Delicious Donuts in Union Square: New York’s Sweetest City Tour

Review · NEW YORK CITY TOURS

Delicious Donuts in Union Square: New York’s Sweetest City Tour

5.0 · 265 reviews 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) From $70 Tour by Underground Donut Tour - Brooklyn, Downtown, Times Square, & East Village · Tickets via Viator
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One of the best walks in NYC starts with donuts. This small-group Union Square and Greenwich Village tour mixes big-city sights with real bakery stops, from Italian bombolone to the Tom Colicchio-backed finale. I like that you get complimentary samples with a friendly guide who connects each shop to the neighborhood. One watch-out: you will walk, and the experience runs up to two hours, so comfy shoes and a good appetite matter.

The price is $70 and the tour runs about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, with mobile tickets and an English-speaking guide. With a maximum of 10 travelers, it feels more like a guided food walk with room to ask questions than a giant production. If you are not a big donut person, or you are expecting a no-walking snack shuttle, this may not hit the mark.

Key Highlights You Should Actually Care About

Delicious Donuts in Union Square: New York's Sweetest City Tour - Key Highlights You Should Actually Care About

  • Max 10 travelers so the pace stays human and questions get answered
  • Multiple bakery stops, including Unregular Bakery for Italian-style bombolone
  • Union Square and Greenwich Village sightseeing, tied directly to what you are eating
  • Helpful guide energy, with real origin stories and city tidbits (Rob, Jacob, Missy, Sergio, Jenny, David show up in recent reviews)
  • A filling lineup, with water bottles at the first stop noted in reviews
  • Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery finish at 28 Greenwich Ave, a well-known cafe for more than donuts

Why This Union Square Donut Crawl Works as a NYC Plan

Delicious Donuts in Union Square: New York's Sweetest City Tour - Why This Union Square Donut Crawl Works as a NYC Plan
This tour makes a smart choice: it anchors in two neighborhoods people love for wandering, Union Square and Greenwich Village, and then adds a donut strategy on top. Instead of hopping randomly between bakeries, you walk a route where the scenery and the food both make sense. You get to keep your eyes up for landmark points, doorways, and streetscapes, while the guide pulls you toward the next stop.

The other thing I like is that it is not just about eating sweets. The walk is built around history pointers and local notes, so you are not stuck standing in line the whole time. Even if you go in as a casual donut fan, you leave with a better sense of where you are in Manhattan and why certain places became famous.

The big catch is simple: it is still a walking tour. One review flagged that the stretch between the middle stops felt long, so plan for real sidewalk time, not a quick stroll.

You can also read our reviews of more city tours in New York City

Price, Duration, and Value for $70

At $70 per person for about 1.5 to 2 hours, this is not the cheapest food experience in NYC. But it often feels fair because you are paying for two things that cost money: guided hosting and curated food stops.

Here is what you can reasonably expect from the structure:

  • Four stops total, including Unregular Bakery, Union Square (walking and eating), Greenwich Village (walking and eating), and Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery.
  • Donut samples at multiple bakeries, and at least one stop includes an admission ticket in the tour design.
  • In reviews, people describe the donuts as huge and very filling, with at least one guest noting plates, forks, and knives to share.

Is it perfect value? For most people, yes, because you are not just buying desserts. You are getting someone to steer you to places you might not pick on your own, and you are doing it in a small group. For donut purists, though, there is no guarantee every bite will match your personal favorite style. One reviewer said the donuts were not special to them, so if you are ultra picky, keep that in mind.

Meeting at 124 4th Ave: What a Smooth Start Looks Like

Delicious Donuts in Union Square: New York's Sweetest City Tour - Meeting at 124 4th Ave: What a Smooth Start Looks Like
The meeting point is at 124 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003, and the tour ends at 28 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011 at Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery. That end point is helpful because you finish in a recognizable place instead of disappearing back into the subway maze.

A few details make the start easier:

  • You use a mobile ticket, which avoids paper scrambling.
  • It is near public transportation, so you can keep your schedule flexible.
  • Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate.

Because the group is capped at 10, the guide has more time to regroup people and make sure everyone finds the right shop at each stop. If you tend to arrive late, still give yourself a small buffer, since one delay can ripple through a walking tasting route.

Stop 1, Unregular Bakery: Italian Bombolone First Taste

Delicious Donuts in Union Square: New York's Sweetest City Tour - Stop 1, Unregular Bakery: Italian Bombolone First Taste
Your first stop is Unregular Bakery, where the focus is Italian-style doughnuts called bombolone. The tour notes this first shop is an admission-free stop, which matters because it signals you are not paying extra at the door for the tasting portion.

What makes this first stop a smart move is pacing. You start with a style that feels distinct from the typical ring donut. Bombolone tends to be richer and more dessert-like, so it sets the sweetness tone early without rushing you through the walk.

What to watch for:

  • If you expect classic American glazed donuts only, you might find bombolone a bit different in texture and feel.
  • One review mentioned that a stop initially delivered an Italian dessert rather than what they expected as a donut. That kind of mismatch can happen when you are unfamiliar with how a bakery labels its sweets, so read the shop vibe in your head before judging a bite.

Stop 2, Union Square: Landmarks on the Walk, Donuts in Hand

Delicious Donuts in Union Square: New York's Sweetest City Tour - Stop 2, Union Square: Landmarks on the Walk, Donuts in Hand
After Unregular, you head into the Union Square area for about 40 minutes. This part is described as a walking segment where your guide points out major landmarks and history while you eat lots of amazing donuts.

This is one of the most praised aspects in the reviews: the blend of city context and snack rhythm. People like the way the guide ties the neighborhood to what you are tasting, instead of treating the walk as filler time.

A practical tip based on what I’d do in your shoes: bring water and do not start nibbling too fast. The tour is designed so you sample at multiple stops, and the donuts can be substantial. If you sprint through early bites, the later stops might feel overwhelming.

Also, be ready for the fact that Union Square can be busy. The small group size helps you stay together, but your pace will still be influenced by street life.

Stop 3, Greenwich Village: A Donut Choice Moment (Sometimes)

Delicious Donuts in Union Square: New York's Sweetest City Tour - Stop 3, Greenwich Village: A Donut Choice Moment (Sometimes)
Next is Greenwich Village, another walking-and-eating segment at about 40 minutes, with an admission ticket included for this stop. The tour description says your guide again points out major landmarks and history while you eat amazing donuts.

This is often where the variety shows up. Several reviews emphasize that each bakery has its own specialty, and that the donuts are different enough that you notice the contrast. One guest described having a choice of about 20 donut types at a favorite stop, and another said they could pick their own donut rather than being assigned.

Still, do not assume choice is guaranteed at every shop. One review said the bakery chose the donut for them, which turned out to be less satisfying than picking their own flavor. Translation: if you are picky, go in ready to accept that the guide may work around what the shop is doing that day.

Greenwich Village is also the kind of area where architecture and street details matter. Reviews repeatedly mention guides calling out things like windows and doorways, which fits the neighborhood’s look. If you like walking with your eyes open, this section is likely to feel more interesting than just another line waiting moment.

Stop 4, Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery: The Finale at 28 Greenwich Ave

Delicious Donuts in Union Square: New York's Sweetest City Tour - Stop 4, Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery: The Finale at 28 Greenwich Ave
The tour ends at Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery at 28 Greenwich Ave. It is described as a Tom Colicchio-backed bakery and cafe, and the menu focus goes beyond donuts into cakes, brownies, cookies, plus sweet and savory pastries.

Why this works as a finish:

  • You get a well-known, well-regarded place that feels like a reward at the end, not a random last stop.
  • The range of baked goods means even people who want a break from donut intensity can usually find something that fits.

Most people seem to enjoy the finale, but there is one caution worth noting. One mid-level review flagged that the staff member there responded harshly when asked about getting a donut to travel well. That does not mean every interaction will be bad, but if customer service matters a lot to you, I would keep your questions simple and plan to be flexible.

This is also where you will likely feel the tour’s fullness. Reviews describe people leaving stuffed and taking leftovers home. If you are going straight to another plan after, consider scheduling this earlier in your morning or early afternoon.

The Guides: How Names Like Jacob, Rob, and Missy Fit In

Delicious Donuts in Union Square: New York's Sweetest City Tour - The Guides: How Names Like Jacob, Rob, and Missy Fit In
The guide is the engine of this experience. The tour is built for small groups, and the best reviews focus on guides who keep the mood friendly, then layer on city facts without turning the walk into a lecture.

In the reviews, several guide names come up again and again, including Jacob, Rob, Missy, Jenny, Sergio, Jared, David, and Dave. The shared theme is not just that they knew details, but that they made the walk flow. People mention history and architecture tips, plus the guide pointing out iconic elements so you remember what you saw.

One practical benefit of the guide style: they help you move from stop to stop without confusion. You get an easy meeting spot, then a steady rhythm of walking and sampling. That reduces the risk of wasting time hunting for the next bakery.

If you are traveling with kids, pay attention to how guides adjust pacing. One review described the tour as a great family activity for a ten-year-old, and multiple families mention that the tasting quantity kept everyone engaged. For adults, couples also mention enjoying the city walk and then comparing what they ate.

What You Should Pack and How to Pace Yourself

Based on the structure and the way reviews describe the experience, you’ll enjoy it more if you plan for a longish sweet stop and some real walking.

Here is what to do:

  • Wear comfortable shoes, because at least one stretch between stops felt like a slow walk to a reviewer.
  • Eat lightly beforehand. Multiple reviews say the donuts are filling and that they could not finish everything.
  • Bring curiosity, not just appetite. If you pay attention to the landmarks the guide calls out, the walk becomes more fun.

One nice touch mentioned in reviews is that you may get water bottles at the first stop. Still, if you are the kind of person who drinks frequently, consider bringing a little extra water too.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Skip)

This is a strong fit if you want a small-group walking food tour with real Manhattan context. It is great for:

  • Couples who enjoy sampling different flavors and then walking through neighborhoods
  • Families looking for a fun morning where the guide keeps things moving
  • Solo travelers who like structured routes, especially in areas like Greenwich Village where you can lose time wandering without a plan
  • People who enjoy Italian doughnut styles like bombolone

Consider skipping or choosing a different option if:

  • You dislike walking or have limited tolerance for sidewalk time
  • You expect only one style of donut (because each bakery’s specialty can vary)
  • You are very sensitive to customer service quirks at a specific shop, since at least one review flagged rude staff behavior at the finale

My Booking Verdict: Should You Book This Union Square Donut Tour?

I’d book this if you want a guided Union Square and Greenwich Village donut crawl that feels like both a dessert plan and a neighborhood introduction. The standout advantage is the combination of small group attention, multiple bakery stops, and guides who share city details while you eat.

If you are unsure, decide based on two questions. First, can you handle 1.5 to 2 hours of walking while eating multiple substantial donuts. Second, do you like trying different donut styles, not just your go-to flavor. If yes, this is a fun, very New York way to spend a couple hours.

FAQ

How long is the Delicious Donuts in Union Square tour?

It runs about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $70.00 per person.

Where do I meet the guide, and where does the tour end?

You meet at 124 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003, and the tour ends at 28 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011 at Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you will not be refunded.