The Secrets of the Bowery

The Bowery is one of the most architecturally and historically diverse streets in New York City, comprising buildings from nearly every decade between 1800 and 1940. Home to theaters, grand bank buildings, education centers, and flophouses, the historic 1.5-mile Bowery had it all. One of the first major thoroughfare in New York City, a trail created by the Native Americans, the Bowery quickly earned a reputation as a place for wild fun and an anything-goes attitude. Join us and you’ll visit numerous sites including the grand Cooper Union building, the former sites of Amato Opera House and music venue CBGB, and much more. I grew up in this beautiful neighborhood and know many of its secrets that I would love to show you. As with every ToursByLocals, this tour is of course customizable Please contact me using the orange 'message guide' button to discuss.

Start at Chatham Square Walk through Chinatown and learn about the immigrant groups that settled on or near the Bowery See magnificent architecture Learn about the history of theater in New York Learn about the the Irish and Italian gang wars Hear about prohibition and how the Bowery dealt with it Observe Graffiti and visit a museum dedicated to street art Learn about the Bowery Mission - an mission over 140 years old Learn about the inhabitants of the Bowery snd its changing neighborhood See the birth of CBGB and learn its history End at Cooper Union and its importance in American history