Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Yes!  Please purchase tickets well in advance before spots fill up. Use your Visa, MasterCard, or American Express to purchase tickets.

How far do we walk on the walking tours?
Our walking tours cover between 1-2 miles. Please remember to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately.
Does weather affect the tour?

Our tours run rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

Where do the tours start?

Grand Central Tour – The Vanderbilt Avenue side of the Information Booth in the terminal’s main concourse.

Nearby subway lines – 4,5,6,7,S

Metro North Trains

Lower East Side Tour – 137 East Houston Street (in front of Yonah Shimmel’s Knish Bakery)

Nearby subway line – F train at 2nd Avenue Station

Meatpacking District/High Line Tour – Corner of 14th Street and Ninth Avenue in front of the entrance to the Apple Store (401 West 14th Street)

Nearby subway lines – A, C, L at the 8th Avenue and 14th Street Station

Chinatown/Little Italy Tour – In front of the NYC Info Kiosk on the traffic island at Baxter/Canal/Walker Streets

Nearby subway lines – 6, J, N, Q, R at the Canal Street stations

Starting locations will also be provided upon purchase of your ticket.

Where do the tours end?
Grand Central Tour – By the Oyster Bar Restaurant

Nearby subway lines – 4,5,6,7, S

Metro North Trains

Lower East Side Tour – Kossar’s Bialy’s Bakery, Essex and Grand Street

Nearby subway line – F train at either the East Broadway or Delancy Street Station

Meatpacking District/Highline Tour – The tour will return to the Apple Store or Chelsea Market.

Nearby subway lines – A, C, L at the 8th Avenue and 14th Street Station

(Tour groups, at their request, can continue to the end of the High Line and the tour guide will take them to the nearest subway station)

Chinatown/Little Italy Tour – Café Roma at Broome and Mulberry Street

Nearest subway line – 6 train at Spring Street Station.

(Tour groups, at their request, can continue the tour through Nolita to the Original St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Nearest subway lines – 6, F at the Bleeker Street Station)

Who will be my tour guide?
Ben Wagenberg (or Ben Bagel as he likes to be known) will be your tour guide for all tours. He is a licensed New York City tour guide, a member of the Guide Association of New York City and a native New Yorker who has seen the City change and evolve all these years. Please note that Ben reserves the right to have a substitute tour guide who is as knowledgeable as Ben be your guide if he is behind in baking his bagels.
Are the tours wheelchair accessible?
For the most part, yes. There are some stores on some of our tours that have a step up which will not be fully accessible to those in wheelchairs.
Are these tours appropriate for New Yorkers?
ABSOLUTELY!! Even die hard New York City natives with a desire to learn more about their city will enjoy these tours.
Is this tour appropriate for tourists?
ARE YOU KIDDING – OF COURSE!!!!! Tourists from the USA and all four corners of the world are exactly the people these tours are designed for. They will learn about the history, culture and changes in each neighborhood in a way that just looking at a picture or taking a bus tour can’t.
Are restrooms available during the tour?
Yes. Ben knows where all the restrooms are and will make all tour participants aware of them.
How large will the group be?
The maximum number on each group will be 25 people.
Are cameras allowed on the tour?
Yes!
Do I need to bring anything on the tour?
Your sense of adventure, curiosity and an appetite.
Should I eat before taking this tour?
Not really. Each tour participant receives a fresh bagel at the beginning of each tour plus some tours will receive noshes along the way so you may want to watch what you eat before touring with us.
Are tours conducted in English only?
Yes. However, if there is a need for a translator, one can be arranged.
Can I purchase a gift certificate for this tour?

Yes. A Ben’s Bagel Tours gift certificate makes the perfect gift for any occasion. Please contact Ben’s Bagel Tours by email at ben@bensbageltours.com or call (347) 931-7676.

Can I book a private/custom tour?
Yes, we love making arrangements for special and private tours. We can also do tours of SOHO, Wall Street, Times Square and others. Please contact us and we’ll get back to you ASAP!
What is your tour cancellation policy?
If you must cancel, we will refund your credit card in full if cancellation is more than 24 hours prior to tour date/time. Tours canceled less than 24 hours in advance of tour date/time will be charged in full.
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