NYC: Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour

The allure of the Roaring Twenties and the clandestine world of Prohibition-era speakeasies continue to captivate modern audiences. This guided tour in Midtown Manhattan promises to transport participants back in time, immersing them in the vibrant underground drinking culture that thrived during one of America’s most tumultuous eras. From the elaborate disguises used to conceal illicit bars to the expertly crafted libations that were sipped in the candlelit lounges of the Gilded Age, this unique experience offers a glimpse into a bygone era that still sparks the imagination of those seeking to uncover the hidden stories of New York City’s past.

Key Points

• A 3-hour walking tour exploring historic bars, cocktail lounges, and speakeasies in Midtown Manhattan that thrived during the Prohibition era.
• Participants enjoy the history of the Gilded Age and Prohibition, learning about the elaborate disguises and secret entrances used by these illicit drinking establishments.
• The tour offers a glimpse into the vibrant underground drinking culture of the Roaring Twenties, including a chance to savor expertly crafted prohibition-era cocktails.
• Guests visit three iconic Gilded Age bars that maintained their vintage charm and opulent allure, hosting high society and notorious gangsters during the Prohibition era.
• The tour provides a captivating exploration of New York City’s rich drinking history, allowing participants to fully enjoy the illicit allure of the past.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 3-hour walking tour in Midtown Manhattan allows participants to explore the historic bars, cocktail lounges, and speakeasies of New York City’s Prohibition-era drinking culture.

Guests will walk alongside local guides and enjoy the history of the Gilded Age and Prohibition.

The tour highlights three of these iconic venues, providing skip-the-line entry so visitors can fully experience the atmosphere.

Along the way, you will learn about the fascinating stories and legacy of this tumultuous time in the city’s past.

With flexible booking options and a dress code of classy attire, this tour offers a unique glimpse into New York’s storied drinking history.

Exploring Midtown Speakeasies

The tour begins by immersing participants in the hidden world of Midtown Manhattan’s Prohibition-era speakeasies, where they’ll uncover the stories behind these clandestine watering holes that flourished during a time of nationwide alcohol prohibition.

Participants will visit three historic bars and cocktail lounges, each with its own unique history. They’ll learn about the elaborate disguises and secret entrances used to conceal these illicit drinking establishments from the authorities.

From the glamorous jazz clubs to the cozy, tucked-away hideaways, the tour offers a glimpse into the vibrant underground drinking culture that defined the Roaring Twenties in New York City.

Along the way, participants can indulge in classic cocktails and soak up the vintage atmosphere.

History of NYC Prohibition

New York City experienced a tumultuous era during Prohibition, as the metropolis grappled with a thriving underground drinking culture that defied the nationwide ban on alcohol. The Prohibition era, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, gave rise to a network of secretive speakeasies, where patrons could enjoy illicit cocktails and revel in the defiance of the law.

The rise of organized crime, as bootleggers and gangsters consolidated power through the lucrative trade of smuggling and distributing alcohol.

The creativity and innovation of bartenders, who developed new cocktail recipes and techniques to mask the taste of low-quality, homemade liquor.

The social and cultural impact, as speakeasies became hubs of artistic expression and social rebellion during the Roaring Twenties.

Immersive Cocktail Tasting

During the immersive cocktail tasting, participants can expect to savor the flavors of expertly crafted prohibition-era libations, each with its own unique history and backstory.

The tour guide leads guests through three iconic bars and lounges, revealing the stories behind the classic cocktails they’ll sample.

From the smoky speakeasy vibes to the gilded glamor of the Roaring Twenties, every sip transports guests back in time.

Whether it’s a timeless Manhattan or a daring Corpse Reviver, each cocktail offers a glimpse into the city’s illicit drinking culture during the Prohibition era.

This hands-on experience allows visitors to fully enjoy New York’s storied past one cocktail at a time.

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Visiting Gilded Age Bars

On this tour, guests will step back in time and visit a trio of iconic Gilded Age bars that still maintain their vintage charm and opulent allure. These establishments, which thrived during the Prohibition era, offer a glimpse into New York’s illicit drinking culture of the past.

Highlights of the bar crawl include:

1. Exploring a legendary speakeasy hidden behind a secret door in a nondescript building.

2. Sipping classic cocktails in a lavish, mahogany-paneled lounge that hosted high society and notorious gangsters.

3. Discovering a hidden, underground bar that operated as a secret nightclub during the 1920s.

Through these immersive experiences, guests will gain a deeper appreciation for the rich history and enduring legacy of New York’s legendary drinking establishments.

Guided Tour Highlights

The guided tour offers a captivating exploration of New York City’s rich drinking history, immersing participants in the illicit allure of the Prohibition era.

Guests will walk alongside knowledgeable local guides, visiting three historic bars and cocktail lounges that embody the speakeasy charm of the past. Along the way, they’ll learn about the Gilded Age and the storied legacy of illegal drinking establishments that thrived during the nationwide ban on alcohol.

With skip-the-line entry to all venues, guests can fully enjoy the atmosphere and sample classic cocktails that evoke the era.

This guided tour provides a unique window into New York’s vibrant drinking culture, both past and present.

Participant Requirements

To participate in the Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour, guests must meet certain requirements.

They’ll need to be 21 and over and provide a valid photo ID, with a passport required for non-U.S. citizens.

The tour also demands the ability to walk at a moderate pace while dressed in classy attire.

Participants must be 21 years of age or older.

A valid photo ID, such as a passport, is necessary for non-U.S. citizens.

Guests should be able to walk comfortably at a moderate pace and wear appropriate, classy attire.

Adhering to these guidelines ensures everyone can fully enjoy the Prohibition-era history and ambiance during the 3-hour walking tour.

Booking and Logistics

Customers can book the Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour through the provider’s website, offering flexible payment options to secure their spot.

The tour runs on a regular schedule, with start times typically in the afternoon to coincide with the most active bar scene and Prohibition-era ambiance.

Participants must be 21 or older and provide a valid photo ID, such as a passport for non-U.S. citizens. The tour company recommends dressing in classy attire to fully immerse in the historic atmosphere.

Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, guests should note that the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, as a moderate walking pace is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Fully Accessible for Guests With Disabilities?

The tour may not be fully accessible for guests with disabilities, as it requires moderate walking and is not suitable for those with mobility impairments. Guests should check with the tour operator for specific accessibility details.

Can I Bring My Children or Underage Guests?

Children and underage guests are not permitted on this tour. The tour is restricted to adults aged 21 and over, as it focuses on the history of prohibition-era bars and cocktail lounges. Valid photo ID is required for all participants.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The dress code for the tour requires participants to wear "classy attire." This means smart, presentable clothing that is appropriate for visiting historical bars and cocktail lounges. Casual or informal wear is not permitted.

Is Gratuity Included in the Tour Price?

Gratuity is not included in the tour price. Participants are expected to tip the tour guide at their discretion, typically 15-20% of the total cost, to recognize the guide’s services and expertise.

Can I Get a Refund if I Cancel After 24 Hours?

According to the information provided, if you cancel the tour after 24 hours, you won’t be eligible for a full refund. The policy states that cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund.

Recap

This Prohibition-era speakeasy tour immerses visitors in the hidden world of illicit drinking establishments that thrived during the Roaring Twenties.

Guests will explore iconic bars, learn about secret entrances, and savor expertly crafted prohibition-era cocktails while soaking up the vintage atmosphere of Gilded Age drinking dens.

It’s a captivating glimpse into the vibrant underground culture of that tumultuous era.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby