City Balloon Tours
Language $Currency
Login / Sign up
Bookings
Bookings
Wallet
$0.00
Wishlists
Wishlists
Rewards Rewards
Gift cards
Profile
Help Center
Language
Log out
Things To Do Things To Do Top 10 Top 10 City Tours City Tours Swamp Tours Swamp Tours Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Natchez Gift Cards Gift Cards Rewards Rewards Groups Groups FAQ FAQ Contact Contact
Start your search
Change your search
Place or activity
Select Dates
You booked this experience
You're departing on
Google Calendar
Apple Calendar
Microsoft Outlook
Make your trip unforgettable

Private Tour of the Gilded Age City around Madison Square

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| New York City, USA
Book online or call us

from $225 per group (up to 9)

Lowest Price Guarantee
Private Tour of the Gilded Age City around Madison Square Image 1
Private Tour of the Gilded Age City around Madison Square Image 2
Private Tour of the Gilded Age City around Madison Square Image 3
Private Tour of the Gilded Age City around Madison Square Image 4
Private Tour of the Gilded Age City around Madison Square Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.
3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

What visitors will take away from this tour was just how small the Gilded Age city of New York was. Distrcits for shopping and theaters, for the upper and middle classes, were all a block or so away from each other. Not only that, but the apartment building, department store and office tower were all new innovations, and at their social heights in the same place around Madison Square just as telephones and electicty were coming on the scene.

Most fascinating will be the proximity all of these venues, from the carriage trade shops and the homes of familes like the Roosevelts, Astors, and Schermerhorns, were to the blocks of illiicit, often raucous nightlife activity in the old Tenderloin just a few blcoks away.

This is a tour de force of the Gilded Age City of NEw York around Madison Square.

What's Included

  • Expert guide
  • Gratuities
See 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

175 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10010, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Flatiron Building

We begin the tour with a general overview of history and the city's move uptown. Pictures help recreate the evolution of the area from farmland to a fashionable city center.We learn the history of the Astors, the creation of the first Waldorf=Astoria, and their social interactions with families like the Vanderbilts of the new Industrial class wealth.
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Madison Square

Pictures enhance a short walk and talk around Madison Square, including the hisotries of Met Life and the first Madison Square Gardens at the height of the Gilded Age.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Broadway Theatre

We begin hte process of circumnavigating the ruins of the long forgotten city, when the telephone and electricity were brand new and not yet common to households. It was the age of the department store, hte apartment buildnig and the office towers, new ways of living, working and playing for a rising middle class. Each thoroughfare that crossed at Madison Square held a different class-based attraction of some form of commercia culture, including a redlight distrcit of blocks above 23rd Street and west of Broadway!Here, we begin the tour with the carriage trade shops of upper class wealth along Broadway, including th old Lord & Taylor and Arnold Constable & Co buildings, among others.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue below 23rd Street has its own particular hisotry of development like no other place in hte city. Here, the Garment Distrcit was "diverted" from Midtown. The built environment here is different from any other blocks around.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas)

Sixth Avenue was the middle class shopping district and retains its spactacular array of buildings as the city moved from cast iron to steel frame construction. Some of the buidlings include: Seigel-Cooper, B. Altmans, Hugh O'Neill's, and Adams Dry Goods Store.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Broadway

Above 23rd Street history takes an abrupt turn as a few steps take us into the old tenderloin, blocks of concert-saloons, brothels and gambling halls from a time when the main form of entertainment in the house was the piano.
Read more

20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Flatiron District

We cross back to Fifth Avenue and again into a realm of substantial architecture. Here, early experimental forays into multiple family housing: apartment-hotels, French flats, bachelor flats, early coops are the featured buildign types. Some of the buildings include: the Wilbraham, Holland House, Seville and the Martha Washington.
Read more

20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Madison Square Park

We end the tour in Madison Square Park with some last interesting histories, inluding the Worth Monument, Delmonico's and the old Brunswick Club.
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 7 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Tour of the Gilded Age City around Madison Square?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-44899P18

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
1 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.
New York City Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar
View more
View more

Similar Tours & Activities

New York Private Broadway Experience with a Drink
4.7 (7)

New York Private Broadway Experience with a Drink

Discover New York's Broadway, hitting all the world-famous theatres in The Big Apple. Check out a popular watering hole for Broadway performers then grab a...

4 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (7)
from
$56
New York City to Boston, Cambridge, Harvard & MIT Tour
4.2 (13)

New York City to Boston, Cambridge, Harvard & MIT Tour

Boston, in addition to being the largest city in the state of Massachusetts and its capital, is one of the oldest cities in the United...

14 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.2 (13)
from
$110
Private Guided Walking Tour of the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO
5.0 (28)

Private Guided Walking Tour of the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO

Explore the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge on this guided, 2.5-hour walking tour from Manhattan to the trendy DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn. Known as the 8th Wonder...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (28)
from
$220
Brooklyn, Manhattan, & DUMBO Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide
4.5 (8)

Brooklyn, Manhattan, & DUMBO Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide

Join us for an unforgettable journey from vibrant Times Square to Brooklyn's trendy Dumbo. Our open-top double-decker tour offers an immersive experience through Manhattan's iconic...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.5 (8)
from
$69
New York Private Broadway Experience with a Drink

Discover New York's Broadway, hitting all the world-famous theatres in The Big Apple. Check out a popular watering hole for Broadway performers then grab a …More

4.7 (7)

New York Private Broadway Experience with a Drink

4.7 (7)

Discover New York's Broadway, hitting all the world-famous theatres in The Big Apple. Check out a popular watering hole for Broadway performers then grab a...

4 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (7)
from
$56
New York City to Boston, Cambridge, Harvard & MIT Tour

Boston, in addition to being the largest city in the state of Massachusetts and its capital, is one of the oldest cities in the United …More

4.2 (13)

New York City to Boston, Cambridge, Harvard & MIT Tour

4.2 (13)

Boston, in addition to being the largest city in the state of Massachusetts and its capital, is one of the oldest cities in the United...

14 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.2 (13)
from
$110
Private Guided Walking Tour of the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO

Explore the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge on this guided, 2.5-hour walking tour from Manhattan to the trendy DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn. Known as the 8th Wonder …More

5.0 (28)

Private Guided Walking Tour of the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO

5.0 (28)

Explore the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge on this guided, 2.5-hour walking tour from Manhattan to the trendy DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn. Known as the 8th Wonder...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (28)
from
$220
Brooklyn, Manhattan, & DUMBO Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide

Join us for an unforgettable journey from vibrant Times Square to Brooklyn's trendy Dumbo. Our open-top double-decker tour offers an immersive experience through Manhattan's iconic …More

4.5 (8)

Brooklyn, Manhattan, & DUMBO Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide

4.5 (8)

Join us for an unforgettable journey from vibrant Times Square to Brooklyn's trendy Dumbo. Our open-top double-decker tour offers an immersive experience through Manhattan's iconic...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.5 (8)
from
$69

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

New York Catacombs by Candlelight
4.7 (2,889)

New York Catacombs by Candlelight

Enjoy this fascinating 90 minute group tour that introduces you to all of the secrets of the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. Enter off...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.7 (2,889)
from
$38
New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour (includes bus, walking tour and ferry ride!)
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.8 (13,379)

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour (includes bus, walking tour and ferry ride!)

Experience the best of New York City with a knowledgeable, licensed tour guide by your side. Our guides will make your journey unforgettable as they...

6 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (13,379)
from
$99
Museum of Ice Cream New York City Admission Ticket
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.0 (1,202)

Museum of Ice Cream New York City Admission Ticket

Taste your way through global ice cream flavors, explore immersive installations, ride NYC’s longest indoor slide, dive into the iconic Sprinkle Pool, and create sweet...

60 to 90 minutes
4.0 (1,202)
from
$49
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket
4.7 (4,252)

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends elements of art and technology, taking the concept of an “observation deck” to entirely new heights. Explore three levels of mind-bending...

1 to 3 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (4,252)
from
$48
New York Catacombs by Candlelight

Enjoy this fascinating 90 minute group tour that introduces you to all of the secrets of the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. Enter off …More

4.7 (2,889)

New York Catacombs by Candlelight

4.7 (2,889)

Enjoy this fascinating 90 minute group tour that introduces you to all of the secrets of the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. Enter off...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.7 (2,889)
from
$38
New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour (includes bus, walking tour and ferry ride!)

Experience the best of New York City with a knowledgeable, licensed tour guide by your side. Our guides will make your journey unforgettable as they …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.8 (13,379)

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour (includes bus, walking tour and ferry ride!)

4.8 (13,379)

Experience the best of New York City with a knowledgeable, licensed tour guide by your side. Our guides will make your journey unforgettable as they...

6 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (13,379)
from
$99
Museum of Ice Cream New York City Admission Ticket

Taste your way through global ice cream flavors, explore immersive installations, ride NYC’s longest indoor slide, dive into the iconic Sprinkle Pool, and create sweet …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.0 (1,202)

Museum of Ice Cream New York City Admission Ticket

4.0 (1,202)

Taste your way through global ice cream flavors, explore immersive installations, ride NYC’s longest indoor slide, dive into the iconic Sprinkle Pool, and create sweet...

60 to 90 minutes
4.0 (1,202)
from
$49
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends elements of art and technology, taking the concept of an “observation deck” to entirely new heights. Explore three levels of mind-bending …More

4.7 (4,252)

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

4.7 (4,252)

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends elements of art and technology, taking the concept of an “observation deck” to entirely new heights. Explore three levels of mind-bending...

1 to 3 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (4,252)
from
$48

Things To Do in New York City

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Tour of the Gilded Age City around Madison Square?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Expert guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Private Tour of the Gilded Age City around Madison Square is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private Tour of the Gilded Age City around Madison Square will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Expert guide
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Report Product Issue

Activity name