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Exploring Downtown Manhattan's Subway History: Oldest to Newest Stations

Exploring Downtown Manhattan's Subway History: Oldest to Newest Stations

Off the Beaten Path

Joined 2025

Rayn R.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

New York

English (Native)

2 hours

Private tour (only you and Rayn R.)

Up to 15 people

Curious about the original details hidden in NYC’s oldest subway stations? Or why so many platforms were abandoned, some stations cost a fortune, or your train is delayed? Join a former transit planner to explore the hidden history, present challenges, and future plans of mass transit in a region of over 20 million people.

(This tour is also available during the day on Sat/Sun; Mon–Fri daytime schedule TBD.)

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

11:00 AM

Meeting Point

One Battery Park Plaza, Battery Pl, New York, NY 10004

- Please meet outside the Starbucks on State Street at One Battery Park Plaza

NYC Subway

Led by licensed guide and urban planner Rayn Riel, our unique subterranean experience will include:

An overview of how and why Manhattan's transit system was built underground at the beginning of the 20th century

The meaning behind the art and architecture surrounding some of the system's oldest subway stations — and the stark differences with stations built in the 21st century

Transit secrets surrounding some of the older stations, such as a former wine cellar under the Brooklyn Bridge connected to NYC Subway tunnels

A peek at several abandoned stations and platforms hidden in plain sight, including the famous 1904 City Hall Station

The catastrophic effects of 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy on New York's downtown transit system, along with how the subterranean network is now more resilient than ever

A walk through the newest downtown subway stations, including the $1.4 billion Fulton Center and $4 billion World Trade Center Oculus

An earpiece for each guest to hear the guide over the sounds of the subway

Ending Point

World Trade Center

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Guiding

Subway fare

An earpiece for each guest to hear the guide

What‘s not included

Gratuities

Tour Important Information

Please bring water and comfortable shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking and stair-climbing.

This tour does not access any restricted areas.

Important message from the supplier

My walking tours typically last 2–3 hours and are usually available from 6:00 pm on weekdays. I’m also happy to offer them during the day on Saturdays, Sundays, and select weekdays. Feel free to reach out anytime—I’d love to explore the city with you!

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2025

Rayn R.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Rayn R.

Hi! My name is Rayn.

I am a big believer in big cities and am fascinated by the urban transportation infrastructure that supports such levels of density and dynamism.

I am from NYC and I work on NYC infrastructure projects. I studied urban planning at school, and I am an American Planning Association certified urban planner. I am licensed NYC tour guide and I am a member of the Guides Association of NYC.