Exploring New York Penn Station: Gilded Age Remnants to Moynihan Train Hall
Though most of the original 1910 Penn Station was demolished in 1963, traces of its historic grandeur remain—if you know where to look. What do these hidden relics reveal, and how might the station and its surroundings be restored as New York’s iconic gateway? Join us to uncover the past, present, and future of North America’s busiest rail hub.
(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!
Meeting Point
104 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
- Please meet outside the Pret A Manger at 104 W 32nd St, between 6th and 7th Avenue
Walking tour
Led by licensed guide and urban planner Rayn Riel, our unique transit experience will include:
An overview of the history of Penn Station with opportunities to compare current vantage points with those from inside the famously demolished original structure
A visit to 1910 Penn Station artifacts hiding in plain sight underneath the world’s largest business district, from historic staircases to glass-block flooring
A discussion of how the station accommodates the country's three busiest commuter railroads
A walk through the new Moynihan Train Hall across the street and its ongoing plans to help ease commuter congestion
Future development plans for the area, which will include two new train tunnels between New York and New Jersey
Ending Point
Moynihan Train Hall
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guiding
An earpiece for each guest to hear the guide
This tour visits areas open to the public and does not access restricted areas
Tour Important Information
This tour includes an earpiece for each guest to hear the guide
Please bring water and comfortable shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking and stair-climbing
This tour visits areas open to the public and does not access restricted areas
(Also available in daytimes on Sun/Sat. Daytime of Mon-Fri is TBD.)
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
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.
$200/ per group
More tours by Rayn R.
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Secrets of the East River: NYC's Hidden Infrastructure by Ferry
New York relies on hidden systems—trash barges, wastewater tunnels, and treatment plants—that keep the city running. Many are tucked along the East River, hiding in plain sight. What do these structures reveal about how the city stays clean and (mostly) rat-free? Hop on an NYC ferry and uncover the vital infrastructure powering daily life. (This tour is also available during the day on Sat/Sun; weekday daytime schedule is TBD.)
Secrets of the East River: NYC's Hidden Infrastructure by Ferry
Underground Brooklyn: Exploring Brooklyn's Oldest Subway Stations
Have you ever wondered what original details still remain inside Brooklyn's oldest subway stations, or why there are so many abandoned platforms and stations? With the help of a former transit planner, it's time to head underground to uncover the past, present, and future of Brooklyn's mass transit in our region of 20+ million people. (This tour is also available during the day on Sat/Sun; Mon–Fri daytime schedule TBD.)
Underground Brooklyn: Exploring Brooklyn's Oldest Subway Stations
Exploring Downtown Manhattan's Subway History: Oldest to Newest Stations
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.)
Exploring Downtown Manhattan's Subway History: Oldest to Newest Stations
Other Popular Off the Beaten Path Tours in New York
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Secrets of the East River: NYC's Hidden Infrastructure by Ferry
New York relies on hidden systems—trash barges, wastewater tunnels, and treatment plants—that keep the city running. Many are tucked along the East River, hiding in plain sight. What do these structures reveal about how the city stays clean and (mostly) rat-free? Hop on an NYC ferry and uncover the vital infrastructure powering daily life. (This tour is also available during the day on Sat/Sun; weekday daytime schedule is TBD.)
Secrets of the East River: NYC's Hidden Infrastructure by Ferry
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A Queens Sampler
Learn the early Dutch and English histories, current demographics, and sample the ethnically diverse cuisines, of the Elmhurst and Jackson Heights neighborhoods in the Borough of Queens (the new New York Melting Pot).
A Queens Sampler
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Underground Brooklyn: Exploring Brooklyn's Oldest Subway Stations
Have you ever wondered what original details still remain inside Brooklyn's oldest subway stations, or why there are so many abandoned platforms and stations? With the help of a former transit planner, it's time to head underground to uncover the past, present, and future of Brooklyn's mass transit in our region of 20+ million people. (This tour is also available during the day on Sat/Sun; Mon–Fri daytime schedule TBD.)
Underground Brooklyn: Exploring Brooklyn's Oldest Subway Stations
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Flatiron and Gramercy - History and Architecture Tour
Discover New York that tourists don't usually get to see. This tour starts in one of the oldest bars in New York that used to be a Prohibition-era speakeasy. We'll stroll around the Gramercy/Flatiron neighborhoods and see the only private park in Manhattan, beautiful 19th-century mansions, and iconic New York skyscrapers. I’ll share some of my favorite New York tales filled with daring, ambition, movie characters, love, murder, prohibition, and ladies' skirts.
Flatiron and Gramercy - History and Architecture Tour
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