NYC Subway Walking Tour: Abandoned Stations & Hidden Art

Summary

Walk New York’s subway past ghosts art and stories beneath

You’ll join a native New Yorker for a walking tour deep inside NYC’s subway system—spotting hidden art at Union Square, glimpsing abandoned stations from your 6 train ride, and hearing stories that bring old tiles and tunnels to life. Includes earpieces so you catch every word—and maybe a laugh or two along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Someone was waving us over by the turnstiles—turned out to be our guide, Mike, who grew up in Queens and still talks like he’s late for something. He handed me an earpiece (which I almost dropped into my coffee) and said we’d need just one MetroCard swipe. The subway air was thick, a little greasy, that familiar metallic smell I can’t quite describe. We started near City Hall Park, where Mike pointed at a chunk of tile half-hidden behind grime and scaffolding. “That’s original,” he said. It looked like something dug up from another century. I tried to imagine people waiting here in hats and long coats but got distracted by a busker’s sax echoing down the tunnel.

We shuffled along under the Manhattan Municipal Building—Mike told us how it played into the subway’s birth, but honestly I was still thinking about that tile. Then we ducked into Union Square station, which always feels like organized chaos. There’s this art installation there that thousands walk by every day without noticing (I definitely would’ve missed it). Mike made us stop and look up—tiny bronze figures climbing pipes and peeking from corners. Some kid nearby giggled when he spotted one hanging upside down. It felt weirdly intimate for such a loud place.

The best part? Riding the 6 train as our own “time machine,” as Mike called it. He had us press close to the windows as we rolled past abandoned stations—ghostly platforms sliding by in the dark. You can’t get off there (MTA won’t allow it), but you see enough to get goosebumps. At Chambers Street, he called it “the Grand Central of downtown,” though now it’s mostly shadows and chipped columns. I didn’t expect to feel so much nostalgia for places I never knew existed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore NYC subway history and art

• See Brooklyn at tour start
• Learn about first subway station
• Visit Manhattan Municipal Building
• Explore Union Square subway art

Top questions

How long is the NYC Underground Subway Walking Tour?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but expect a standard walking tour length with several stops underground and on trains.

Do I need a MetroCard or OMNY card for this tour?

Yes, you’ll need one MetroCard swipe or OMNY tap to enter the subway system during the tour.

Will we go inside any abandoned subway stations?

No, public access inside abandoned stations isn’t allowed by the MTA—you’ll view them from the train windows.

Is this tour suitable for kids or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers on this tour.

Are service animals allowed on this NYC subway tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted throughout the experience.

What are some highlights of this NYC subway walking tour?

You’ll see Union Square station’s hidden art installation, remnants of old City Hall station, and pass by abandoned stations on the 6 train.

Is there an audio system so everyone can hear?

Earpieces are provided to each guest to ensure you hear your guide clearly throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walking through historic subway sites with a native New Yorker leading you; personal earpieces so you don’t miss any stories; all tours require just one MetroCard swipe or OMNY tap to enter; stroller-friendly access; plus time spent both above ground at landmarks like City Hall Park and below ground exploring art installations and glimpses of forgotten stations before heading back up into daylight again.