NYC Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour

based on 17 reviews

Duration:2 hours (approx.)
Location: New York City, New York

From $14.99

Book in 2 easy steps:

1. Select A Date

2. Enter Total No Of Travellers

ADULT (Age : 5 to 90)

Free Cancellation

Upto 24 hours in Advance.

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Top Selling Tours & Activities

Private Sightseeing Tours

Full-day Tours

Excellent Quality

Walking Tours

Audio Guides

Historical Tours

PRODUCT DETAILS
TRAVELER REVIEWS
TRAVELER PHOTOS

Welcome to Central Park, a leafy oasis in the heart of the Big Apple! This self-guided walking tour explores all the best spots in the park, from the super-popular Bethesda Terrace (featured in countless movies and shows) to the scenic Mall walkway, Central Park Zoo, and so much more! As you walk, hear the unexpected stories behind the park, its many attractions, and the early days of New York City.

After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there.

This is not an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

New, extra validity — now, it’s yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Grand Army Plaza
Your tour of Central Park begins in the Grand Army Plaza on the corner of 5th and 59th. From here, you'll walk all the way to the reservoir and back, stopping at all the park's top spots along the way. NOTE: This 6-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Central Park in 1 hours.
2. Central Park Zoo
The Central Park Zoo sets the standard for all urban zoos to follow. This 6.5-acre zoo features all kinds of rare and endangered animals, including Antarctic penguins and a snow leopard!
3.
This clock isn't just for telling time! It's decorated with whimsical depictions of animals playing all manner of instruments, like a bear with a tambourine and a kangaroo with a horn!
4. Balto Statue
This statue commemorates everyone's favorite husky, who became famous when he brought lifesaving medicine to a remote Alaskan town through blinding blizzards and subzero temperatures. The dog himself was actually in attendance for the unveiling of this statue!
5.
One of the most picturesque spots in Central Park, the Mall is surrounded by lush greenery and dotted with statues of famous figures from history. Among them: the revered playwright Shakespeare and the controversial explorer Christopher Columbus. As you walk, you'll learn more about the various statues and why they ended up here.
6.
This striking bandshell was built in 1923 and has since been host to countless famous speakers. Martin Luther King, Jr. once delivered a speech here, as did Cuban leader Fidel Castro! It's still in use today, and frequently features free classical and jazz concerts.
7. Bethesda Terrace
This gorgeous Italian-style terrace is the heart of Central Park. It was crucial to the original design for the park and remains one of the most beautiful places in New York City to this day. It has an upper and a lower section, both of which are simply breathtaking.
8. Bethesda Fountain
At 26 feet tall and almost 100 feet across, this fountain is impossible to miss. It's topped by a sculpture known as the Angel of the Waters, which was the only statue included in the original design for Central Park. Here, you'll also get a glimpse at Central Park's long cinematic history.
9.
The Loeb Boathouse is a fine dining establishment which also operates a functioning boathouse for folks who are looking to relax on the water for a while. It has also been the setpiece for scenes in When Harry Met Sally and Manchurian Candidate.
10.
This bronze statue honors Hans Christian Andersen, the beloved Danish children’s author responsible for works such as "The Little Mermaid" and "The Ugly Duckling." From here, you might also see model sailboats on the water, as long as the weather is warm enough.
11. Alice in Wonderland Statue
This large statue of Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the White Rabbit from Lewis Carroll's classic book is a favorite among kids. It was actually designed to be climbed on, and the polished, shiny bronze stands as a testament to how successful this design ended up being.
12. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Colloquially known as the Met, this is one of the most famous museums in the world. It boasts 5,000 years of art from all over the world, from European masters like Monet to artifacts from ancient Egypt and beyond. If you're a lover of art or history, this is a must-see spot.
13.
This huge Egyptian obelisk was moved here in 1881, and it's not a replica! The 220-ton monument is estimated to be around 3,500 years old, originally commissioned by a pharoah to celebrate his reign.
14.
Alexander Hamilton may have been popularized by the Broadway play, but this monument has been here well before anyone thought to put the man on stage. And for good reason! Hamilton was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and served as George Washington's right hand man during the American Revolution.
15. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
This enormous reservoir holds about a billion gallons of water and makes for a beautiful centerpiece to the park. It was once intended to supply the entire city with clean water. Today, it's a fabulous spot to take a break and admire the city's skyline.
16. Arthur Ross Pinetum
The Arthur Ross Pinetum was designed with one specific purpose in mind: Add a splash of green to the park during the long, bleak winter months. If you're visiting after the leaves have fallen from the other trees, it makes for a lovely change of scenery.
17.
This 55-acre green space once hosted huge concerts featuring headliners like Elton John. Unfortunately, all those crowds turned it into what some called "The Great Dustbowl." Today, however, it's back to its old self, and is an ideal spot for a picnic.
18. Delacorte Theater
This open-air theater is home to the Public Theater, which puts on regular performances of Shakespeare and other classic plays. One of the coolest things about it? Productions here are totally free! Visitors need only stand in line to get in.
19. Belvedere Castle
Belvedere Castle offers unbeatable views of the park and the surrounding city. It also adds a pleasant touch of fairytale whimsy visitors are sure to love.
20. Shakespeare Garden
The flora on display in this beautiful garden are only those mentioned in William Shakespeare’s many plays and poems. The aim was to recreate, in spirit, the English countryside where the Bard of Avon lived.
21. Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial
This memorial honors the musician John Lennon. Yoko Ono, his widow, didn't want another statue in Central Park, so instead the sculptor created a striking mosaic unlike anything else in the park.
22.
Sheep Meadow is a lovely green expanse that perfectly embodies the original vision for Central Park: A place where locals and visitors alike can relax and enjoy nature away from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple.
23.
Umpire Rock is by far the oldest thing you'll see in Central Park, clocking in at over 500 million years old! It's a hunk of bedrock that workers weren't able to remove when clearing the land for the park's construction, and stands today as a landmark in its own right.
24.
Columbus Circle, at the corner of 8th and 59th, marks the end of your tour. It also marks the boundary of a vibrant, thriving neighborhood just waiting to be explored!

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and an instructions email. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular
• How to start the tour: Once onsite, open the Action's Tour Guide App: • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If there are multiple tour versions, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Amazing savings: Walking Tours: While each person typically needs their tour, couples or small groups can share one using split headphones.
• Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It's perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
• Comprehensive Tour Experience: • The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
• Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
• Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
• Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
• Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app's features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : 5280donna
We enjoyed a beautiful morning in Central Park. The audio tour was informative and fun. Highly recommend for those exploring the park for the first time.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-20 11:14:03

Posted By : OnAir37815595692
Love that you can go at your own pace and venture to something not on the tour and then start back up where you left off on the tour. Good information from the guide.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-02 11:18:30

Posted By : kaynair2019
Easy to understand and follow the instructions. This walking tour guides you comfortably to make sure you see and enjoy all the important sights at your own pace.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-12 01:03:00

Posted By : 733AMT733
Absolutely brilliant tour - we toured the highlights of Central Park in a couple of hours; the app was accurate and the commentary really interesting. Even the teenagers loved it!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-01-06 04:22:40

Posted By : Eric_O
Loved it! First time using this format. It was perfect for us-informative and fun, great going at our own pace
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-12-03 09:16:38

Posted By : Lauren_H
Easy to follow, interesting information, lots of options. The price is attractive. I had a terrific time all by myself. I'm a 68 year old woman.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-10 21:09:44

Posted By : 476kellyf
My husband and I are in NYC for the first time so that I may see Broadway shows. We decided going into Central Park was a way to spend our day while waiting for the show to start. I knew we would miss things in Central Park on our own and found this digital walking tour. It was great!! We spent almost four hours walking around the park and had lunch in the park as well. I loved the narration and the ease of the app which automatically started when we approached a highlight. The learn more button was great and I like that I can go listen again. I highly recommend you try this!

Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-09-13 13:49:51

Posted By : Susan_L
Specially enjoyed Sheep's meadow, john lennon imagine, and just learning more about the park in general.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-08-24 08:05:00

Posted By : ShinyPete
This is a perfect way, at low cost (pedal carriage tours in Central Park are currently $6.99/minute!) to learn much more about the construction, history and contents of Central Park. We walked the whole route in 2:30 and covered 5.3 miles. Total walking time taking in all the 43 stops was 1:50.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-08-05 09:57:34

Posted By : 4spanky
Beautiful park well maintained feels like your not in a city. Very nice welcoming workers and helpful. The animals are well kept and maintained.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-08-04 10:49:20

Retrieving available

Tickets

NYC Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Grand Army Plaza

2. Central Park Zoo

3.

4. Balto Statue

5.

6.

7. Bethesda Terrace

8. Bethesda Fountain

9.

10.

11. Alice in Wonderland Statue

12. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

13.

14.

15. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir

16. Arthur Ross Pinetum

17.

18. Delacorte Theater

19. Belvedere Castle

20. Shakespeare Garden

21. Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial

22.

23.

24.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

Retrieving available

Tickets

NYC Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour

WHAT'S INCLUDED ⟱

WHAT TO EXPECT ⟱

1. Grand Army Plaza

2. Central Park Zoo

3.

4. Balto Statue

5.

6.

7. Bethesda Terrace

8. Bethesda Fountain

9.

10.

11. Alice in Wonderland Statue

12. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

13.

14.

15. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir

16. Arthur Ross Pinetum

17.

18. Delacorte Theater

19. Belvedere Castle

20. Shakespeare Garden

21. Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial

22.

23.

24.

ADDITIONAL INFO ⟱

CANCELLATION POLICY ⟱

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY