Private tour in New York City Jeff D

Gilded Age New York

4.9

(13) reviews

-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Jeff D.

5.0

Guide rating

103

Reviews

Tours delivered

11 hrs

Avg. response time

I am a licensed Tour Guide, Travel Writer, and long-term New Yorker. With over two decades of experience, I lead tours of NYC's iconic sites (the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Broadway Theatre District, etc. ), neighborhoods, and themed tours. I have created tours for the New-York Historical Society, Google, the New York Public Library, Cartier, Colombia University, Johns Hopkins University, and numerous local tour companies. I also craft multi-day NYC itineraries for clients. My forte: New York's fascinating history and cultures. As a writer, I have written over 150 articles about New York, covering NYC landmarks, neighborhoods, history, dining, and events. I am also an amateur photographer with work in the Museum of the City of New York's permanent collection. Exploring the city and sharing it with others is a labor of love - I am passionate about all things New York City. I strive to make every tour an occasion - blending in-depth information, local insight, illuminating stories, plenty of discoveries, and fun. I combine expertise and enthusiasm to create one-of-a-kind, unforgettable New York experiences. NYC Sightseeing Guide License. Created special tours for the New-York Historical Society, the New York Public Library, Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University among others. Freelance journalist - over 150 published articles about New York City. NYC Theater professional, including work on Broadway & Lincoln Center. Long-term New Yorker. Member of the Guides Association of NYC. Like most New Yorkers, I do not drive. The best way to experience NYC is walking its streets and neighborhoods. Tours are designed for exploration on foot, using public transportation, taxis/Uber, or ferries as needed.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Jeff D.

Overview of your New York City tour

In the final decades of the 19th century, America became the world's richest nation — and New York was its epicenter. The city lured ambitious Americans, millions of immigrants, and wealthy industrialists. Gilded Age New York was home to the greatest concentration of wealth in history. On this walking tour, we'll discover the people and places that inspired the HBO series, "The Gilded Age. " We'll visit historic remnants of the era and haunts of the wealthy - opulent mansions, posh hotels, and private clubs. Through detailed commentary and historic photos, we'll explore life behind the grand facades, learn the intricate etiquette of "society, " and reveal shocking scandals of the era.

Recent Reviews

Ken T.Singapore
April 2026

We had great fun with Jeff, very personable and knowledgeable on all things NY, not only Gilded Age. Highly recommended !

Julie L.United States
January 2026

Jeff, How did I not rate this trip earlier??? Blame it on it being a girlfriend’s trip with too many bottles of wine. I have told so many people to look up you and the many options you offer for a fun day in NYC. We all loved our day with you and learned much about the Gilded Age. Hope to rebook you again for our next trip. Highly recommend this tour! Book it!!

Joanne R.United States
May 2025

Had a wonderful tour with Jeff. Very interesting tour. He topped it off with a dinner recommendation which was delicious. So glad we took the tour.

Sue W.United States
December 2024

Jeff was so knowledgeable and really gave us a taste of the Gilded Age in New York City-I highly recommend!!!

Brandon B.United States
August 2023

If you are even considering a tour by Jeff, don't hesitate. He is one of the best guides we have used. We visit NYC frequently and learned so many new things while spending some time on this tour. I can't wait to book the Christmas in NYC!

Paul P.United States
April 2023

Informative, knowledgeable, pleasant and engaging. Highly recommend this tour especially if you're a fan of the "Guilded Age" TV series.

Your New York City tour itinerary

Grand Army Plaza, where we learn about "Vanderbilt Row" and the opulent mansions of America's richest family The Plaza Hotel - one of the era's lavish residence hotels Three exclusive social clubs, including one known as the "Millionaire's Club" The site that is the setting of the fictional homes in the HBO series, "The Gilded Age" Site of Mrs. Astor's mansion, which was the nexus of Gilded Age society Central Park, where the elite gathered to promenade, preen, and enjoy the daily carriage parade The Gothic mansion that was never occupied Grand mansions that were homes to the "smart set, " including Vanderbilts, Pulitzer, Mamie Fish, and the Whitneys. A glorious gothic chateau that is home to one of the city's cultural institutions. The magnificent Beaux-Arts facade of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

Walking over flat surfaces

What's included
Other
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Meeting location

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Grand Army Plaza, Manhattan. The intersection of Fifth Avenue and West 58th Street

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
History
Tour reference number
921690
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

4.9

FAQs

Who is this private tour in New York City best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in the opulence of New York City's Gilded Age. It's also suitable for travellers who want to connect with a local guide like Jeff D. for deeper insights into the city's rich past.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in New York City be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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