Before Stonewall Secret Gay History of New York City in New York
New York, United States

Before Stonewall Secret Gay History of New York City

Outty Ranking 63 5.0 · 5 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $30

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September 2026

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Outty Ranking

63/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Before Stonewall Secret Gay History of New York City worth booking?

Before Stonewall Secret Gay History of New York City is a 2-hour experience in New York, United States, from $30 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
63 / 100
Rating
5/5 (5)
Duration
2 hours
From
$30 per person

Step beyond the well-known story of Stonewall and uncover the hidden origins of LGBTQ+ life in New York City on this fascinating walking tour through Greenwich Village. Long before the modern rights movement, the Village

What you get

    About this experience

    Step beyond the well-known story of Stonewall and uncover the hidden origins of LGBTQ+ life in New York City on this fascinating walking tour through Greenwich Village. Long before the modern rights movement, the Village served as a refuge for outsiders, artists, and rebels who quietly built one of the most vibrant queer communities in the country. Travel back through centuries of overlooked history, from the colonial era to the 1960s, and discover the poets, performers, and trailblazers who shaped LGBTQ+ culture in New York. Walk the same streets where Walt Whitman wrote revolutionary poetry celebrating love and identity, hear the stories of early drag performers and gender-nonconforming New Yorkers, and learn about the secret bars and gathering places where queer culture flourished despite persecution. Along the way, your expert licensed guide will bring to life the bold, tragic, rebellious, and inspiring stories that paved the way for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

    What's included

    Included

    • Expert Licensed Tour Guide

    Not included

    • Private transportation
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. A popular LGBTQ bar where the "Sip-In's" took place, an event that predates Stonewall. Helped change service laws in bars and restaurants against LGBTQ patrons.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. The Stonewall Inn

      The location of the 1969 Stonewall Riots. Today a popular LGBTQ Bar and National Landmark. Did you know the Mob owned it?

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Washington Square Park, New York

      One of NYC's most popular parks. Center of LGBTQ life and community.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Main thoroughfare of LGBTQ visibility in New York City

      Pass by without stopping

    5. A street once filled with secret speakeasies and tearooms catering to the LGBTQ community, now one of the most popular streets for comedy clubs, cafes, music venues and quick bites.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    New York

    We meet at the corner of Broadway and Bleeker Street in front of the Ice Cream Shop, Van Leeuwen.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    We end at Julius' Bar

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Top Dog Tours Inc.

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    The famous 1966 "Sip-In" -- Featured on the TourJulius' Staff and Drag Race GirlsWalt Whitman and Peter DoyleGovernor Edward HydeEarly Balls in Greenwich VillageBefore Stonewall Secret Gay History of New York City in New York, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    1 mention

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Before Stonewall Secret Gay History of New York City. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    5
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    938mikaelar · July 2026

    Excellent tour

    This was an excellent tour and I highly recommend it to anyone interested. Michael was such an informative and nice guide too!

    via Tripadvisor

    JerettR · January 2026

    A cold and very amazing tour

    This experience was fantastic. There are longer moments of pause for stories and history in this tour. So the walking isn't over board, and the rests are great. This is great even for those that know history. There was a ton of information I didn't know, or was nicely flushed out by the guide. It also ends at what used to be a gay bookstore, but unfortunately is not anymore. There LGBTQ section is small, but unique. Tons of titles I couldn't get back home or didn't even know about. It also ends at a gelato/ice cream shop, so if you need a snack it is right there. Patrick was also fantastic and extremely knowledgeable. He was the one to tell me about the bookstores history, which was not even part of the tour. He was a nice level of serious and whimsical when showing off the meat rack. He was patient with my questions since the history isn't able to always be chronological with the layout of the neighborhood (we talked about the Gay Liberation before the Mattachine Society, for example). We went during the bitter cold, so the tablet died. However, he was able to access the photos and info with his phone, and was perfect since I was the only person on the tour. This was a wonderful experience, and I can't wait to do the later part of the history tour when I am in the city next. Also, while you only walk by, I highly encourage doubling back to go and see the Stonewall Inn Visitor Center. It is gorgeous and has some nice apparel for purchase.

    via Viator

    R2068WDalexw · July 2025

    Awesome tour

    Super educational and fun! The tour guide, Percy was extremely informative and knowledgeable. Absolutely would recommend this tour to other people.

    via Tripadvisor

    Rebecca_W · July 2025

    Percy is a fantastic guide.

    Enjoyable and educational. Knowledgeable guide. Definitely recommend to those interested in LGBT history.

    via Viator

    Connector34351103261 · July 2025

    Good LGBTQ History tour

    Fantastic Tour. An interesting look into the lives of 19th and early 20th century LGBTQ individuals and Artists. Recommended

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $30 to $39
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 63

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)80
    Review evidence (18% weight)23
    Booking momentum (14% weight)16
    Value for money (12% weight)99
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)59
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Before Stonewall Secret Gay History of New York City: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.

    How much does Before Stonewall Secret Gay History of New York City cost?

    +

    Prices start at $30 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Before Stonewall Secret Gay History of New York City take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New York is not rushed.

    Is Before Stonewall Secret Gay History of New York City worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Before Stonewall Secret Gay History of New York City?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Before Stonewall Secret Gay History of New York City suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Before Stonewall Secret Gay History of New York City?

    +

    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New York and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Before Stonewall Secret Gay History of New York City start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in New York?

    +

    New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Grand Canyon VIP Helicopter Tour, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit New York?

    +

    September to early November, and late April through June. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in New York?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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