Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour

28 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 28 reviews collected by Cool New York City and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
New York City, USA

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On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

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

  • This experience includes a guided walking tour.
  • Bottled water
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What To Expect

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.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

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

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-5559573P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
28 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 28 traveler reviews collected by Cool New York City and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
28
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
0

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What's Included

Activity name

  • This experience includes a guided walking tour.
  • Bottled water

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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Free Cancellation

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100% refund
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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