Newport Rhode Island is a city that invites exploration on foot. With its well-preserved colonial architecture, historic landmarks, and lively streets, it’s one of the best cities in the U.S. for walking tours. Whether you’re drawn to the spooky tales of ghost stories, fascinated by the grandeur of Gilded Age mansions, or eager to learn about Newport’s African American history, there’s a walking tour that fits your interest. We’re especially fond of the Newport: Colonial History Walking Tour with Museum Entry, which combines engaging storytelling with a visit to significant landmarks like the Great Friends Meeting House. It’s a great way to get a feel for Newport’s colonial roots while walking through the heart of the city.
Among the options, the Newport: Historic District Ghosts Guided Walking Tour stands out for its spooky fun, especially if you enjoy dark lanes and ghost stories. Conversely, the Holiday Lantern Walking Tour offers a charming peek into early American holiday traditions, perfect if you want a festive, immersive experience. For those interested in a broader historical scope, the Golden to Gilded Age Guided Walking Tour covers Newport’s fascinating evolution from revolutionary times through the opulence of the Gilded Age. Each tour offers a unique way to discover Newport on foot and make your visit memorable.
1. Newport: Historic District Ghosts Guided Walking Tour
At number 1 on our list is the Newport: Historic District Ghosts Guided Walking Tour. This tour is perfect for those who enjoy spine-tingling stories and a touch of darkness. Over 1.5 hours, you’ll follow a costumed guide through Newport’s historic streets, uncovering haunted hotspots like the White Horse Tavern, known as one of the oldest taverns in America. Your guide wields a lantern, setting a spooky mood as you walk past dark lanes and aged church graveyards—ideal for night owls or anyone curious about the city’s eerie side.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of storytelling and atmosphere. The guide shares real ghost stories and legends of Newport, making each site come alive with spectral tales. The tour is rated 4.6/5 from 97 reviews, with many visitors praising its fun and spooky ambiance. The price of $24 per person is quite reasonable for a packed 1.5 hours of fun. It’s especially suited for those who like a little thrill with their history and aren’t afraid of a dark corner or two. Be prepared for a bit of a scare and a lot of fun.
Bottom line: This ghost tour offers a memorable, spooky experience that combines Newport’s haunted sites with lively storytelling—ideal for evening explorers seeking a thrill.
2. Newport: Colonial History Walking Tour with Museum Entry
Next on our list is the Newport: Colonial History Walking Tour with Museum Entry. Priced at just $20 per person and lasting about 75 minutes, this tour dives into Newport’s early days, guiding you through the city’s colonial past. You’ll visit key sites like the Great Friends Meeting House and other historic landmarks that paint a vivid picture of Newport’s settlement era.
The tour’s strength lies in its detailed narrative about Newport’s role in colonial America, with stops that highlight architectural styles and stories of early inhabitants. Visitors note that the guide is enthusiastic and knowledgeable, making history come alive. The tour is rated 4.6/5 from 23 reviews, reflecting its appeal to history buffs and casual visitors alike. It’s perfect if you want a concise, engaging overview of Newport’s origins with the added bonus of museum entry, which allows further exploration after the tour.
Bottom line: For under $25, this tour offers a focused, informative walk through Newport’s colonial foundations, making it a good choice for history lovers who appreciate depth.
3. Newport, RI: Holiday Lantern Walking Tour
At number 3 is the Holiday Lantern Walking Tour, which is a charming, immersive way to experience Newport’s early American holiday traditions. With just $20 and a 75-minute duration, this tour brings history to life by guiding you through historic streets illuminated by lanterns, sharing stories of how residents celebrated (or didn’t) during holiday times in the past.
This tour is rated a perfect 5/5 from 1 review, emphasizing its intimate and engaging atmosphere. The storytelling focuses on authentic traditions, making it ideal if you want to experience a festive, historical walk that feels both educational and cozy. Expect to learn about customs, rituals, and community celebrations that shaped Newport’s holiday spirit, all while strolling through beautifully lit streets.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for an evening that combines history, festivity, and outdoor charm, this lantern tour offers a memorable look at early American holiday traditions.
$20 per person
4. Newport: Golden to Gilded Age Guided Walking Tour
Ranking fourth is the Golden to Gilded Age Guided Walking Tour. This 75-minute walk covers Newport’s journey from the Revolutionary War through the Gilded Age, spotlighting landmarks such as the Colony House. It’s a good choice for those interested in the city’s evolution, especially its opulent mansions and the wealth that defined much of Newport’s 19th-century identity.
The guide is described as experienced and knowledgeable, enriching the experience with insights into Newport’s architectural and social history. Though rated slightly lower at 3.9/5 from 8 reviews, many visitors still find it worth the $20 price for its comprehensive coverage of key historic periods. Expect to see grand homes, public buildings, and learn about the city’s transformation during its most prosperous times.
Bottom line: This tour appeals to history enthusiasts eager to understand Newport’s rise from revolutionary roots to gilded opulence, making it a solid choice for those with a keen interest in architecture and social history.
$20 per person
5. Newport’s African American History Walking Tour
Finally, the Newport’s African American History Walking Tour offers a focused look at the city’s Black community’s contributions and struggles. Priced at $20 per person for just an hour, this tour visits sites where enslaved people lived and labored, as well as locations where free African Americans built businesses and supported community growth.
What makes this tour stand out is its dedication to exploring a vital but often overlooked part of Newport’s history. The tour is guided by someone deeply knowledgeable, providing context about the African American experience across different eras. While specific review ratings aren’t provided, the tour’s focus on social history makes it highly educational and meaningful, especially for travelers interested in social justice and cultural heritage.
Bottom line: This tour provides a powerful perspective on Newport’s diverse community and is an excellent choice for those seeking a deeper understanding of the city’s complex historical fabric.
$20 per person
How to Choose the Right Newport Walking Tour
When selecting a walking tour in Newport, consider your interests and travel style. If spooky stories and ghost tales excite you, the Ghosts Guided Tour offers a fun, atmospheric experience. For history buffs wanting a broad view of Newport’s colonial roots, the Colonial History Tour provides detailed storytelling with museum access.
If holiday traditions appeal, the Holiday Lantern Tour is perfect during festive seasons. Those interested in Newport’s opulence should consider the Gilded Age Tour. And for a meaningful look at African American history, the African American History Tour offers a focused, impactful experience.
Practical tips include booking early for popular tours during peak seasons, considering walking distances if mobility is limited, and choosing based on your specific interests—whether spooky, historical, festive, or cultural.
Final Thoughts
Newport Rhode Island offers a diverse selection of walking tours that cater to different interests and schedules. For a spooky night out, the ghost tour is a top pick. If you want a comprehensive history walk, the colonial or Gilded Age tours are excellent. And if you’re interested in social history, the African American tour fills an important gap.
For a truly rich experience, consider pairing a historic walk with visits to Newport’s famous mansions or taking a holiday lantern walk during the festive season. With so many options, you’ll want to book early—spots fill quickly, especially in peak travel times. No matter which tour you choose, walking in Newport will give you a genuine, memorable taste of this historic seaside city.