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Gilded Age Mansions Tour in New York

4.8(1,184)1 hour
VIATOR4.8(694)TRIPADVISOR4.9(490)

Description

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.

Tour Options

Gilded Age Mansions Tour in New York

Itinerary

10 min

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

10 min

We go inside the mansion and hear a scandalous story about the architect.

5 min

We learn about how the ex-wife of a former owner was a pioneer for women in America.

10 min

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.

10 min

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.

Admission included10 min

We go inside and learn about the Met Gala and how the Met has an fun connection to Gilded Age glamor.

5 min

We learn how a famous former resident helped save one of the most famous and beautiful Gilded Age buildings from being destroyed.

Admission not included5 min

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.

10 min

We discover how the owner of this mansion was a pioneer in philanthropy in America and contributed to science education, the arts and peace.

5 min

We learn how the owner of this building has a surprising connection to Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and The Jonas brothers.

5 min

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

Highlights

Access to mansions

What's included

Included
Access to mansions
Not included
Snacks
This is a walking tour

Traveller Ratings

4.8
1,184 reviews
5
1,075
4
59
3
35
2
8
1
7

Important Information

  • 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

Reviews(1,184)

4.8
Based on 1,184 verified reviews
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