Greenwich Village Tour: Arts, Activism and Social Justice

Discover the village's vibrant bohemian history with an urban historian
From US$337 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Washington Square Park
  • Bleecker Street
  • Church of St. Luke's
  • Triangle Shirtwaist Factory
Photos & Highlights
  • Keep up with the times as you explore one of NYC's cultural neighborhood
  • Led by an urban historian
Select a date
Tour Description
With its meandering streets, vibrant history, and a strong sense of community, Greenwich Village remains distinct within New York City. During this Greenwich Village walking tour, we explore the history of this enigmatic neighborhood, from its Native American roots, through the Dutch tobacco farms and the English estates of "Green Wich," to the emergence of the Bohemian Village of the '60s.

Itinerary Detail

Our time together begins at the Jefferson Market Library, formerly a district courthouse, where women of the Garment industry often held protests–seeking to gain increased wages, reduced working hours, and union representation. From here, we venture to Stonewall Inn, where many of the nation's first gay rights activists gathered, marched, grieved, and fought for equal treatment under the law. 

Our journey continues as we reach Cherry Lane Theatre, which has been the oldest continuously running off-Broadway theater since 1923. From here we venture further into the neighborhood to experience Minetta Lane, which has borne witness to the daily lives of authors such as Walt Whiteman and singer-songwriters such as Bob Dylan. During this tour, we’ll also venture through the campus of the famed New York University – learning about many of the scholars and workers who have grown from these classrooms to become change-makers in our global community. 

The highlight of this tour will be Washington Square Park. Here we pause to learn about the Native American village which once occupied this circle. We’ll learn about the Park’s storied history as the site of countless important protests and social movements throughout the nation’s history. Our tour concludes as we move towards the Washington Mews–a former row of stables transformed into the studios of famous artists.

FAQ

Where do we meet? Where does the walk end?
Generally speaking, the walk begins near Jefferson Market Library. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.


What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your guide will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.


Is this tour good for kids?
Yes! We have some excellent family-friendly guides who can appeal to the learning styles of children. Please book privately if you have children under 13. Feel free to provide us with information about your children such as favorite school subjects, and hobbies. This way we can match you with the best possible guide.


Is this a walking intensive tour?
This walk covers a small radius in the West Village, and some streets and sidewalks can be uneven. There are occasional opportunities to sit, use the bathroom, and get something to drink if needed. Please contact us with any questions; we will be happy to advise if this tour will be appropriate for you.
Experts
Isabelle Isabelle
Art Historian
Nicky Nicky
Local Guide/Writer
Frank Frank
Architect
Maurita Maurita
Local Guide
Madelein Madelein
Local Guide
Kendra Kendra
Local Guide
Stephanie Stephanie
Local Guide
Ryan Ryan
Teacher
Brad Brad
Local Guide
Robert Robert
Historian
Ryan Ryan
Local Guide
Meghan Sara Meghan Sara
Local Guide
Michele Michele
Historian
Josh Josh
Local Guide
John John
Art Historian
Jerome Jerome
Historian
Where You'll Start
(4.79) 51 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Robert was an excellent guide, who brought the rich history of Greenwich Village alive.
Brad is the best! He gave my group the best tour of the West Village you can imagine--combining social history, literary sights and a good dose of Dylan and positively 4th Street. Highest recommendation--for out of towners or city natives--Brad's love of history shines through and is a blessing.
Josh was amazing. He gave us insights to historical figures and where the lived. He also pointed out the varied architecture. The old jazz haunts, we love jazz! MacDougal street with the various eateries in one block...amazing. Thank you Josh. You are are the best.!