The Gilded Age: Fifth Avenue Millionaire Mansions Tour

New York City , United States of America

The Gilded Age: Fifth Avenue Millionaire Mansions Tour

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About this experience

Step into the world of New York's most affluent families during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This immersive walking tour takes you along Fifth Avenue's historic corridor, once home to the city's most extravagant mansions.
Highlights Include:
- The Vanderbilt Mansion: Learn about the grand estate of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, once the largest private residence in NYC, now replaced by the Bergdorf Goodman building.
- The Carnegie Mansion: Visit the former home of industrialist Andrew Carnegie, now the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, showcasing a vast collection of design artifacts.
- The Frick Mansion: Explore the residence of Henry Clay Frick, housing The Frick Collection, renowned for its exceptional collection of European paintings and decorative arts
- Other Notable Mansions: Stroll past the Payne Whitney House, the Felix M. Warburg House, and the Ogden Mills House, each with its own unique history and architectural charm.

Available options

The Gilded Age: Fifth Avenue Millionaire Mansions Tour

What's included

Hear about the vanished Vanderbilt mansion and its legacy

Walk along iconic Fifth Avenue and view other historic mansions

Learn about New York’s Gilded Age elite and their lifestyles

Discover hidden gems like the Payne Whitney House and the Jewish Museum

Visit the Andrew Carnegie Mansion (Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum)

Explore the Frick Collection Museum’s exterior and history

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Felix M. Warburg House

Stop 2 Pass by

Payne Whitney House

Stop 3 Pass by

Henry Clay Frick House

Carnegie Mansion-The Andrew Carnegie Mansion at 2 East 91st Street is open to the public as the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Main Entrance of Central Park: Meet your guide at the Main Entrance of Central Park, located at the southeast corner of 59th Street and Fifth Avenue. The entrance is easily accessible via subway and taxi and is a prominent landmark to start your journey into New York’s history.

Important notes

Please check in with the guide with the yellow flag

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information