Five Points and Gangs of New York Historical Walking Tour

Duration2h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Group sizeUp to 20 travelers

Overview

Uncover the gritty past of New York City's Five Points neighborhood on this engaging historical walking tour. Explore the streets that inspired the film "Gangs of New York" while delving into the lives of gang leaders, immigrants, and the political corruption that defined the area. From the infamous Bandit’s Roost to the struggles of immigrant communities, this tour reveals the real stories behind the legends. Enjoy a complimentary dumpling from Chinatown as you walk through this iconic district and learn about the Draft Riots of 1863 and the work of Jacob Riis, a pioneer in social reform.

- Duration: 2-hour walking tour in Lower Manhattan
- Guided by licensed NYC experts with a passion for history
- Comfortable walking pace with frequent stops and a dumpling included
- Ideal for history lovers, true crime fans, and curious locals

What's included

Licensed New York City tour guide
Two-hour guided walking tour of the historic Five Points area
One fried dumpling at the Mosco Street Dumpling Shop
Historical commentary on Five Points, immigrant life, gangs, corruption, and Collect Pond

Tips for the guide are not included and are optional.
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation to and from the meeting point
Additional food and drinks beyond the included dumpling

What to expect

Collect Pond Park
15m

Visit the site of Collect Pond, once Manhattan’s primary freshwater source and later the center of one of New York City’s most notorious neighborhoods. Learn how pollution, development, and political corruption transformed the area and helped shape the history of Five Points.
15m · Admission ticket included

Explore the streets of the former Five Points neighborhood, once one of the most densely populated and infamous districts in 19th-century New York City. Learn how Irish, African American, Italian, Chinese, and other immigrant communities shaped the area, and discover the stories of tenement life, political corruption, notorious gangs, reform movements, and the early development of American popular culture.
Columbus Park
20m

Walk through Columbus Park, located in the heart of the former Five Points neighborhood. The park stands near the historic site of Paradise Square, where immigrant communities, street gangs, political organizations, and early forms of American popular culture once converged.
10m

See the historic Church of the Transfiguration, commonly known as “The Little Church Around the Corner.” Learn about its long-standing connection to New York’s immigrant communities and its role as a place of worship, refuge, and neighborhood history.
Chinatown
20m

The tour connects Chinatown’s present-day culture with the earlier communities, businesses, and tenements of the Five Points district. Along the way, enjoy a fried dumpling from a popular Mosco Street dumpling shop, included with the tour.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your guide at the southeast corner of Broadway and Chambers Street in Lower Manhattan, near 280 Broadway. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time and remain outside at the street corner.

End point

Meet your guide at the southeast corner of Broadway and Chambers Street in Lower Manhattan, near 280 Broadway. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time and remain outside at the street corner.

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.