New York Adventure Club

Pelé’s New York: Exploring the Manhattan Sites of His American Soccer Era

Sat, Apr 4 · 11:00 AM EDT

Doris C Freedman Plaza, 60th & 5th Ave, New York, NY, US

Tickets: $39.98 ( incl. $4.98 fees ) (advance registration required)

Click the link below to officially register for this experience:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1984486617895

Edson Arantes do Nascimento — better known to the world as Pelé — rose from humble beginnings in Brazil to become the most celebrated soccer player in history, winning three World Cups and captivating millions with his extraordinary talent. By the time he arrived in New York City in 1975 to join the New York Cosmos, the global icon had already transformed the sport. In honor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it’s time to explore the Manhattan landmarks tied to Pelé’s unforgettable American chapter.

Join New York Adventure Club as we hit the streets for a special walking tour through Midtown Manhattan that retraces Pelé’s remarkable New York story — from the moment the Brazilian superstar arrived to sign with the Cosmos to the glamorous social scene that surrounded him during soccer’s most electric era in America.

Led by licensed New York City Tour Guide Ann McDermott, our unique experience will include:

• A discussion of Pelé’s groundbreaking arrival in 1975, and how his signing with the New York Cosmos helped ignite a soccer revolution across the United States
• A visit to the Plaza Hotel and Grand Army Plaza, where Pelé stayed during his trip to New York to finalize his historic Cosmos contract
• A walk past the former site of the legendary 21 Club, the iconic Midtown restaurant where Pelé officially signed with the Cosmos
• An overview of the corporate forces behind the Cosmos, including Warner Communications and the influential figures tied to Park Avenue Plaza and Rockefeller Center
• A stop outside the former Studio 54, where Pelé mingled with celebrities, athletes, and cultural icons during the height of New York’s legendary nightlife

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking!
**This tour concludes on 54th Street near 8th Avenue

About Ann
Ann McDermott, a native born New Yorker has spent her whole life in NYC born in Brooklyn, working in midtown and going to Rock shows where ever they happened. She's spent the bulk of her career in IT in various positions and she's well versed in the technology behind the music as well as the people who "made it happen". Once upon a time she worked for Warner Cable the company that launched MTV as well as ATCO records. In 2019 she became a licensed New York City Tour Guide and looks forward to showing you around!

Disclaimer
Event takes place rain or shine.
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Photo Credit: Main - Dave Merrell, Top Right - Ivan Rohovchenko
Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

The Secret Eats of Chinatown, Manhattan Food Crawl

Sat, Apr 4 · 11:00 AM EDT

Columbus Park, (Exact Location Revealed in Confirmation Email), New York, ny, US

Tickets: $71.63 ( incl. $6.63 fees ) (advance registration required)

Click the link below to register for this event:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1968236537467

While Chinatown might seem touristy these days, it's still hiding some of the best bites in NYC...if you know where to look. Get ready to experience a food crawl that will lead you to the neighborhood's best-kept secrets (if you can keep it hush-hush).

Join New York Adventure Club as we journey through the twisted back streets of present-day Chinatown to eat at some of the neighborhood’s best culinary destinations, while learning about the highs and lows it has endured over the past several generations.

Led by prominent neighborhood expert Mike Morgenthal, our culinary experience will include:

• A custom-made NY Adventure Club route to showcase the best Chinatown eateries hiding in plain sight
• The story of Chinatown throughout New York’s history, from Five Points to the first Chinese language theater in New York City to the neighborhood of today
• A bite at several different off-the-beaten-path Chinatown eateries, from scallion pancakes and dumplings, to beef jerky and steamed buns

Come hungry!

*Your ticket includes tastings at every eatery on the tour

**There are no bathroom breaks on the tour

***Please bring water and a pair of comfortable shoes as we’ll be on our feet for the duration of the tour

****This experience ends at the corner of Grand and Mott Sts.

*****Food served for this experience cannot be altered for individual dietary needs. Please contact support[at]nyadventureclub[dot]com with any allergies the tour guide should be aware of.

Testimonials
"I liked the thoughtfulness of the guide for our comfort." -Nancy

"Great tastings, really nice tour guide and a good group of people on the tour." -Rhonda

"The tour guide spoke in a loud and clear voice. He certainly knew the history of Chinatown and took us to five excellent restaurants." -Joy

"Mike was a great guide - approachable, clear, composed. He gave some great history and background of the area without overwhelming. The food segments went smoothly as well." -Jessica

"Fun, relaxed pace. Great tour guide." -Randy

"Mike was friendly, knowledgeable and considerate. Food was great too." -Jim

"The food! And the guide! Found out some interesting stuff!" -Jessica
"Mike was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable and personable. He took us to places we’ve never been." -Alyson

"It was everything I expected. Delightful way to spend 2 hours, sampling good Chinese delights, while also learning some history of the area." -Joel

"Fantastic guide, compelling food." -Mike

"Guide was engaging and fun." -Kent

"Wandering through Chinatown with a knowledgable guide, stopping to sample Chinese food is very special." -Sheila

"Well paced. Very informative. All delicious." -Sara

"Mike and the food were awesome. Knowledgeable and informative. Great personality." -Jason

"The variety in food selection was wonderful." -Paul

"I liked the guide, the participants - it was such a pleasant tour" -Susan
"Good food, not to long walk, interesting history" -Lisa

"Tour guide was very knowledgeable." -Suzanne

"I enjoyed the food and history of the neighborhood - Michael was extremely knowledgeable" -Ann

"Guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the area. Very interesting." -Joan

"Variety of foods sampled and restaurants I'd not have found on my own." -William

"Mike was very smart and did a great job!" -Stephanie

"Thought the tour guide was very good. He was interesting and it was a good mix of talking about chinatown and also some yummy food tastings and also we got to sit a few times which was nice in such hot weather." -Lorraine

"Good spread of different foods" -Joel

"Very knowledgeable guide, interesting information, good food, well-paced tour." -John

"The guide was very well prepared with the food orders called into the establishments and with napkins and paper plates and bags to take home the extras. The portions were generous." -Dawn

"Everything! Informative & excellent restaurants." -Rachael

"Great guide with lots of knowledge and a good sense of humor." -Kenneth

"Mike really knew his history about Chinatown. Also the food places he recommended were really good." -Nancy

"Mike was knowledgeable, professional and kind" -Debbie

"It delivered what we wanted - cool out of the way places to eat with delish food. It was fab. Can't wait to do the next one." -Joy

Disclaimer
Event takes place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

The Italian Village: Uncovering Greenwich Village's Forgotten Italian Roots

Sat, Apr 4 · 3:00 PM EDT

Washington Square Arch, 5th Avenue & Washington Square North, New York, NY, US

Tickets: $39.98 ( incl. $4.98 fees ) (advance registration required)

Click the link below to officially register for this experience:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1985713207658

Before Greenwich Village became a haven for artists and radicals, it was shaped by generations of Italian immigrants who left an indelible mark on its streets, churches, and culture. What stories remain from this early chapter of Village history, now hidden in plain sight? Get ready to explore the overlooked Italian roots of one of New York’s most iconic neighborhoods on a walk through its living, breathing past.

Join New York Adventure Club as we hit the streets of Greenwich Village with a focus on its forgotten Italian roots — exploring the immigrant landmarks, community institutions, and cultural legacies that once defined the neighborhood.

Led by NYC Licensed Guide Marc Catapano, our unique experience will include:

• The history of Italian immigration in the Village, from its 19th-century beginnings through mid-20th-century transformations
• Reflecting on the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and its impact on the local Italian-American community
• Visiting historic churches and community landmarks such as Our Lady of Pompeii and St. Anthony of Padua
• Hearing stories of notable Italian-American residents, including poet Gregory Corso, musician Maria Muldaur, and the infamous Crazy Joey Gallo
• Exploring enduring culinary traditions, from beloved pastry shops and coffee spots to some of the city’s best pizza and pasta

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking!
**This tour concludes at Houston and Thompson Streets, steps away from great food and coffee.

About Marc
Marc Catapano is a Licensed NYC Sightseeing Guide, active member of the Guides Association of New York City (GANYC), and the proprietor behind Flowers in the Concrete Walking Tours.
Born and raised in New York, Marc has spent years roaming the city’s streets, uncovering its secrets and sharing them with friends and visitors. Marc’s career includes writing and editing for Interview Magazine and Starlog Press, producing for MTV, award-winning scriptwriting for Nickelodeon, and freelance work for Oxygen Media and Discovery Networks. He was Vice-President of video content for Steve Van Zandt’s Renegade Media and even had a spell as a stand-up comedian. Marc’s tours—Beatnik Greenwich Village, East Village Underground, and Greenwich Village A Go Go—blend his creative talents with his passion for New York’s history and culture, offering a unique and engaging experience for all.

Disclaimer
Event takes place rain or shine.
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Photo Credit:
Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

Secrets of the East River: NYC's Hidden Infrastructure by Ferry

Sun, Apr 5 · 11:05 AM EDT

Starbucks (Outside), 110 Pearl Street, New York, NY, US

Tickets: $55.80 ( incl. $5.80 fees ) (advance registration required)

Click the link below to officially register for this experience:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1984400057992

New York runs on systems most of us never stop to think about — the barges hauling our trash, the tunnels moving wastewater, and the plants keeping it all flowing. With many of these sites clustered along the East River, what kinds of structures are hiding in plain sight along its banks? Step aboard an NYC ferry and get ready to explore the essential infrastructure that keeps the city clean, running, and (mostly) rat-free.

Join New York Adventure Club as we embark on a one-of-a-kind ferry trip along the East River to explore the vital water and waste systems that keep New York City running.

Led by licensed guide and urban planner Rayn Riel — who has worked on real-world infrastructure projects across sanitation, wastewater, and beyond — our unique experience from Lower Manhattan to the Bronx and back will include:

• A look at the journey of your trash and recyclables, spotting the barges that ferry them toward landfills, incinerators, or recycling facilities
• A glimpse of NYC’s 14 wastewater treatment plants and the century‑old sewer and utility tunnels beneath the river — some predating the subway
• A view of the Hell Gate Bridge’s three‑in‑one structure, explained so you’ll see what most miss
• A ride past hidden sites like North Brother Island, once home to NYC’s deadliest disaster
• A float past the Bronx River mouth, NYC’s only true freshwater river
• Unexpected sights along the way, including a decommissioned prison barge, the evolving Fulton Fish Market, and Roosevelt Island’s forgotten elevator (along with the site of its once-infamous sewage fountain)
• An earpiece for each guest to hear the guide over the sounds of the ferry

This experience is limited to only six guests.

See you there!

*This ticket includes roundtrip NYC Ferry service between Wall Street / Pier 11 & Soundview.
**Guests are free to disembark earlier on the return voyage at the East 34th Street or Stuyvesant Cove ferry landing as the tour content will be finished by then.
***Each NYC Ferry has food and snacks available for purchase, as well as a restroom.
****This experience will take place indoors on the trip up to Soundview, and outdoors on the return trip to Manhattan (weather permitting).

Tour Schedule

• (0m) Gather at Meeting Location
• (30m) Depart Pier 11 on Soundview Ferry
• (1hr 30m) Turnaround at Throgs Neck / Ferry Point Park
• (2hr - 2hr 30m) Disembark at Preferred Ferry Landing - East 34th Street, Stuyvesant Cove, or Pier 11

About Rayn Riel
Rayn is an urban planner and tour guide based in New York City. He’s worked on infrastructure projects across the five boroughs and is passionate about exploring how cities function.

Disclaimer
Event takes place rain or shine.
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours