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.
South Street Seaport Walking Tour: Navigating the Port that Made New York
Between the Brooklyn Bridge and the Financial District lies one of New York’s oldest and most interesting neighborhoods!
Roam the cobbled streets of the oldest intact Manhattan neighborhood on this walking tour exploring the Seaport Historic District. Discover the neighborhood’s rise and fall as a port and more recent efforts to preserve its historic significance despite threats from rising tides and real estate. Learn about the sailors, carousers, fishmongers, and shipping titans who created a boisterous 19th-century waterfront and the 20th-century homesteaders and dreamers who sought to tell their stories.
Stops could include Schermerhorn Row, the Paris Café, Seaman’s Church Institute, historic Front Street, Old Fulton Fish Market, tall ships Peking and Wavertree, and some of the best views of the Brooklyn Bridge around!
Tour Info
Cost: $30
$20 Seniors and Full-Time Students
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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.
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:
Meet: The southeast corner of Broadway & Fulton Street, in front of the Fulton Center
Subway Trains
Subways: A/C/J/R/Z/2/3/4/5 to Fulton Center.
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