Gilded Age NYC Tour with KeithYorkCity
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; expect moderate walking on paved sidewalks.
Overview
Walk through Midtown Manhattan’s rich transformation during the Gilded Age with KeithYorkCity. Discover lost mansions, iconic landmarks, and the stories of New York’s “New Money” families on this immersive 3-hour urban adventure.
Private Gilded Age: "New Money" Tour
All Ages • 3 Hours • Up to 10 people
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating journey through New York City's transformation from the Gilded Age to the early 20th century. Explore the opulent homes of "New Money" families like the Vanderbilts, visit iconic landmarks, and uncover the stories behind lost mansions, culminating at the historic Cartier store on Fifth Avenue.
Follow the City's Northward Growth!
About
(You do NOT need to have taken my original Gilded Age tour to enjoy this tour!) This route picks up where my original Gilded Age tour leaves off, beginning in Murray Hill near the longtime home of "The" Mrs. Astor. From there, we'll make our way uptown, discussing the evolution of the City and Society at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. We'll focus much more on the city "New Money" families such as the Vanderbilts. We'll see the home of J.P. Morgan Jr., discuss the "Weird Wendels," and visit landmarks like the NYPL and Grand Central Terminal. We'll finish with a walk up Fifth Avenue toward Central Park, discussing all the incredible lost mansions, many of them belonging to the Vanderbilt family, which used to stand in the middle of what's now Midtown. We'll discuss what happened to those homes and why the Gilded Age came to an end at the beginning of the 20th century. We usually end at the Cartier Store on Fifth Avenue at 52nd Street, one of the last surviving mansions from the Vanderbilt era.
Major landmarks:
Start Location
Morgan Library & Museum
End Location
Cartier, 5th Ave & 52nd Street
Duration
3 Hours, 4+ Miles
Cash tips are welcome but not required.
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The tour covers about four miles on city sidewalks, so supportive footwear is essential.
Bring a weather-appropriate jacket
New York weather can change rapidly; layering helps stay comfortable during the walk.
Stay hydrated
Carry a water bottle, especially in warmer months, to maintain energy during the three-hour tour.
Arrive early
Arriving 10-15 minutes before the tour start time ensures a smooth check-in at 225 Madison Ave.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons are abundant in Midtown streets and plazas.
- Sparrows and small city birds frequent tree-lined avenues near Central Park.
History
This walking route highlights the rapid urban expansion uptown at the turn of the century, fueled by the wealth of industrialists and financiers shaping modern NYC.
Conservation
Tours emphasize respect for city landmarks and encourage sustainable tourism practices to preserve New York’s historic urban fabric.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supports feet throughout the city’s paved streets and minimizes fatigue.
Layered clothing
Allows quick adjustments to changing temperatures.
spring specific
Water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during the three-hour walking tour.
summer specific
Weatherproof jacket
Protects from wind and occasional rain while walking outdoors.
fall specific