If you’re looking for a way to see New York City beyond its bright skyline and bustling streets, this Gangsters and Ghosts tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s darker side. This two-hour guided walk takes you through neighborhoods steeped in tales of mafia crime, haunted houses, and eerie legends. It’s a mix of history, storytelling, and ghostly intrigue that appeals both to history buffs and lovers of the spooky.
We particularly like the knowledgeable guides who keep the stories lively and the stunning views from the city’s most famous districts. The price point—around $36—makes it a solid value considering the depth of stories and the walking experience. However, keep in mind that since it’s a walking tour, comfortable shoes are a must, and it’s not suitable for those with limited mobility. This experience is best suited for curious travelers eager to uncover NYC’s hidden stories, history enthusiasts, and those who enjoy a bit of the supernatural alongside their city sightseeing.
Key Points
- Authentic stories: Guided by expert storytellers who bring NYC’s gangster and ghost tales to life.
- Neighborhood highlights: Visits to historic crime scenes, haunted houses, and iconic districts like Little Italy and Greenwich Village.
- Great value: At around $36, the tour offers a rich, 2-hour journey through NYC’s shadowy past.
- Accessible and family-friendly: With frequent stops and a family-friendly tone, it caters to a broad audience.
- Stunning views: Enjoy memorable perspectives of NYC’s famous neighborhoods and landmarks.
- Engaging guides: Multiple reviews praise guides for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and personable approach.
This tour offers a captivating mix of history, legends, and cityscape that makes for an engaging two hours. From the very start, you’re introduced to some of the most notorious figures of NYC’s past, like Lucky Luciano and John Gotti, as well as ghost stories that give the city an air of mystery. The tour is run by Empire Tours NYC, a provider with a solid reputation and many happy travelers.
You can check availability for your dates here:The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Hear
The Meeting Point and Starting Off
You’ll meet your guide at the corner of Worth and Mulberry Streets, 15 minutes before the tour begins. This is conveniently located in the heart of Lower Manhattan, close to many popular neighborhoods. From here, the walk kicks off into a vibrant area rich with history and stories. The tour runs in the morning, afternoon, or evening, giving flexibility based on your schedule.
Five Points: NYC’s Infamous Gangs
The tour begins with a visit to The Five Points, once considered America’s most notorious vice district. During the 19th century, this area was a hotbed for gangs and crime, setting the stage for NYC’s gangster era. You’ll learn how these gangs operated and what made Five Points such a dangerous—and fascinating—place. As one reviewer noted, the “history of the gangs in New York is brought to life,” thanks to guides who support their stories with vivid descriptions and anecdotes.
Chinatown and Blood Alley
Next, the walk takes you through Chinatown, where the infamous “Blood Alley” once buzzed with criminal activity. This part of the tour offers a peek into the immigrant communities often caught up in the city’s underground dealings. Expect stories of organized crime, smuggling, and the Chinese gangs that once held sway in the area.
More Great Tours NearbyLittle Italy and Mafia Murders
Moving into Little Italy, the tour visits some of the restaurants and streets where mafia figures like Lucky Luciano and John Gotti once made deals and held court. You might find yourself walking past the spots where mafia murders occurred, adding a tangible sense of danger and drama. The guide will share fascinating insights into how the five mafia families ran their criminal empires—details that keep the stories both authentic and compelling.
Haunted Houses and Ghost Stories in the West Village
The ghost element comes alive as you explore the West Village, home to some of NYC’s most haunted houses. The guide shares tales of ghost sightings and eerie legends, which have been validated by paranormal enthusiasts and local lore. One review highlights the “intriguing tales of mass burials and eerie ghost stories,” woven into the historical fabric of the neighborhood.
Inside Basilica of St Patrick
The tour includes a rare opportunity to step inside the Basilica of St Patrick, famously featured in “The Godfather.” The interior is awe-inspiring, and during daytime tours, entry is included. This provides a quiet moment amidst the darker stories, allowing for reflection on the city’s complex history.
Neighborhood Views and Atmosphere
Throughout the walk, you’ll enjoy stunning views of iconic NYC neighborhoods, all while absorbing stories that bring the streets to life. The tour’s pace is friendly, with frequent stops that allow for questions, photos, and soaking in the atmosphere.
The Guide: Knowledge, Enthusiasm, and Engagement
According to hundreds of reviews, the guides are the star of this experience. Whether it’s Seth, Braeden, Jackson, or Zach, travelers consistently praise their knowledgeability, engaging storytelling, and personable manner. Several reviews mention guides going “above and beyond” to make the experience memorable, supporting stories with images, recommendations, and personal anecdotes.
One reviewer from the UK sums it up: “The guide went above and beyond,” making a potentially spooky walk both educational and fun. Another highlights the guide’s energy, saying “Ryen’s energy perfectly captured the spirit of New York,” keeping everyone entertained even in cold weather.
The Walking Experience: Comfort and Practicalities
At just two hours, the tour strikes a good balance—long enough to tell compelling stories without becoming tiresome. Walking shoes are recommended, as you’ll cover several neighborhoods on foot. The group size tends to be manageable, and the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most visitors.
Family-Friendly and Suitable for All
While the tour is marked as family-friendly, it’s not recommended for people with limited mobility or very young children. Kids aged 6 and under can join for free, making it a good choice for families with older children interested in history or ghost stories.
Price and Value
At $36 per person, the tour offers excellent value. For a couple of hours of storytelling in vibrant neighborhoods, you get much more than just sightseeing—you gain an understanding of the city’s darker, more mysterious side. Several reviewers emphasize how knowledgeable guides and the immersive atmosphere make it worth every penny.
The Reviews: What Others Say
The overwhelmingly positive reviews highlight enthusiastic guides, engaging stories, and the overall value for money. Travelers love the way guides weave in personal anecdotes, historical facts, and eerie legends, making each stop memorable. Many mention that they learned new things about neighborhoods they thought they knew well, and several noted that the tour even inspired revisits to certain spots.
A few reviews point out the importance of good weather for an optimal experience, but even in rain or cold, guides keep spirits high. The tour’s family-friendly narrative and the opportunity to explore NYC’s hidden stories make it popular among a wide range of visitors.
This Gangsters and Ghosts walk is perfect for travelers who crave more than just the typical sightseeing. If you’re interested in criminal history, ghost stories, or local legends, this tour offers a captivating mix that’s both entertaining and informative. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy stories with a bit of a spooky twist, but also want authentic insights into NYC’s past. The friendly, knowledgeable guides ensure that even those with little prior knowledge will walk away having learned something new—and probably with a few good stories to tell.
While it’s not designed for those with mobility limitations, most other travelers will find it a worthwhile addition to their NYC itinerary, especially given the excellent reviews and value.
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, walking through several iconic neighborhoods.
What neighborhoods does the tour cover?
You’ll explore Chinatown, Little Italy, the West Village, and the area around Five Points.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children 6 and under can join for free, but it’s best for kids who enjoy walking and stories. It’s not suitable for those with limited mobility.
What’s included in the price?
The tour includes a professional guide and daytime entry to the Basilica of St Patrick.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
Is the tour accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.
Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely—reviews consistently praise guides for their enthusiasm, expertise, and storytelling skills.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially if weather conditions are cold or rainy.
If you’re after a unique, story-rich experience in NYC that combines history, mystery, and local flavor, this Gangsters and Ghosts tour delivers. The expert guides make the city’s shadowy past come alive, and the neighborhoods visited are packed with authentic charm and history. It’s a great way to spend a couple of hours connecting with the city’s more sinister and supernatural side.
Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost story enthusiast, or simply curious about NYC’s lesser-known tales, this tour offers a memorable adventure that enriches your understanding of the Big Apple—and leaves you with stories to share for years to come.
You can check availability for your dates here: