Financial Crisis Tour | The Wall Street Experience (2024)

The 2008 Financial Crisis was the most devastating financial shock to hit the country since the Great Depression. Effects from the fallout rocked the world — yet still today, much of what happened remains shrouded in mystery. We’re here to change that.

Step behind the facade of Wall Street and hear true stories of the collapse from the people who lived them. Our guides are former traders, bankers, and others with insider knowledge of the major players and events. With engaging visuals and clear language, they’ll explain the decisions made and demystify the crash.

The history of Wall Street is filled with booms and busts. Walk with us through the cobblestone streets of lower Manhattan and hear stories of great achievement and great tragedy even before the 2008 crisis. Stand on the site of the city’s first terrorist attack. Learn about the skyscraper race in the concrete jungle. See the Charging Bull and hear how it ended up here by surprise.

And learn what really happened back in 2008 when the American and global economies collapsed. By the end of the tour, you’ll understand the dangerous methods that undermined the market leading up to the crash and the reasons they seemed so appealing at the time.

Do I need to understand finance to enjoy this tour?
You don’t need to have a financial background to enjoy our tours, though we find people who have an interest in finance tend to love this tour. We also offer our Wall Street Insider Tour for a more general overview of the NYC Financial District. For both tours, our guides narrate without industry lingo, and questions are always encouraged.

Is this tour accessible?
Yes, this tour is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. We cover about 1 mile or 1.6 kilometers.

Does this tour go inside the NYSE?
This tour doesn’t go inside the New York Stock Exchange, which has been closed to visitors since 2001. We’ll talk about this institution in detail as we view it from the outside.

Where does the tour end?
This tour ends at Federal Reserve Bank on Liberty Street and Nassau Street, about 5 blocks from the meeting location.

What about the weather?
Our tours run rain or shine, so please check the forecast in advance and plan accordingly. In winter, we definitely recommend bundling up and wearing extra layers. If we cancel the tour due to extreme weather conditions, we’ll offer you the chance to reschedule or receive a refund.

What is the refunds and rescheduling policy?
We understand plans change. You can always change your tour 24 hours or more before you tour. We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours prior to your tour start time. Within 24 hours of your tour, we would have incurred hard costs and therefore cannot allow rescheduling or cancellation without costs.

What is your gratuities policy?
Tips are always appreciated by our guides but never expected. They should be given if you believe your guide did an outstanding job and want to show your appreciation.