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 Greetings From Coney Island $25

The history of Coney Island is like nothing you’ve ever heard before. From prostitutes living in a giant tin elephant, to the invention of the hot dog, to a ride that’s so scary it actually made its riders pee themselves, and we’ll tell you all about it! Join New York Local Tours as we explore the engaging history of Coney Island’s amusement zone a story of crime, passion and fire that will change the way you see the “People’s Playground” forever.

So, come on down to New York City’s most famous beach where millions of people used to escape the summer heat. On this tour we’ll explore the amusement area of Coney Island: from the time of Sodom by the Sea, to the Nickel Empire, to the men and women working today to preserve Coney’s magical history.

 

Brooklyn Bridge: 8th Wonder of the World $25       

Ever wonder where New York’s secret treasure vaults for the insanely rich are? Or what the effects of a highly compressed atmosphere on a common toilet would be? Have you ever found yourself wondering how much fun it must have been to be a poor immigrant in 19th century America? (SPOILER ALERT– It wasn’t!) All this and much more as we walk across the 8th wonder of the world! Get ready to explore the amazing story of this bridge as we show you the true story of the men and women who built it.

On this tour, we’ll start in the old Five Points district, walk through Manhattan’s Civic Center area, cross the Brooklyn Bridge itself and finally end in Brooklyn Heights. You’ll fall in love with the Roebling Family and come to understand why the Brooklyn Bridge is truly the 8th Wonder of the World!

 

New Amsterdam: Birthplace of New York $25        

We’ll discover the life of pirates and prostitutes living in the scrappy Dutch colony of New Amsterdam, long before New York was New York. Step into the wooden shoes of the original settlers and see what life was like being an employee rather than a colonist. Based on exciting new research taking place over the last 35 years, we’ll show you a brand new side of this brave new world like you’ve never seen before. From Native American raids, to the origin of the cookie, to everyone’s least favorite peg-legged governor, you’ll see it all.

We start this tour in Battery Park, the Southern most tip of Manhattan, and then work our way up to Wall Street, exploring everything in between! In true 17th century Dutch fashion, we will end the tour in a tavern on Stone Street – the oldest paved street in New York City for some food and drink!

 

Crime in NYC: A History of Vice and Murder $25     

Corrupt politicians. Crooked cops. Gangsters so terrifying that they’re known only as “Murder, Incorporated.” These are the men and women that have made New York City’s underworld the stuff of legend. But there is so much more to this legend than you’ve ever heard. Why is it that New York had such a violent past? What drove these people to a life of crime? This is the story of a broken and corrupt system and the clever individuals smart enough to exploit it.

On this walking tour, we’ll explore Lower Manhattan where we’ll discuss the evolution of orphan street gangs into the mafia, con men and bank robbers so rich they rubbed elbows with the Vanderbilts, gun fights that would make the Wild West blush and the politicians that encouraged it. We’ll visit the old Five Points District, Chinatown, the Bowery and of course the Lower East Side. Let us show you how New York’s crime history began.