From the outset, Empire Tours’ (TourofNYC.com) has aimed to create experiences that go beyond “bucket list” destinations. And as anyone familiar with New York City can attest, every neighborhood feels like its own world.
Empire Tours’ selection of walking tours allows visitors to explore layers of rich history across Chinatown, Little Italy, Greenwich Village, the Financial District, and Lower East Side. These Lower Manhattan historical walks are designed to connect guests with the authentic pulse of the city.
Although some guests travel hundreds of miles to explore New York, Empire Tours CMO and CTO Aanand Mohapatra says a surprising number of tour participants aren’t far from home.
“With today’s economic realities, travelers and locals alike are highly intentional about their leisure spending,” Mohapatra notes. “We are seeing a surge of New Yorkers seeking immersive staycation experiences right in their own backyard.”
Depending on the tour they choose, Empire Tours’ guests can delve deep into the history of organized crime, explore immigrant food culture, take a trip back in time to a Prohibition-era speakeasy, or interact with the history of 9/11.
“We design our itineraries to transcend standard stops,” says Mohapatra. “Whether it is uncovering hidden historical gems or curating engaging and family-friendly things to do on a Sunday, our goal is to offer an authentic connection to the city.”
For many, Empire Tours’ top-rated NYC Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour was their first foray into the company’s offerings. The two-hour historian-hosted adventure takes participants to old mafia crime scenes and famous West Village haunted houses.
New York City is world-famous for many reasons, including its rich food culture. The city is home to a diverse array of cuisines, and Empire Tours’ Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour lets visitors experience that diversity firsthand.
The tour includes four different food tastings. Guests can enjoy traditional Chinese sponge cake with Vietnamese coffee, Chinese dim sum, a slice of authentic New York pizza, and real Sicilian cannoli.
But guests get far more than just food. They can dive into Mulberry Street’s mafia lore, learn about each neighborhood’s history, and enjoy live music at a 130-year-old bakery in Little Italy.
Like many Empire Tours offerings, the Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour and Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour are family-friendly. For those 21 and over, the company also offers the West Village Bar Entry & Speakeasy Tour.
This tour treats visitors to iconic New York City locations like the Stonewall Inn, the 86, and the Friends apartment. They’ll also visit the infamous “House of Death,” a brownstone that allegedly houses 22 ghosts, including that of author Mark Twain.
Perhaps even more excitingly, tour guests can visit three authentic, unmarked 1920s bars, sip world-class cocktails, and hear stories of bootleggers and scandals.
For those who want to explore the Financial District while reflecting on one of the country’s greatest tragedies, the poignant 9/11 Memorial, Ground Zero & Wall Street Walking Tour can’t be missed.
While this tour reflects on the horrors of 9/11, it’s also a celebration of human resilience. Guests visit St. Paul’s Chapel, which survived the attacks and served as a bulletin board for families looking for loved ones. They’ll see the ground zero fire station and the city’s legendary “Survivor Tree.”
Participants who want to learn more about 9/11 and its history have the option to upgrade the tour to include admission to the 9/11 Museum. The attraction includes multimedia exhibits and features more than 10,000 9/11 artifacts.
Although much of this tour focuses on 9/11, it also gives guests a closer look at the Financial District. They’ll visit the New York Stock Exchange, Wall Street, and Federal Hall. And, of course, no trip to the Financial District is complete without a stop at the iconic Charging Bull statue.
Empire Tours guests are treated to an up-close and personal look at New York City, but sightseeing with the company has other unexpected advantages as well. Sometimes, visitors gain priority access to the city’s most popular attractions.
“Because of our deep community relationships, we are able to offer exclusive perks, like VIP access to iconic NYC establishments that typically require hour-long waits,” Mohapatra explains. “Our guests can just walk straight in to experience New York instead of waiting in line.”
In a storied city like New York, it’s easy for tour companies to lean on gimmicks or give guests a cursory look at major landmarks. Empire Tours’ focus on the authentic, human side of New York’s past and present has quickly set it apart. Whether you’re visiting New York City for the first time or have lived your whole life in the area, there’s always something new to discover.