The Outlaws Who Built NYC: Financial District Tour

New York City , United States of America

The Outlaws Who Built NYC: Financial District Tour

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(8 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

New York wasn’t built by the rule followers. This walking tour dives into the real stories of the hustlers, rebels, and power brokers who shaped the city from the ground up. Explore the alleys and landmarks where deals were struck, scandals exploded, and ambition rewrote the rules. Meet the pirates, fraudsters, and firebrands who made New York the city it is today, unpredictable, bold, and always on the edge.

Available options

The Outlaws Who Built NYC: Financial District Tour

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The guide will meet you OUTSIDE the entrance to the Millennium Downtown New York hotel and escort you to the first stop on the tour.

Stop 2

Tour attendees will learn about the first privateers in the NYC area and of the remains of ships embedded in the earth.

Stop 3

The site of the former business of Madame Restell.

Stop 4

Site of the former home of New York City's first black millionaire.

Stop 5

Tour attendees will learn about the trial that established the Freedom of the Press.

Stop 6

The site of the 1920 Wall Street bombing.

Stop 7

The site of the The Manhattan Company relating to NYC's water supply and bank formation.

Stop 8

A birds-eye view of Brooklyn Bridge to discuss its corrupt beginnings.

Visitors will stop at the First Precinct to learn about 1970s police corruption.

Stop 10

Visitors will stop at Hanover Square to hear about how local resident and criminal Captain Kidd had a hand in developing the colony.

The site of the home of New Amsterdam law-breakers who created the elite of New York City.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The nearest subways are Cortlandt Street (N, R, W; Dey St & Church St NE exit is next to the meeting point), WTC Cortlandt (1), WTC (PATH), and Fulton Street (2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, R, Z).

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information