Speakeasy Tour in New York

Join the Speakeasy Tour in New York to discover the city’s hidden bar scene. This special Prohibition Era Experience will take you to several clandestine watering holes in Manhattan! Prohibition was an attempt to forbid the possession and consumption of alcohol in America during the 1920s. But, as you know, “every law has a loophole”, and this one is no exception. A lot of clandestine bars (speakeasies) opened all over America during this period. Some of which are still open and waiting for you in New York, but they are not always easy to find on your own. They are secret bars after all!

Book your tickets for the Speakeasy Bar Tour in New York here

Eric's Index

1 Visit a New York Speakeasy
2 The Roaring Twenties
- 2.1 Practical Information

Visit a New York Speakeasy

You can visit a New York speakeasy and be transported back to the 1920s. These bars are pretty exclusive and difficult to find, as they are hidden in unexpected places. That is why I recommend you to join this Prohibition Bar Tour. The tour is led by a local guide who will talk about New York’s neighbourhoods and the Prohibition era. You’ll get easy access to multiple locations. You can order a cocktail at each spot, but drinks are not included in the tour.

The Roaring Twenties

After the First World War came the roaring twenties. America was prospering and people were demanding freedom and fun. Nightclubs became the centre of the New York social scene. Then, Prohibition arrived and a strict ban was placed on the sale, production and transportation of alcoholic beverages. But, instead of becoming a positive law, it caused corruption and violence; the notorious era of Lucky Luciano and Al Capone. A lot of hidden watering holes opened all around the US and alcohol consumption doubled.

In New York, these hidden bars were known as “speakeasies”: you spoke quietly about them or when inside them, so as not to alert the police or neighbours. Prohibition ended in 1933 but the speakeasies and their legacy remain to this day. Prohibition also sparked the invention of the cocktail. It was the happy result of mixing alcohol, distilled at home, with fruit juices to cover the bad taste. Who could imagine a fancy night out without a cocktail these days?

Eric’s Tip: “I have been to a lot of bars in New York, but when taking this tour, there were a few places that I visited for the first time. They are bars that, due to their inconspicuous and modest entrance, you wouldn’t necessarily go to. This hidden bar tour in New York is therefore perfect for discovering these places so you can go back again and again. You’ll also learn a lot about the Prohibition era and the hidden New York.”

Practical Information

Departure point: Lower East Side
Departure time: at 18:00
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Dress Code: Casual wear but no sneakers or baggy jeans
Minimum age is 21 years. You will need to show a valid photo ID

Buy tickets for the Speakeasy Bar Tour in New York here

About the Author

Hey there, I'm Eric! I'm a true New York fan with over 20 years of experience visiting and living in NYC. Here on my website, I share all my tips and valuable information to help you make the most of your trip. I personally test and regularly re-test everything on my site to ensure that what I write is useful, honest, and always up-to-date.
If you have questions, need more free tips, or want me to check your itinerary, please email me at eric@newyork.co.uk. You can also follow me on Facebook to get daily updates from New York.

Posted in Nightlife in New York, Tours in New York

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