Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
- Washington Square Park
- Bleecker Street
- Church of St. Luke's
- Triangle Shirtwaist Factory
Photos & Highlights
- Keep up with the times as you explore one of NYC's cultural neighborhood
- Led by an urban historian
Select a date
Tour Description
With its meandering streets, vibrant history, and a strong sense of community, Greenwich Village remains distinct within New York City. During this Greenwich Village walking tour, we explore the history of this enigmatic neighborhood, from its Native American roots, through the Dutch tobacco farms and the English estates of "Green Which," to the emergence of the Bohemian Village of the '60s.
Itinerary Detail
Our time together begins at the Jefferson Market Library, formerly a district courthouse, where women of the Garment industry often held protests–seeking to gain increased wages, reduced working hours, and union representation. From here, we venture to Stonewall Inn, where many of the nation's first gay rights activists gathered, marched, grieved, and fought for equal treatment under the law.
Our journey continues as we reach Cherry Lane Theatre, which has been the oldest continuously running off-Broadway theater since 1923. From here, we venture further into the neighborhood to experience Minetta Lane, which has borne witness to the daily lives of authors such as Walt Whitman and singer-songwriters such as Bob Dylan. During this tour, we’ll also venture through the campus of the famed New York University – learning about many of the scholars and workers who have grown from these classrooms to become change-makers in our global community.
The highlight of this tour will be Washington Square Park. Here we pause to learn about the Native American village that once occupied this circle. We’ll learn about the Park’s storied history as the site of countless important protests and social movements throughout the nation’s history. Our tour concludes as we move towards the Washington Mews–a former row of stables transformed into the studios of famous artists.
FAQ
Where do we meet? Where does the walk end?
Generally speaking, the walk begins near Jefferson Market Library. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.
What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your guide will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.
Is this tour good for kids?
Yes! We have some excellent family-friendly guides who can appeal to the learning styles of children. Please book privately if you have children under 13. Feel free to provide us with information about your children, such as their favorite school subjects and hobbies. This way, we can match you with the best possible guide.
Is this a walking-intensive tour?
This walk covers a small radius in the West Village, and some streets and sidewalks can be uneven. There are occasional opportunities to sit, use the bathroom, and get something to drink if needed. Please contact us with any questions; we will be happy to advise if this tour will be appropriate for you.
Where You'll Start
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62 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
The walk was informative and interesting, I'm sure I will sign up for more tours. I would love to learn even more information on the history of the place.
Maria
Reviewed on:
Dec 27, 2011
Daniel was absolutely accommodating. We picked up coffee and pastry at our meeting place as we had not had breakfast, and he showed no sign of annoyance. He walked at a comfortable pace, stopped frequently enough to let us take in architectural detail, and absorb the history, social and political background and culture of each neighbourhood. We finished our walk feeling well satisfied that he had recreated the atmospheres of the times and places so that we almost relived the fire in the shirtwaist factory, for example. He knows enough about the area and the history to personalise the tour to us, e.g. to take us to the hall where Emma Goldman spoke so may times. He communicated a genuine enthusiasm for his subjects a,d we thoroughly enjoyed the morning with him.
There is no question that we would love to do another walk with him when we are next in town, whenever that will be. And would be delighted to recommend him.
Anne
Reviewed on:
Nov 12, 2011
Lauren was very knowledgeable and presented information in an interesting way.
Alison
Reviewed on:
Oct 26, 2011
