Broadway Top 10 CityPASS®

NYC Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour

26 Reviews |

Recommended by 100% of reviewers

|

Badge of Excellence | New York City, USA

1 to 2 hours (approx.)

Mobile ticket

Offered in: English

Instant confirmation

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, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

What's Included

Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
Private walking tour experience for your family or group.
Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.
Just bring your phone and headphones; the app guides your walk.

No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

See 6 more See 5 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Doris C Freedman Place
New York, NY, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

848 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019, USA

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.

Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

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: The tour is over 4 miles long, with more than 40 audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Delacorte Clock

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!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Mall and Literary Walk

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Naumburg Bandshell

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Nyc Central Park Horse Carriage Rides since 1858

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Loeb Boathouse

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hans Christian Andersen Monument

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Obelisk

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Alexander Hamilton Monument

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Great Lawn

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Sheep Meadow

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Umpire Rock

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Columbus Circle

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!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 23 more stops

Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
Private tour: Follow the route on your phone without an in-person guide or crowded group.
At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.

Multi-device access: Use the same password on one device for each traveler included in your booking.
More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.

Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the NYC Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-259428P11

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.81

26 reviews

Average 4.81 out of 5 stars based on 26 traveler reviews collected by Cool New York City and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars

21

4 stars

5

3 stars

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2 stars

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1 star

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The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool New York City customers.

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the NYC Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour?

A:

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).

Apr 2025

Q: What's included in the price?

A:

The following is included:

Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
Private walking tour experience for your family or group.
Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.
Just bring your phone and headphones; the app guides your walk.

The following is NOT included:

No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

Apr 2025

Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?

A:

The minimum age to participate is 5..

Apr 2025

Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?

A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025

Q: Is this an accessible tour?

A:

Accessibility information for the NYC Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour is as follows:

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Apr 2025

Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?

A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for NYC Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool New York City. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

Mar 2024