Late Night Rat Tours - How the Late Night Rat Tours Start in Downtown NYC

Late Night Rat Tours

Discover NYC's furry residents on the Late Night Rat Tours, a 90-minute walk with expert insights, prime rat viewing, and iconic city views for $45.

Explore the Unique World of New York City’s Rodents with Late Night Rat Tours

Late Night Rat Tours - Explore the Unique World of New York City’s Rodents with Late Night Rat Tours

The Late Night Rat Tours, offered by NYC RAT WALKING TOURS, deliver a distinctive experience in New York City for $45 per person. Lasting approximately 90 minutes, this tour stands out with its focus on NYC’s most notorious yet fascinating inhabitants—the rats. Led by Kenny Bollwerk, a social media creator known as Rat Daddy, this journey combines urban adventure, humor, and public service messages into a lively exploration of the city’s underground rodent culture.

Starting at 10:30 pm from a central NYC location, the tour emphasizes prime rat activity hours, ensuring guests get a firsthand look at how these creatures thrive amid the city’s backstreets, alleyways, and trash-lined curbs. With only 12 travelers per group, the experience maintains an intimate and engaging atmosphere. Its high 5.0 rating from satisfied participants underscores its popularity, especially among adventurous travelers, locals, and animal curious visitors.

While the tour offers an entertaining and educational glimpse into urban pest management and rat behavior, it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate physical activity and outdoor city walking. Its mobile ticket system makes it easy to join, and the free cancellation policy adds flexibility for last-minute plans.

Key Points

Late Night Rat Tours - Key Points

  • Guided by Kenny Bollwerk, aka Rat Daddy, a well-known social media figure
  • Duration of about 90 minutes with a small group size (max 12)
  • Prime rat activity times ensure close-up views of NYC’s rat population
  • Includes iconic city views, like a photo stop at the World Trade Center
  • Educational and humorous commentary on rat behavior, city infrastructure, and myths
  • Cost of $45 per person with a full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance

How the Late Night Rat Tours Start in Downtown NYC

Late Night Rat Tours - How the Late Night Rat Tours Start in Downtown NYC

This walking tour begins in New York, NY, at a central meeting point convenient for public transit. The tour kicks off at 10:30 pm, making it a late-night adventure perfect for night owls or those seeking a different perspective of the city. The start and end points are the same location, simplifying logistics for participants.

The tour’s timing aligns with peak rat activity, offering a chance to observe urban rodents in action. The tour’s duration of about 90 minutes balances a thorough exploration with a manageable pace. Since service animals are allowed, it remains accessible for some visitors with assistance animals, though the physical demand is moderate.

The Iconic World Trade Center Viewpoint and Photo Opportunities

Late Night Rat Tours - The Iconic World Trade Center Viewpoint and Photo Opportunities

One of the standout moments during the tour is a photo stop at the World Trade Center. Here, guests enjoy a stunning view of the skyscraper, capturing iconic images amid the night scenery. This spot not only offers an excellent chance for photos, but it also provides context for the city’s urban resilience and modern architecture.

This stop is strategically positioned during the walk, giving guests a memorable visual highlight while still exploring the less-traveled backstreets where rats are most active. The balance of urban sights and the fascinating world of rats makes this tour uniquely engaging.

The “OG” NYC Skyscraper and Its Neighborhood

Late Night Rat Tours - The "OG" NYC Skyscraper and Its Neighborhood

The tour also includes a visit to the “OG” skyscraper in NYC, emphasizing the city’s towering architecture and historic skyline. This stop showcases the contrast between human-made structures and the hidden rodent populations thriving in the shadows of these giants.

As the guide explains urban infrastructure, guests gain insights into how city design influences rat habitats. The lighting, trash bins, and alleyways around these buildings form the backdrop for kooky stories and urban myths, adding a layer of urban folklore to the experience.

Kenny Bollwerk’s Style: Informative and Entertaining

Late Night Rat Tours - Kenny Bollwerk’s Style: Informative and Entertaining

Kenny Bollwerk’s approach combines humor with knowledge, making the tour both fun and educational. His commentary about rat behavior, urban myths, and city management efforts keeps the group engaged and informed. Guests appreciate the lighthearted tone, which makes the sometimes gritty subject matter more approachable.

His public service messages about NYC’s ongoing battle against rodents add a layer of social awareness to the adventure. The focus remains on understanding and coexisting with these urban dwellers, rather than just observing them.

Learning About NYC’s Rodent Control Efforts

Late Night Rat Tours - Learning About NYC’s Rodent Control Efforts

Throughout the tour, detailed tips are shared on how NYC is managing its rodent problem and what additional steps are still needed. This educational content offers a glimpse into municipal efforts to control the rat population, from trash management to urban planning.

Guests leave with a better understanding of city policies and community involvement. This makes the tour appealing not just as entertainment, but as a brief public service announcement about urban pest control.

What You Can Expect During the Prime Rat Activity Hours

Late Night Rat Tours - What You Can Expect During the Prime Rat Activity Hours

The tour’s timing at night ensures prime rat activity, providing opportunities to see rats in motion and observe their behavior up close. This aspect is widely praised for offering authentic glimpses into their nocturnal routines, which are impossible to see during the day.

Walking through alleyways and trash-strewn curb edges, guests witness the furry residents in their natural late-night environment. The moderate physical fitness requirement means participants should be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces for an extended period.

The Group Size and Accessibility

Late Night Rat Tours - The Group Size and Accessibility

With a maximum of 12 travelers, the group remains intimate, allowing for personalized commentary and close-up viewing opportunities. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves outdoor walking around urban streets.

The mobile ticket system facilitates easy booking and entry, while the proximity to public transportation ensures convenient access to the meeting point.

Cancellations and Weather Considerations

Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility in case plans change. The tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, participants are offered a reschedule or a full refund.

This policy ensures that the outdoor nature of the tour is respected, and no one is left stranded in bad weather.

Who Will Enjoy the Late Night Rat Tours?

This tour appeals most to adventurous travelers seeking a quirky, offbeat experience, as well as local residents curious about the city’s hidden wildlife. Animal lovers, urban explorers, and those interested in city infrastructure find the mix of education and entertainment especially compelling.

Given the late-night timing, it’s ideal for visitors who want a different perspective after dark rather than a daytime sightseeing itinerary. The entertaining guide and unique focus make it a memorable addition to any NYC trip.

Final Thoughts on the Late Night Rat Tours

The $45 price point offers a good value for an unconventional, interactive night walk in New York City. The small group size, prime rat activity times, and informative commentary distinguish this tour from more typical city walks.

While the focus on urban rodents may not appeal to everyone, those with a curiosity for quirky city stories and urban wildlife will find this 90-minute adventure both entertaining and enlightening. The stunning views of the city skyline and the chance to observe rats in action make it a truly unique experience for night owls and urban explorers alike.

✨ Book This Experience

Late Night Rat Tours



5.0

(30 reviews)

100% 5-star

“Kenny, aka Rat Daddy has the absolute BEST rat tour in NYC! He goes out at prime rat time, where you can get a firsthand look at them in action! Th…”

— Cameron B, Aug 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the Late Night Rat Tours?
The tour costs $45 per person.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

What time does the tour start?
It begins at 10:30 pm each night.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is in New York, NY, with the same location serving as the end point.

Is the tour suitable for all physical fitness levels?
It requires moderate physical activity and outdoor walking on city streets.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour accessible for service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed.

What can I expect to see?
Guests will see NYC’s rat population in their nocturnal environment and enjoy photo opportunities at iconic city views such as the World Trade Center.

Will it rain cancel the tour?
Yes, the tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, a reschedule or full refund is offered.

Who is the guide for this tour?
The tour is led by Kenny Bollwerk, also known as Rat Daddy.

Is transportation provided?
No, the tour is a walking experience starting from a central location accessible by public transportation.