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NYC Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour
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Recommendations
Overview
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!
Description
Stop At: Grand Army Plaza, 5 Avenue, 59 Street 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Central Park Zoo, 830 5th Ave, New York City, New York 10065
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!
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Delacorte Clock, East 65th Street and, 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
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!
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Balto Statue, East Drive at 67th Street, New York City, New York 10024
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!
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: The Mall and Literary Walk, The Mall, New York, NY 10022, USA
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Naumburg Bandshell, Terrace Dr. Near, W 72nd St, New York, NY 10019, USA
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Bethesda Terrace, Mid-Park at 72nd Street, New York City, New York 10021
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Bethesda Fountain, Midpark at 72nd St. Transverse, Central Park, New York City, New York
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Loeb Boathouse, Park Drive North, E 72nd St, New York, NY 10021, USA
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Hans Christian Andersen Monument, E 74th St, New York, NY 10021, USA
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Alice in Wonderland Statue, 76th Street and 5th Avenue, near Conservatory Lake, New York City, New York 10021
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, New York City, New York 10028
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: The Obelisk, E 81st St, New York, NY 10024, USA
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Alexander Hamilton Monument, East Dr, New York, NY 10024, USA
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, 85th Street to 96th Street, New York City, New York 10128
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Arthur Ross Pinetum, 84th and 86th Street Transverse, New York City, New York 10024
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: The Great Lawn, 79th Street & 85th Street, New York, NY 10024, USA
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Delacorte Theater, 81 Central Park West, New York City, New York 10023
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Belvedere Castle, 79th Street, Mid Central Park, New York City, New York 10021
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Shakespeare Garden, W. Park Dr. and 79th St. Transverse, New York City, New York 10024
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial, W. Park Dr. and W. 72nd St., New York City, New York 10023
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Sheep Meadow, 1802 65th Street Transverse, 1802 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065, USA
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Umpire Rock, Central Park S, New York, NY 10019, USA
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Columbus Circle, Columbus Cir, New York, NY, USA
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!
Duration: 5 minutes
Schedule
- Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
- Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
- Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
- Duration: 2 hours (Approx.)
- Departure Time:
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
NYC Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour
6/26/2020 - 5/18/2025Monday - Sunday : 06:00 AM - 11:30 PM - Return Details:
Columbus Circle, 848 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019, USA
What's Included
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Gratuities (Optional)
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
What To Bring
- Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
- Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.
- A Smile!
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
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Reviews
Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 14 traveler reviews collected by Cool New York City and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Still have questions?
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Free cancellation
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.