The Nasty Women of Fidi : Lower Manhattan Walking Tour

If you’re tired of the usual tours that paint history with a bland, sanitized brush, then the Nasty Women of Fidi tour promises a fresh, spirited perspective. This 1.5-hour walk through Lower Manhattan is packed with stories of women who defied norms, caused scandals, and fundamentally reshaped New York City’s landscape—sometimes literally—while wearing skirts.

It’s a lively, candid exploration of those who dared to be different and made their mark in the city’s financial heart.

What we really like about this tour is how it shines a spotlight on women’s influence beyond traditional roles. You’ll uncover tales of engineering pioneers, finance powerhouses, and revolutionary figures who often remain hidden in plain sight in history books. Plus, the tour’s focus on scandalous figures and audacious moves gives it a fun, rebellious edge that’s hard to find elsewhere.

On the flip side, a possible consideration is that at just an hour and a half, the tour is brisk—so those craving a deep dive might want to supplement it with additional explorations.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy stories of female empowerment, history with attitude, and urban discovery. Whether you’re a history buff, a feminist, or just curious about the personalities behind NYC’s skyline, this tour offers a punchy, memorable way to see the Financial District through a different lens.

Key Points

• Focus on Trailblazing Women: The tour highlights women who broke barriers in finance, engineering, and politics.
• Authentic Stories: It’s packed with lesser-known tales of scandal and achievement that you won’t find in textbooks.
• Outdoor & Accessible: The 1.5-hour walk is outdoor, wheelchair accessible, and takes place in the lively streets of Lower Manhattan.
• Not Just a Sightseeing Tour: It’s educational, fun, and a bit rebellious—perfect for travelers wanting more than just the typical NYC experience.
• Cost-Effective: At $34 per person, it offers a focused, engaging experience at a reasonable price.
• Well-Selected Stops: Key sites include Trinity Church, the New York Stock Exchange (outside), the Fearless Girl, and Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine—themes that tie together women’s influence uniquely.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Close Look at the Tour Itself

Starting Point & What to Expect

Meeting at 7 State Street in front of the Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine, the tour kicks off right in the heart of the Financial District. This location is both meaningful—honoring a pioneering woman—and convenient for those arriving via ferry or subway. From here, your guide will lead you through bustling streets, weaving in stories and pointing out sites with historical significance to women’s contributions.

Key Stops and Their Stories

Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine: While known as a religious figure, her shrine’s inclusion symbolizes acknowledging women’s roles beyond the typical narrative. It’s a calm, reflective start that hints at the layered stories ahead.

The Fearless Girl: Possibly the most iconic image of the tour, this statue symbolizes female empowerment in corporate America. Your guide will explain how she’s more than just a photo op—she’s a statement, and her placement outside the NYSE was a bold move that challenged gender norms.

New York Stock Exchange (Outside): The outside view of the NYSE isn’t just about finance; it’s about the women who navigated and influenced Wall Street. The guide will share tales of finance titans who broke glass ceilings here, rewriting what’s possible for women.

55 Wall Street: Historically, this site ties into stories of women who made waves behind the scenes in the financial world. It’s a chance to understand the quiet power women wielded in the city’s economic development.

Trinity Church: Not just a historic church, but a site connected to women whose achievements played out in the city’s social and civic spheres. The guide will reveal how some women used religious platforms for social change.

Stories You’ll Love

Our favorite aspect is how the tour unearths stories of women who defied expectations and caused ripples of change. One review mentions how “we loved the way the guide brought these women’s stories to life with humor and insight,” making history feel personal and relevant. Another noted that the stories “stirred up the city’s elite and left an impression that these women’s contributions are often overlooked.”

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What You’ll Take Away

Besides a sharper appreciation of NYC’s history, you’ll learn about women engineers who helped build the skyline and trailblazing financiers who challenged gender norms. The stories aren’t just about success—they’re about scandal, ambition, and resilience. Expect to hear about women who, while sometimes wearing skirts, wore audacity and determination even more boldly.

Practicalities and Experience Value

The tour’s cost of $34 is quite reasonable for a guided experience in a city famed for its high prices. With only 1.5 hours, it’s a manageable chunk of time, making it perfect for an afternoon activity—especially if you’re in town for several days and want a themed, engaging outing. The outdoor nature means participants should dress for weather, but it also offers flexibility to walk at a relaxed pace.

Tour Group & Accessibility

Led by a licensed NYC tour guide, the group tends to be manageable and friendly, with positive reviews mentioning the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Are you fascinated by stories of women who challenged societal norms and made history? Do you enjoy discovering the hidden or lesser-known stories behind famous landmarks? Then this tour is right up your alley. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate humor and candid storytelling—it’s not a dry recounting of dates and figures, but a lively narrative.

Travelers seeking a short, meaningful experience with a focus on empowerment and urban history will find this tour adds depth to their NYC visit. It’s especially suitable for those interested in feminist history, architecture, finance, and city stories. If you’re looking for a tour with a spirited edge and a fresh perspective, this one delivers.

The Sum Up: The Real Value

For $34, you get a focused, lively introduction to women’s influence in New York City’s financial heart, told through engaging stories and meaningful sites. It’s a great choice if you want to see the city from a different angle and learn about the women who helped shape it—often behind the scenes but never unnoticed.

While the tour is short, it’s packed with memorable stories that will stay with you long after. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to uncover the trailblazers, rebels, and pioneers who changed the face of NYC—sometimes with a little scandal, always with grit. If you want an authentic, spirited slice of Manhattan history in a compact, accessible format, this tour is a smart pick.

This experience suits those who prefer storytelling over bus crowds, value history with attitude, and want to walk away with fresh insights into the city’s past. It’s about celebrating women’s contributions in a way that’s both educational and entertaining—a rare combo that makes every dollar well spent.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing day.

Where does the tour start?
We meet at 7 State Street, right in front of the Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine, across from the Staten Island Ferry landing.

Is the tour outdoor or inside?
This is an outdoor walking tour, so dress appropriately for weather conditions.

Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to participate comfortably.

What sites are visited during the tour?
It includes the Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine, the Fearless Girl statue, the exterior of the NYSE, 55 Wall Street, Trinity Church, and streets of the Financial District.

Are any venues inside?
No, all stops are outside; no entry fees or inside visits are included.

What’s included in the price?
Your guide, a 90-minute outdoor walking experience, and insights into the influential women of NYC’s financial and civic life.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a guide available in languages other than English?
The tour is conducted in English only.

Would this tour suit children?
While geared toward adult interests, older children and teenagers interested in women’s history and city stories will enjoy it, especially with family participation.

In short, the Nasty Women of Fidi tour offers a spirited, authentic glimpse into a side of NYC history often overlooked. Perfect for curious minds and those wanting a quick, meaningful dose of feminism, legacy, and city grit—all in a lively 90-minute stroll.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby