Private African American Heritage Walking Tour in New York City
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Discover the rich history of African Americans in New York City on a private walking tour led by an expert guide. This immersive experience takes you through significant sites, revealing stories of resilience, struggle, and community that shaped the city.
From the site of NYC’s first slave market on Wall Street to the historic African burial ground, you'll explore landmarks that tell powerful stories of heritage and resistance. Walk through the Five Points district, once the heart of free Black settlement, and learn about the early Black communities in Greenwich Village and Lower Manhattan.
This tour offers a rare chance to see hidden sites of the Underground Railroad and understand how African Americans contributed to the city’s development. It’s a meaningful journey into history, perfect for those eager to learn more about Black heritage in New York.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore and absorb the stories at each stop.
What languages are available for this tour?
The tour is offered in German, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, and Spanish.
Is this a group or private tour?
This is a private tour, limited to groups of up to 12 people, ensuring a personalized experience.
Who is suitable for this tour?
It's designed for adults aged 12 to 99. Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
What’s included and what’s not?
Your booking includes a private walking tour with an informative, friendly guide. Exclusions are public transportation to the neighborhood and gratuities.
Can I cancel if needed?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 4 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Live tour guide
German, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Private walking tour
- Informative, friendly, professional guide
Not included
- Public transportation to the neighborhood
- Gratuities
Itinerary
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Stop 1: Wall Street
Built by Africans to protect the Dutch settlement, this site housed NYC’s first slave market, where Africans and Native Americans were bought, sold, and leased as day laborers.
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Stop 2: Historic Church and African Free School
Archives from June 1696 mention that the church used slave labor to build it. It also hosted services for slaves and free Blacks, serving as a precursor to the African Free School.
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Stop 3: Colonial Architecture & Slave Trade History
See some of the oldest buildings in the city, reflecting New York’s role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, which persisted despite being outlawed.
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Stop 4: African Burial Ground
Uncovered remains of over 419 Africans buried in the late 17th and 18th centuries. The memorial, dedicated in 2007, honors their role in NYC and U.S. history.
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Stop 5: Five Points District
Originally the site of NYC’s first free Black settlement, by 1850, this area was known for its dance halls, bars, gambling, and diverse clientele.
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Stop 6: Early Black Communities & Mother AME Zion Church
Explore Greenwich Village, Lower East Side, and Lower Manhattan, home to North America’s earliest free Black settlement in the 1640s, including Little Africa and the first Black church in NYC.
Meeting point & pickup
Pickup available, or meet at the start point
We meet clients at their Manhattan hotels. Pickup is available from 67 listed hotels. Exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
Open in Google MapsHow to get there
Pickup is available from your hotel, or you can meet directly at the tour start location.
Cancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure for a full refund.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day before
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours of the start
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $250.00 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
