Step into the grandeur of New York's Gilded Age with this engaging Riverside Drive walking tour. Discover historic mansions and uncover captivating stories of the city’s elite. Read on to learn more.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, minimal physical effort required
Wildlife
History
The area became a prestigious residential district during the late 19th century, attracting America's wealthiest families.
Conservation
Efforts are in place to preserve the historic architecture and maintain Riverside Park's natural beauty.
Bowery Boys Walks
Step into the grandeur of New York's Gilded Age with this engaging Riverside Drive walking tour. Discover historic mansions and uncover captivating stories of the city’s elite. Read on to learn more.
Bowery Boys Walks, based in Santa Clara, California, offers expert-guided walking tours that explore New York City's layered history and cultural landmarks. The company curates a variety of experiences—private and public—focused on architecture, theatre, journalism, music history, financial history, and neighborhood lore. Tours include an intimate look at the Merchant's House Museum led by Carl Raymond; a holiday-focused Christmas in Old New York walking tour; an economic-history route through Lower Manhattan exploring Wall Street and Federal Hall; and a newspaper-history walk led by former reporter Michael Morgenthal.
Other specialized outings highlight the Brooklyn Bridge with Kriss Roebling, a private tour of Broadway's Gilded Age Hudson Theatre with historian Tim Dolan, and musical-home walks in the West Village led by Kyle Supley. Thematic walks examine gaslight-era neighborhoods like Stuyvesant Square, Gramercy, and Madison Square, while separate tours cover scandalous tales of the Upper West Side and Harlem.
Bowery Boys Walks emphasizes historically grounded storytelling, on-location interpretation, and small-group formats where noted. Tour itineraries are based on documented sites and expert-led commentary drawn from archival sources and first-hand reporting. Private and small-group options support focused interests and special access when available. Lists of offered trips and named guides provide transparent information for prospective guests. For travelers seeking immersive, narrative-driven tours of New York City's past, Bowery Boys Walks presents a diverse program backed by specialist guides and clearly described experiences. Bookings, detailed descriptions, pricing, and group-size limits are published for each tour to help guests choose suitable experiences and availability updated regularly.
Tours Offered
11
Curated walking tours listed
Tour Lengths
90–150 min
Short to mid-length walks
Private Options
Available
Private and small-group tours offered
Named Guides
Carl Raymond; Kriss Roebling; Michael Morgenthal; Tim Dolan; Kyle Supley
Experienced specialist guides
Choose a tour, check availability, and book private or small-group experiences led by named specialist guides.
Dress comfortably for walking
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water for this 2.5-hour tour along Riverside Drive.
Bring a camera
Capture stunning architecture and scenic views during your walk.
Arrive early
Getting there a few minutes early ensures you don’t miss the start of the tour.
Check weather forecast
Dress appropriately or reschedule if rain is expected to enjoy the walk comfortably.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes are recommended for walking on city streets.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during the guided walk.
Camera
Capture the beautiful architecture and views.
Sun protection
Sunscreen or hat helps protect from sun exposure during the walk.
summer