
The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience!
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 72 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience! worth booking?
The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience! is a 3-hour experience in New York, United States, from $40 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 72 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (72)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $40 per person
Step right up, history seekers! Get ready for a guided walking tour that's as vibrant as the city itself. We're serving up a tantalizing blend of NYC Prohibition tales & immigrant history, all while leading you to the crème de la crème of historic bars, pubs, & speakeasies. Picture this: mingling with globetrotters & locals alike, rubbing elbows like old friends, & toasting with cocktails that are the real deal!! Over the span of three exciting hours, you'll not only indulge in some socializing but also soak up the stories that have woven early 20th century America into its one-of-a-kind cultural tapestry. And trust us, these tales are like secret ingredients in the cocktail of NYC's unique melting pot culture. So put on your walking shoes, bring your curiosity, & join us for an evening that's as rich in history as it is in camaraderie & cocktails. Let's raise a glass to uncovering the hidden gems & stories that make this city the incredible melting pot it is today!
What you get
About this experience
Step right up, history seekers! Get ready for a guided walking tour that's as vibrant as the city itself. We're serving up a tantalizing blend of NYC Prohibition tales & immigrant history, all while leading you to the crème de la crème of historic bars, pubs, & speakeasies. Picture this: mingling with globetrotters & locals alike, rubbing elbows like old friends, & toasting with cocktails that are the real deal!! Over the span of three exciting hours, you'll not only indulge in some socializing but also soak up the stories that have woven early 20th century America into its one-of-a-kind cultural tapestry. And trust us, these tales are like secret ingredients in the cocktail of NYC's unique melting pot culture. So put on your walking shoes, bring your curiosity, & join us for an evening that's as rich in history as it is in camaraderie & cocktails. Let's raise a glass to uncovering the hidden gems & stories that make this city the incredible melting pot it is today!
What's included
Included
- Dedicated licensed host/guide for the evening
- Visit at least three of NYC's iconic bars and speakeasies
- Free admission and express entry at each location
- Recount the unique history of Prohibition Era New York City
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuity
What you'll see and do
Times Square
Walk through historic Times Square
Pass by without stopping
Manhattan Skyline
Panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline from a rooftop lounge, including the Empire State Building up close.
Pass by without stopping
Theater District
The home of Broadway shows and great restaurants..
Pass by without stopping
Hell's Kitchen
Immigrant stories of the this legendary and historic neighborhood which played a prominent role in the Prohibition Era New York City
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
New York
Meet on 8th Avenue between 49th Street and 50th Street. There is a bike rack in front of the building and Carnegie Diner is visible across the street.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
4pm
7:30pm Tour
7:30pm Session Night Tour
5:00pm Tour
7:00pm Tour
6:30pm Tour
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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Telltale Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Dress code is upscale casual. No sportswear or ripped clothing permitted.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 72 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
72 verified traveler reviews for The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience!. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
My travel group had a...
My travel group had a great time at this experience! We loved getting to learn and go to places we would have never heard of before. The history was just enough to be interesting, without being an overwhelming lecture. We had so much and would recommend to anyone else considering this experience.
via Viator
Wonderful fun tour if you enjoy getting drinks!
We had a fantastic time with our guide Julian. They took us to several fun speakeasies. My mother & I had an amazing time and I would recommend going on this tour!
via Viator
A MUST Do!!! So much fun!
Ryan was outstanding—knowledgeable, fun, entertaining! We had THE best evening! If you’re looking for an inexpensive adventure to do in the City with some history and liquor (and you don’t have to drink) all rolled into one, sign up! You get first class treatment!
via Viator
Speakeasies on and off broadway
Julian was an entertaining guide we visited 3 different venues that we likely wouldn’t have found on our own. Julian shared with us some of the history and backstory of the bars we visited one was a hip hop another had wonderful stage scene models ( and we learned that Julian had acted in one of these!) and a third bar where there was life music. I really enjoyed the acts which were performed by broadway performers. All of the speakeasies we visited offered a selection of crafted cocktails which were very good
via Viator
A must in Manhattan
This tour is a must in Manhattan! We wouldn’t have stumbled upon any of these bars on our own. They were all local and all completely different from one another. The guide was engaged, personable and gave a great history of prohibition. I highly recommend this tour.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 25
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Telltale Tours, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.0.
See everything Telltale Tours runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience!: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.
How much does The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience! cost?
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Prices start at $40 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 The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience! take?
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Plan for about 3 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 The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience! worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 72 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 The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience!?
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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 The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience! suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience!?
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Around 25 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?
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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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience! start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience!?
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Included: Dedicated licensed host/guide for the evening; Visit at least three of NYC's iconic bars and speakeasies; Free admission and express entry at each location; and Recount the unique history of Prohibition Era New York City. Not included: Alcoholic beverages; and Gratuity. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience!?
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Meet on 8th Avenue between 49th Street and 50th Street. There is a bike rack in front of the building and Carnegie Diner is visible across the street. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience! offered in?
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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 The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience!?
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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 The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience! wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience! if the weather is bad?
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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 The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience!?
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Across 72 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience!?
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There are 5 options to choose from, including 4pm, 7:30pm Tour, 5:00pm Tour, 7:00pm Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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