Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, the tour is family-friendly, but younger children should be comfortable with a 90-minute walking experience.

Can I take photos inside the Merchant's House Museum?

Photography policies vary; please check with your guide before taking photos indoors.

How many people are allowed in a private tour?

Private tours typically accommodate small groups to maintain an intimate experience; check with Bowery Boys Walks for specific capacity.

Is the location accessible for those with mobility issues?

While the museum has some accessibility features, parts of the historic home may not be fully accessible. Contact the company ahead to discuss accommodations.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins at the Merchant’s House Museum located in the Astor Place neighborhood of Manhattan.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation policies vary; please refer to Bowery Boys Walks' website or contact them directly for details.

Inside Old New York: Private Merchant's House Tour

Step back in time with Bowery Boys Walks on the Inside Old New York: A Private Tour of the Merchant's House Museum. This 90-minute guided experience, led by expert historian Carl Raymond, reveals the captivating story of New York during the Gilded Age. You'll explore one of the city’s best-preserved 19th-century homes, the Merchant’s House Museum, including both the lavish family rooms and the often overlooked servant quarters. Wander through the historic Astor Place neighborhood as you uncover details about the lifestyle, customs, and social dynamics of the era. The tour offers a rare chance to see firsthand the intricately preserved interiors, from original furnishings to authentic architectural details, giving visitors a genuine feel for what life was like in Old New York. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the city’s rich past, this private tour provides an intimate, engaging experience unlike any other. The combination of storytelling, architecture, and neighborhood stroll immerses travelers in a lesser-known chapter of New York’s heritage.

About Bowery Boys Walks

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.