While prohibition made alcohol illegal in 1920s New York, the city still retained an illicit bar scene. This prohibition-themed Manhattan tour visits some of the city’s self-styled “speakeasies”—cocktail dens and taverns that mimic the era’s outlawed bars—to enjoy drinks (own cost) with a dose of history—an experience hard to replicate independently. See prohibition-period sights, and savor each bar's atmosphere alongside prohibition and bootlegger stories from your guide.

Get a taste of 1920s prohibition-era New York on a history and pub experience
Visit classic bars and other sites; and hear 1920s tales you’d miss alone
Don’t get lost in the crowd on a relaxed and intimate tour capped at 12
Choice of departure times, with reserved seating.

What's Included

Licensed local guide expert in NYC history and culture
Visit to three historic bars, pubs and speakeasies
Free admission and preferred entry at venues
Storytelling of the Prohibition Era and Gilded Age in New York City

Additional Beverages
Gratuity

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
825 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA
In front of the Cravath, Swaine & Moore office building on 8th Avenue between 49th Street and 50th Street. The building has a large American flag hanging down and a long bike rack in front on 8th Avenue.

End point

Times Square
Manhattan, NY 10036, USA

What To Expect

Studio 54 (Pass By)

Broadway (Pass By)

Times Square / Theater District (Pass By)

Hell's Kitchen (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Minimum age is 21 years
Near public transportation
Not recommended for travellers with back problems

Not recommended for pregnant travellers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveller Photos

Reviews

4.5

36 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-10 of 36 reviews

Great tour, Fantastic tour guide

Sarah_S, June 2023

This was such a great tour. I attribute most of our enjoyment to Arielle, but the spots were super cool too. We learned so much history, but the way Arielle told the story made it fun and interesting. The drinks were delicious and the company of the other couple who was also on the tour helped make this a memory my husband and I will never forget. Highly recommend, and if you can request Arielle, do it!🍻😁

Great experience!

Stefanie_F, May 2023

We had the best time. Visited nice places, had great drinks and got some good information. Jenna is a great guide, who makes 3 hrs pass like 5 mins.

Recommended

Celia_J, May 2023

Arielle is a fantastic narrator and story teller. Her passion for this tour is apparent. I would recommend this late nite tour.

Relaxing way to learn some local history

James_M, May 2023

Arielle was a great guide, she knew lots of the local Prohibition-era history. The speakeasies we went to all had great atmospheres and amazing drinks!

Great experience

Hannah_H, May 2023

Our tour guide Kate was brilliant. We was in a smalle group which was really nice as we all got to talk and exchange stories. Would recommend this experience as you get to see bars you'd probably never realise were there.

Speakeasy tour

Debbie_P, May 2023

Ryan was a wonderful guide on our Speakeasy tour. He was very knowledgeable about the history of the liquor evolution. He was very helpful in choosing our drinks at the various establishments. I would recommend this tour for a fun evening in NYC.

There were none - not...

Becky_W, May 2023

There were none - not what we expected for a “speakeasy” tour - drinks were not very good, In my opinion

Speakeasy Tour

Kelsey_G, May 2023

Awesome experience! This walking tour is walking lite and mostly sitting in the three contemporary speakeasies. We went on Mother’s Day and would do it again!

History and libations = fun

Cindy_S, May 2023

Great time! Met nice people on our tour w us. 10 of us total. Wear comfy shoes, some walking from bar to bar. Fun bar atmospheres, drinks and fascinating info.

Jenna was an excellent...

Heather_B, Apr 2023

Jenna was an excellent host! She was very friendly and provided us with some amazing history knowledge of the area!

Best Prohibition Tour

WillGallegos, Apr 2023

Ryan was funny, engaging and above all very knowledgeable. His presentation of prohibition history in combination with his knowledge in mixology made for a perfect tour. Highly Recommend. We went to three speakeasies..The Ricky (try the truffle grilled cheese), Lily's (try the Cindy pointiér -old fashion).

Historic hysteria in the Prohibition Era

Steven_B, Apr 2023

Arielle truly made the experience one that made the tour so memorable! She was very kind, professional, and customer oriented. Also, very knowledgeable BEYYOND the "script". A raise is in her future!!!

Great experience!

John_D, Apr 2023

We had such a blast on this tour! Arielle was an amazing tour guide as she made great order suggestions and was very knowledgeable on the history of each stop. 10/10 would recommend.

We had a blast!

James_H, Mar 2023

An excellent tour. We met people from around the world, and the guide was extremely fun and informative.

Ryan’s bar clawl

Stuart_J, Mar 2023

Excellent tour by Ryan.very informative about the history of prohibition Great bars & will go back to them

Great history lesson!

Anna_L, Feb 2023

I loved hearing the full history behind each location and the famous people associated with the speakeasies.

Good night out

Kim_M, Feb 2023

The guide (Ryan)was great. A lot of history and the pictures to narrate. One bar was not as personable of a place but over all good night.

Amazing time

Sydney_M, Jan 2023

Ryan the tour guide was very knowledgeable and fun! He had great drink suggestions and made the whole experience a blast.

Great evening out

Chris_G, Dec 2022

Fabulous evening with a wonderful group. Learnt so much about Hells Kitchen area's history and visited bars we would never have tried.

An eye opening tour, with a bit of a twist.

KarinF, Dec 2022

Kate was the best guide and opened up the world of intimate hidden NY lounges. The history of prohibition was brought to life with knowledge and humor. She brought our small group together and we felt like we had made some new friends. Yay to Canada, Denver, Florida and Jersey. We will be bringing friends and family on this lovely tour. Thanks Kate!!