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Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour

157 Reviews 4.92 out of 5 stars Based on 157 reviews collected by Cool NYC and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers | New York City, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (4) days in advance.

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

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

  • Max 15 people per tour for an intimate experience
  • This experience includes a guided walking tour.
  • Bottled water
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Wall St & Pearl St
New York, NY 10005, USA

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

End point

New York City Hall
New York, NY 10007, USA

The tour officially ends by the Tweed Courthouse, which is convenient to several subway stops.

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

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 (8)

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 (EST). 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?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5559573P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.92
157 reviews

Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 157 traveler reviews collected by Cool NYC and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
153
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
3
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (4) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Max 15 people per tour for an intimate experience
  • 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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