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.
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.
A tour that goes beyond Martin Scorsese’s landmark film Gangs of New York! Come explore the legends and lore of Five Points and Herbert Asbury’s 1927 classic the Gangs of New York—the inspiration for the film—and learn about the REAL history of the area—the first multi-ethnic urban neighborhood in America!
Stops on the Gangs of New York tour could include Paradise Square, “Murderer’s Alley,” the African Burial Ground, the lost intersection of Five Points, and sites associated with Bill “the Butcher” Poole, Pierre Toussaint, William M. Tweed, “Master” Juba, and the 1857 police and 1863 draft riots.
The Big Onion “Official” Gangs of New York walking tour was originally commissioned by Miramax Films as the historical companion tour for the 2002 release of the fictional movie by Martin Scorsese. The “Official” Gangs of New York tour does contain mature content within the historical discussion.
For related programs, please see our Immigrant New York walking tour.
Tour Info
Cost: $30
$20 Seniors and Full-Time Students
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Tour Schedule
July 2025
August 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.
For bigger groups, consider private walking.
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
The southeast corner of Broadway and Chambers Street, at the edge of City Hall Park.
Subway Trains
4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge, 1/2/3/A/C/E to Chambers Street, R to City Hall.
FAQS for Walking Tours
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