Where is the nearest bathroom/toilet?

This is the number one question everyone wants to know in New York! Your best bet are usually mid-size coffee shops or restaurants, which will usually require a purchase to use the facilities. Never assume a business has a public bathroom - especially in times of COVID. Always ask before buying anything.

For our tours, we will list the nearest bathroom to our starting place in our reminder email sent two days before your tour.

LOCALS TIP - ALWAYS use a bathroom if you see one - you never know where the next one will be!

Are animals (besides humans) allowed on the tour, too?

I absolutely love dogs, cats, pigs, cows…everything. However, since not everyone feels that way, we cannot guarantee their attendance. If you must (or really super want to) bring your animal along, please email reservations@atypicaltours.com ahead of time and we will do our best to accommodate.

Documented support animals are obviously always allowed.

How do I know you’re telling me the truth about all this stuff?

New York City requires licensure of ALL walking tour guides - and is the strictest in the nation. All licensed guides in the city must pass a multi-hour test and our score is printed on our ID badges, which we will have present at the time of our tour.

Beyond that, we love the history of the city and take pride in our knowledge. If you are curious to understand more or how we know facts, please ask us when it feels appropriate. We will be happy to direct you to more resources!

How should I get to and from the tours?

New Yorkers regularly take the subways. In your tour reminder email, we will provide directions using the subway system. If you want to ride the subway but are nervous, the Metro Transit Authority (MTA) has information on its website for first-time riders - or you can email and ask us, too!

HOWEVER, PAY ATTENTION! Subway routes are subject to changes. Most mapping apps on your phone (we use Google Maps) will account for planned service changes. Sudden or unplanned changes sometimes happen and they will announce the changes over the loudspeakers. In this case, it is totally socially acceptable in New York to ask others on the subway if you didn’t hear or don’t understand how the service changed. We do the same while living here. Very often, you’ll find that New Yorkers aren’t as brusk as we are stereotyped to be.

Taxis, ride-sharing apps, buses, Citibikes, or just old-fashioned walking are also available. We recommend against hitchhiking though!

What if it’s raining?

Weather changes VERY quickly in New York, so it is rare for a tour to be cancelled due to rain. Very often, what looks like rain now can mean clear skies even 10 minutes later. I always recommend to bring an umbrella or rain gear, just in case.
MORE INFO ON COMPLETE WEATHER POLICIES

Having said all of that, in case of dangerous weather, we reserve the right to cancel the tour ahead of time. In these cases, you will receive an email and/or text TWO HOURS before the tour is scheduled to leave. We recommend - in cases of uncertainty - to check your phone and email before leaving for the tour. If you haven't received an email or text from your guide, you can assume they will be there.

If we cancel the tour because of bad weather, you will be issued a 100% refund.

What if I have mobility issues?

Everyone is welcome to take the tours, regardless of mobility issues! New York City itself is - unfortunately - not always great with accessibility. Most tour routes can accommodate wheelchairs, crutches, etc - but not all.

Please email reservations@atypicaltours.com ahead of time to ensure no problems. Most of the time, we can make slight tour route adjustments to accommodate.

How safe is New York City?

The yesteryears of violent crime problems are luckily a relic of the past. The last full year of data (2019) shows New York City’s crime rate has dropped to the lowest level since the 1950’s! Almost all of our crime statistics are well below the national average.

In the last few months during the Pandemic, there has been an uptick in a few crime statistics in the city. While it is something to keep in mind, the small uptick is similar to what you’d find in any major city right now in the country and still falls well below the average per capita you’d expect - especially considering New York’s former history of violence in the 1970s and 1980s. It is unlikely to affect your time in the city, as most New Yorkers still feel safe going out to eat, drink, and see the city without any problems.

As with anywhere else, it’s important to remember you are still in a big city and unfortunate incidents could occur. Please make safe decisions. Pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t leave valuables out in the open. If someone feels wrong, trust your instincts. Have fun, but be smart - especially if you’re visiting the city for the first time.