Learn how modern tattooing got it's start on the Bowery in New York City.
New York, · Cultural tours
Listing highlights
Around 1 hr 45 min
Hosted in English
Curator, author, TV appearances
Many publications, Tattoo Wars winner, lecturer
What you’ll do
4.97 out of 5 stars, from 189 ratings
4.97, · 189 ratings
0 of 0 items showing
Alexandra
Toronto, Canada
, · 2 weeks ago
Michelle is a terrific tour guide! She not only cares deeply about the history she speaks about, but she is a part of it too. Her knowledge is thorough and comprehensive. Walking around and sensing the history coming to life out of the streets and buildings was fantastic. I would recommend this tour to tattoo history enthusiasts 10/10! Helpful hint: watch Gangs of New York before you go!
Bruno
Jersey City, NJ
, · 2 weeks ago
Michelle is very nice, authentic, and really knows her stuff. She took her time throughout the walk and the tour never felt rushed. The access to the museum artifacts at Daredevil paired with the neighborhood history gives a great perspective on lower Manhattan. Highly recommend
Samuel Andrew W
, · July 2026
Michelle was great! We arrived for the nyc heat wave during the 4th of July weekend so it was very hot out, Michelle showed us the inside of her shop and went through all the history of tattooing as well as showing us original flash! Then we went on a walking through the Bowery and she went over all the history as well which was amazing, great tour you also find out a lot about general nyc history during it! Highly recommend
Jennifer
, · July 2026
The tour was amazing, we were over visiting from Scotland and despite it being a heatwave Michelle made the tour so fun and adapted to get us out the sun which was much appreciated! Michelle’s knowledge of not only tattooing in New York City the Bowery but the history of the area was so interesting to listen to and I could not recommend more!
Oskar
Tallinn, Estonia
, · June 2026
Amazing experience! I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in tattooing.
Phoebe
United States
, · May 2026
Great experience at such a cute place! No complaints!
Upcoming availability
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Where we’ll meet
Daredevil Tattoo
New York, 10002
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About me
Tattoo artist and historian
I started tattooing on the Lower East Side in 1991–when tattooing was illegal in NYC. In 1997 I opened Daredevil Tattoo with Brad Fink. Our shop features a museum of tattoo history with antique tattoo art, machines, and ephemera. I've researched the history of tattooing on the Lower East Side, which is integral to our neighborhood's immigrant past.
Message Michelle
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.
Things to know
Guest requirements
Guests ages 13 and up can attend.
Activity level
The activity level for this experience is moderate and the skill level is beginner.
Cancel at least 1 day before the start time for a full refund.
Cultural tours with knowledgeable hosts
Cultural tours are led by authors, historians, and other hosts who showcase what makes the city unique.
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From
$60From $60, per guest
/ guest
Free cancellation
Show dates
Walk though New York City’s tattoo history
4.97 · 189 reviews
From
$60From $60, per guest
/ guest
Free cancellation
Show dates
What you’ll do
Tattoo Museum Visit
See artwork and machines from early tattooers.
Walk the Lower East Side
We discuss the area's immigrant and gangland history.
Visit Chatham Square
Learn about the tattooers who worked in Chatham Square.
Explore the Bowery
See where the first electric tattoo machine was invented.
4.97 out of 5 stars, from 189 ratings
4.97, · 189 ratings
0 of 0 items showing
Alexandra
Toronto, Canada
, · 2 weeks ago
Michelle is a terrific tour guide! She not only cares deeply about the history she speaks about, but she is a part of it too. Her knowledge is thorough and comprehensive. Walking around and sensing the history coming to life out of the streets and buildings was fantastic. I would recommend this tour to tattoo history enthusiasts 10/10! Helpful hint: watch Gangs of New York before you go!
Bruno
Jersey City, NJ
, · 2 weeks ago
Michelle is very nice, authentic, and really knows her stuff. She took her time throughout the walk and the tour never felt rushed. The access to the museum artifacts at Daredevil paired with the neighborhood history gives a great perspective on lower Manhattan. Highly recommend
Samuel Andrew W
, · July 2026
Michelle was great! We arrived for the nyc heat wave during the 4th of July weekend so it was very hot out, Michelle showed us the inside of her shop and went through all the history of tattooing as well as showing us original flash! Then we went on a walking through the Bowery and she went over all the history as well which was amazing, great tour you also find out a lot about general nyc history during it! Highly recommend
Jennifer
, · July 2026
The tour was amazing, we were over visiting from Scotland and despite it being a heatwave Michelle made the tour so fun and adapted to get us out the sun which was much appreciated! Michelle’s knowledge of not only tattooing in New York City the Bowery but the history of the area was so interesting to listen to and I could not recommend more!
Oskar
Tallinn, Estonia
, · June 2026
Amazing experience! I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in tattooing.
Phoebe
United States
, · May 2026
Great experience at such a cute place! No complaints!
Show all ratings
Learn how ratings and reviews work
Upcoming availability
0 of 0 items showing
Where we’ll meet
Daredevil Tattoo
New York, 10002
More experiences in New York
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Watch a theatre show and chat over food and drinks
Performances, · 2 hours
From $65/ guestFrom $65, per guest
, · 4.93 out of 5 average rating4.93
Sip Turkish coffee with a fortune reading
Tastings, · 1.5 hours
From $62/ guestFrom $62, per guest
, · 4.99 out of 5 average rating4.99
Craft a diamond ring
Art workshops, · 3 hours
From $185/ guestFrom $185, per guest
, · 4.92 out of 5 average rating4.92
Learn about New York mafia with retired detectives
Cultural tours, · 3.5 hours
From $89/ guestFrom $89, per guest
, · 4.85 out of 5 average rating4.85
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From $10/ guestFrom $10, per guest
, · 4.95 out of 5 average rating4.95
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, · 4.94 out of 5 average rating4.94
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From $90/ guestFrom $90, per guest
, · 4.98 out of 5 average rating4.98
About me
Tattoo artist and historian
I started tattooing on the Lower East Side in 1991–when tattooing was illegal in NYC. In 1997 I opened Daredevil Tattoo with Brad Fink. Our shop features a museum of tattoo history with antique tattoo art, machines, and ephemera. I've researched the history of tattooing on the Lower East Side, which is integral to our neighborhood's immigrant past.
Message Michelle
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.
Walk though New York City’s tattoo history
Learn how modern tattooing got it's start on the Bowery in New York City.