Unveiling Manhattan's Mystical Past: The Witches of Old New York Walking Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; primarily walking on city streets at a gentle pace.
Overview
Explore Manhattan’s Lower East Side through the captivating tales of 19th-century fortune tellers and mystics. Discover historic sites and hear stories of the occult entrepreneurs who shaped this dynamic neighborhood.
Witches of Old New York
History Tour • Specialty Tour • 2 Hours
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating walking tour through Manhattan's Lower East Side, exploring the enchanting world of fortune tellers and mystics from the 19th to early 20th century. Discover the lives of unique outsider entrepreneurs, visit historic sites, and uncover fascinating stories of occultists who shaped this vibrant neighborhood.
Discover the dime-museum magic and front-parlor palmistry that abounded in the Lower East Side from the mid 19th to early 20th century. Fortune tellers, mystics, and clairvoyants populate this bewitching walking tour of one of Manhattan’s most diverse neighborhoods. Often immigrants and housewives, these outsider entrepreneurs supported themselves by means of astrology, spiritual readings, tarot, and palmistry; some were serious about their occult learning, others were simply trying to augment their income.
Visit the locations where they lived and worked, and learn about the Jewish mystic whose funeral was attended by a crowd of 10,000 people, an African American occultist living in the Five Points in the 1850s (who was New Age way ahead of his time), an infamous guide to the city’s fortune tellers written in 1858 called “The Witches of New York” (many of whom resided on Broome Street!) and the strange fate that befell its author, plus much more!
In-person walking tour; approximately 2 hours
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable shoes
This walking tour covers cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks; sturdy, comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring water
Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the two-hour tour, especially in warmer months.
Check weather forecast
Tours run rain or shine but dress appropriately for weather conditions to stay comfortable.
Arrive early
Plan to arrive 10 minutes early to check in and start on time without missing valuable storytelling.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons native to city parks
- Urban squirrels that frequent neighborhood gardens
History
The Lower East Side was a melting pot for immigrants in the late 1800s, where mystical beliefs blended from different cultures.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes respect for historical sites and encourages visitors to minimize their footprint in this fragile urban environment.
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Adventure Hotspots in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for navigating city sidewalks and uneven terrain comfortably.
Weather-appropriate layers
Dressing in layers helps adapt to changing temperatures throughout the walk.
all specific
Reusable water bottle
Helpful for staying hydrated during warmer months.
summer specific
Light backpack or tote
Convenient for carrying personal items, sun protection, or a camera.