiding guests through hidden speakeasies, historic meeting places, and immigrant neighborhoods. The Across the Atlantic experience provides personalized presentations and documentation in a handcrafted leather case and includes a visit to historic Ellis Island.
Forty Thieves Tours sells gift cards for flexible gifting. Tours are led by knowledgeable guides familiar with primary sources and neighborhood history, and the company emphasizes responsible engagement with heritage sites. Reservations, schedules, and specific accessibility details are available through the tour operator’s booking channels. Group bookings and private tours can be arranged within the constraints of the offered product lineup.
Forty Thieves Tours is appropriate for history enthusiasts, genealogists, and visitors seeking culturally rich experiences in New York City. Descriptions and trip summaries accurately reflect the focus and content of each advertised tour, making it straightforward for guests to choose the right experience. Booking information, pricing, and meeting points are published on Forty Thieves Tours' official scheduling pages online.
Operating Area
New York City
Neighborhood-focused itineraries
Tours Offered
6 tours
Walking, bus, and ancestral options
Typical Length
3 hours
Several walking tours are three hours
Gift Options
Gift Card
Flexible gifting for any tour
Reserve a spot on a walking tour, bus route, or ancestral experience to explore Irish-American heritage and Prohibition-era New York.
Dress in vintage style
For the full experience, wear 1920s-inspired attire or period-appropriate accessories.
Bring a camera
Capture the historic architecture and secret doors of old speakeasies on tour.
Arrive early
Get settled and listen to introductory stories before the tour begins.
Stay hydrated
Keep water handy, especially if enjoying the cocktails at stops.
Comfortable shoes
Walking and standing during the tour require sturdy footwear.
Notepad and pen
Take notes on stories and historical tidbits for a richer experience.
Binoculars
Optional for viewing architecture details from a distance.
ID and tickets
Necessary to board the bus and join the tour.