Do I need to book online, or can I just show up?
All bookings are handled online. This allows me to better prepare for the tour, and helps us get to the fun stuff that much quicker.
Can I pay in cash?
Unfortunately, no - all bookings must be made online prior to the tour. Cash gratuities are always welcome, but not mandatory.
Are your tours appropriate for children?
You are welcome to bring your children. However, all of these tours do last two hours and involve a lot of walking, without much of a break. They also involve frank discussions of sexuality and substance abuse, and in the interest of giving everybody what they paid for, I won’t censor the tours just because children are present. Use your own judgment to decide if your child can handle a tour. If you wish to take a child-friendly version of the tours, feel free to contact me for private group rates, and I’ll happily modify the tour to suit your family’s needs.
Are your tours only for tourists?
No! I’ve taken tons of New Yorkers around, and I find that they enjoy it as much as (if not more than) the tourists. So many of the buildings we pass every day have long, illustrious histories that go unacknowledged. Take these tours, and you’ll never look at your city the same way.
I’m a serious music fan who already knows a lot about this stuff. Will I enjoy these tours?
Friend, you’ve come to the right place. What interests me most are the obscure, under-acknowledged trailblazers, and I make a point of highlighting them right alongside the superstars. I also love to get into conversations about this stuff with people who are as passionate as I am, and I can guarantee that you’ll learn something, regardless of how much you already know.
I’m not familiar with all of the artists. Will I enjoy these tours?
Yes! These tours are about the neighborhoods, the history of the city, and the nuts and bolts of how artistic communities flourish, as much as they are about any specific artists. I’ll explain who everyone is, why they’re important, and I'll happily answer any and all questions you might have. I’ve also made Spotify playlists for every tour, which can help you brush up on this stuff in advance - you can find them on the individual tour pages.
Do the tours have scheduled breaks for bathrooms, drinks, or food?
The Birth of Punk, Downtown Post-Punk, and Indie Rock tours typically run just short of two hours, with no break. Carving out the time for a bathroom break means we can’t see as much, and it kills the momentum. In your confirmation email, I’ll let you know where the nearest available bathrooms are to our starting location, and I strongly encourage you take advantage of them. Naturally, emergencies can be accommodated, but do you really want to be that person? The individual artist tours on Sundays are somewhat longer, and do include a bar/bathroom break.
What kind of behavior could result in my immediate eviction from the tour, without a refund?
So glad you asked! Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, sexually inappropriate language or behavior, and/or explicit support for this country’s 45th presidential administration are all strictly prohibited. It is imperative that everyone feel welcome and safe.
How far in advance do I have to book the tour?
I close online registration 12 hours before the tour. If you wish to book a tour after that, email walkonthewildsidetoursnyc@gmail.com and I will let you know if I can accommodate you or not.
Turns out I can’t make it to the tour I booked. Can I reschedule?
Absolutely! Just let me know up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time, and I’ll happy reschedule your reservation.
Can I get a refund if I don't show up, or leave the tour midway?
No. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. After that, there are no refunds, regardless of the reason.
How many people will be on the tour?
I cap most of my tours at ten people, which is relatively small for a walking tour in New York. I do this because I want to keep everyone engaged and have the tour feel like a conversation, not a presentation. Larger groups can make things unwieldy, and that impacts how much each attendee can see, hear, and ask. That being said, if you want to squeeze an extra person or two into a fully booked tour, contact me and I'll let you know if I am able to accommodate them.
My bare minimum for a tour is two people. In the event that only one person signs up for a tour, they will be contacted and offered the choice to cancel or have a private tour for a slightly higher price.
What happens if the weather’s bad?
My tours are rain or shine, and I do not offer refunds if you decide that the day’s weather is too unpleasant. I suggest checking the weather report in advance, and if you decide to cancel, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. In the event of a major weather emergency, I will cancel the tour and you will receive a full refund.
Are gratuities included in the ticket price?
They are not. However, if you enjoy your tour, a gratuity is certainly welcome. We also appreciate good reviews on TripAdvisor and Facebook, and please tell your friends!
Why are all the single artist tours offered at the same time on Sundays?
They’re all hypothetically available, but whichever one gets booked first is the one I do that week. If you want a specific one, your best bet is to book in advance!
Are these tours endorsed by the artists?
Not at all. Some have unofficially let me know that they’re cool with it; most of them probably don’t know or care. These are unauthorized (but well-researched) biographies.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Sure do! These tours make a great gift for the music fans and history buffs in your life. Click here to purchase!
Can you give me a tour about [fill in the blank]?
You betcha! Click here for more info about custom tours.
Photo by Pasquale Salerno via Wikimedia Commons