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.
DUMBO and Vinegar Hill Walking Tour
A walking tour of the dynamic DUMBO & Vinegar Hill neighborhoods of Brooklyn.
Come explore the Brooklyn waterfront neighborhoods of DUMBO and Vinegar Hill. DUMBO was once the center of Brooklyn’s industrial era and later a thriving artistic community. Vinegar Hill was, in the mid-19th century, the “Five Points” of Brooklyn. Our walk combines the history, architecture, people and contemporary gentrification of these lesser-known neighborhoods. Stops could include the Eskimo Pie factory, Brooklyn’s “Gracie Mansion,” historic Fulton Ferry, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and sites associated with George Washington, Walt Whitman, John Roebling, Jean Nouvel, the 1870s Whiskey Wars, and America’s oldest national chain store.
DUMBO and Vinegar Hill is not offered as a public walk during the winter as the cobblestone streets can be slippery.
Customized option for private tours: Consider a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and into DUMBO for a unique two hour walk. Please call us at (212) 439-1090 ext 3 or email us for more information or to arrange.
Tour Info
Cost: $30
$20 Seniors and Full-Time Students
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Give an experience they’ll remember! All tours are available as gift certificates.
Tour Schedule
July 2025
Tour Reservations
Big Onion requires all walkers to reserve and pay in advance. Prepayment helps us determine group size and appropriate guide numbers.
NOTE: You will select your date in the next step.
Whether you are looking to integrate a tour into your academic curriculum or entertain out-of-towners, a Big Onion walking tour is a great way to experience the city.
For more information or to arrange, please call (718) 499-3001 or email info@bigonion.com.
Meeting Location
Location
NW corner of Jay St & York St, in front of the Wholesome Farms Market (108 Jay Street).
Subway Trains
F train to York Street.
FAQs for In-Person Street Walks
Guides
The finest group of tour guides anywhere. Most of us are full-time graduate students researching and writing doctoral dissertations in history, passionate about the history, architecture, and people of New York.
Finding Your Guides
All guides carry an 8×11 sign that says “Big Onion Walking Tours.”
Time and Distance
All tours last approximately two hours. We start on time and walk between one and two miles at a moderate walking pace, stopping at various sites along the tour.
Rain/Inclement Weather
Big Onion generally presents tours rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, please call our hotline [(888) 606-WALK (9255) ext. 1] to confirm our schedule.
Tips
Gratuities are always appreciated but never expected.
Reschedule Policy
With 24+ hours prior to a walking tour, Big Onion offers a full credit for the value of the booking. Credits will be given as Gift Cards in dollar amounts. Gift Cards are good for two years and can be used on any Big Onion outing. Cancellations less than 24 hours prior to the tour or no-shows cannot be credited.
Walks are held rain or shine but may be canceled for severe weather. In the event of a Big Onion cancellation full refunds or rescheduled tickets will be offered.
More Questions? Check out How it Works for more details.
Helpful Links
Local Weather Forecast
NYC Subway Map
Weekly Service Advisories
Subway Fares
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