New York City Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour

From$49

2h 30m

New York City, USA

Full description

Learn the contributions of enslaved people to NYC including the brave uprisings against oppression. Then discover the exciting history of the Underground Railroad, a network of clandestine routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans primarily to escape into free states and Canada. Visit an archeological site and memorial dedicated to the memory of enslaved Africans in colonial America. Visit the site of a former station on the Underground Railroad. Learn about the revolts, kidnappings and dramatic escapes that occurred during the era of American slavery. Listen to tales of courage and triumph and discover the stories of real New Yorkers who risked their lives and properties to help people escape slavery on this historical New York City walking tour.

Included / Excluded

History of the Underground Railroad
Slavery in Historical Context
The site of New York’s first slave market
Local guide
African Burial Ground
New York’s Role in Slavery
Fraunces Tavern

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting point

Start Location

1 Bowling Green, New York, US

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessible
Stroller Accessible
Service Animals Allowed
Easy Public Transport

Traveler reviews

4.8

417 reviews

376

Here's a polished version...

The tour brought history to life. Our guide, Ludie, combined her deep knowledge of history with outstanding teaching skills, making every stop engaging and meaningful. Our whole family learned so much, and by the end of the tour, history felt real in a way that books alone could never capture. Highly recommended!

Tori_KJul 28, 2026VIATOR

Important but little known history

Really interesting and important tour explaining the history of slavery and the underground railroad in 17th/18th century NY. Our guide Ludie was superb in bringing the history to life, and kept us captivated by the way she weaved the history into a narrative story. I'd highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting NYC.

970reedhJun 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Disappointing Tour the Second Time

I took this tour in November 2024, loved it, and brought a family member back to enjoy it with me. This time, it didn't seem like the same tour. The guide, while knowledgeable, told long, rambling stories out of chronological order, which was very confusing. Needless to say, it was disappointing, so much so that we ended up leaving about 45 minutes before the tour was due to end.

Terry GMay 30, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Excellent tour that moves one deeply, highly recommend

Stacey is an extremely knowledgeable, passionate, kind and considerate guide. She gave us a very impressive tour that moved us deeply. Highly recommend!

roderickh326May 10, 2026TRIPADVISOR