Gilded Age Mansions Tour in New York

420 Reviews 4.91 out of 5 stars Based on 420 reviews collected by Cool New York City and TripAdvisor |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
New York City, USA

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This is usually booked 10 (0.50) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
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Overview

Scandals! Murder! Romance Architecture! Come step inside some of the few remaining Gilded Age mansions of Fifth Avenue and learn about the people who lived in and designed these masterpieces.
If you're a fan of the HBO show The Gilded Age, you'll love this tour. During the Gilded Age New York City became home to the greatest concentration of wealth in human history.

As America's new millionaires competed with each other to see who could have the most ornate mansion alongside the newly created Central Park they spent vast sums of money to hire architects inspired by European palaces to build structures the likes of which had never been seen in America.

These men and women were as fascinating and complex as the homes they inhabited and we'll hear stories of power, greed, love and generosity from a time when America was quickly becoming one of the richest and most powerful countries in the world.

What's Included

  • Access to mansions
  • Snacks

Meeting Location

Meeting point

1 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075, USA

Open in Google Maps

We will meet you on the steps at the building at 1 East 78th street. Right on 78th street, just off 5th avenue.

End point

1109 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA

Start Times

What To Expect

1 E 78th St

Our first mansion, we go into the mansion learn about the owner, architects and get an introduction to the Gilded Age and New York Society
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

972 5th Ave

We go inside the mansion and hear a scandalous story about the architect.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

991 5th Ave

We learn about how the ex-wife of a former owner was a pioneer for women in America.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

2 E 79th St

We learn why one of the former owners went to prison for one of the biggest scandals in American history, how two reclusive owners had a link to one of the most famous men in early New York history, and how this beautiful building was saved from destruction.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

1009 5th Ave

We discover a surprise about the size of this mansion and how a former owner left a gift that helps many students get a full scholarship to one of the best universities in America.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

We go inside and learn about the Met Gala and how the Met has an fun connection to Gilded Age glamor.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

1040 5th Ave

We learn how a famous former resident helped save one of the most famous and beautiful Gilded Age buildings from being destroyed.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Neue Galerie

We learn the Vanderbilt connection to this building and discover how the Vanderbilts became the richest family in America and one of the most influential.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

2 E 91st St

We discover how the owner of this mansion was a pioneer in philanthropy in America and contributed to science education, the arts and peace.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

1 E 91st St

We learn how the owner of this building has a surprising connection to Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and The Jonas brothers.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

1109 5th Ave

We hear how the owner of this building was warned not to build it, but defied New York society and built it anyway.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 9 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions

(4)

Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?

A: If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar. If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year. Read more Apr 2025

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given to customers' questions.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-384704P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.91
420 reviews

Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 420 traveler reviews collected by Cool New York City and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
392
4 stars
19
3 stars
8
2 stars
1
1 star
0

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
This is usually booked 10 (0.50) days in advance.

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Cancellation Policy

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100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).

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