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The Outlaws Who Built NYC Walking Tour

9 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 9 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | New York City, USA

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On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
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Overview

Scandal. Subterfuge. Street-level rebellion. The real architects of New York City weren’t saints. They were schemers.

If you think NYC was built by polite handshakes and zoning meetings, think again. This tour throws you straight into the alleyways of history with the outlaws, hustlers, and political schemers who actually built the bones of the city, one bribe, brawl, and backroom deal at a time.

Forget the gangland clichés. This walking tour uncovers the radical, corrupt, and wildly enterprising figures who shaped New York City, from pirate captains and Wall Street bombers to bank fraudsters, rogue publishers, and NYPD whistleblowers. It’s a crash course in how NYC was built not just by power and politics, but by those who bent the rules, challenged authority, and sometimes blew things up!

What's Included

  • All Fees and Taxes

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    Church Street
    New York, NY 10007, USA

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    Bridge Street
    New York, NY 10004, USA

    This location in the Financial District is very close to Bowling Green (4, 5) and South Ferry/Whitehall Street (1, R, W) train stations and various ferry services.

    What To Expect

    Lower Manhattan

    The guide will meet you OUTSIDE the entrance to the Millennium Downtown New York hotel and escort you to the first stop on the tour.
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    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Oculus Center

    Tour attendees will learn about the first privateers in the NYC area and of the remains of ships embedded in the earth.
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    7 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

    The site of the former business of Madame Restell.
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    7 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

    Site of the former home of New York City's first black millionaire.
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    6 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Trinity Church Wall Street

    Tour attendees will learn about the trial that established the Freedom of the Press.
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    6 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Wall Street

    The site of the 1920 Wall Street bombing.
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    7 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Wall Street

    The site of the The Manhattan Company relating to NYC's water supply and bank formation.
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    7 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    East River Waterfront Esplanade

    A birds-eye view of Brooklyn Bridge to discuss its corrupt beginnings.
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    7 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Financial District

    Visitors will stop at the First Precinct to learn about 1970s police corruption.
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    7 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Financial District

    Visitors will stop at Hanover Square to hear about how local resident and criminal Captain Kidd had a hand in developing the colony.
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    7 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    The White Horse Tavern, Bridge St

    The site of the home of New Amsterdam law-breakers who created the elite of New York City.
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    8 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Show 9 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (6)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Outlaws Who Built NYC Walking Tour?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-317194P8

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    5.00
    9 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 9 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    9
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

    Loading Options
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    On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.

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    What's Included

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    • All Fees and Taxes

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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    Free Cancellation

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    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).

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