The Atlantic Avenue Tunnel Tour, New York

by Rebecca
(Chester, England, UK)

Rediscovered by Bob Diamond, this half-mile train tunnel dates back to the 19th century and today offers the chance to a part of unknown New York. The Atlantic Avenue Tunnel tour provides the public with an opportunity to walk into the middle of the street and climb down an open man hole, into the once lost Atlantic Avenue Railway Tunnel.

Once below ground, visitors are met by the founder of the tunnel tour, Bob Diamond who recounts the tale of his discovery from 1980. Bob also recollects historic stories of the tunnel before its re-discovery, including Pirates in New York City, murderous street gangs, 19th century political and business corruption, and a conspiracy theory surrounding the Lincoln assassination. Armed with flashlights, visitors are then free to explore.

The first level of the tunnel is only 30 foot in length and a hole in the red-cemented wall leads through to the main part. This part of the tunnel is about 20 foot wide and 15 foot high and is located four storeys below Atlantic Avenue. Within the tunnel, old ladders, phones and wheel barrels can be spotted, that authenticate the stories and history told by Bob. Towards the top of the tunnel, holes remain from where investigating city crews blasted through during World War 1 looking for German invaders who were allegedly hiding under Atlantic Avenue.

The Atlantic Avenue Tunnel tour is hosted twice a day, two days a month (usually a Sunday). Visitors meet at the old Independence Bank building at the south-western corner of Atlantic Avenue and Court Street, underneath the clock. Prices for the tour are around $20 and usually last 2 hours.

Whether you’re a New Yorker who catches the 2nd and 3rd train on Atlantic Avenue daily, or just a curious tourist, The Atlantic Avenue Tunnel tour is a must do.


This post has been written by travel blogger Rebecca Kelly of Simonseeks.com; a community of travel enthusiasts, experts and celebrities sharing their thoughts on the best places to visit around the world., ranging from the cheapest places to stay in New York to the best boutique hotels in Paris .