The Breakers
The Breakers Mansion seen from the Cliff Walk in Newport
The Breakers Mansion seen from the Cliff Walk in Newport

The Breakers Tours and Tickets

4,070 reviews

The Breakers, the crown jewel of the Newport mansions and the summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, is an architectural and social archetype of the Gilded Age. The 70-room, four-story structure was built in 1895 and designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, who modeled it after 16th-century Italian Renaissance palaces.

  • Daily 9am - 5pm
  • 44 Ochre Point Ave., Newport, Rhode Island, 02840

Tours and Tickets to Experience The Breakers

13 results

What are people saying about The Breakers

Peter_H, Nov 2023
Fun tour, interesting history
Knowledgeable tour guide, nice way to see Newport narrated by a lifer. Fairly priced once the Breakers ticket is bundled in. Would recommend doing this early in a multi day trip; will help plan the rest of the days.
Terri_G, Nov 2023
Wonderful experience
Ray was very knowledgeable and explained everything with great passion. The Breakers was a great add on.
Shelbie_H, Nov 2023
Great tour!
It was a great tour of Newport and the mansions. Guide was very knowledgeable. The Breakers was well worth it. I liked it slightly better than The Biltmore, every room reminded me of Europe.
Kathryne_G, Nov 2023
Great tour! Worth it!
Russ was an amazing tour guide. So knowledgeable and funny. Tour ran well, showed up on time, seamless getting into the breakers and pickup was prompt. I didn't realize that the tour included driving around to see the mansions so it was a pleasant surprise that it wasn't just a drive to the Breakers and back. Also a plus to to in November because the leaves are off the trees and you can see more of the homes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What are The Breakers hours of operation?
A:
The Breakers hours of operation: Daily 9am - 5pm. Buy tickets in advance on Viator. If you book with Viator, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
People Also Ask
Q:Are there tours of the Breakers?
A:Yes, there are tours of the Breakers—it’s one of the most popular Gilded Age mansions to tour in Newport, and it’s one of only three estates that are open year-round. Typical tours are self-guided, meaning you can spend as much time as you like, though doors close at 5pm.
Q:How long does it take to walk through the Breakers?
A:Most visitors will spend roughly two hours touring the Breakers—more to allow for exploring the grounds. Of course, some visitors can make it through in an hour, while others will spend all day marveling at the 50-foot-high (15-meter-high) ceilings, tile mosaics and Baccarat crystals, and open-air courtyards.
Q:Do you need to book in advance to visit the Breakers?
A:No, you do not need to book the Breakers tickets in advance—unless you want to take a specific guided tour. If you book online, your ticket is valid for whenever you choose to come, provided the estate is open (typically, daily). Otherwise, walk in to buy general, self-guided tours.
Q:What days of the week are best to visit the Breakers?
A:It’s best to visit the Breakers midweek (Tuesday–Thursday), as it’s the flagship estate of the Preservation Society of Newport County and the most popular mansion to tour. By visiting midweek, you avoid the largest crowds and can explore at your leisure. You'll also encounter fewer visitors by visiting in winter.
Q:What do you see on a tour of the Breakers?
A:Your tour of the Breakers will likely be self-guided, meaning you can wander through as much of the mansion as you'd like. You can see the Great Hall, mural-lined dining room, mosaic-filled billiards room, music room, even family bedrooms, kitchen, and butler’s pantry. Of course, the grounds are can’t-miss, too.
Q:Is there a dress code for the Breakers?
A:No, there is no specific dress code for your visit to the Breakers, but many guests take the chance to dress up to match the fabulous Gilded Age scenery. To blend in with the mansions’ finer guests, dress as if you’re going to a nice brunch or a Sunday service.