“Best Place To Take Out Of Town Guests”
— The Village Voice, 2014

“Really great walking tour…Can’t wait to book another one.”
— Google Review, December 2024

Explore New York’s Layered History

Take a Big Onion Walking Tour and discover New York’s rich history through memorable stories and little-known facts.

Popular Tours

Fort Greene History Walking Tour_1

Fort Greene History Walking Tour

One of Brooklyn’s most ethnically diverse neighborhoods surrounds a park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.

Gangs of New York – The “Official” Walking Tour_gangs_1

Gangs of New York – The “Official” Walking Tour

This history of the legendary Five Points. A guided walking tour created in partnership with the film Gangs of New York.

Labor History Walking Tour: We Built New York3

Labor History Walking Tour: We Built New York

Join us as we talk about the workers and labor movement that built New York.

Annual Post-Thanksgiving Multi-Ethnic Eating Tour_2

Original Multi-Ethnic Eating Tour

This tour combines the history of the diverse Lower East Side with food sampling from local shops and markets!

ABOUT US

Since 1991, Big Onion New York City Walking Tours has led locals and visitors alike on innovative and exciting tours through New York’s ethnic neighborhoods and historic districts.

Our educator and graduate student guides lead the most comprehensive and thought-provoking tours available. Take one today!

Tour Nitty-Gritty

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Cost $30

Lower pricing for students and seniors

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Length

2 Hours
Starts on Time!

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Advanced Booking

Advanced booking is required for all tours

Why Tour with Big Onion

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Factual

Each tour is deeply researched and based on factual information.

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New York Experience

As varied as the city we serve, we offer over 30 tours in 20 different NYC neighborhoods.

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Expert Guides

History grad students, certified by NYC, you can’t get any better than that.

What Are Those Free Tours About?

‘Pay-What-You-Wish’ Tours

You know what they say…you get what you pay for. ‘Pay what you like’ tours are guided by freelance guides who develop the tours themselves. Who are the guides? How historically accurate are the tours? Can you ask them questions along the way? Big Onion prides itself on its deeply researched, factual, and fun tours. We hire and pay real historians to give you a glimpse into the fascinating history behind the city and encourage discourse throughout the tour.

Look Who Thinks We’re Awesome

“Astoundingly informative tours”

Time Out New York Guidebook

“Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests”

The Village Voice

“Great way to experience the city”

1000+ 5-Star Reviews

Private Tours

Have a special event or large party?

Field Trips: We specialize in unique out-of-the-classroom excursions. We can assist in integrating our tours into an academic curriculum.

Private Tours: Our walking tours are great for families, team building, special events, and entertaining clients.

Email us or call (212) 439-1090 to arrange.

Gift Certificates

The perfect gift!

Gift Certificates: All tours are available for Gift Certificates. Give multiple tickets and deliver by email. The perfect last-minute gift they won’t forget!

Find out more about our Gift Certificates.