We did the highlights of midtowns architectural tour and it aas great. The guide Kevin was super and the tour is a must do if you want go through midtown. Surely the best tour we made with the ny pass
Terrible customer service. They responded to my customer inquiry with a demeaning and sarcastic attitude. For those who use their New York pass to book, you will be charged the full amount of the tour price if you do not show for the tour (despite the fact that you've already 'paid' using your pass). There are no exceptions, even if you explain that you had a last minute family emergency and could not attend. And the worst part about the whole situation is how rude and abrupt they were with their response. I understand upholding your policies, but when you are met with a complete lack of care and empathy, it's really hard to justify using your service ever again. By the way, this is the only negative review I've ever written about any company.
Hi just did the amazing tour today with Sanon and Damaras. Was elated and fill with great spirit to experience our true history in our back yard NYC. Amazing knowledge they brang about our true story of triumph which sadly to be kept under the rug, but no more, thanks to this amazing tour. Highly recommended!!!
Definitely recommend. I had tours last summer. They have really awesome tours. They also have knowledgeable, professional tour guides.
Especially I could know the special places ,before I just passing by the street alone. Thanks for making me dream of summer From Chris.
I enjoy learning new things about New York. Whenever I go on an a tour with Inside Out I always learn interesting things and I have an enjoyable time meeting new people. The tour guides are knowledgeable about the area of the city we are visiting.
I went on a tasting tour that was conducted by Stacey. Let me say that her personality alone made the tour so much fun! She was engaging and quite humorous. The tour was very informative about the variety of restaurants in different parts of Brooklyn. We visited several restaurants. (I am a Brooklynite and never knew these restaurants existed!) We sampled food from a variety of cultures: Asian, European, Caribbean and Latin American. Everything was delicious! I enjoyed this tour!
Did the underground railroad tour with Demaris today and she was amazing. So much information and knowedge. Highly recommend this tour
Matt was our tour guide and he was excellent. Knowledgeable but also has the energy you can feel only when you try love what you do. Very inspiring and would highly recommend.
I had a great walking holiday tour to see all the holiday markets! the guide was knowledgable and very enthusiastic. When I booked in advance, I was given notice about cancellation policies and the fees incurred in email correspondence and when I had to reschedule my tour date, the customer service was helpful and I was not charged or inconvenienced for such rescheduling.
Funny tour with great sightseeing and 2 good hosts (Julie and Stewart). The only negative really is that you depend on the rest of the "audience" to be respectful, but since you're on a bus, some were talking and distracting for a good part of the tour. Don't expect very elaborate or Broadway level acts, just an hour of a good time and plenty of wholesome laughs.
We had the chance to visit Ellis Island and Liberty Island with TIM. Tim knows perfectly the history of these 2 islands, very friendly, available, attentive !! Thank you
Thx so much TIM
I went Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Neighborhood Tour with catie and it was really awesome. she was knowledgeable, passionate and really kind. During the tour I could see the great scenery and listen to wonderful explanation about Bridge & DUMBO. I hope you could feel that too! ~^^
Dis-organised , did not show at the right meeting area and customer service was down right rude. .... And in reply to the below comment : As you well know we had no access to a phone (we had problems with our network) and a we asked a Police Officer , A security guard , A vendor, A cab Driver all to look at the details you gave us and all said we were standing in the correct area.
if you visit Ellis Island and Liberty Island, I highly recommend TIM for its great professionalism !! We had a great visit !!
virtual experience was nice, i learned quite a few things about the Brooklyn bridge.super organised and they asked questions to keep us interacted with the tour.
I saved money for an entire year to go to NYC. The tour was every dollar worth. Staff Melissa was very nice and organised. Our tour guide Rori was very patient, enthusiastic, and enunciated every word at a good pace throughout the tour. I recommend this. One must be aware of the fact that there are 5 different tickets one must buy for a complete Liberty Statue experience. But the ferry ticket and the secrets tour were good enough for me.
I recently took Virtual historic tour of the Brooklyn Bridge area and was was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the virtual experience. The content was informative and engaging; I really learned a lot. The most pleasant surprise how much more I could focus on the tour because I didn't have the distractions or fatigues that I sometimes get on an in-person tour! I highly recommend this experience.
We had a fantastic Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo tour from Matt which started out in the snow of Manhattan and ended up in the sun in Brooklyn. Matt was an excellent guide who gave loads of info on the bridge itself and Dumbo, pointing out everything the area had to offer. I would highly recommend going on this tour while your in New York as it s a great way to experience the area.
Damaras was really knowledgable and friendly. We really enjoyed her Underground Railroad tour. My husband and I learned a lot. I would definitely go on another walking tour with your company.
Please tell Demaras that the reason the African Burial Grounds were closed was because someone tried to ruin it with racist graffiti. They've cleaned it up. I just saw it on the news.
We had Kevin as our guide and he was awesome. Had a great tour. Very knowledgable, and learnt heaps about the bridge. Thanks heaps mate.
We had the best experience on the Slavery Underground Railroad Tour. Our guide, Damaras, was engaging and highly knowledgeable. I not only visited a part of the city I rarely see, but also learned things I never imagined about our city and its history. I can not recommend this tour highly enough. Exercise included!
Took my Mom on the "Manhattan to Brooklyn NYC Walking Tour: Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo" tour during her summer visit. Was a bit worried that it might be strenuous for an older lady, but our group size and walking speed were manageable. I live in Brooklyn, but was quite impressed with the depth/breadth of our guides' knowledge- both of the Bridge and Dumbo's urban renewal. Guide was also entertaining and enthusiastic, which made the walk even more fun. From researching the tour, that appears to be the norm with Inside Out guides! I'd definitely recommend them, and plan to book the "New York City Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour " soon.
We did the Slave Trade and Underground Railroad tour in New York this past June. Our guide, Damaras, was phenomenal. She had so much information, and she explained it all in a way that was engaging, in depth, and accessible. She dealt with an uncomfortable topic incredibly well, forcing us outside our comfort zones while also allowing us a space in which to ask questions and expand our knowledge of this shameful aspect of America's past (which we have inherited and - in ways - perpetuate today).
I had a great experience with this company! Made my stay in New York so much more enjoyable. Both the office staff and tour guide were super nice and accommodating. I learned so much on the Holiday Markets tour. Highly recommend!!
We had really great time. Katherine was our guide and she was full of history of the bridge. She had a lot of fun facts and helped us good restaurant recommendations. Need to be a tourist more often.
Amazing, despite the freezing 2h30 on feet. But it worths! Tauren the guide was amazing
I had a virtual tour of the Brooklyn bridge. I lived in Brooklyn all of my life and was shocked about the amount of things that I'd learned about this beautiful bridge. The tour was a lot of fun and engaging. I would most definitely do it again!
Stacy
We took the tour of the Brooklyn Bridge. It was one of the best activities we've done in NY this week. We had a very good guide, we were allowed to stop for pictures and walk at our own pace (we were going with two strollers) and the explanation of the history during the tour was very interesting. It lasted almost 2.5 hours. If using NY Pass, you need to reserve your spot and cancellations are not allowed, so make sure you're going. It won't get cancelled for rain.
I just took a tour of Slavery in NYC and the Underground railroad.
I felt there was too much walking between stops for the amount of information provided.
Although the guide seemed to be knowledgable and polite and readily answered questions, when I asked him at the end of the tour why he told us about Fraunces Tavern and pronounced it Francis, he told me there was a controversy of some sort.
As a native New Yorker I was bothered by this, as tourists will leave pronouncing it wrong. If he wants to call it Francis, he should explain why.
My last issue was that we were told along the way , we would have a place to sit.
At one point, my group 15 senior women, out of a group of 30 people, found a ledge to sit on so the guide was forced to speak to us from that spot.
This led to my disappointment inthis tour and certainly not worth the price.
Tour Guide Michael went above & beyond to ensure my experience of NYC was Authentic & Surreal! Introduced me to the finest places for food, dessert, shopping centers & entertainment locations New York City has to offer! It was certainly an individualized tour to remember! I recommend Inside City Tours to anyone looking to enjoy the full NYC experience. Knowledge of the city shared was INCREDIBLE!
We had the privilege of taking the NYC Slavery and Underground Railroad Walking Tour with Damaras as our guide. What an amazing and educational experience. Clearly this is an era of American history about which Damaras is knowledgeable and passionate. Her honesty, as well as her carefully presented information was truthful while maintaining a sensitivity and concern to all the members of our tour group. I recommend this tour for anyone who wants to learn the raw truth about one of America's daunting periods in its history. In addition, I highly recommend Damaras to be the one to guide future tour participants in this eye-opening tour.
We had Kevin as our guide on a tour of Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO. Despite the freezing cold weather Kevin did an excellent job. He was personable, knowledgeable and an excellent communicator. Great job!
We did the Unferground Railroad tour. Our tour guide Damaras was very knowledgeable. She didnt sugarcoat the facts. She answered all questions and really involved the people on the tour, her interactions with people really pulled you into that era of time. Learned more from her, than anything about subject than when I went to school. I highly reccomend this tour. Should be a mandatory school trip!
An Unexpected Gem
Whenever I am visiting a new town or country, one of my favorite things to do is take a local walking tour. While I can, and have, enjoyed various sights and settings on my own, there is something really special about understanding the backstory of a new place: its point of origin in history, its own unique point of view.
Armed with this mission, and a bona fide New Yorker, I began scouting out local tour companies to satiate my lust for stories. There were many tour companies to choose from each touting its expertise on City landmarks, neighborhood enclaves or celebrity-fair, but one company, a dark horse among the herd, caught my eye.
Inside Out Tours professed to know the hidden history and untold stories of its many offerings from Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO to the South Bronx Renaissance Tour. I was excited to take a chance on this smaller, but critically-acclaimed and New York Times reviewed, company. I guess you could say I was leery of having a megatour experience.
I registered for the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Tour.
A group of about 20 of us met at the Tweed Courthouse and learned about the inglorious past of the corrupt politician known as Boss Tweed, after whom the courthouse was named. Our tour guide, Ludi, was warm and engaging with a quick wit and effortless manner. Before giving us the backstory of the courthouse, she went around the circle asking everyone to share our country or city of origin, personally welcoming us to NYC and the tour.
Walking past Tweed, as it is apparently known to the initiated, Ludi pointed out various statues, explaining their significance in the tapestry of New York City history. As we made our way to the Brooklyn Bridge, every so often, she would pause to ensure that the group was keeping up with her. A few tourists from the group fell into step with Ludi, as I occasionally did; she was a pleasure to interact with: listening to our experiences of the City and native homes, discussing her own interests (being a tour guide is obviously one!), while sharing subtle gems of wisdom along the way.
To conclude the tour, we walked across the iconic bridge which offered picturesque views of the Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges across the East River. As we took in the sights, Ludi paused at various landmarks on the bridge to tell the suspenseful story of the many lives lost and misfortunes faced before the Roebling family was finally able to realize its dream of completing the bridge in 1909. Her narrative, as we examined the wooden floor underfoot, the cables around and above us, majestic towers, sky-framing arches and massive ocean below us was in a word surreal. These artifacts, like silent, time-traveling witnesses, drove Ludi s mesmerizing narrative forward, transporting us back in time to when the bridge was finally completed. To know that we were standing and walking on the SAME bridge, with many of the SAME bricks, planks, undergirding and cables that many traversed and even GAVE their lives to construct over one century ago, was tremendously moving.
We crossed the Brooklyn Bridge into DUMBO (which apparently stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge) and learned about the evolution of the neighborhood from a dirty waterfront to an industrial hub; today, it is a popular artist haven, celebrity lair, television and major motion studio attraction. We stopped at a gourmet chocolate shop at the end of the tour, featuring yummy, eccentric chocolate combinations and specialty gluten-free and kosher chocolates!
Reluctantly, we parted ways with our enormously gifted educator and storyteller. Ludi warmly bade us goodbye, exchanging a few hugs with those of us who were not averse to touch, explaining why she was so passionate about working for a company that shares her passion for unveiling NYC s hidden history.
Although I can be the proverbial, cynical New Yorker, the stories from this tour still play in my mind and I can t help but thirst for more.
I took the Slavery and Underground Railroad walking tour with Damaras. I recommend everyone taking this tour, locals and visitors alike, to learn this important but not often told history. Her tour is engaging, relevant and moving. It will change the way you look at history. Thank you Damaras.
Highly recommend these guys. Great tour and very professional guide, highly knowledgeable, great attitude and lovely sense of humour. Thanks Damara for a wonderful tour.
Don't miss the NYC Slavery and Underground Railroad Walking Tour with Damaras! Of all the activities we did in NYC, this was the most educational and meaningful. Damaras is a wealth of information and we learned SO MUCH on this tour. I've taken African American Studies (now Africana Studies) classes at San Francisco State with outstanding professors, and was surprised to learn that Damaras isn't a professor (yet). There wasn't a dull moment and at the end everyone in our large group lingered, trying to draw out the experience. I will be signing up to take this tour again on our next visit!
I am responding to your reply to our review. Please get your facts right. We did actually go on the tour to Liberty Island and Ellis Island however as it was not clear where we had to meet we went to the Kiosk and asked and we were told we had to scan our tickets there. So we did actually go over to the Island but not as part of the tour. You are making this very difficult so let me ask you.....are you willing to pay back the $110 you took without asking from my credit card as we have now been overcharged for the tour? If you need to get the get the money for our tour then you need to get it from NY Explorer. It is very simple but you seem to be charging the wrong person!!
AVOID INSIDE OUT TOURS - BE CAREFUL THEY DON'T STING YOU FOR NO SHOW
Unfamiliar with the process, we purchased 2 NY Explorer passes and opted to visit Liberty Island and Ellis Island. When we arrived at Castle Clinton we did not know where to go so asked at the kiosk. They gave us tickets and we went on our way. Since returning home we have been charged an additional $110 by Inside Out Tours for a 'No Show'. We had no idea, but there was a specific tour guide we had to find to scan our tickets. So not only did we have a tour with no tour guide, we have been charged a further $110 as they did not scan our tickets. Absolute rip off. they refuse to make an exception. Terrible Customer Service. AVOID AVOID AVOID
insideouttours.com