Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour in New York
New York, United States

Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour

Outty Ranking 83 5.0 · 138 traveler reviews2.5 hoursFrom $45

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Age 12 and under

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Outty Ranking

83/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 138 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour worth booking?

Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour is a 2.5-hour experience in New York, United States, from $45 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional, based on a 5/5 rating across 138 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
83 / 100
Rating
5/5 (138)
Duration
2.5 hours
From
$45 per person

The Garbage and Rats in NYC Walking Tour is a unique dive into dirty subjects: -how New York City is built on trash; -how rats thrive on human consumption; - and how NYC has dealt with both these filthy, disease-causi

What you get

    About this experience

    The Garbage and Rats in NYC Walking Tour is a unique dive into dirty subjects: -how New York City is built on trash; -how rats thrive on human consumption; - and how NYC has dealt with both these filthy, disease-causing problems since 1626. We'll learn about rat biology and habits, garbage disposal systems, metaphorical rats (i.e. - corrupt people), and gross stories featuring all of the above. This is the intersection of science and history at its finest! The guide is a graduate of the New York City Trash Academy, the New York City Rat Academy, and a member of the New York City Rat Pack, "an elite squad of dedicated anti-rat activists." Rats, garbage, and New York City history are her passions! Please note: During the tour we may or may not see rats, but everyone will learn a lot about NYC's long history with garbage and rats!

    What's included

    Included

    • This experience includes a guided walking tour.
    • Max 15 people per tour for an intimate experience

    Not included

    • Bottled water

    What you'll see and do

    1. Wall Street

      We will start on Wall Street and discuss its role as a garbage dump in Nieuw Amsterdam, as well as the official market for buying and renting enslaved African people.

      15 minutes here

    2. South Street Seaport Historic District

      As we walk up South Street, we will discuss the history of garbage, landfill, rats, and the former Fulton Street Fish Market. We will also stop at the former site of Sportsman's Hall, a notorious "rat pit," to talk about rat fights.

      75 minutes here

    3. DeLury Square

      We will visit DeLury Square and talk about the garbage strike of 1968, John DeLury, and the Sanitation Union. Then we shall stroll down the historic Ryder and Eden Alleys.

      25 minutes here

    4. City Hall Area

      The tour continues up Ann Street, the site of an infamous rat attack in 1979, into Theatre Alley, and to City Hall Park. Along the way, we will dive into more rat lore and trash-y facts.

      20 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    New York

    We will meet on the southeast corner of Wall Street and Pearl Street (in front of the Hyatt Hotel). The guide will have a sign for Off the Beaten Subway Track Walking Tours.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The tour officially ends by the Tweed Courthouse, which is convenient to several subway stops.

    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
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Off the Beaten Subway Track Walking Tours

    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

    Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour in New York, photo 2Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour in New York, photo 3Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour in New York, photo 4Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour in New York, photo 5Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour in New York, photo 6Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour in New York, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 136 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    10 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    7 mentions

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

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    136 verified traveler reviews for Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    135
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    O7921NPkimberlys · August 2026

    No glamour here! Just garbage and rats galore, complete with a rich history and study of humanity across NYCs centuries

    What a unique way to learn about NYC's history - from the 1600s to present! Suzanne was a wonderful, knowledgable guide. We learned about how garbage has been dealt with over the centuries (and we produce unnecessary proportions of trash), how rats thrive in garbage, about rat lifespans and behaviour, where and how they live, and how they're kept under control (somewhat). We learned about the dog & rat fights in the mid 1700s, stood at the site of the great rat attack of 1979, and learned about how rats mark their trails and create social systems. We saw buildings and learned facts about humanity that we never would have otherwise. Very cool and highly recommended! You will see NYC (and all cities) differently.

    Response from the operator: I am smiling from ear to ear - thank you so much! You guys were wonderful, and I had a great time with you!

    via Tripadvisor

    W5177LRpaulh · August 2026

    There’s more to Wall Street than bears and bulls. Rats!

    Friendly, informative, such a fascinating way to discovery the history of NYC. One you’ll never forget.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much - I am so glad that you enjoyed the tour and it made such an impression.

    via Tripadvisor

    Adam_Z · August 2026

    Really great tour,...

    Really great tour, learned so much about the history of New York! We saw lots of rats, beautiful architecture well worth the price. Perfect mix of history and ecology.

    Response from the operator: Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed this deep dive into NYC history with our special guests (rats) along the way!

    via Viator

    Mark_M · July 2026

    A unique and fun walking tour for all ages.

    This is a unique and clever walking tour of New York with fun and fascinating history from the point of view of sanitation. Our tour guide was delightful and was ver engaging even for young kids.

    Response from the operator: Thank you! I am so happy you enjoyed it!

    via Viator

    angeladF9672PP · July 2026

    Trash and Rats are so interesting

    Loved this tour so much. I am from CA, and don't know much about New York history. The tour guide was so knowledgeable and personable. We saw a rat at the first stop, we were able to guess the age, and learned a lot about the cycle of life for a rat. Never knew that only one breed of rat is in NY and there is a reason for that, but you have to take the tour to find out. TMNT was so accurate it's a tad scary. There were 4 of us on the tour total, and because it was a small group, we were able to talk a bit more and learn more as a group because of the intimate setting. The garbage part of the tour is so interesting and interwoven into the history of NY, never knew. It was mind blowing how much rats and garbage are a part of this city. Received great book recommendations from the tour guide because I need to know more. It was a nice walk to learn the city and the meeting place is right off a subway stop. I really like she has pictures for the stops to really understand the history of NY. It was a great price for the tour and I would actually take the tour again, just to see if there are more rats around the area.

    Response from the operator: I am so thrilled that you had such a great experience! You are welcome back any time - glad to give you a discount! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
    Price range
    $45 to $50
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    48
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Why this scores 83

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)97
    Review evidence (18% weight)63
    Booking momentum (14% weight)57
    Value for money (12% weight)88
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)88
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $45 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 Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 2.5 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 Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 138 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour?

    +

    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 Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour?

    +

    Around 48 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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour 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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