Welcome to the Central Park Walking Tour
Get the most out of your visit! This comprehensive Central Park Walking Tour covers top sights like the Bethesda Fountain, The Mall, Great Lawn, Strawberry Fields, etc. Central Park is full of filming locations, historical monuments, and astounding views. Walkthrough this famous New York City spot and see everything it offers.
Our New York city tours let you experience the city’s many wonders at your own pace. Do check our other New York city tours here.
About the Tour
This self-guided audio and GPS tour begins on the 5th and 59th. Your first stop on the Central Park walking tour will be the famous Central Park Zoo, home to monkeys, pythons, and penguins. You’ll also get a chance to see the whimsical Delacourte Clock.
Then, continue to the statue of Balto, and hear about why the heck a dog from Alaska has a statue in New York! After that, it’s on to the beautiful, tree-lined Mall and Literary Walk. This verdant stretch of walkway isn’t just beautiful–it’s full of statues honoring famous literary and historical figures. Get the stories (and the controversies) behind all of them.
Ever wanted to see one of the spots where Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke? Then you’re in luck! The Naumburg Bandshell is ahead and has seen all sorts of famous speakers and musicians over the years, from MLK to Fidel Castro!
Up next, we’ll step onto the gorgeous Bethesda Terrace, a wonder of Italianate architecture offering spectacular views of the park. It’s also been the filming site for plenty of major hits through the years, from Home Alone 2 to The Avengers.
Next, you’ll follow the route to the Hans Christian Andersen monument, author of children’s classics like “The Little Mermaid.” The tour through the fantastical side of the park continues at the Alice in Wonderland sculpture, burnished to a shine from years of kids clambering all over it. But don’t worry, that’s by design!
Art lovers will adore the next stop: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. There’s no more prominent name in classic art in the US than The Met, and visitors soon discover why. The museum even features an entire ancient temple inside!
Next, pay a visit to the Jacky Kennedy Reservoir at the park’s heart. Stroll around this picturesque pool and learn to identify iconic buildings in New York’s skyline.
Then, stop by the Great Lawn, which has featured superstars like Elton John and Bon Jovi and continues to be a central gathering place for folks looking to enjoy a bit of natural serenity.
Later, see an actual castle and a Shakespearean garden before moving to the Strawberry Fields memorial commemorating music legend John Lennon. And you can’t come to Central Park without visiting the famous Carousel, so you’ll stop there and hear about its history.
Finally, you’ll exit the park at Columbus Circle, a city’s central hub not too far from where your tour began. The Central Park walking tour will conclude here.
Starting Point Address: Grand Army Plaza, New York, NY 10019, USA
Discover the Hidden Treasures of NYC
Experience the energy and excitement of New York City like a true local with our NYC Like A New Yorker Self-Guided Walking Tours Bundle! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned NYC veteran, our bundle offers a unique perspective on the city’s rich history and culture. So, put on your walking shoes and get ready to discover the real New York City like a true New Yorker!
Tour Map
How does it work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
What You'll See
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Introduction
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Art!
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Central Park Zoo
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Delacourte Clock
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Music and More
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Statue of Balto
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Why’s Balto Here?
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The Mall & Literary Walk : Shakespeare and Columbus
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Burns and Scott
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Halleck and the Elms
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Naumburg Bandshell
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Bethesda Terrace
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Bethesda Fountain
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The Loeb Boathouse
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Hans Christian Andersen Monument
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Alice in Wonderland
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History of Central Park: Part Two
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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The Obelisk
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Alexander Hamilton Monument
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Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservior
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Reservoir Facts
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UES Skyline
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Midtown Skyline
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UWS Skyline
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Arthur Ross Pinetum
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The Great Lawn
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Delacorte Theater
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Belvedere Castle
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Shakespeare Garden
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Strawberry Fields
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Sheep Meadow
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Volleyball
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The Carousel
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Umpire Rock
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Columbus Circle
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Outdoor theatre, quaint cafés, ice skating rink, Reservoir running track, John Lennon memorial, Alice in Wonderland statue, and countless more attractions make this park a must-see for any tourist.
Yes, you should definitely go to Central Park! Central Park, one of the world’s most famous urban parks, located in Manhattan, New York City, and offers activities and attractions for all ages. Central Park is a must-see for locals, tourists, single travelers, and families. To find out more, we encourage you to read our blog post.
In general, it’s a good idea to plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore Central Park, as there is so much to see and enjoy. However, you can always adjust your pace and route based on your preferences and time constraints.
If you want to avoid the crowds, try going early in the morning or on weekdays.
1) Central Park is the oldest public park in the United States.
2) Central Park’s hills, forests, lakes, and other natural characteristics are completely man made.
3) The designers of the park were chosen in a public competition. Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who won it, established the park’s distinctive and creative design.
There is no admission fee to enter the park. However, some of the park’s activities and attractions may have a fee.
The park’s landscapes and habitats support a wide range of flora and fauna.Central Park is home to numerous iconic attractions. It covers over 840 acres in the heart of Manhattan.
From Central Park, one may proceed to Grand Central Terminal or Midtown Manhattan.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions:
- App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
- Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Travel over multiple days or on your next trip within 1 year of your purchase.
- Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email.
- At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos/ snacks/hikes. Go at your own pace.
- Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
- Don’t miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated videos, text, and hidden gems.
Exclusions:
- Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
- Entry tickets or reservations to any attractions along the route.
- Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.