Garbage and Rats in New York City Walking Tour

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 reviews collected by Cool New York City and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of travelers | New York City, USA

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2 hours (approx.)
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Overview

The Garbage and Rats in NYC Walking Tour is a unique dive into dirty subjects:
-how New York City is built on trash;
-how rats thrive on human consumption;
- and how NYC has dealt with both these filthy, disease-causing problems since 1626.

We'll learn about rat biology and habits, garbage disposal systems, metaphorical rats (i.e. - corrupt people), and gross stories featuring all of the above. This is the intersection of science and history at its finest!

The guide is a graduate of the New York City Trash Academy and a member of the New York City Rat Pack, "an elite squad of dedicated anti-rat activists." Rats, garbage, and New York City history are her passions!

What's Included

  • This experience includes a guided walking tour.
  • Bottled water

Meeting Location

Start Time

Opening Hours

  • 4/6/2025 - 4/10/2026
    Monday - Friday11:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    Saturday12:30 PM - 6:00 PM
    Sunday12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

What To Expect

Wall Street

We will start on Wall Street and discuss its role as a garbage dump in Nieuw Amsterdam, as well as the official market for buying and renting enslaved African people.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

South Street Seaport Historic District

As we walk up South Street, we will discuss the history of garbage, landfill, rats, and the former Fulton Street Fish Market. We will also stop at the former site of Sportsman's Hall, a notorious "rat pit," to talk about rat fights.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

DeLury Square

We will visit DeLury Square and talk about the garbage strike of 1968, John DeLury, and the Sanitation Union. Then we shall stroll down the historic Ryder and Eden Alleys.
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25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

City Hall Area

The tour continues up Ann Street, the site of an infamous rat attack in 1979, into Theatre Alley, and to City Hall Park. Along the way, we will dive into more rat lore and trash-y facts.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions

(5)

Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?

A: This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given to customers' questions.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-5559573P2

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Reviews

5.00
1 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by Cool New York City and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

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Cancellation Policy

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Free cancellation
100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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