New York: Slavery & Underground Railroad Walking Tour

Summary

Walk Wall Street’s hidden past, hear stories of courage at the African Burial Ground and follow the real footsteps of New Yorkers who resisted slavery

You’ll walk New York’s streets with a local guide who shares stories of slavery’s legacy and those who fought against it. Stand at Wall Street’s old wall, pause at Foley Square’s memorials, and feel history come alive at the African Burial Ground. This isn’t just facts — it’s faces and voices you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped off Broadway and into a different New York — not the one you see in movies. Our guide, James, just started talking as we walked, no big intro or anything. He pointed at the Alexander Hamilton Custom House, all grand columns and echoey footsteps, but what stuck was how he described the layers beneath our feet. “You’re standing where thousands arrived in chains,” he said quietly. I swear you could almost feel it in the air — like a heaviness you don’t notice until someone names it.

We wound through Wall Street (honestly, I’d never thought about why it’s called that), and James explained how enslaved people built the original wall here. There was this moment near Fraunces Tavern where he paused and just let us listen to the city — taxis honking, someone selling roasted nuts nearby — then told us about revolts that happened right on these streets. It made me look at all those shiny buildings differently. At Foley Square, we stood by the Triumph of the Human Spirit sculpture; a little girl touched its base while her mom whispered something I couldn’t catch. That felt important somehow.

The African Burial Ground National Monument hit hardest for me. The sun was out but there was a chill in that open space, even with kids laughing across the street. James shared names and stories — real people who lived and died here long before skyscrapers — and I caught myself holding my breath for a second. It’s not an easy tour, but I’m glad we did it. You walk away changed, or at least I did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore NYC slavery and Underground Railroad history

• Visit Alexander Hamilton Custom House exterior
• Walk through The Battery historic area
• See Fraunces Tavern Museum exterior
• Explore Wall Street history site
• View Triumph of the Human Spirit sculpture at Foley Square
• Visit African Burial Ground and memorial

Top questions

How long is the New York City Slavery & Underground Railroad Tour?

The walking tour typically lasts around 2 to 3 hours.

What sites are included on this tour?

You’ll visit places like Wall Street, Foley Square, Fraunces Tavern (exterior), African Burial Ground National Monument, and more.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Does this tour include entry to museums?

The tour includes exterior visits to some sites; check with your guide about museum entry specifics.

Are children allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near all stops on this route.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The tour runs rain or shine; dress appropriately for outdoor walking in New York City.

What’s included

Your day includes walking with a knowledgeable local guide through historic neighborhoods of Manhattan with stops at Wall Street’s original site built by enslaved people, Foley Square’s Triumph of the Human Spirit sculpture, exterior visits to Fraunces Tavern Museum and Alexander Hamilton Custom House, plus time spent reflecting at the African Burial Ground National Monument — all easily accessible by public transport and stroller-friendly throughout.