We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Newport
Log in Join
More
    Help Center

    The Breakers

    4,681 Reviews
    #3 of 118 things to do in Newport
    Specialty Museums, Museums
    44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840-6906
    +1 401-847-1000
    Website
    Save
    All photos (2,482)
    Full view
    Certificate of Excellence
    Book In Advance
    More Info
    US$57.00*
    and up
    Newport Viking Trolley Tour with The Breakers and Marble House Admission
    More Info
    US$94.50*
    and up
    Newport Mansions Small-Group Day Trip from Boston
    More Info
    US$37.50*
    and up
    Private Historic Newport Pedicab Tour
    See More Tours
    Map
    Satellite
    Map updates are paused. Zoom in to see updated info.
    Reset zoom
    Overview
    More
    The Breakers is the grandest of Newport's summer "cottages" and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America. Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt established the family fortune in steamships and later in the New York Central Railroad, which was a pivotal development in the industrial growth of the nation during the late 19th century. The Commodore's grandson, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, became Chairman and President of the New York Central Railroad system in 1885, and purchased a wooden house called The Breakers in Newport during that same year. In 1893, he commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to design a villa to replace the earlier wood-framed house which was destroyed by fire the previous year. Hunt directed an international team of craftsmen and artisans to create a 70 room Italian Renaissance- style palazzo inspired by the 16th century palaces of Genoa and Turin. Allard and Sons of Paris assisted Hunt with furnishings and fixtures, Austro-American sculptor Karl Bitter designed relief sculpture, and Boston architect Ogden Codman decorated the family quarters.

    About The Breakers

    The Breakers is the grandest of Newport's summer "cottages" and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America. Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt established the family fortune in steamships and later in the New York Central Railroad, which was a pivotal development in the industrial growth of the nation during the late 19th century. The Commodore's grandson, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, became Chairman and President of the New York Central Railroad system in 1885, and purchased a wooden house called The Breakers in Newport during that same year. In 1893, he commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to design a villa to replace the earlier wood-framed house which was destroyed by fire the previous year. Hunt directed an international team of craftsmen and artisans to create a 70 room Italian Renaissance- style palazzo inspired by the 16th century palaces of Genoa and Turin. Allard and Sons of Paris assisted Hunt with furnishings and fixtures, Austro-American sculptor Karl Bitter designed relief sculpture, and Boston architect Ogden Codman decorated the family quarters.
    4.5
    4,681 reviews
    • Excellent77%
    • Very good19%
    • Average2%
    • Poor1%
    • Terrible1%
    Travelers talk about
    “audio tour” (794 reviews)
    “gilded age” (429 reviews)
    “own pace” (371 reviews)
    Closed Now
    Hours
    Hours Today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    LOCATION
    44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840-6906
    CONTACT
    Website
    +1 401-847-1000
    Improve This Listing
    Ways to Experience The Breakers
    Newport Viking Trolley Tour with The Breakers...
    29 Reviews
    from US$57.00
    More Info
    Newport Mansions from Boston Small-Group Day...
    59 Reviews
    from US$94.50
    More Info
    Private Historic Newport Pedicab Tour
    1 Review
    from US$37.50
    More Info
    Newport Mansions and Waterfront Sightseeing...
    59 Reviews
    from US$99.00
    More Info
    Write a ReviewReviews (4,681)
    Traveler rating
    Traveler type
    Time of year
    Language
    • More languages
    All reviews
    "audio tour"
    in 794 reviews
    "gilded age"
    in 429 reviews
    "own pace"
    in 371 reviews
    "vanderbilt family"
    in 151 reviews
    "family tour"
    in 52 reviews
    "summer cottage"
    in 128 reviews
    "over the top"
    in 160 reviews
    "self guided"
    in 154 reviews
    "newport mansions"
    in 174 reviews
    "decorated for christmas"
    in 47 reviews
    "beautiful mansion"
    in 103 reviews
    "the kitchen"
    in 55 reviews
    "other half"
    in 59 reviews
    "downton abbey"
    in 50 reviews
    "take your time"
    in 61 reviews
    "preservation society"
    in 108 reviews
    "american history"
    in 48 reviews
    Filter

    1 - 10 of 4,425 reviews

    Reviewed today via mobile
    Beautiful mansion

    This is a beautiful nansion that is well preserved. My girlfriend and I took the audio tour. Expect to spend a couple of hours. We also did a tour of under the breakers. Very interesting.

    Ask pat9doerr11 about The Breakers
    Thank pat9doerr11
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    Reviewed today via mobile
    Excellent

    The new format of self guided tours with the recording are a terrific was to see this old mansion. It is well work it and the various bundle packages make it extremely affordable. A big thumbs up, this and other mansions have been beautifully maintained.

    Ask David C about The Breakers
    Thank David C
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    Reviewed 2 days ago
    Fun family excursion

    My two teenagers and I thoroughly enjoyed our self-guided tour of The Breakers. When we finished, we stepped down to the Cliff Walk to enjoy the beautiful views.

    Ask forevermont about The Breakers
    Thank forevermont
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    See more reviews
    Reviewed 2 days ago
    Absolutely amazing and awesome!

    If you're deciding on which mansion to visit...you MUST see this one! The astonishing display of wealth is overwhelming! Each room is more magnificent then the previous. The grounds are stunning, and it is a joy to take in all the beauty. Even the bathroom...More

    Ask MaryEllen22 about The Breakers
    Thank MaryEllen22
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    Reviewed 2 days ago via mobile
    Interesting and fun

    We went off season as part of a trolley tour combo. We enjoyed this more than expected, especially with the headset audio tour. Would have liked even more, but this was good for a 60-90 minute visit. 2 points that could be better - 1....More

    Ask NJPost99 about The Breakers
    1  Thank NJPost99
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    Reviewed 2 days ago
    Once in a Lifetime!

    If you want to see how the "beyond wealthy" lived, you must pay a visit to this wonderful Mansion and important piece of our History. Beyond that, The Breakers also is a first class representation of the brilliant crafts people of the day from around...More

    Ask Mark S about The Breakers
    Thank Mark S
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    Reviewed 3 days ago via mobile
    Amazing Summer Home

    This is probably the most ornate mansion we have toured in the US. It compares with many in Europe, which is where much of the decor comes from. It was nice to walk through at our own pace with the provided audio tour. Especially enjoyed...More

    Ask Jim B about The Breakers
    Thank Jim B
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile
    Fantastic Tour, amazing history

    The opulence as you step to the gate is overwhelming. It is hard to imagine people lived this way. Didn’t realize this was a self guided tour which was a great surprise. The tour was filled with great information and the dosents were helpful.

    Ask Rachel W about The Breakers
    Thank Rachel W
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile
    Largest Newport mansion on Cliff Walk

    The Breakers is one of the largest mansions on the Cliff Walk. You can park near the 40 steps and walk about 1 mile or you can park closer though I wouldn’t recommend that as the Breaks and Cliff walk should be treated as a...More

    Ask Roquita C about The Breakers
    Thank Roquita C
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    Reviewed 1 week ago
    The most beautiful of the Newport Mansions

    Opulent, over the top, beautiful. Be sure to do the Beneath the Breakers tour as well - fascinating view of the physical plant that ran (and still runs) this amazing stately building.

    Ask jgiard about The Breakers
    Thank jgiard
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    123456…443
    Nearby
    Nearby HotelsSee all 21 hotels in Newport
    The Chanler at Cliff Walk
    819 reviews
    1.66 km away
    Wellington Resort
    132 reviews
    1.72 km away
    The Attwater
    434 reviews
    1.90 km away
    Wyndham Newport Onshore
    148 reviews
    2.08 km away
    Nearby Restaurants
    Cru Cafe
    104 reviews
    1.59 km away
    Mamma Luisa Restaurant
    537 reviews
    1.39 km away
    Lorusso's Newport Cafe
    72 reviews
    1.55 km away
    Winner Winner
    33 reviews
    1.38 km away
    Nearby Attractions
    The Elms
    1,526 reviews
    1.26 km away
    Marble House
    1,391 reviews
    1.04 km away
    The Preservation Society of Newport County
    116 reviews
    .93 km away
    Ask a question
    Questions & Answers
    See all 24 questions
    kmlctravels
    April 8, 2018|
    AnswerShow all 3 answers
    Response from Randall P | Reviewed this property |
    One hour adequate as the tour is an audio tour. You will spend extra time after each audio presentation to look around the rooms. The grounds are nice as well.
    1
    Vote
    Rocklobster1991
    December 29, 2017|
    AnswerShow all 15 answers
    Response from Lisa Ann M | Reviewed this property |
    you can purchase a Winter Passport only 3 homes are open for the tours during winter. you can do 3 homes in 2 days not rushed or in one day at a quick pace the Breakers, The Elm and one other home in close proximity. because... More
    1
    Vote
    jlboydjr
    December 21, 2017|
    AnswerShow all 5 answers
    Response from jetsetter90 | Reviewed this property |
    Definitely buy online. There was a line when we went, it went fast but why not purchase online and walk straight in.
    0
    Votes
    123456…8