How long are tours?
Tours are between 2 to 2.5 hours in length.
How much distance will we cover?
Tours will cover up to 2.5 miles in distance.
What about the meeting place and endpoints for tours?
The meeting place will be issued once a tour is booked. Most tours will begin and end near public transportation. Opportunities for dining will be available at the end of all tours.
Is there a dress code?
There is no dress code for the tour other than being dressed appropriately for the weather and having comfortable footwear on during the tour.
Is a tour family appropriate?
All tours are family friendly.
What is your reservations/cancellation policy?
Reservations are essential to confirm a place on a Sights by Sam Tour. Tours will be run so long as MTA subways and city buses are providing service throughout New York City and have not been cancelled due to extreme weather conditions. Tours cancelled as a result of suspension of transit services by the MTA will result in a full refund.
With respect to customer cancellations, a tour cancelled more than 48 hours before the tour time will result in a full refund. Tours cancelled less than 48 hours before the tour time are nonrefundable.
Can I have food or drink on the tour?
You may bring snacks on the tour. Please know that opportunities to use the restroom will be very limited for the duration of the tour.
Are photos allowed?
Unless otherwise noted, photos are allowed.
Do tours go into museums?
Tours do not typically go into museums as these facilities often have their own in-house guides. Sights by Sam tours aim to show several landmarks on a tour. Showing a museum on a tour would slow down the progress of said tour.
Will a tour be conducted in inclement weather?
Tours will be conducted, rain or shine. Please dress appropriately. Tours will not be conducted if the MTA suspends public transportation (city bus or subway) service in the city.
Do tours go indoors?
Since Sights by Sam tours aim to cover many landmarks in a short amount of time, tours do not typically go indoors. However, some tours may briefly go indoors at selected sites.
What if I have a special request?
Please email me at sam@sightsbysam.com regarding any specific requests.
Can I have a custom tour?
If you have an interest in a unique topic (Cass Gilbert-designed buildings, the World’s Fair Site in Queens, Coney Island, things in New York that are similar to your hometown, or where the straw hat riot began), Sights by Sam is happy to work with you to create a custom walking tour that will suit your group’s needs. For rates, please email custom tour requests at least 4 business days in advance.
Note: In time, Sights by Sam will expand to give tours in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.