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Before Stonewall Secret Gay History of New York City

5 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 5 reviews collected by Cool NYC and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | New York City, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Step beyond the well-known story of Stonewall and uncover the hidden origins of LGBTQ+ life in New York City on this fascinating walking tour through Greenwich Village. Long before the modern rights movement, the Village served as a refuge for outsiders, artists, and rebels who quietly built one of the most vibrant queer communities in the country.

Travel back through centuries of overlooked history, from the colonial era to the 1960s, and discover the poets, performers, and trailblazers who shaped LGBTQ+ culture in New York. Walk the same streets where Walt Whitman wrote revolutionary poetry celebrating love and identity, hear the stories of early drag performers and gender-nonconforming New Yorkers, and learn about the secret bars and gathering places where queer culture flourished despite persecution.

Along the way, your expert licensed guide will bring to life the bold, tragic, rebellious, and inspiring stories that paved the way for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

What's Included

  • Expert Licensed Tour Guide
  • Private transportation
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

640 Broadway
New York, NY 10012, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

159 West 10th Street
New York, NY 10014, USA

We end at Julius' Bar

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Julius' (pass by)

A popular LGBTQ bar where the "Sip-In's" took place, an event that predates Stonewall. Helped change service laws in bars and restaurants against LGBTQ patrons.
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The Stonewall Inn (pass by)

The location of the 1969 Stonewall Riots. Today a popular LGBTQ Bar and National Landmark. Did you know the Mob owned it?
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Washington Square Park, New York (pass by)

One of NYC's most popular parks. Center of LGBTQ life and community.
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Christopher Street (pass by)

Main thoroughfare of LGBTQ visibility in New York City
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MacDougal Street (pass by)

A street once filled with secret speakeasies and tearooms catering to the LGBTQ community, now one of the most popular streets for comedy clubs, cafes, music venues and quick bites.
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Show 4 more stops

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 Before Stonewall Secret Gay History of New York City?

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 (EST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. 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-31003P59

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
5 reviews

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

5 stars
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4 stars
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3 stars
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1 star
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Expert Licensed Tour Guide
  • Private transportation
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Gratuities

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 25 travelers

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