Gilded Age Mansions Tour in New York
Highlights
- Rated 4.8/5 by 1,440 travellers
- Small group of up to 20 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 11 stops in one well-planned itinerary
- Wheelchair accessible
Quick facts
- Duration
- 2h
- Group
- Small group, up to 20 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
This is the only Gilded Age Mansions tour in New York City recommended by Condé Nast Traveler magazine and listed by TripAdvisor as one of the top 10 most unique experiences in New York City.
Scandals! Murder! Romance Architecture! 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.
Great for fans of the HBO show, The Gilded Age.
As America's new millionaires competed 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.
You will 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. Does not include tickets to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
What's included
What's included
- Access to mansions
Not included
- Snacks
- This is a walking tour
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 10m
Our first mansion we view from the outside, learn about the owner, architects and get an introduction to the Gilded Age and New York Society
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Stop 2 · 10m
We go inside the mansion and hear a scandalous story about the architect.
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Stop 3 · 5m
We learn about how the ex-wife of a former owner was a pioneer for women in America.
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Stop 4 · 10m
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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Stop 5 · 10m
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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Stop 6 · 10m
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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Stop 7 · 5m
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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Stop 8 · 5m
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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Stop 9 · 10m
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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Stop 10 · 5m
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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Stop 11 · 5m
We hear how the owner of this building was warned not to build it, but defied New York society and built it anyway.
Meeting point
We will meet you on the steps at the building at 1 East 78th street. Right on 78th street, just off 5th avenue.
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Gilded Age Mansions Tour in New York take?
The experience lasts about 2h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $40 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Access to mansions.
Where does it start?
We will meet you on the steps at the building at 1 East 78th street. Right on 78th street, just off 5th avenue.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 1,440 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in New York City.
Information last checked October 7, 2026. Operated by Matthew LaSpata.
