Newport Colonial History: A Self-Guided Tour Off the Beaten Path

Newport , United States

Newport Colonial History: A Self-Guided Tour Off the Beaten Path

Active

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore Newport, Rhode Island - a colonial powerhouse built on maritime trade and religious freedom on this 60-minute Self-Guided walking tour. Trace how the harbor town once rivaled Boston and New York, revealing stories of dissenters, merchants, and the Atlantic slave trade through its historic streets and architecture.

Highlights include:

• Newport Harbor and Thames Street’s colonial homes
• The White Horse Tavern, dating to the 1670s
• The Great Friends Meeting House and early Quaker abolitionists
• The Colony House, where the Declaration of Independence was read
• Touro Synagogue, a symbol of religious tolerance
• Vernon House, visited by George Washington
• Trinity Church, inspired by Sir Christopher Wren

The tour ends at Touro Park’s mysterious stone tower.

Available options

Newport Colonial History: A Self-Guided Tour Off the Beaten Path

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Pass by one of the oldest stadiums in the country, dating back to at least 1893, once called Basin Field, the water basin used by the railroad for their steam locomotives

Pass by one of the oldest buildings in Newport, dating back to the late 1600s, historically the meeting house for the Quaker community of colonial Newport.

Stroll by and learn how this former general assembly house and criminal court became a tavern, run by a notorious pirate. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

Stop 4 Pass by

Catch a glimpse of North America's oldest synagogue, a stunning example of Georgian architecture. Built by Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution, it features elegant columns and hidden escape routes.

Pass by this elegant Georgian mansion that served as French General Rochambeau's headquarters during the Revolutionary War and how it ended up in the National Historic Register thanks to its vital role in America's fight for independence.

Witness a masterpiece of colonial architecture, featuring a distinctive white spire visible across Newport, with its organ and Bible donated by Queen Anne. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

Pass by the iconic home of the Italian artist who introduced tomatoes to America around 1800.

Stroll through the charming Victorian-era green space, home to the mysterious Newport Tower of which's origins spark endless debate—Viking ruin or colonial windmill?

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

Meeting point

The tour begins in Perrotti Park along America's Cup Avenue. Start near the sculpture of the fish in the center of the park. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking.

You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
Create an account
Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Newport

Newport is a charming coastal city known for its historic mansions, stunning ocean views, and rich sailing heritage. It offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, making it a perfect destination for all types of travelers.

Top Attractions

The Breakers

The Breakers is a stunning Gilded Age mansion built by the Vanderbilt family. It offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of America's wealthiest families.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours $25

Cliff Walk

Cliff Walk is a scenic 3.5-mile trail that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the famous Gilded Age mansions.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Newport Art Museum

The Newport Art Museum features a diverse collection of art, including contemporary and historical pieces, as well as rotating exhibitions.

Museum 1-2 hours $10

Must-Try Local Dishes

Clam Chowder

A creamy and hearty soup made with clams, potatoes, and cream.

Soup Contains dairy and seafood

Lobster Roll

A buttered and grilled roll filled with fresh lobster meat and lightly dressed in mayo or butter.

Sandwich Contains seafood and dairy

Stuffies

Quahog clams stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, butter, and various seasonings.

Appetizer Contains dairy and seafood

Popular Activities

Sailing Kayaking Hiking Beachcombing Spas Yoga Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the most popular time to visit Newport, with warm weather and numerous events. The city is bustling with tourists, and all attractions are open.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) (GMT-5:00, GMT-4:00 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Newport is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.