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

Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour

Outty Ranking 85 5.0 · 152 traveler reviews2.5 hoursFrom $28
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Outty Ranking

85/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 152 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 $28 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 152 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
85 / 100
Rating
5/5 (152)
Duration
2.5 hours
From
$28 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-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 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, photo 2Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour, photo 3Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour, photo 4Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour, photo 5Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour, photo 6Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 152 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    9 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    3 mentions

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

    Traveler reviews

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

    5 star
    150
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
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    Sort
    101lize · October 2026

    A Fantastic Off the Beaten Path Travel Experience

    This was such a unique tour and fun experience! We enjoyed delving into quirky, niche topics in NYC history and learning more about rats. Also spotted a few of the little critters along the way. Would totally recommend to others.

    Response from the operator: Thank you! I'm so happy you enjoyed it and honored that you recommend it!

    via Tripadvisor

    Meander64428611748 · October 2026

    See rats, learn stuff!

    Recommend by a friend and we were totally entertained! I learned so much about the history of sanitation (and lack of!!) in New York. Plus we saw plenty of rats to my children’s delight!! Fun! Memorable!

    Response from the operator: Thank you! I am so pleased that your friend recommended it and that you enjoyed it!

    via Tripadvisor

    gloomp · October 2026

    Had a wonderful time!

    Incredibly fun and informative! Enjoyable for both NYC natives or those just visiting.

    Response from the operator: I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

    via Tripadvisor

    Z8754HAjonathank · October 2026

    Gross but awesome

    Gross but super fun way to see nyc and learn some history

    Response from the operator: I am cracking up - I'm so glad you had fun! Thank you!

    via Tripadvisor

    gazzi2021 · October 2026

    Garbage

    Horrible garbage odor at main entrance. It has been this way for years. I guess they don't feel the guest are important enough to fix this issue. The garbage smell is horrible and the fastest way to the boardwalk/beach is past the smell. Be sure that it is not pot or cigarettes smell, it's garbage. they collect the garbage at the main entrance.

    Response from the operator: This appears to be a review for something that is not my walking tour. We do not have a main entrance (we're a walking tour, not a building), nor are we anywhere near any boardwalk/beach - we're in Manhattan. The same review was posted for an establishment in Atlantic City, which makes a lot more sense, as there is a beach/boardwalk there.

    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
    $28 to $50
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    53
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Off the Beaten Subway Track Walking Tours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.6.

    See everything Off the Beaten Subway Track Walking Tours runs

    Why this scores 85

    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)64
    Booking momentum (14% weight)59
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)89
    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 $28 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 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 152 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 53 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 NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York. 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.

    What is included in Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour?

    +

    Included: This experience includes a guided walking tour; and Max 15 people per tour for an intimate experience. Not included: Bottled water. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour?

    +

    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 is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour?

    +

    Across 152 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

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