How the Subway Built New York
Description
Millions ride New York's subway every day. Few realize it built the city around them. Ride the historic 42nd Street Shuttle and discover how transportation transformed Midtown Manhattan into one of the world's greatest centers of business, entertainment, and commerce. From Grand Central Terminal to Times Square, Broadway, the Diamond District, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and St. Patrick's Cathedral, you'll uncover how moving millions of people every day created billions of dollars in economic activity—and shaped the skyline we know today. You'll never look at New York's subway the same way again.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Architecture and history of Grand Central, and how prominent New Yorkers took the case to the US Supreme Court to save the building from being destroyed
Grand Central to Times Square shuttle subway ride; we will discuss the commuting pattern, NYC subway history, and its role in developing NYC culture and commerce.
Times Square, the crossroads, and its role in the expansion of population and commerce in NYC, the collapse of its quality of life, and the use of eminent domain driving it from a neighborhood to avoid to one of the leading family tourist destinations in the world.
Shubert Alley: A deadly fire forced New York to rewrite the rules for every theater built after it — and Broadway's demise along with Times Square, battled back through one long-running hit show. the alley that regulation created.
An immigrant trade built on nothing but trust turned, deals on a handshake, one block into the diamond capital of America. Walk it, and watch deals worth millions happen in plain sight.
A censored mural and a Rockefeller's refusal to back down shaped one of the most famous public spaces in the world. Stand in the plaza that fight built, where the world famous ice skating rink and tree are the center of the city for 6 weeks every year.
Faith and commerce have stared each other down on this exact corner for almost a century. Stand between them and decide which one's winning.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- We will be walking about 1.7 miles and have to go up and down stairs
Reviews(2)
This tour is so worth it. The guide knew everything about the beautiful locations, and gave us great insight into their history. I have lived in New York for many years and gone on different tours, but this has been my favorite one!
Went in expecting a standard tour, came out learning more about New York in under two hours than I have in all my prior trips to the city combined. The guide is extremely knowledgeable and engaging. If you’re undecided on a tour, pick this one.
