Golden to Gilded Tour: Newport's Historic Evolution

Explore Newport’s transformation from colonial Golden Age to Gilded Age opulence. Join our walking tour for rich history, stunning architecture, and captivating stories.

Duration: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Museum Of Newport History And Shop - Guests will check in at the Museum of Newport History. Admission to the museum is included as part of the tour, as is 10% off anything in the shop. IMPORTANT: The museum space on the second floor is not on the walking tour. It is recommended guests arrive early or come back after the tour to view the museum. -…
What's Included
  • Museum Admission
  • 10% Discount on NHS Museum Shop Purchases
  • Bottled water
What's Not Included
  • Parking fees
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance fees
Additional Information

Embark on an enchanting journey through Newport’s fascinating transformation from its colonial Golden Age to its opulent Gilded Age summer colony with our “Golden to Gilded Walking Tour.” Discover how the city evolved and its people thrived during these dynamic periods, long before the Vanderbilts’ arrival. Let our knowledgeable guides lead you through…

Location
Museum of Newport History & Shop
Thames Street
The Museum of Newport History and Shop is located inside the historic Brick market building, at the foot of Washington Square. Adjacent to Long Wharf Mall at 127 Thames Street. Go to the foot of Washington Square, the Brick Market is the brick building with arches.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(14 Ratings)
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Compass22994091291
Sep 21, 2025
Fantastic experience! - Mike was probably the best history tour guide I have ever had - super enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Everyone had a great time and we really felt like we had an insiders guide to Newport. Not only is he a history teacher, he also lives in Newport, so he knew the answer to every question and there was nothing we could not ask him. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who wants to learn more about central Newport.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anu_m
Aug 28, 2025
Wonderful walking historical tour of Newport - We were very impressed with our tour. It is an official tour by the Museum of Newport History, which is where it starts. You get the added benefit of 10% off gift items and free or discounted museum entrance at a few spots. Our tour guide was Patsy and she was an extremely knowledgeable and a fun tour guide. It was just the right amount of walking and a great history lesson.
Review provided by Viator
Jena_r
Aug 14, 2025
The guide is very... - The guide is very knowledgeable & loves talking about the history of Newport. Wear comfortable shoes because the roads & sidewalk pavement is uneven
Review provided by Viator
859normanj
Aug 11, 2025
THE GUILDED/GOLDEN AGE OF NEWPORT - Patsy Finaly was our guide for the Golden Age to Gilded Age walking tour and she was phenomenal! Her enthusiasm, knowledge and personality was incredible and was enhanced by her career background in theater. I was born and raised in Rhode Island and I can honestly say that I learned a great deal about the Newport that I have visited so many times.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Storyteller623792
Jul 31, 2025
Excellent tour! - Very knowledgeable!!!! It was very hot and our tour guide always made sure we stopped in the shade - very considerate. I highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennhecker93
Jul 27, 2025
Elise is awesome! - Elise was a fantastic guide! She even gave an on the spot history lesson on the prominent religions through the ages. She was engaging, fun, and very informative. We highly recommend this as a great overview of Newport history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
R1080gddawnm
Jul 21, 2025
Golden to Guilded - Highly recommend this tour! We’ve been to Newport many times and learned new things on this visit. Our guide, James, was very knowledgeable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jaime_m
Jul 14, 2025
This tour is for everyone! - The tour was a great walking distance for all ages, full of very interesting information delivered in a manner that was easy to follow and fun to listen to as well. Patsy Finley was a perfect guide and we would recommend her to everyone. This tour is recommended to first time visitors as well as those of us familiar with Newport.
Review provided by Viator
I1852gatracyb
May 3, 2025
Highly recommend! - This walking tour was very informative and interesting! Elise, our guide, was very knowledgeable and was able to answer our questions with details and anecdotes. I would definitely choose to do another tour and highly recommend this one to anyone interested in Newport’s early history. Based on Elise’s suggestions and information, we checked out some related sights in the city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L4905bqlarryo
Sep 19, 2025
Walking Tour - The buildings were interesting, as well as the general history of Newport. Our guide said this was just the second time she had led this walk, and many of felt she could have been more concise in her commentary. Worthwhile, nonetheless.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $20
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).