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 them 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 experiencing prosperous times and people were seeking freedom and fun. Nightclubs became the centre of the New York social scene. Then Prohibition arrived and put a ban on the sale, production and transportation of alcoholic beverages. But, instead of becoming a positive law, it caused corruption and violence; the famous times of Lucky Luciano and Al Capone. A lot of hidden places to drink opened all around the US and alcohol consumption doubled.

In New York, these hidden bars were named “speakeasies”, because you spoke quietly about them or when inside, so as not to alert the police or neighbours. Prohibition ended in 1933, but the speakeasies never died. Or their legacy, at least. Cocktails were born during Prohibition, as the result of mixing the alcohol distilled at home with fruit juices, to cover up the flavour. Who could imagine a fancy night out without a cocktail nowadays?

Eric’s Tip: “I have been to a lot of bars in New York, but there were a few places that I visited with this tour for the first time. They are bars that, due to their inconspicuous and modest entrance, you wouldn’t necessarily go to. This secret bar tour in New York is, therefore perfect to discover 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.”