East Village Ghosts Walking Tour

The East Village is legendary in its own right, known for its unique cultural history spanning from the 17th century Dutch colony to the rich immigrant history of the 19th and early 20th centuries, up to its punk scenes of the 1970s and 80s and more recent, gentrified, iterations. Throughout all this tumultuous history, one thing has remained unchanged: it is very, very haunted.

This tour presents a haunting history of the neighborhood, reflecting its changing scenes and colorful characters through a ghostly lens. We’ll start our tour at the Merchant’s House –”Manahattan’s Most Haunted House – then continue through the neighborhood. You’ll hear all about the one-legged phantom of Peter Stuyvesant, discover some crabby spectral librarians at the former Astor Library (now Joe’s Public Theater), and debate the existence of the afterlife on Harry Houdini’s old stomping grounds.

A fun, slightly creepy, sometimes cheeky look at the collective ghosts of a neighborhood that often flirts on the edge of self-parody, but still contains an undeniable fascination and profound historical significance.

6 p.m. – pre-tour access to the Merchant’s House Museum
7 p.m. – tour begins in Manuel Plaza (35 East 4th Street)

90 minutes, reservations required. $40

Co-Sponsored by Boroughs of the Dead