Fabulous Hells Kitchen Walking Tour
Explore the vibrant history of Hell’s Kitchen with a charismatic guide who has called this iconic neighborhood home for over a decade. The interactive tour includes a quiz game, stories and anecdotes about its history and evolution, and a tutorial on clacking a fan like a pro. Engage with the area’s rich LGBTQ+ history and discover community organizations that have left a mark on the neighborhood. This 2.5-hour tour is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
- Discover Hell’s Kitchen’s rich history and transformation
- Visit key sites like Manhattan Plaza, The Westside Theater, Fountain House, and tenement houses typical of the late 1800's.
- See the neighborhood through the eyes of a local with intimate knowledge of the area
- Hear colorful stories about life in Hell's Kitchen from its gangs to its gay nightlife
- Enjoy an interactive quiz game with a prize for the winner
- Limited to 12 participants for a more intimate experience
Options
Fabulous Hells Kitchen Walking Tour with BFAB
What's included in Fabulous Hells Kitchen Walking Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Hell's Kitchen
Explore one of New York City's most historic and iconic neighborhoods, Hell's Kitchen, with a charismatic local, "BFAB", as your guide! BFAB will share his intimate knowledge of the neighborhood with you as he takes you to 15 different stops. You will learn about the history of Hell’s Kitchen, including its working-class immigrant past, the origin of its name, and its evolution from gangster-run slums into a multi-cultural artistic and gay enclave. You will see some of the oldest existing buildings in Hell’s Kitchen, including the German Church, Hartley House, and row houses that date back to the late 1800’s. You will hear colorful and sometimes tragic stories about the gangs that ruled the area, as well as Hell’s Kitchen’s gay past and present, including the OUT Hotel, Sanctuary, Manhattan Plaza, the Ritz/Q murders, and FLEX. And you will be entertained along the way, with a quiz game (including a prize for the winner) and a tutorial on how to clack a fan like a pro!
Inclusions
- Sunscreen - the guide will be carrying some sunscreen in case participants forget to bring their own
- Tips and recommendations for enjoying Hells Kitchen and New York City
- Tutorial on fan clacking
- Licensed local guide with in-depth knowledge of the neighborhood
- Mobile Phone Charger - The Guide will carry a mobile phone charging bank (iPhone)
- Interactive quiz game with a prize for the winner
- Photo taking service
- Travelers must arrange their own transportation to the tour meeting point (e.g. subway or bus), as well as back to their hotel after the tour ends.
- Participants must bring their own water (or other beverage) for the tour.
- Food is not included on this tour. Participants must eat before or after the tour.
- Snacks are not included on this tour. Participants must bring their own snacks.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers who have difficulty with walking long distances or stranding for long periods of time
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Participants must arrange their own transportation to the tour starting point. The tour begins at the NW corner of W 42nd St. & 9th Ave. (under the trees by Citibank). Your guide will be waiting for you there waving a black fan with "I was BORN this FAB" printed on it.
End Points
- The tour ends at FLEX bar at 405 W. 51st St. 10036. Participants have the option to continue to explore Hell's Kitchen on their own or arrange their own transportation back to their hotel.
