New York City began right here, in a small Dutch settlement at the southern tip of Manhattan. Most people, visitors and New Yorkers alike, walk past the evidence every day without knowing it. In two hours, you’ll use a copy of NYC’s first map from 1667 and find what’s hiding in plain sight: the original shoreline, the footprint of Fort Amsterdam, and the oldest European artifact in the city. Same streets. Completely different city.
Meet your guide on the steps of the Alexander Hamilton Custom’s House (Museum of the American Indian)
1 Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004
Please arrive 10 minutes early.
By Subway: 4, 5 trains to Bowling Green; 1 train to South Ferry; R, W trains to Whitehall St.
By Car: Parking available nearby. Reserve in advance via SpotHero.
Where is the meeting location?
The tour meets on the steps of the Alexander Hamilton Custom’s House (Museum of the American Indian), located at 1 Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004. Please arrive 10 minutes early. View on Google Maps →
Where does the tour end?
The tour ends at The Charging Bull, Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004. View on Google Maps →
How long is the tour?
This tour is 2 hours long. You’ll cover approximately 1.7 miles on foot through Lower Manhattan, at an easy, unhurried pace.
How strenuous is this tour?
Easy. The route is approximately 1.7 miles on flat, paved streets and sidewalks. Most people of all fitness levels can participate comfortably. Wear comfortable shoes.
Is this tour good for locals?
Absolutely, and it’s one of our most popular tours with New Yorkers who think they’ve already seen everything. The Dutch layer of New York City is almost entirely invisible unless you know where to look. You will leave knowing things about Lower Manhattan that most New Yorkers who have lived here their whole lives do not know.
How is this different from a self-guided walk?
The Dutch remnants in Lower Manhattan are physically present but completely unlabeled. Without a guide, you will walk past all of them. Your guide uses a copy of NYC’s first map from 1667 to show you exactly where the original fort, canal, and city hall once stood, and what is still there today. That context is not available anywhere else on the street.
Is this tour mostly indoors or outdoors?
This tour is entirely outdoors. It runs rain or shine. Dress for the weather.
Is this tour ADA accessible?
Yes. The route is flat and on paved surfaces. If you need any accommodations, please email us at [email protected] before booking so we can best prepare your visit.
Is this tour happening rain or shine?
Yes. Please dress for the weather. The tour will not be canceled due to rain.
Who will be our guide?
One of our licensed New York City tour guides, always a local New Yorker with deep knowledge of the city’s history and architecture.
What is the oyster pasty cannon?
It is the oldest European artifact in New York City: an English cannon from the 1680s, repurposed as a railing post at 55 Broadway. Almost entirely unmarked and unknown. Your guide will show you exactly where it is and explain how it got there.
