Private tour in New York City Suzanne R

Garbage & Rats in NYC

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Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Suzanne R.

5.0

Guide rating

1

Reviews

Tours delivered

2 hrs

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Hello! I'm Suzanne R! I specialize in unique, unusual tours of New York City. If you want to delve into the New York City that's off the beaten (subway) track, I literally wrote a book about it. I'm an avid walker who loves exploring in New York City. Although I spent my formative years in the Chicago suburbs, my soul truly felt at home when I arrived in New York. I've lived here for over 30 years now. That said, I insist on calling soda “pop,” and sneakers “gym shoes,” and sorry/not sorry - I prefer deep dish pizza (although there are some really great pizzas in NYC). As a mostly recovered Cubs fan, I cheer on the New York Mets. I worked in nonprofit organizations for over 20 years. Through that work, I had the privilege of serving New Yorkers from birth (happily helping with affordable, safe child care) to death (sadly helping with financial assistance for funerals), and all ages in between. My work enabled me to partner with people from a variety of ethnic, racial, and religious communities. Being part of a team to make New York a better place for everyone deepened my love for this big, diverse city, as well as my appreciation for those who choose to visit us. I'm curious, enthusiastic, and funny, and I would be thrilled to show you any of New York's five boroughs. Please join me to learn about saints, Dutch Nieuw Amsterdam, garbage, hidden stories in plain site, rats, weird history, murders, gorgeous parks, corruption, peaceful gardens, anarchy, and NYC at sunrise. I am delighted to customize tours to meet accessibility needs or create custom tours to satisfy special interests (as long as they are legal). - Licensed New York City Sightseeing Guide by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (formerly Department of Consumer Affairs) - Member, Guides Association of NYC (GANYC) The best way to experience NYC is on foot, but I also use public transit (subway, bus, ferry), taxis, or Lyft if necessary. If required, a driver to the starting location can be arranged.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Suzanne R.

Overview of your New York City tour

This tour dives into New York City's filthiest secrets - literally. We will explore the environmental history of lower Manhattan, starting with the Dutch in the 1650s and ending in the 21st century, vis-a-vis landfill and garbage. We'll learn how landfill was created, and where New Yorkers dump garbage (both today and in the past), and how that has impacted the environment and lives of the people and critters (i.e. - rats) who call this island home. This is the intersection of science and history at its finest! I'm a graduate of the New York City Trash Academy and a member of the New York City Rat Pack, "an elite squad of dedicated anti-rat activists." New York City's environmental issues are my passion. This tour can be customized! Just ask!

Your New York City tour itinerary

We'll begin on the corner of Wall Street and Pearl St, in front of the Hyatt Hotel. The tour ends in City Hall Park. Along the way, we will stop at: - A slave market established in 1702 - South Street and the East River - The Wavertree Tall Ship (we do not board the ship) - Fulton Fish Market - The former site of Sportsmen's Hall - The United Sanitationmen's Association building - Ryder and Eden Alleys - John DeLury Plaza - Theatre Alley

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

This is a walking tour.

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Food Drinks Snacks
Private Transportation
Private Transportation With Driver
Public Transportation
Meeting location

75 Wall Street, New York, New York, 10005, United States

We will meet in front of the Hyatt Hotel on the southeast corner of Wall Street and Pearl Street

Other details
Tour categories
History
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1421427
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible

FAQs

Who is this private tour in New York City best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for those interested in the environmental history and urban ecology of New York City. It's ideal for travellers who want to explore the city's unique relationship with garbage and its impact on the environment. Suzanne R. offers a deep dive into the city's past and present, making it a great choice for history buffs and those curious about urban ecosystems.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in New York City be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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