Inside Out Tours, an award-winning, Black- and women-owned tour operator, is redefining cultural exploration in New York City. Dedicated to uncovering the city’s hidden histories, Inside Out Tours offers immersive experiences that bring to life the rich narratives of the Black diaspora.
“Our work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, ABC, NBC, CBS, Netflix and the New York Times best-selling book ‘How the Word Is Passed’ by Clint Smith. We are also proud recipients of the New York State Tourism and TripAdvisor Excellence Awards,” said Stacey Toussaint, CEO and Founder of Inside Out Tours.
With over 14 years of expertise, Inside Out Tours offers multilingual walking and bus tours, expert-led workshops and customizable travel planning. Signature experiences include the Underground Railroad Walking Tour and the Harlem Gospel Experience Walking Tour.
New York City is a tapestry of cultures, and its Black history is woven into the very fabric of its streets, neighborhoods and landmarks. Whether a traveler, educator or history enthusiast, Inside Out Tours offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the untold stories that have shaped New York City—and the world.
“Our tours have received global recognition, sparking collaborations with schools, cultural institutions and organizations eager to integrate this history into their programs. Many guests discover us through media coverage, which has expanded awareness of NYC’s crucial role in Black history,” said Toussaint.
Discover NYC’s Role in the Underground Railroad
One of their most immersive tours is the NYC Slavery & the Underground Railroad Walking Tour. The 2.5-hour walking experience takes guests through Lower Manhattan, where the fight for freedom played out in the heart of the city. Walk the same streets where abolitionists and freedom seekers once stood as you explore landmarks like Battery Park, Wall Street and the African Burial Ground.
“One of the most compelling stories on our Underground Railroad Walking Tour is that of David Ruggles, a fearless abolitionist who played a critical role in assisting freedom seekers—including Frederick Douglass—on their journey to liberation,” said Toussaint.
According to Toussaint, Ruggles operated a boarding house in Lower Manhattan that served as a key stop on the Underground Railroad. Despite constant threats from slave catchers and legal risks, he and a network of abolitionists—both Black and white—helped enslaved individuals escape to freedom. His story, along with many others, highlights New York City’s deep yet often overlooked role in the abolitionist movement and is highlighted in this Inside Out Tours.
As part of the tour, guests will step inside a former Underground Railroad station and learn about the secret networks that helped enslaved individuals escape to freedom. Along the way, hear powerful, untold stories of Black New Yorkers whose resilience and courage shaped the city’s history.
The tour also features some of New York’s most iconic sites, including Fraunces Tavern, Trinity Church, Federal Hall and the NYC Stock Exchange. Through dramatic accounts of riots, revolts and daring escapes, expert tour guides bring history to life, offering a rare and profound perspective on the city’s past.
Inside Out Tours attracts a diverse audience, including international and domestic tourists, educators, students and history enthusiasts. Many school groups and university classes book tours with Inside Out to gain deeper insight into Black history beyond textbooks.
“Black History Month always brings a powerful response,” Toussaint shared. “Many attendees express gratitude for shedding light on stories that are often underrepresented. We’ve had visitors moved to tears by the resilience and courage of those who fought against slavery.”
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