Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour
Meeting point
Waverly Diner. 385 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014, United States
Duration
2 hours
Start time
Nightly year-round; usually departs at 8:00 PM.
Ticket Price
Adults from $41.34
*Please check the official site for current prices, seasonal rates, and add-ons.
Tour Operator
Overview
Uncover the sinister side of Manhattan’s bohemian heart on the Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour. While this neighborhood is famous for its jazz clubs and literary history, its cobblestone streets hold secrets far more macabre. Led by expert local guides from Top Dog Tours, this ghost tour invites you to explore the layer of paranormal activity that rests just beneath the surface of the West Village’s charming cafes and historic townhomes.
This ghost walk is not your average stroll; it is a deep dive into centuries of tragedy and spectral lore. From the mass graves hidden beneath the lush grass of Washington Square Park to the site of the city’s most devastating industrial disaster, this haunted history tour connects the dots between NYC’s dark past and its modern-day hauntings.
Whether you’re searching for Greenwich Village ghost tours or a chilling haunted walk near iconic landmarks like the Stonewall Inn, this experience delivers an atmospheric, high-stakes narrative. Perfect for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike, this is widely considered one of the premier paranormal tours near NYU, offering a perspective on New York City that you won’t find in any standard guidebook.
What to Expect
- Washington Square Park: Stand atop a former potter's field where over 20,000 bodies remain interred. Hear the terrifying legends of the Hanging Tree and the phantom figures that still roam the park's northwest corner.
- The Brown Building: Visit the site of the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. Your guide will share verified historical accounts and the eerie reports of spectral echoes that still resonate at this landmark.
- The "House of Death": Confront the infamous 14 West 10th Street, a townhouse said to be haunted by 22 different spirits, including the ghost of Mark Twain.
- Cherry Lane Theatre: See NYC’s oldest continuously running Off-Broadway theater and learn about the spectral actors who refuse to take their final bow.
- Hidden Speakeasies & Literary Haunts: Pass the former homes of writers like Emma Lazarus and the site of Chumley’s, where the spirits of the Prohibition era are said to linger.
- Logistics & Comfort: This is a 2-hour walking experience covering approximately 1 to 1.5 miles. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and dressing for the evening chill. The tour is fully wheelchair accessible, though please be mindful of the narrow, historic sidewalks of the West Village.
- Meeting & Ending: The tour meets in front of the Waverly Diner on 6th Avenue. Please arrive 15 minutes early, as the tour departs promptly and does not return to the starting point.
Difficult street parking; commercial garages available nearby. Subway is highly recommended. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
No restrooms on route; use local facilities before the tour begins. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
100% accessible via public sidewalks; be mindful of occasional uneven historic pavement. (for more info contact tour operator)
No pets permitted on the tour; service animals are welcome. (for more info contact tour operator)
No entry into buildings; stories are told from outside at public vantage points. (for more info contact tour operator)
Not recommended for children under 12 due to mature/scary themes. (for more info, contact tour operator)
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FaQ's
what is a ghost tour
A ghost tour is a guided experience that explores haunted locations and shares stories of paranormal activity, local legends, and historical events. These tours often take place at night in historic towns, cemeteries, or old buildings, blending history with spine-tingling storytelling. Ghost tours offer a fun and immersive way to learn about a location’s past while enjoying a spooky adventure.
Why do people go on ghost tours?
People go on ghost tours to explore local history, hear chilling stories, and experience the thrill of the unknown. Ghost tours blend entertainment, folklore, and real historical events, making them popular with travelers, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique nighttime adventure. They’re a fun way to discover hidden stories, learn about haunted locations, and enjoy a memorable, spine-tingling experience.
Is a ghost tour scary?
A ghost tour can be spooky, but it’s usually not overwhelmingly scary. Most ghost tours focus on storytelling, history, and exploring haunted locations rather than jump scares or intense horror. The level of fear often depends on the setting, the guide, and your own comfort with eerie tales. They’re designed to be enjoyable for most people, including beginners who want a fun, slightly spooky experience.
What is ghost tourism
Ghost tourism, also known as spooky tourism, is a type of travel focused on visiting haunted locations, paranormal sites, and historic places with spooky stories. It combines history, folklore, and supernatural experiences, attracting travelers who enjoy ghost tours, haunted attractions, and eerie adventures. Ghost tourism offers a unique way to explore a destination’s culture while experiencing thrilling, memorable moments.
What to Expect on a Ghost Tour?
A ghost tour typically combines history, storytelling, and paranormal legends as you explore haunted locations, old towns, and places known for unexplained activity. Expect your guide to share true local stories, including tragic events, mysterious sightings, and eerie folklore tied to the area’s past. Many tours visit historic buildings, cemeteries, alleyways, and landmark sites after dark to heighten the atmosphere.
Most ghost tours are walking tours, so prepare for 60–90 minutes of light to moderate walking, sometimes on uneven ground or dimly lit streets. Some guides may use ghost-hunting tools—like EMF meters or spirit boxes—to demonstrate paranormal investigation techniques, giving you an interactive experience.
You can expect a mix of education, entertainment, and spooky fun, but not guaranteed scares or staged jump moments. The goal is to immerse you in the history, mystery, and unexplained stories that shape each location. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, a ghost tour offers a unique way to discover a city’s hidden past and explore its most haunted corners.
What to Bring on a Ghost Tour?
Preparing properly can make your ghost tour safer, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable. Here are the key items guests are recommended to bring to any ghost walk, haunted history tour, or paranormal investigation.
Essentials:
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven or historic streets
Weather-appropriate clothing: jacket, hoodie, or raincoat
Fully charged phone for photos, notes, or emergencies
Small torch/flashlight for dark areas
Helpful Extras:
Portable power bank for devices or ghost-hunting apps
Bottle of water to stay hydrated
Bug spray for outdoor or older locations
Small backpack or crossbody bag to keep hands free
Optional Paranormal Gear:
EMF detector for interactive ghost-hunting
Thermometer for detecting “cold spots”
Notebook & pen for logging encounters
Red-filtered flashlight to maintain night vision
Safety & Comfort:
Small snacks for longer or late-night tours
Personal medication if needed
Hand sanitizer or wipes for older buildings and high-touch areas