NYC Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour

26 Reviews |

Recommended by 100% of reviewers

|

Badge of Excellence | New York City, USA

Add to Wishlist

1 to 2 hours (approx.)

Mobile ticket

Instant confirmation

Offered in: English

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

Text transcripts of audio narration & Self-paced format (start/pause/resume anytime)
Pre-recorded audio commentary (downloadable or streamable)
Lifetime access (no expiration) with Customer support (chat/email)
This tour is NOT a ticket to any attraction or site
Suggested walking/driving itinerary with stop-by-stop directions
Offline GPS-enabled route map
NO in-person guide or physical equipment (bring your own device & headphones)
This is a GPS-powered, self-guided audio tour that works through an app

Entrance fees, in-person guide, headphones, transport, parking, food,Wi-Fi or cellular data, rentals

See 5 more See 4 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
How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you

Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share one tour by splitting headphones
New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
For the best experience, bring headphones/earbuds for your walking tour.
The tour requires a supported mobile device for navigation. Please use an iPhone with iOS 15 or later, an Android device with Android 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular service.
Your password can be used on the same number of devices as travelers booked. Enter the same password on each device.
Operated by a business

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

See more

See more

Reviews

4.81

26 reviews

Average 4.81 out of 5 stars based on 26 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars

21

4 stars

5

3 stars

0

2 stars

0

1 star

0

Similar Tours & Activities

Niagara Falls, Thousand Islands, Washington D.C 4-Day Tour

5.0 (1)

Niagara Falls, Thousand Islands, Washington D.C 4-Day Tour

We prioritize your safety by traveling with thoroughly disinfected sightseeing coaches and our professional well-trained tour escort. Visit the nation’s capital at Washington, D.C., and...

4 days • Free Cancellation

4 days • Free Cancellation

4 days • Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$804

Harlem Renaissance Walking Tour with Lunch

4.8 (41)

Harlem Renaissance Walking Tour with Lunch

The Harlem Renaissance, also known as the “New Negro” movement, was a period of cultural and social awakening in the 1920s. It was a time...

3 hours • Free Cancellation

3 hours • Free Cancellation

3 hours • Free Cancellation

4.8 (41)

from
$87

Soho, Little Italy, Chinatown Private Tour

4.8 (6)

Soho, Little Italy, Chinatown Private Tour

Come explore three iconic neighborhoods rolled into one tour. Walk the cobblestone streets of Soho the largest cast iron district in the world. Visit the...

2 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation

2 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation

2 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation

4.8 (6)

from
$285

The NYC Backpacker Tour

5.0 (22)

The NYC Backpacker Tour

Let's go get $1.50 pizza slices & $4 drinks in the most expensive city in the world. We will take photos in front of some...

2 hours • Free Cancellation

2 hours • Free Cancellation

2 hours • Free Cancellation

5.0 (22)

from
$104

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

New York Catacombs by Candlelight

Special Offer

Special Offer

4.7 (2,847)

New York Catacombs by Candlelight

Enjoy this fascinating 90 minute group tour that introduces you to all of the secrets of the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. Enter off...

1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation

1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation

1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation

4.7 (2,847)

~~$40~~
$39

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour (includes bus, walking tour and ferry ride!)

Special Offer

Special Offer

4.8 (13,056)

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour (includes bus, walking tour and ferry ride!)

Experience the best of New York City with a knowledgeable, licensed tour guide by your side. Our guides will make your journey unforgettable as they...

6 hours • Free Cancellation

6 hours • Free Cancellation

6 hours • Free Cancellation

4.8 (13,056)

~~$104~~
$103

American Dream DreamWorks Indoor Water Park Ticket

Special Offer

Special Offer

4.1 (123)

American Dream DreamWorks Indoor Water Park Ticket

On top of being the largest of its kind in North America, DreamWorks Water Park was awarded the title of #1 indoor water park in...

1 day • Free Cancellation

1 day • Free Cancellation

1 day • Free Cancellation

4.1 (123)

~~$84.99~~
$83.99

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

Special Offer

Special Offer

4.7 (4,066)

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends elements of art and technology, taking the concept of an “observation deck” to entirely new heights. Explore three levels of mind-bending...

1 to 3 hours • Free Cancellation

1 to 3 hours • Free Cancellation

1 to 3 hours • Free Cancellation

4.7 (4,066)

~~$49.91~~
$48.91

Last Minute Availability

Accessible USA Tours & Activities

Popular New York City Attractions

Places Nearby New York City

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations 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:

Text transcripts of audio narration & Self-paced format (start/pause/resume anytime).
Pre-recorded audio commentary (downloadable or streamable).
Lifetime access (no expiration) with Customer support (chat/email).
This tour is NOT a ticket to any attraction or site.
Suggested walking/driving itinerary with stop-by-stop directions.
Offline GPS-enabled route map.
NO in-person guide or physical equipment (bring your own device & headphones).
This is a GPS-powered, self-guided audio tour that works through an app.

The following is NOT included:

Entrance fees, in-person guide, headphones, transport, parking, food,Wi-Fi or cellular data, rentals.

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 Destinations. 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