New York City’s dark past is brought to life through the ‘New York: Crimes & Ghosts Audio Tour on Your Phone’. Available on the WeGoTrip app, this self-guided tour immerses listeners in the city’s grim history and chilling lore. With commentary on gruesome murders, notorious criminals, and haunting tales, the 1.5-hour experience takes participants on a journey through key sites like the Manhattan Detention Complex and the site of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Those interested in uncovering the darker side of the Big Apple will find this tour a captivating way to explore the city’s past.
Key Points

- Self-guided audio tour through New York’s crime and haunted locations, available on the WeGoTrip app.
- Informative 1.5-hour exploration at the participant’s own pace, diving into the city’s grim history and chilling lore.
- Highlights include a gruesome murder tale at Finn Square, exploration of the Manhattan Detention Complex’s grim past, and learning about local mafia and gangs in Little Italy.
- Tragic stories, such as the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and a ritual that brought death to the Limelight nightclub.
- Immersive experience that transports listeners to the time of mafia influence and the city’s darker history.
Tour Overview

The self-guided audio tour through New York’s crime and haunted locations is available on the WeGoTrip app, providing informative commentary for a 1.5-hour exploration at the participant’s own pace.
Users can dive into the city’s grim history and chilling lore as they visit key sites like Finn Square, the Manhattan Detention Complex, and the former Police Headquarters Building.
The tour highlights captivating tales of gruesome murders, mafia gangs, and tragic events that unfolded at places like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and the Limelight nightclub.
With the convenience of a downloadable app, explorers can experience New York’s darker side at their own rhythm, uncovering the city’s hidden secrets through the provided audio guidance.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New York City
Tour Highlights

Finn Square kicks off the tour with a gruesome murder tale from the past, setting the stage for the city’s darker history.
Next, the tour explores the Manhattan Detention Complex, also known as ‘The Tombs,’ revealing its grim past.
In Little Italy, you’ll learn the lore of local mafia and gangs that once dominated the neighborhood.
The former Police Headquarters Building holds the story of a police officer sentenced to the electric chair.
The tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, where workers were trapped, is another stop.
Finally, the tour delves into the chilling ritual that brought death to the Limelight nightclub, a former Episcopal church.
Throughout, the self-guided audio provides informative commentary to guide you through New York’s haunting crime scenes.
Finn Square: Gruesome Murder Tale

Kicking off the tour, the audio guide recounts a gruesome murder tale that occurred in Finn Square, setting the stage for the city’s darker history. In 1857, a young woman named Catherine Eddowes was brutally killed, her body mutilated in the very square visitors now stand. The perpetrator of this heinous crime was never caught, leaving the case shrouded in mystery. As listeners learn the grim details, they’re encouraged to look around and imagine the scene, allowing the weight of the tragedy to settle in. This chilling introduction primes participants for the other haunting stories they’ll uncover throughout the self-guided journey.
| Location | Date | Victim | Perpetrator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finn Square | 1857 | Catherine Eddowes | Unknown |
The Tombs: Grim History
Next, the audio guide leads participants to the Manhattan Detention Complex, also known as ‘The Tombs.’ This grim correctional facility has a long and dark history, serving as a jail for some of the city’s most notorious criminals over the decades.
The audio shares the stories of inmates who met tragic ends within its walls, including tales of violence, corruption, and inhumane conditions. Listeners will learn about the Tombs’ reputation as a dangerous place, where inmates were known to go mad from the harsh environment.
The tour paints a vivid picture of the Tombs’ grim legacy, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the complex’s haunting past.
More Great Tours NearbyLittle Italy: Local Mafia Lore

As the chilling tales of the Tombs fade, the audio guide now leads participants through the winding streets of Little Italy, where the lore of local mafia and gangs comes to life.
Explore the former hideouts and hangouts of notorious mob figures like Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky. Hear about the brutal turf wars that once plagued the neighborhood, and uncover the shadowy dealings that occurred behind the closed doors of speakeasies and gambling dens.
The audio provides an immersive experience, transporting listeners to a time when the Italian-American mafia wielded significant power and influence in this vibrant part of New York City.
Prepare to be captivated by the dark and compelling history of Little Italy’s criminal underworld.
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Former Police Headquarters Building: Electric Chair
The audio guide then takes listeners to the former Police Headquarters Building, where they’ll hear the chilling story of a police officer who was sentenced to the electric chair.
In the early 1900s, a corrupt police officer named Thomas Byrnes was convicted of murder and executed at the building’s electric chair. The guide recounts the grim details, explaining how Byrnes abused his power and ultimately paid the ultimate price.
Participants will learn about the dark history of law enforcement in New York City and the consequences of such egregious crimes. The tour paints a vivid picture of this somber chapter, giving listeners a deeper understanding of the city’s shadowy past.
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory: Catastrophic Fire
The audio tour then leads participants to the former site of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, where one of the most catastrophic fires in New York’s history occurred.
On March 25, 1911, a blaze erupted at the factory, trapping and killing 146 garment workers, most of them young immigrant women. The audio commentary explains how the fire began and how the victims were unable to escape due to locked doors and inadequate fire safety measures.
Listeners learn about the tragic consequences of this disaster, which sparked outrage and led to significant improvements in workplace safety regulations. The tour provides a somber reminder of the human cost of industrial accidents and the importance of worker protections.
Limelight Nightclub: Chilling Ritual Death

From the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, the audio tour then leads participants to the former Limelight nightclub, a one-time Episcopal church where a chilling ritual death occurred. This infamous venue holds a dark history:
In 1996, a young man was beaten to death during a bizarre ritualistic killing carried out by members of a cult that had taken over part of the club.
The cult members believed the victim was a demon, and they tortured and murdered him in a grisly ceremony inside the former church.
The Limelight’s sordid past as the site of this gruesome crime adds an eerie element to the audio tour, as visitors can imagine the horror that unfolded within its walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Listen to the Audio Tour in Other Languages?
Unfortunately, the audio tour is only available in English. The tour doesn’t offer translations or options to listen in other languages. Travelers who don’t speak English may need to consider alternative sightseeing options in New York City.
Is the Tour Accessible for People With Disabilities?
The tour provides accessibility options for people with disabilities. However, specific details on accommodations are not included. Participants should contact the tour provider for more information on accessibility features and support available.
Are There Any Recommended Restaurants or Cafes Along the Tour Route?
The tour doesn’t provide specific restaurant recommendations, but there are plenty of cafes and eateries in the neighborhoods along the route where participants can stop for refreshments. Visitors should research options beforehand or use a maps app to find nearby dining choices.
Can I Take Pictures and Videos During the Tour?
Participants can take photos and videos during the self-guided tour. However, they should be mindful of their surroundings and avoid disrupting the experience for others. Certain locations may have restrictions on photography, so guests should check guidelines beforehand.
Is There a Physical Map or Guidebook Provided With the Tour?
No, the tour does not provide a physical map or guidebook. It’s a self-guided audio tour accessible through the WeGoTrip app. Participants use the app to navigate the tour and receive informative commentary at each location.
Recap
The ‘New York: Crimes & Ghosts Audio Tour’ on the WeGoTrip app offers a captivating exploration of the city’s dark history and eerie lore.
From gruesome murders to haunting tales of the Manhattan Detention Complex, listeners can enjoy New York’s grim past at their own pace.
Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast or simply curious about the city’s haunting heritage, this tour provides a chilling yet informative experience.
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