Who owns Manhattan? Meet the famous and overlooked Gilded Age families who built Midtown.
The Astors, Vanderbilts, and Morgans, the Goelets, and the Koreins. You might not know their stories, but you’ve walked across their land. On this 2 hour stroll through Midtown Manhattan, we’ll uncover the stories behind some of the city’s most valuable plots of land and the families who built them up, creating the city we know today.
We’ll trace the roots of New York City’s real estate dynasties to the Gilded Age, revealing tales of family feuds, financial crisis, and shrewd business deals. As we travel through the past, we’ll uncover what once stood at some of the city’s most famous sites, from the land beneath the Empire State Building to the foundations of iconic modern office towers.
100% refund up to 24 hours prior to the start of your tour.
When canceled less than 24 hours before the start of your tour, we will do our best to reschedule you or issue you a credit to use on any of our upcoming tours. This credit won’t expire until you use it!
The group meets outside the Chase Bank across the street from the Empire State Building.
Address: 349 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10016
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Please arrive 10 minutes early.
By Subway: B, D, E, F, M, N, Q, R, or W to Herald Square and walk about 4 minutes
OR
4, 6 to 33rd Street and walk about 5 minutes
How long is the tour?
This tour is 2 hours long.
Where does it end?
It ends at 767 Fifth Avenue.
How strenuous is this tour?
This tour is easy and most people can participate but does require being able to walk and stand for long periods of time. We will cover about 2.2 miles and have a bathroom break in the middle.
Is this tour ADA accessible?
Yes, it is! You can email us at [email protected] in order for us to best prepare your visit.
Is this tour mostly indoors or outdoors?
This tour is mostly outdoors.
