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.
Labor History Walking Tour: We Built New York
Join us as we talk about the workers and labor movement that built New York.
Discover what made New York City “the cradle of the American labor movement.” Walking the Central and East Villages between Washington Square Park and Union Square, where for over two centuries, home, work, and social life have intertwined, this tour explores the history of the labor movement and the working people who built New York.
Stops could include sites associated with the first Labor Day Parade in 1882, the founding of the ILGWU, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, the 1836 Stonecutter’s Riot, and sites associated with Samuel Gompers, Emma Goldman, Peter Cooper, and Clara Lemlich.
Please note: this walk is led on dates of significant American labor history (May Day, Labor Day, and other labor-related dates—both known and unknown—throughout the year).
Tour Info
Cost: $30
$20 Seniors and Full-Time Students
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Tour Schedule
September 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
Northeast corner of Washington Square North and Fifth Avenue, opposite the Washington Square Arch.
Subway Trains
6 to Astor Place, R to 8th Street, A/B/C/D/E/F to West 4th Street, 1 to Christopher Street.
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