Natalie was very knowledgeable about the pre Manhatten culture. However I would add one tip. When talking about the Africans' contribution to the society, it was much more than nannies and maids. The Africans were instrumental in colonizing the area... the buildings, roads, farming etc. They provided the free labor required (since the society was so poor) in transforming the marshy land into the beginnings of the commercial empire it has become.

Josh is a ‘sparkling’ nice guide and told us a lot about the history of downtown Manhattan. He knows very much about New York and he is able to walk, guide, tell stories and to keep our attention during the whole tour. We liked the combination of walking (with 7 persons), listening to Josh and tasting food in the different parts of downtown Manhattan. We enjoyed the tour very much!

We book that tour (Lower-East side "food and tales") because we have 2 teenagers (they love to eat). The whole family enjoyed the tour. Our guide, Astrid, was amazing. We were never bored for sure thanks to her enthusiasm and her knowledge. I highly recommend the tour for families with teenagers (or old enough kids as we walked for 3.5 hours).

Interesting tour of the East Village and Alphabet City and an insight into the lives and lifestyle of some of the icons who lived there in the 1970s and 80s, ending at the CBGBs building, which is now a store stocking clothing and with an interior design that pays homage to the building's rock n' roll history.

Olivia was the best tour guide we’ve experienced in NYC! She was funny, genuinely caring, and extremely knowledgeable about all the areas the tour covered. She will go far in life. Her people skills are unbelievable!