5 of the Best Central Park Walking Tours

Central Park is among New York’s best-loved landmarks. Explore it on foot with the aid of the best local knowledge on these fab walking tours.

best central park walking tours

(Photo: Viator.com)

One thing that makes New York particularly special is the preservation of a vast tract of land for public use. Despite being flanked on all sides by what is some of the world’s priciest real estate, Central Park’s elegant assembly of ponds, walkways, bridges and monuments make it a must-visit location. But at 2.5 miles long and half a mile wide, there’s a lot of ground to cover. That’s why these excellent Central Park guided walking tours are a great way to make the most from your time there.

Guided Walking Tour of Central Park

Departing every day of the year at midday, this two-hour walking tour of Central Park is a reliable way to better appreciate Manhattan’s giant green lung. Your guide will unfurl the park’s history and social significance through landmarks such as the Jackie Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, Strawberry Fields and the Bethesda Fountain. As with all tours on this list, be sure to wear some comfortable shoes and be prepared for whatever weather the New York climate has to offer. Itineraries may change during the year in respect of the seasonal highlights. From $24 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

best central park walking tours

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

New York City’s Central Park Highlights Walking Tour

Given the sheer size of Central Park, seeing everything in a short space of time is not easy, particularly if you’re planning to visit on your own. But with the help of your guide on this tour, you’ll be able to move from one highlight to another seamlessly over two and a half hours, leaving plenty of time to delve into other areas of New York. The tour operator, Custom NYC Tours, keeps group sizes small (maximum of ten people), and itineraries are planned around the season. From $30 per person.

Central Park Movie Locations Walking Tour

Most people who have never even set foot in the United States or even New York feel intimately familiar with Central Park. It may indeed be one of the world’s most famous parks thanks to its regular presence in movies and TV shows, including Friends , When Harry Met Sally and Breakfast at Tiffany’s . And the filming locations within the park neatly coincide with some of the best sights in this green space, making this popular walking tour of Central Park the perfect combo option. Tours run from Thu-Sun from Sept to May, and daily from Jun to Aug. From $36 per person.

best central park walking tours

Central Park Walking Tour

Local guides who have lived near Central Park for years are the best people to accompany you on a jaunt through this beautiful inner city idyll. In a small group (up to 12 people), you will explore the park to an itinerary that always includes a neat balance of notable landmarks and lesser known fascinations that only an expert can show you. Discover the history and culture that have become wrapped up in the lore of Central Park as you go. These walking tours run on most days of the year and last for around two hours. From $45 per person.

Book at Viator.com

Central Park Exclusive Guided Walking Tour

For a tour that really gets into the finer detail of the design and history of New York’s most celebrated park, this is a great way to explore. See the 19 th -century Bow Bridge and learn about its unique design, plus The Dakota and Strawberry Fields to hear all about John Lennon’s final years living on the edge of Central Park, along with dozens of other landmarks from filming locations to the park’s own zoo. This is a daily, all-weather tour that also has a private option available for roughly twice the price. From $84 per person.

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The Best Central Park tours 2

What are the Best Central Park tours? 14 Best Ways to See Central Park!

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  • Posted by by Elle-Rose
  • Updated: September 19, 2023
  • 8 minute read

Are you looking for the best Central Park tours to help you explore this gorgeous part of the city?

Central Park is one of the most famous parks in the world – and one of the best ways of exploring, is by finding the best Central Park tours and booking yourself a ticket!

I’ve spent years exploring Central Park, and I know that there are so many amazing ways to explore this incredible part of the city. But part of discovering the magic, is finding the perfect Central park tours for your interests and ability.

Whether you want to do a walking tour, a limo tour, a bike tour… You name it! Central Park has it all. Here are the best Central Park tours to help you explore this amazing landmark…

best central park walking tours

What is the best way to tour Central Park?

So, you’re wondering ‘w hat is the best way to tour Central Park?’ – the answer is, it depends! There are so many Central Park tours to choose from!

Every person is different when it comes to exploring Central Park. If you’re the kind of person who loves taking their time, you’re going to love the walking tours we’ve featured on this list.

However, there are plenty of other interesting ways to tour Central Park too. You can cycle, scooter, and see it via pedicab too! We’ll recommend a variety of Central Park tours in this list, so you can figure out which is the best fit for you.

best central park walking tours

Can you do all of Central Park in one day?

Can you do all of Central Park in one day? Probably not, to be honest! Even with the help of multiple Central Park tours, you won’t see everything. 

Even with a full day of exploring the park, it’s unlikely you’ll get to see every pathway and every beautiful detail. But you can absolutely fit in a tour (or two) during this time, and that’ll help you see most of the park than most.

As most people visit New York City for only 3-5 days, we’d recommend setting aside at least half a day for Central Park. Ideally, a whole day if possible (and if you have the time to spare).

best central park walking tours

Here are the best Central Park tours that we recommend!

The classic central park walking tour.

First on my list of the best Central Park tours, it’s a classic walking tour !

A classic Central Park walking tour is always a good idea – especially if you just want someone to guide you around the main areas of the park. It’s generally considered one of the best ways to see Central Park!

In general booking a walking tour of Central Park is great because you remove any worry of getting lost (which is so easy, as the park is so huge!) and instead you can just enjoy meandering around and soaking in all the top sights and attractions Central Park has to offer.

I recommend this walking tour , you’ll be guided around by a former park employee and you’ll get a 2-hour tour of all the park highlights. This is one of the best Central Park tours!

Read more about Central Park: How big is Central Park?

A pedicab ride

Next on my list of the best Central Park tours, an alternative to horse carriage rides, the Pedicab!

If you’re allergic to horses, or you don’t fancy the horse and carriage ride, then a pedicab ride is a great choice. It’s a little more quirky and it’s definitely a lot of fun!

A pedicab is basically a small carriage attached to the back of a bike, and your tour guide will cycle around the park past all the must-see places in Central Park.

I love the Pedicab rides because they’re quick, easy and you get to see loads. Again, as with the carriage rides, I’d recommend booking the tour in advance .

It means your fee will be pre-agreed and just avoids any queuing or confusion. But overall, this is a great choice for Central Park tours.

Another one of the best ways to see Central Park, and great fun!

central park tours nyc

Movie and TV in Central Park (walking tour)

Next on our list of the best Central Park tours, it’s a movie and TV tour! For movie lovers… this might be the best way to see Central Park for you!

There have been soooo many movies and TV shows set in Central Park, so if you consider yourself a bit of a movie-buff or TV geek, taking a TV and film themed walking tour around the park is definitely going to be fun for you.

I recommend booking this specific tour , it has great reviews and a good itinerary – making sure you squeeze in as many movie and TV locations as possible!

You’ll see locations from films such as; Home Alone, When Harry Met Sally, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Date Night, The Avengers, Friends, Glee and so many more. Such a great choice for Central Park tours.

Read more about Central Park: 35 best things to do in Central Park, NYC

best tours in central park new york

Boat tour on The Lake

Our next suggestion for Central Park tours, is by boat!

This is one of the cutest ways to see the park, and it’s so different from other ideas on this list.

Boat hire is about $20 per hour, and most people tend to take the boat out for about 2 hours.

Obviously, one disadvantage of a boat tour is that you’re a little bit limited in how much of the park you can see from a boat, but it’s a great way of seeing the park from a new perspective. And the tour isn’t guided – you’ll need to steer and row yourself!

Life jackets are provided, and up to 4 people can be in the boat (so it’s pretty affordable actually when split between all of you).

You can find all the info you need here (including the opening dates for summer season). But yes, this is such a great option for Central Park tours, and one of the best ways to see Central Park!

best central park walking tours

Helicopter tour over Central Park

Next up on my best Central Park tours list… A helicopter ride.

If you want to see Central Park from above (and in the context of the city around it) then there’s no better tour than a helicopter tour.

Helicopter tours are pretty incredible in NYC – you get to see so much, and the city looks so different from above.

For me, it’s still one of the MOST memorable things I’ve ever done, and I’ll never forget seeing the park emerge from behind the skyscrapers and seeing the sheer scale of it!

I recommend this helicopter tour – I always trust this company to get it right when it comes to super special Central Park tours.

This is one of the most expensive ways to see it, but also one of the best ways to see Central Park too.

best tours in central park new york

Central Park’s hidden gems walking tour

Next on our list of the best ways to see Central Park, it’s another walking tour option. For people reading this list of the best Central Park tours, who already know and love the park – this might be the tour for you.

If you already know the park quite well, or if you want to discover some new areas of Central Park then this Hidden Gems tour of Central Park is a fantastic choice.

You’ll explore off the tourist path and be taken to some secret places in Central Park that tourists don’t usually discover.

From hidden bird sanctuaries historic gun emplacements, you’ll feel like you’re an NYC local when this tour finishes.

The Best Central Park tours

Central Park guided bike tour

If you enjoying riding your bike and cycling, then taking a cycling tour of Central Park is such a nice way to see the park.

You can get around quicker on your bike, which also means you’ll be able to see more of the park than you would during a walking tour.

Also, Central Park is an amazing park for cycling – there are lovely bike paths and cycling roads – so it’s great.

I recommend this specific tour … it has great reviews, and means you won’t miss anything! They’ll take you to all the key historical monuments, statues, fountains and hidden gems.

How could I write a list of the best Central Park tours and not include a bike tour? Another great option for the best ways to see Central Park.

the best tours in central park

Self-guided Central Park bike hire

If you want to explore the park by bike, but you’d rather do it at your own pace and on your own terms, you can rent a bike in Central Park super easily!

This is a great option for people who want to tour the park more flexibly and don’t mind finding their own way around.

You can rent bikes in Central Park by clicking here.  Maybe it’s not a traditional ‘tour’ – but it’s so affordable, so I wanted to include it in my best Central Park tours list.

New York Pass

2 Hour Electric Scooter Tour

Our next suggestion for the best Central Park tours, is a 2 Hour Electric Scooter Tour .

I love electric scooters, they’re relatively low-effort physically, so they might be preferred by many people over cycling or rollerblading.

But you still get to whizz around, and see the park at a quicker pace than walking – which is great!

I love this particular tour because it’s guided too, so you know you’ll get to all the great spots. Some of these include Bethesda Fountain, Cleopatra’s Needle, and various film locations too.

best central park walking tours

NYC Rollerblade rental

Another great option for people who want to explore the park on their own terms and by their own timings…

Renting rollerblades is SUCH a fun way to explore the park. This is ideal for spring or summer time, and on a sunny day, you’ll see loads of people exploring the park on rollerblades.

It’s fun, and it’s also a great workout too!

best central park tours

Food tour and Central Park tour combo

Next up on my list of best Central Park tours, a food and park combo tour. Because combining Central Park with food is (obviously) a perfect pairing!

If you want to combine a tour of Central Park with a food tour… then this tour is a great choice!

Food tours are always an amazing idea in NYC (there’s so much amazing food here) and having a food tour paired with a Central Park tour is such a perfect way to spend the day.

We all know that NYC is famous for it’s amazing food, so combining a stroll around Central Park with some food discoveries is a win/win situation!

best central park walking tours

Home Alone 2 Tour in Stretch Limousine

Next up on our list of the best ways to see Central Park, it’s the Home Alone 2 Tour in Stretch Limousine .

This is such a quirky and unique tour in NYC, and whilst the focus isn’t 100% on Central Park, Central Park makes up a huge part of it!

The tour is 3 hours long, and it’s a tour through all the filming locations of the iconic Home Alone 2 movie!

So, if you’re a fan of that movie and love Central Park and want to see more of it, this tour might be an incredible way to explore it. This is one of the most fun and best ways to see Central Park.

Click here to book your tickets!

best central park walking tours

Fantastic Beasts Walking Tour & Central Park Zoo Ticket

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you might really enjoy this Fantastic Beasts Walking Tour & Central Park Zoo Ticket. It’s such a fun option for Central Park tours.

You’ll explore amazing parts of the park (seen in the movie) and uncover the magical world of Newt too!

There’s loads of facts and information to learn along the way too, about all the Fantastic Beasts movies and characters.

best central park walking tours

5K running tour of Central Park

Last up on this list of the best Central Park tours, a running tour! This is one for the gym-bunnies or the runners!

It might be some people’s worst nightmare, but for others, combining a 5K run with a tour of Central Park’s best sights is an ideal combination!

This non-competitive 5K running tour that takes you along some of the parks most scenic and beautiful running paths. You’ll make brief stops along the way to explore, take photos and just enjoy the view.

This is a super different choice for Central Park tours, and we love it!

best central park walking tours

Why didn’t we include horse and carriage rides on our list of the best Central Park tours?

You probably came to this list thinking you’d find an option for horse and carriage rides somewhere in our suggestions.

And I’ll admit, when we first visited the city way back in 2011, my husband and I did a horse and carriage ourselves, without asking many questions about it.

While many sources point to the good treatment of these horses, there are other sources that question their welfare. So for that reason, and controversy surrounding the debate, I’ve decided to leave them off my list.

If you want to do your own research, I highly encourage that!

How long do you need to tour Central Park?

I hope this list of the best central park tours is helpful.

Based on this list, have you chosen the best Central Park tours for you? I’d love to know which you chose in the comments.

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Elle-Rose is the owner and editor of The World and Then Some! She has been a professional travel writer for over 12 years, writing for many different publications, including this one. Elle-Rose is a city break expert, and she specializes in popular locations such as NYC, London, Las Vegas and Dubai, regularly visiting to stay on top of new attractions, restaurants and hotels. Elle-Rose is super active on TikTok (@theworldandthensome), and loves filming video content in the cities she visits - so go and say hello!

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best central park walking tours

Central Park Walking Tour

Walking Tour 3.JPG

Book the best walking tour in NYC and explore Central Park!

Experience Central Park with a knowledgeable guide and visit many well-known attractions on this exciting 2-hour adventure!  Click here for info about our special early morning Holiday Walking Tour !

Learn about the history and architecture of the park through iconic landmarks like Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields, Wollman Rink, Gapstow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, and more. See where many famous movie and tv scenes were shot, such as Home Alone 2, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Spiderman 3, and Sex and the City.

We allow for a maximum of 15 people on our tours, for a more personalized experience!

  • Duration : 2 hours
  • Price : $35 adult / $19 child (14 and under)
  • Booking : See schedule and book using the calendar below:
  • Private Tours : $49 per person  Book Here

Picnic at The Pool

Picnic at The Pool

Add a picnic.

Make your outing even more memorable by adding a gourmet picnic in the park!

We offer fully catered picnics as well as grab & go options.

Perfect for social gatherings, families, couples, corporate outings, schools, graduations, birthday parties, or any occasion!

See Picnic Packages

Customer Reviews

Great Walk in Central Park

"Chris was a terrific guide on our two-hour walking tour of Central Park. They keep the groups small, so it was easy to hear him and ask questions. He was very knowledgeable about the park and the surrounding area. He also had a great sense of humor - maybe because he is also a stand-up comedian at night. Previously we had never actually been IN Central Park - just around it often. We couldn't believe how removed from the city we felt and how peaceful and calm our walk was. I think walking is the best way to appreciate all the park has to offer."

Walking tour with Tom

"During our two-hour walking tour with super guide Tom we learned more about the history of the park than probably more than 80% of New Yorkers. The park is wonderful and would be enjoyable just walking by yourself. However, the historical information added by Tom made it extra special. Would highly recommend this leisurely walk of the southern part of Central Park."  

Great Tour - Great Guide

"Took a two-hour walking tour of the southern half of Central Park. I was really lucky as I was the only person, so got a personal tour. Adam, my tour guide, was great. He supplemented the tour with photos on his I-pad which gave before and after images of the park. The route encompassed many interesting aspects of the park and was punctuated with loads of history. Highly recommended!"

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TripTins

A Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park by a Local (Map & Itinerary)

By: Author Charles

Posted on October 22, 2023

A Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park by a Local (Map & Itinerary)

A visit to Central Park can be quite overwhelming for those who want to wander its pathways. There are 843 acres of nonstop nature to explore spanning 50 New York City blocks.

Since there is so much to see and do within the park, it can get confusing on how to put together the best self-guided walking tour of Central Park. As someone who has walked all corners of the park over the course of 10+ years, I have a pretty solid understanding of how to put together the best possible Central Park itinerary for first time visitors.

This overview will give you step by step directions on what a one day self-guided tour of Central Park will look like and what to expect during your walk. Hope you enjoy it out there!

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) Ways to Tour the Park

Before getting into this self-guided walking tour of Central Park, I did want to mention some of the other main ways to go about a visit.

1) Join a Guided Tour

While I am one for the self-guided options, many people want to have a tour guide join them for their day in the park. This way you will not need to worry about getting lost or heading in the wrong direction. A tour guide will walk you around the park, give you some history lessons, and answer your questions along the way.

These walking tours usually do not head to all parts of the park, but rather just some of the main areas. Feel free to check out this two hour Central Park walking tour if interested in having a guide along with you.

2) Take a Pedicab

At the entrance of the park, you will find many pedicab drivers asking to take you around. This is a fast and convenient way to see a lot of the park in a shorter period of time.

However, it also takes away the chance to go to the inner pathways of the park, which in my opinion are some of the best spots. The pedicabs need to stick to the main streets of the park but can drop you off in different areas along the way for you to explore a bit more.

You can also choose to join a private Central Park Pedicab tour ahead of time .

3) Bike the Park

If you are not into walking and want to see the park on your own, you could rent a bicycle from some of the bike rental spots located right outside some of the main entrances. Riding a bike gives you the chance to see more of the park in a shorter period of time.

However, you will not be able to take a bicycle into certain areas of the inner park or alongside some of the main highlights. While you can get off the main outer loop, and onto some of the inner walking paths, you will be a bit more limited.

If you don’t want to explore the park by bike alone, you can also join a Central Park Bicycle tour .

4) Self Guided Walk

At the end of the day though, a self-guided walking tour of Central Park will give you the most flexibility compared to all the options above. You can see everything you want to see at your own pace, and best of all it’s all completely free!

The rest of this article will dive into one of the most wholistic routes of Central Park and what I would recommend for those wanting to see the highlights.

Central Park Tours : Check out some of the other top Central Park tours that are offered in throughout park

2) Self-Guided Walking Tour Map

We will first start out with a map of this self guided walking tour. You will find each of the highlights pinned on the map below, along with the actual walking route to follow along the way.

Feel free to reference this map as you go through this guide to understand the various directions and turns you will need to make along the way.

Visit Central Park as part of a longer 4 days in NYC itinerary that takes you throughout the city .

Note : there will be instances where you will be able to walk along parallel paths to those shown on the map. You do not need to follow the route to the tee.

3) Where to Stay in NYC

There are so many different neighborhoods to choose from when visiting NYC. Below are some of my top choices for a few of my recommended locations in the city:

Looking for the top hotels & neighborhoods in NYC? Check out some helpful accommodation resources when it comes to picking the best spot for you! Neighborhood Overview : Best Places to Stay in NYC Best Skyline Views : NYC Hotels with a View Times Square : Top Times Square Hotels with a View Theater District : Hotels in Broadway Theater District Central Park : Best Hotels with Central Park Views Tribeca : Best Tribeca Hotels SoHo: Where to Stay in SoHo Greenwich Village : Top Greenwich Village Hotels Brooklyn Bridge : Hotels with Brooklyn Bridge Views Best Panoramas : Hotels in NYC with Floor to Ceiling Windows

Moxy Hotel NYC

4) Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park

Now that you have a visual view of the self-guided walking tour, let’s get into a step by step guide of the walk itself.

Below I will give a detailed overview of how to go about your walk. Remember to reference the map above to give you a better idea of where you will be going directionally.

Be sure to also check out some of the other top things to do in New York City during a visit!

Walking Tour Starting Point

There are so many different entrances on all sides of Central Park. For the sake of this walking tour though, I will be starting it off at the southeast corner of the park on 59 th Street and 5 th Avenue. On Google Maps you will see this named Grand Army Plaza .

Here is where the beginning of East Drive is, which then runs up the entire East side of the park. You may see some pedicabs and horse & carriages waiting around the starting point as well since it is one of the more popular park entrances.

Grand Army Plaza Central Park

Stop 1: The Pond Viewpoint

From the entrance of East Drive, continue on the street for just a minute or so. Be on the lookout to your left, where you should see a pathway up a large rock face. On Google Maps it is called “Patinaje Central Park”.

Note: on the map above, Google Maps did not allow me show a route that goes onto the rock itself (rather around it). But trust me, there is a pathway to get up to the top and back down to the Pond.

Head up the rock to the top of it. From the top of this rock you will find one of the best elevated views of Central Park .

Right out in front of you will be the Pond and Gapstow Bridge, to your left will be the “Billionaire’s Row” skyline, and you will have the rest of the park’s greenery surrounding you in other directions.

From the top of the rock you can now head down to the pathway closer to the Pond. This will give you a chance to walk the pathway immediately surrounding this body of water. Head down left to the southern end of the Pond, where you will find a great view of the water and bridge out in the distance (pinned on the map).

The Pond View Central Park

Stop 2: Hallett Nature Sanctuary

After taking in the viewpoints, continue on the pathway looping the Pond. The path will head northbound, and you will soon reach an intersection. Turn right here, where you will immediately see the entrance to the Hallett Nature Sanctuary on the right hand side.

Take your time to explore one of the three woodland areas of the park -> nature, viewpoints, and wildlife will be all around you as you take a walk around.

Once all done, head back to the entrance (there is only one way in and out), and head back onto the pathway.

Learn more in the Hallett Nature Sanctuary guide up on the site .

Hallett Nature Sanctuary Viewpoint

Stop 3: Wollman Rink

After exiting the Sanctuary, head straight along the pathway as you walk parallel to the Wollman Rink (the rink should be on your right hand side here).

Head to the top of the Wollman Rink, where you will get some great views of the rink down below with the skyline sitting right behind it. The rink will only really be active in the winter time but it is still a nice view nonetheless.

Wollman Rink in Central Park

Stop 4: The Dairy Visitor Center

Continue the path north of the Wollman Rink, where you should see the Dairy Visitor Center out in front of you.

Take a few minutes to head inside the visitor center, where you can buy some souvenirs or ask the employees any questions you may have.

The Dairy Central Park

Stop 5: The Manhattan Survey Bolt

After exiting the Dairy head back onto the pathway you were just on and continue northbound. You will very soon come across Center Drive, which makes up a section of the main loop of the park.

Around this area you will find one of the original Manhattan survey bolts that was put down over 200 years ago.

It’s exact location is a bit of a secret but if you do enough research, you should be able to find it. These bolts were installed to help create the Manhattan grid that you see today. It is the only known one left in the city.

If you can’t find it, no worries, just head across Center Drive, where you will see the Mall and Literary Walk out in front of you.

Survey Bolt NYC Central Park

Stop 6: The Mall & Literary Walk

One of the most magnificent parts of Central Park is the tree lined Mall that heads from Center Drive all the way to Bethesda Terrace.

On either side you will find these beautiful American Elm trees as well as several statues of historical figures. During Central Park peak foliage , these trees turn a bright yellow color.

Take your time to walk the pathway until you arrive at the steps that will take you down to the terrace.

Learn more in The Mall & Literary Walk guide up on the site .

The Mall and Literary Walk

Stop 7: Bethesda Terrace and Fountain

You can choose to head under the arch here to Bethesda Terrace or you can head across the street, take the view in from above, and then walk down the stairs on either side of the arch.

At the Bethesda Terrace you will find the famous fountain right in the middle with fantastic views of the Lake and Loeb Boathouse.

Bethesda Terrace Arcade

Stop 8: Bow Bridge

As you wrap up your time at the terrace, head to the pathway to the left that is hugging the Lake. A couple minutes down the pathway and you will soon be welcomed to the famous Bow Bridge.

You can decide to head across the bridge and into The Ramble if you would like and explore the southern end of this woodland area (you will be heading into the Ramble a bit later on too).

If you do head across the bridge into the Ramble, you can enjoy some nice benches and viewpoints area of the Lake .

Be careful not to venture off too far as it can get confusing in there. Try and stay to the immediate right and towards the Loeb Boathouse, which you may be able to see through the trees.

If you don’t want to go into the Ramble now, head back across the Bow Bridge and retrace your steps towards the Bethesda Terrace, where you can then follow the pathway towards the Loeb Boathouse.

Learn more in the Bow Bridge Central Park guide up on the site .

The Lake Bow Bridge

Stop 9: Conservatory Water

Across the main pathway from the Loeb Boathouse you will find the Conservatory Water and the Alice in Wonderland Statue.

Here you may find model boats racing their way around this water feature with the Manhattan skyline out in the distance.

At the northern part of the water you will see the famous Alice in Wonderland statue, an iconic statue of the park.

Alice and Wonderland Statue

Stop 10: The Obelisk

Get back onto the main loop of the park (East Drive here), and continue northbound. To your left will the Ramble, which you may have just visited (and can visit later on) and just past that you will come across the Obelisk.

This is one of the more unique features of the park. It was created over 3,500 years ago in Egypt and eventually made its way right into Central Park.

Directly across from the Obelisk you will also find the Metropolitan Museum of Art, another great place to visit during your time in the city.

The Obelisk Manhattan

Stop 11: The Reservoir

Just past the Met and Obelisk, you will come across the Reservoir. Head towards the water here and follow the path counter clockwise northbound alongside this massive water feature.

Here you should get some of the best views of NYC with hopefully some nice water reflections along the way .

The tree lined pathway is beautiful to walk along as you get to enjoy this famous stroll, especially during NYC cherry blossom season .

Learn more in the Central Park Reservoir guide up on the site .

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir Trail

Stop 12: Conservatory Garden

Once you reach the northern end of the Reservoir, you will need to be a bit cautious here as you want to get back on East Drive. Be on the lookout for a pathway on your right that you can follow back to the main path (don’t forget to check out the map above!).

Continue northbound on East Drive as you then will come across the Conservatory Garden on your right. You will need to get off the main pathway here and into the garden area.

This is probably the most ornate garden in all of Central Park and is also one of the more unknown features as not too many people get up here.

Definitely have a walk around and enjoy the garden before making your way just north of it to the Harlem Meer.

The Conservatory Garden Central Park

Stop 13: Harlem Meer

As you exit through the north side of the Conservatory Garden you will get to see the Lasker Rink and the Harlem Meer right out in front of you.

There is currently a pretty big renovation going on here but if any of the paths near the Meer are open, you should take a quick walk around as it is one of the more underrated water features of the park.

The Harlem Meer

Stop 14: The Loch & Ravine

Once wrapped up at the Meer, get back on East Drive, where you will want to be on the lookout for the Huddlestone Arch (right across from the rink).

At the beginning of the pathway near the arch, you will be welcomed to a great feature of the park as you arrive at the Central Park waterfall .

You will then continue to follow the pathway alongside the Loch, a serene stream that makes its way across the Ravine .

During the walk you will come across various turnoff areas to get closer to the Loch. Be sure to take these short detours so you can enjoy some great up-close views.

Learn more in the Central Park Trail guide up on the site .

The Ravine Central Park

Stop 15: The Pool

Towards the end of the trail alongside the Loch, you will climb some stairs and be welcomed to the Pool.

The Pool is another great water feature of the park and you should get to enjoy some beautiful reflections of the surrounding trees. It is also one of my favorite spots to enjoy the colors during NYC foliage time.

Feel free to walk around it for a bit as you take in the Pool from some different angles. Once finished up there, head back to the east side of the Pool, where you will get onto the main loop (now West Drive).

The Pool Central Park

Stop 16: The Bridle Path

This is more up to you, but you can continue southbound on the main West Drive, or you can head on what is called the Bridle Path. This is a softer dirt pathway that gets you off of the busy West Drive.

You should see the Bridle Path directly on the left hand side of West Drive as you walk southbound.

For now, you can continue walking along the Bridle Path southbound, which will still be parallel to West Drive. The path heads by the baseball fields of the North Meadow, the tennis courts, the Reservoir (feel free to get back on the Reservoir path for a bit here too), and Great Lawn.

Continue southbound as you walk the path, head under some arches, and soon approach the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre on your left hand side.

Be on the lookout here as you don’t want to miss the turnoff up towards the Shakespeare Garden.

Learn more in the Central Park Bridle Path guide up on the site .

Central Park Bridle Path

Stop 17: Shakespeare Garden

Just behind the Swedish Cottage you will find another great garden to enjoy on your self guided walking tour of Central Park.

From the cottage, follow the signs up to the Shakespeare Garden. Here you will an immaculate garden area that is made up of several levels.

Shakespeare Garden

Stop 18: Belvedere Castle

As you exit the Shakespeare Garden up top, you will be welcomed to the highest structure in Central Park – Belvedere Castle. The castle overlooks Turtle Pond, the Delacorte Theater, and the Great Lawn.

There is a great viewing are to enjoy outside of the castle but you can also head up into the castle too, and enjoy the views from a bit higher up.

Belvedere Castle NYC

Stop 19: The Ramble

Once all done at the castle, you will find a path that heads southbound into the Ramble.

As mentioned earlier, this is a confusing part of the park (I always still get lost in there) but feel free to walk around the paths for a bit and explore.

However, you will then want to get yourself back to the north end of the Ramble, where one of the pathways heads through the Ramble Arch and across the Oak Bridge.

From the bridge, you will get some additional great views of the Lake and NYC skyline.

Learn more in The Ramble Central Park guide up on the site.

The Ramble Walking Trails

Stop 20: Hernshead Rocks

Just south of the Oak Bridge you will see some pathways on the left hand side. Follow this pathway that will take you closer to the Lake to the Hernshead Rocks (one of the top Central Park rocks spots).

As you walk along this secondary pathway you will soon be welcomed to the Hernshead Rocks. There is a pathway that circles the rocks and gets you safely to the other side. Here you will find one of the best skyline views of Manhattan.

The reflection of the Lake is something to enjoy as you can sit back and enjoy what Central Park has to offer.

Hernshead Rocks

Stop 21: Walk Along the Lake

It is now time to walk all along the western side of the Lake as you get some great views all around. Retrace your steps off of the rocks and get yourself back towards West Drive.

You will want to stay on the pathway closest to the Lake so you can get some nice views all the way through .

Along the way you will get views of the Bow Bridge from a distance, pass by the Western Shore Boat Landing, and get to see some row boaters out in the water (during season).

During spring bloom, you may see some of the best Central Park cherry blossoms on nearby Cherry Hill as you walk the Lake.

Learn more in the Central Park Lake guide up on the site .

The Lake Central Park NYC

Stop 22: Sheep Meadow

Once all done walking along the Lake, you will soon approach one of the most happening parts of the park – Sheep Meadow. Here you will find the main congregation area of the park with hundreds laying out their towels to enjoy the park in a relaxing fashion.

This is a great way to end your time in the park as you can find a spot to sit down and relax at to finish up your day.

Feel free to then exit the park, and head back to your hotel after a long and exciting day exploring Central Park on your self guided walking tour.

Sheep Meadow Central Park Loop

5) How Long Does it Take to Walk Around the Park

For this self guided walking tour of Central Park, you should expect it to take 4-5 hours. This of course all depends on how fast you walk, how much time you spend taking photos, and if you happen to get lost along the way at any point.

The walking tour will take you along 6+ miles of pathways that wind their way in all directions. For the most part, this route does cover the majority of the main park highlights. There is certainly more to see and do throughout the park, which can add time onto your day.

If you do find additional attractions to visit, you should have no trouble adding them onto the route at one point or another.

6) Can You See All of Central Park in One Day

The short answer is yes, you can see Central Park in one day. But be prepared for this to be the one and only highlight of this day in New York.

This is not something you want to rush through during a visit. Plan to spend the majority of a day following this walking route, taking time to relax, and just enjoying your time in the park.

As mentioned earlier, the route should take 4-5 hours to complete, but I imagine you will want to take breaks and find some relaxing spots to sit down at along the tour.

And while you can see a good amount of Central Park in one day, there is little chance that you can see ALL of Central Park. There are so many various pathways that wind their way around the park. It would be impossible to say how long seeing every last corner of the park will take.

I will say though, that the above self guided walking tour of Central Park does take you to many of the top highlights. I have a hard time believing you will leave the park unsatisfied after going through a day like this.

The Pond Central Park

That about does it for a self guided walking tour of New York’s Central Park. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to add them in below.

Also don’t forget to check out the remaining New York itineraries and guides up on the site like a Central Park in Winter guide.

  • Little Island
  • Hudson River
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Brooklyn Bridge

Have fun out there and safe travels!

Central Park Self Guided Walking Tour

Related posts:

Statue of Liberty at Sunset

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Thursday 22nd of June 2023

This looks awesome. We are heading to NYC for our first time in September and this will be a great help!

Friday 23rd of June 2023

You will have a great time! If you have any other NYC questions, feel free to reach out

Friday 14th of April 2023

Thanks so much for this map! Sorry if i missed it... how long approximately does it take to walk, and approx how many miles?

Saturday 15th of April 2023

Hi Ally - no worries! Check out section 5 in the article. The walk is about 6 miles and I would estimate 4-5 hours based on walking + stops. This can be done much quicker if you were simply walking all the way through without stopping much. Have fun!

Thursday 30th of March 2023

Thanks for putting this together. I look forward to doing this before it's 1000 degrees.

Mary McCauley

Friday 7th of October 2022

Sorry to bother you again but that actually looks like a different place. I’m trying to find out the name of the place in the picture that comes right after:

“Check out this helpful guide that talks all about the best places to stay in New York during a visit”

*Pic w Empire State

4) Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park”

Please let me know if you can. Thanks again!

Saturday 8th of October 2022

@Charles, yes, thank you so much! I was looking at the one in Times Square. I really appreciate your help. Enjoy your weekend.

Hi Mary - that is the Moxy NYC Chelsea. It is a hotel with a restaurant. Hope that helps

Thursday 6th of October 2022

Hello. Thanks for this informative article! It’s very helpful.

I was wondering if you could tell me the name of the restaurant in the picture of the Empire State. I’d love to check that out as well.

It’s right above #4…

@Mary McCauley, awesome. Thanks so much!

@Mary McCauley, It’s right above “4) Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park”

I’d really appreciate it. Thanks again

Central Park tours at the most beautiful time of day…

Central Park Tours at Sunset

On tripadvisor.

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The world’s best park

… at the best time of day..

Meander through Central Park’s green meadows, wild forests, and shimmering waters with one of our award winning tour guides while the sun slowly sets above you. Experience the best of this eight hundred forty three acre wonderland then get off the beaten path for an inspiring and beautiful Central Park tour experience you won’t soon forget.

27 Destinations

We know all the good spots ..

People always say that we’ve shown them more than they could have found on their own. During your tour, you’ll discover a hidden Gothic castle, a John Lennon memorial, Emma Stebbin’s stunning sculpture Angel of the Water, a beautiful terrace decorated with priceless tile, an enclave of thriving elm trees, one of the country’s oldest carousels, the stars of the Central Park Zoo, a secluded garden for star-crossed lovers, and much more.

Gapstow Bridge

Uncover the past

Our tour guides share it like front page news..

Learn about the original park architects and their vision for a place of rest and reflection that would bring a divided city together. Meet the men who fought them every step of the way. Find out how the city bounced back from the crime that once plagued the park. Get to know one-time hero of parks Robert Moses who eventually was blamed for the destruction of New York.

Relive the classics

We love history but pop culture is cool too..

Central Park is the most filmed location in the world . Do you really think we’d take you through without mentioning films and TV shows like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Glee, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, or The Avengers? We’ve got you covered.

Glee stars Cory Monteith and Lea Michele in Central Park

Central Park Sunset Tour

Winner of tripadvisor’s certificate of excellence..

Distance: 4 Miles

Time: Approximately 2.5 hours.

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About Our Central Park Tours

We strive to give the best damn Central Park tour that money can buy. Our tour guides are friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and officially licensed by NYC. Our Central Park tours highlight more than twenty-seven different locations in Central Park at sunset.

Take the Central Park tour recommended by actual New Yorkers .

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Sheep Meadow

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TOP 12 THINGS TO SEE in CENTRAL PARK, NYC | 90-Minute Walking Itinerary

Sean Finelli Last Updated: April 21, 2023

Central Park is an exciting part of your NYC experience since it has so much to do. It is an 882-acre green space surrounded on all sides by skyscrapers, which makes it so unique. There are tons of things to see and you could definitely spend a few days fully exploring the park, but this is a great itinerary for anyone visiting NYC for the first time!

This Central Park walking itinerary takes 45 minutes if you rush, but I recommend spending 90 minutes. However, if you stop at Sheep Meadow, Loeb Boathouse, or Tavern on the Green you could easily spend half a day or more. My recommendation is not to rush as you may see a 9-year-old playing an electric guitar, and you’ll want to stop and soak it in! New York, New York baby!

12. Gapstow Bridge

Top Things to see central park Gapstow bridge

Gapstow Bridge is an iconic stone bridge over The Pond in Central Park. According to the Central Park Conservancy, it is one of 30 total arches and bridges in Central Park and one of the original 27 bridges—24 of which remain today. It is a beautiful and peaceful bridge that adds to the park’s pedestrian route which is part of what makes the park so amazing. It was designed by one of the original architects of the park, Calvert Vaux.

11. Delacorte Clock

The Delacorte Clock looks pretty simple at first glance, but every 30 minutes from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, this clock plays popular children’s tunes for the entertainment of all those around. It is not only the melodies that make this clock an attraction. A band of animals are in charge of the live music as they dance around like a giant cuckoo clock. A definite must-see for anyone with kids.

The clock is located atop an archway between the Tisch Children’s Zoo and Central Park Zoo.

10. Central Park Zoo

The Central Park Zoo is not an extensive zoo with tons of animals, but it is a cool thing to do in the city if you have kids. They have penguins, grizzlies, several varieties of monkeys, and snow leopards which are the main event. If you want a truly legit zoo experience, you should visit the Bronx Zoo, but this is a cool stop if you are looking for something to do without much commotion.

9. Tavern on the Green

Tavern on the Green Central Park

At this point, you might be famished and in need of a drink or a meal. I know when I am on vacation, anytime is a good time for either a coffee or a drink and Tavern on the Green is a NYC classic stop.

What started as a sheepfold in 1870 (hence Sheep Meadow) became a restaurant in 1934 and expanded in its glamor in throughout the 40s and 50s. In 1976, Warner Leroy, grandson of Harry Warner of Warner Bros, reignited the Tavern into a cultural focal point in NYC for the rich and famous, according to their website.

Some of the iconic movies filmed here are “Wall Street” (Michael Douglas and Charlie Sheen) and “Ghostbusters” (Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd).

8. Sheep Meadow

best central park walking tours

Sheep Meadow could not have a more literal name since it was designed to give the thriving city a country-like elegance. A hundred years ago, sheep grazed here during the day, manicuring the grass, and spending the night on the spot where we now find Tavern on the Green. Today, it is beautiful space occupied by people enjoying some sun, playing frisbee, or just hanging out.

Coming to New York City soon? Use our guides for visiting Times Square , Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorials , and of course, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty !

7. strawberry fields.

Strawberry Fields Central Park NYC

Sheep Meadow is commonly occupied by tourists and visitors, which doesn’t mean it isn’t nice—quite the opposite. Strawberry Fields, on the other hand, is a 2.5-acre memorial to John Lennon who notoriously was shot in NYC. The entrance to the park is close to where John Lennon lived and was murdered.

It is a sad story and Strawberry Fields brings calmness and positivity to this tragic moment. Lennon’s lasting impact was so profound that a local resident of NYC named Gary Santos visited the memorial mosaic (pictured above) and decorated it with flowers for 19 years.

6. The Mall and Literary Walk

The Mall Literary Walk NYC Central Park

The Mall is a large path lined by American Elm Trees and is part of the original park’s design. It is a high-traffic street lined with vendors, artists, street food, and lots of hustle and bustle. It leads up to Bethesda Terrace, which is the heart of lower Central Park. This might be the most iconic walking strip in the park as it’s often filmed in movies.

5. Bethesda Terrace

Central Park Bethesda Terrace

Bethesda Terrace is the most built-up portion of the park, architecturally speaking. It is a massive terrace supported by archways that form tunnels below the terrace. It’s also been the location of choice for many shady meetings in television and film.

The list is too long to mention, but a Wall Street favorite movie called “Billions” features a meeting between Chuck Rhodes (Paul Giamatti) and a crooked doctor. It is a happening part of the park where you can almost always find musicians busking and lots of action!

4. Bow Bridge

Central Park Top Things to do Bow Bridge

Bow Bridge is arguably the most beautiful bridge in Central Park. It was built in 1862 and has a 60-foot arch that slopes so gently that is a wonder of engineering. It’s not one to miss, so definitely walk across this Victorian era bridge, but also make a point to take a look from a distance since it is such an elegant piece of architecture.

The bridge encompasses the European influence on NYC that you rarely see in this day and age.

Coming to New York City soon? We know where to stay in Manhattan , or Brooklyn , or at a top luxury hotel around the city!

3. loeb boathouse.

Looking for some food, drink, and activities? Loeb Boathouse is a super cool spot in central park which is why we saved it for almost last. Definitely stop here and rent a boat, race a remote-control boat, and get a drink! And if you don’t want to power the boat yourself, opt to ride a gondola with a gondolier who may even serenade you as if you’re floating through a Venetian canal.

Loeb Boathouse is the only other restaurant in Central Park, but it’s perfectly located on the east side of the lake. It lines up with about 74th Street, though the closest park entrance is actually on 72nd Street.

2. Alice in Wonderland Bronze Statue

Alice in Wonderland Sculptur im Central Park, Manhattan, New York City

This is obviously a cool attraction for anyone who knows the story of Alice and her wonderland, which is everyone, but it’s particularly fun for kids. This sculpture was also a gift from George Delacorte (like the clock above) who must have enjoyed bringing happiness to children. It was added in 1959 and has been a focal point of the park ever since. (Yes, your kids are allowed to play on the statue!)

1. The Met (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Temple of Dendur MET Central Park

No visit to NYC is complete without seeing the Met. I definitely recommend it as a final stop of your Central Park adventure, but fill your stomach up first ! You’ll want to dedicate at least 3 hours to exploring the MET, and I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the Met. Don’t believe me? Read these top reasons why a guided tour of the Met is absolutely worth it .

Why? Tour guides in NYC are passionate and have a fun way of conveying information that you just can’t get when walking the museum yourself. They elevate your experience by adding context and make it more memorable!

Here are some great articles on the Met:

  • Visiting the Met: Tickets, Hours, Tours, and More!
  • 21 Famous Artworks Not to Miss at the Met
  • Top Paintings at the Met
  • Most Important Sculptures at the Met
  • Guided Tours of the Met

Not ready to book a tour? Find out why a guided tour of the Met is worth it.

best central park walking tours

Where to Stay in NYC

New York City is the center of the universe to those who adore this iconic city. Choose the best neighborhood to stay in as you plan your upcoming trip to the Big Apple.

best hotels near central park

About Sean Finelli

Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!

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30 Things to Do in Central Park

best central park walking tours

This post covers things to do and see in Central Park, New York City's green lungs, arguably known the world over as the best city park anywhere.

We include the top attractions, activities, and places to eat and stay, updated for 2024. 

aerial view of Central Park

At 843 acres, Central Park is simply too big to cover in-depth in just one day, but if you want to try, a bike is essential.

We suggest either choosing one section to see (either the lower or middle) or if you want to see it all, doing so in two visits.

This list is organized by location, starting with the southernmost spots and then going north.

This map can help you locate these sites. If you would like in-depth information on these sites, download our Central Park Self-Guided Tour .

If you only have a few hours and want to make sure you see the most famous parts of Central Park, consider joining one of our pay-what-you-like guided Central Park tours .

We are local tour guides who also spend our free time here. We are experts on Central Park.

We comprised this list from our more than a decade of experience leading daily tours in Central Park, from its southern to its northern borders.

And, in this video below, let Katie, a tour guide with us, Free Tours by Foot, take you on a virtual walking tour of Central Park's southern half.

We also asked the roughly 200k members of our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group what they liked most about Central Park.

What to Do in Central Park

The group consists of locals, like us tour guides, expats, regular visitors, and newbies to Central Park and NYC.

There's no need to be a member to search for and read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

You might like our GPS-enabled audio tours of Central Park . We also offer  bike tours ! 

If you like to explore on your own, here are the must-see sights and best things to do in Central Park!

Now, without further ado, on to the post.

  • Things to See
  • Guided Tours
  • Where to Eat and Sleep
  • Good To Know Information
  • Other Things to Do in NYC

1. Cross Gapstow Bridge

Gapstow Bridge is one of the most recognizable -- and most charming -- Central Park sights.

It's the first structure you'll see when you enter the park at Fifth Avenue and E. 59th Street.

Instantly you are transported from the hustle and bustle of the city into the peaceful beauty of nature.

gapstow bridge

Gapstow Bridge spans The Pond.

Given the serenity of this body of water, it's hard to believe that it is man-made and fed from the city water supply system! 

Gapstow Bridge is one of our picks for the best photo spots in Central Park .

2. See The Sea Lions in Central Park Zoo

The park's brilliant architects, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux wanted the park to mimic nature.

Thus the original design for the park did not include a traditional zoo.

But from the 1860s to 1890s, prominent citizens donated animals, some rare or exotic, to the park.

These animals were first housed in The Menagerie and in 1934 a formal zoo was created.

It was too small to house large animals.

New York Central park zoo

In the 1980s, plans for a larger, modern zoo began and in 1988, the zoo that exists today was opened.

Though it is a relatively small zoo, it does have an interesting mix of residents!

The sea lions and penguins are the most famous, but there are also snow leopards, red pandas, lemurs and a Grizzly bear.

Not what one would expect from a zoo in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

Find out about visiting the zoo and getting cheaper tickets from our detailed post about Central Park Zoo .  

3. Ride The Central Park Carousel

This elaborate Carousel is one of the most beloved attractions in the park, particularly with kids.

The original carousel from 1873 was powered by a horse or mule under the platform.

This original carousel was replaced in 1924 but shortly after its opening, it burned down. The replacement also burned down in 1950.

The Carousel in Central Park

The current carousel was discovered abandoned in a trolley terminal in Coney Island . It was constructed in 1908.

It has 57 horses and plays beautiful calliope music. The carousel runs 7 days a week in the summer.

4. Bask in the Sun in the Sheep Meadow

On summer weekends, the Sheep Meadow is filled with New Yorkers basking in the sun and throwing frisbees.

The view of the surrounding buildings makes it an attractive location for a picnic in Central Park .

Sheep Meadow in Central Park

Looking at this expansive manicured field it's hard to imagine that sheep grazed here up until 1934!

5. Walk Through The Mall

Whereas most paths and paved walkways in the park follow the flow of nature, The Mall is the only path laid out as a straight line in the park.

The American Elm trees that make up the cathedral-like ceiling over the path are among the largest collections of these trees in the United States.

The Mall Central Park

Many famous photographs and film scenes have been filmed here such as  Doctor Who, Jessica Jones, Person of Interest, and the movie Enchanted. 

At the south end of The Mall is Literary Walk, with statues of famous authors Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, Fitz-Greene Halleck, and William Shakespeare.

6. Sit a While at Bethesda Terrace

As you leave The Mall, you will find yourself at Bethesda Arcade, lined with grand columns and a spectacular ceiling made up of 15,876 individual tiles.

The Arcade opens up onto Bethesda Terrace and Bethesda Fountain.

This formal landscape was considered the heart of the park architect Calvert Vaux.

Bethesda Terrace Movies

As this is one of the most photogenic spots in Central Park, you will usually see lots of professional photographers.

Television series like  Sex and the City  and  Law and Order  have episodes with scenes here.

Other well-known movies shot here include Woody Allen's Annie Hall , John Wick , One Fine Day, and the classic  Christmas movies   Home Alone 2  and  Elf .

7. Go Rowing On The Lake

The Lake was used year-round in the early days of the park to go rowing in the summer and ice skating in the winter.

Though ice skating ceased on The Lake when the park's Wollman Rink was opened in the 1950s, people can still enjoy rowing boats.

Bow Bridge in Central Park

Crossing over The Lake is Bow Bridge, perhaps the best photo locale in Central Park .

Find out about boat rentals from the Loeb Boathouse website . The Loeb Boathouse also has a restaurant with lovely views.

8. Watch the Mini Sailboats at Conservatory Water

To the east of The Lake is the Conservatory Water. Since the 19th century, it has been a popular spot for launching and racing miniature sailboats.

There are plenty of benches to sit on while you watch the mini boats go by.

If you feel like having a go as a captain, you can rent a boat at the Kerbs Boathouse.

Adjacent to the boathouse is a small cafe, Le Pain Quotidien. You can dine there or get food to go.

Conservatory Waters

Fans of the book Stuart Little , the children's classic about a mouse living in New York City, will recognize this pond as the place where Stuart races a mini sailboat.

The Conservancy Water has also appeared in scenes in a dozen movies, most notably Breakfast at Tiffany's and Person of Interest .

9. See Alice in Wonderland

Just north of the Conservancy Water is the Alice in Wonderland statue depicting Alice and the Mad Hatter Tea Party.

The statue was donated by George Delacorte, a philanthropist, and publisher, in honor of his deceased wife.

Alice in Wonderland Central Park

At the dedication ceremony in 1959, the Delacorte grandchildren unveiled the statue.

They then proceeded to climb on it, just as children do today!

George Delacorte also donated money for the creation of the Delacorte Theater where Shakespeare in the Park is held every summer.

10. Honor John Lennon at Strawberry Fields

To the west of The Lake, you'll find this quiet area of the park dedicated to John Lennon, who lived just outside of the park in the Dakota building .

The name comes from the Beatles' song Strawberry Fields Forever . The garden was planned together by John Lennon’s widow Yoko Ono and the city.

Its central feature is the Imagine Circle mosaic, designed by Italian mosaic artists. Read more about Strawberry Fields .

Strawberry Fields is just next to Central Park West, the border of the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Venture out of the park to explore this off-the-tourist-track neighborhood.

11. Hike Through The Ramble

To the north of The Lake is The Ramble, a 38-acre was built to resemble a forest, with winding paths, boulders, and even man-made waterfalls.

Olmstead and Vaux wanted to provide a wild environment to contrast with the formality of the nearby Bethesda Terrace.

The Ramble was the answer. It is one of the places in Central Park where one can most escape the city.

The Ramble

The Ramble is one of the best spots for bird-watching in the United States. Over 230 different species have been spotted. 

See the section below on park activities for information on bird-watching

Read more about The Ramble  here .

12. Get Great Views of the Park from a Castle

Belvedere Castle was built in the park in 1869. Its name, Belvedere, is Italian for “beautiful view”.

Though it's called a castle, designers Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould built it as a "folly”, an architectural term for a purely decorative building.

Belvedere Castle

Situated on Vista Rock, the castle's two balconies overlook Turtle Pond, The Ramble to the south, and the Great Lawn to the north.  

The castle is now a visitor's center as well as a Nature Center, where visitors can get information about the flora and fauna of the park and rent bird-watching kits.  

The castle's views are among the 28 best views in NYC .

Read more about Belvedere Castle .

13. Stop and Smell the Flowers in Shakespeare Garden

This formal garden was originally a flower garden called Heart Garden.

It was redesigned and designated Shakespeare Garden in 1915, in honor of the famous poet and playwright William Shakespeare.

Each of the plants and flowers in the garden is mentioned in the works of Shakespeare. Throughout the garden, there are small plaques with Shakespeare's quotes.

Shakespeare Garden

When the garden was dedicated to Shakespeare, 60 starlings, mentioned frequently in Shakespeare's works, were released into Central Park.

These birds were not native to North America, and those originals became over 150 million on this continent.

14. See Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theatre

This 1800-seat, open-air theatre is home to the famous  Shakespeare in the Park  performances every summer.

Over 100,000 people flock to this theatre every summer to see Shakespeare's greatest hits starring top-notch actors, some of TV and movie fame.  

Shakespeare in the Park

The theater was built in 1962 and named after George Delacorte who financed the project.

Find out how to get tickets to this amazing theater series.

15. See a Real Egyptian Obelisk

Cleopatra’s Needle is the oldest structure in Central Park having been constructed in Egypt in 1400 BC!  

The obelisk was moved from Alexandria, Egypt to New York City in 1880, and it was an arduous task.  

Cleopatra’s Needle Central Park

A hole was cut into the hull of the ship, and the obelisk was rolled into it atop cannonballs.  

Once it reached New York, it was moved very slowly in a wagon hitched to 32 horses. It took 112 days to move the obelisk from New York Harbor to Central Park.

Egypt had threatened to take the obelisk back due to neglect, but the Central Park Conservancy was able to raise enough money to restore it.

16. Picnic on the Great Lawn

This massive lawn is one of the most famous in the United States and one of the best picnic spots in Central Park .

Over the years, the Great Lawn has been used for many concerts, including Simon and Garfunkel, Bon Jovi, and the New York Philharmonic, just to name a few.

The Great Lawn was not included in the original park design because in 1842 it was the site of a massive reservoir that was part of the Croton Aqueduct System.

The Great Lawn

The reservoir was drained in 1931 and filled in with excavation from the building of Rockefeller Center and the 8th Avenue Subway.

The site of the New York Public Library's main branch in Midtown was another gigantic reservoir that fed off the Croton River.

Read more about the New York Public Library .

17. Walk or Run Around the Central Park Reservoir 

The Reservoir is one of the most popular spots in the park. 

IT was officially renamed the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir when she passed away in 1994. It was her favorite spot in the park.

The one billion gallons (3.7 billion liters) reservoir was built in the 1860s as a backup water supply for the city while the Croton Reservoir System was shut down for two weeks for repairs.  

Central Park Reservoir 

The Reservoir was permanently decommissioned in 1993. It was no longer needed because of a new underground water tunnel.

The Reservoir is one of the best places to go for a run in NYC. The jogging path goes around the water (approximately 1.6 miles or 2 km) and offers gorgeous views.

18. Play Ball in the North Meadow

This 23 acres (10 hectares) meadow has 7 baseball fields and 5 softball fields. It is the largest meadow in Central Park.  

North Meadow

It's used by baseball teams in the spring and then is turned into football and soccer fields in the fall.

The North Meadow also has a recreation Center, which is a great place to find water fountains and restrooms while you are in the park. 

19. See The Waterfalls of The Loch

You probably didn't have waterfalls on the list of things to see in New York City, but you can see several in Central Park.

Three of these waterfalls flow from The Loch (“Loch” is Scottish for “lake”) located in The Ravine, a wooded valley in the lower part of the North Woods. 

Central Park Waterfall

All the waterfalls are man-made and are fed by hidden pipes but they look quite natural.

The Ravine’s towering trees and the sound of flowing water muffle out the sounds of the city.

This is a popular spot for birdwatching, one of many activities to do in Central Park.

20. Wander in the North Woods

The North Woods spans 40 acres at the north end of Central Park and is the largest of the park’s woodland landscapes.

Calvert and Vaux were inspired by forested areas of the Catskills and Adirondacks in northern New York State. 

North Woods

The goal was to offer New Yorkers who could not afford a vacation a  place to get away from urban life.

To this day, New Yorkers head to the North Woods when they want to immerse themselves in the wilderness, without leaving the city.

 21. Admire the Landscape of the Conservatory Garden

The formal Conservatory Garden is a stark contrast to the expansive green fields and leafy woods of Central Park.

The garden opened in 1937 and is named for the glass conservatory that stood at the site in 1899.

This sophisticated garden is split into three sections: the French-style North Garden, the Italianate Center Garden, and the English-style South Garden.

Conservatory Garden

On its six acres, there are three fountains, and an array of flowers, including summer perennials, chrysanthemums, tulips, and lilacs.

This charming garden is a popular spot for small weddings.

22. Harlem Meer and Lasker Rink

Located at the northeast corner of the park is Harlem Meer (Dutch for lake), a man-made body of water named for the adjacent neighborhood of Harlem.

The surrounding vegetation includes various types of trees like cypress, oak, and beech trees. 

Catch-and-release fishing is a popular activity at the Meer. In the winter, there’s ice skating at Lasker Rink.

Harlem Meer

Note that from 2022 through 2024, the north end of the park is undergoing extensive reconstruction.

The result will be a new recreational facility with a new pool and rink as well as increased outdoor activities.

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ACTIVITIES IN CENTRAL PARK

23. Take a Bike Tour

One of the most popular activities in Central Park is bike riding. There are dedicated bike lanes around the perimeter of the park.

There are several companies that offer bike tours of Central Park. We offer a pay-what-you-wish Central Park Bike Tour (not including bike rental).

Our guests are entitled to 20% off on all of our partner shop's Central Park bike tours . Just use promo code FTBF .

You can rent a bike and ride through the park on your own. See our list of reputable bike rental companies .

New York City's bike share program CitiBike   has docking stations at various locations around the park.

24. Be a Photographer for a Day

Central Park is one of the very best places in New York City to take photos.

With so many scenic locales one could take hundreds of pictures.

Our post on the best photo spots in Central Park takes you to the iconic sites that are most photogenic.

25. Take a Horse and Carriage Ride

Get a different perspective of the park from the back seat of a horse-drawn carriage.

Carriage Ride in Central Park

Our post on horse and carriage ride  companies compares the different options and the costs.

26. Ice Skate at Wollman Rink

In the winter months, Wollman Rink at the southeast corner of the park is open for ice skating.

If it looks familiar to you, it's because this rink is seen in a number of films like Serendipity , Night at the Museum, and Home Alone 2 .

Find out about this rink and other places to ice skate in New York City .

27. Look for the Birds

Central Park is known for its great bird-watching opportunities. The prime locations are The Pond by Gapstow Bridge, North Woods, The Ramble, and the Hallett Nature Sanctuary.

See the official Central Park bird-watching guide .

28. Go for a Run

Central Park is one of the best spots for running in the city. It offers different distance options and terrains.

Read our post on running in the park for the best routes.

29. Attend a Rollerskating Party

From mid-April to late October, on the weekends, the Central Park Dance Skaters Association (CPDSA) hosts a roller skate dance party in the Skate Circle (see a map of the location ).

The parties are from 2:45 pm-6:45 pm and music is provided by a DJ. It is free to attend, but bring your own skates. 

Check CPDSA’s event calendar to see what's on. 

30. Go Fishing

Catch-and-release fishing is allowed only at these three locations in the park: The Lake, The Pond and Harlem Meer (the best of the three fishing spots).

The best season to fish is from April to October. If you don't have fishing equipment, you can borrow some from the Charles A. Danna Discovery Center .

Note that participants 16 and older must have a valid NYS fishing license. Read these important Central Park Fishing Guidelines before thinking of going.

31. Hear Free Music

New York Philharmonic

Every summer, usually in mid-June, the New York Philharmonic puts on a free performance on Central Park's Great Lawn.

New York Philharmonic

If you can make it, this is a quintessential New York experience. Get details here .

Global Citizen Festival

This yearly concert is held in Central Park and the proceeds go to help fight hunger. Find out how to get your free tickets here .

SummerStage

SummerStage is a summer-long series of free concerts. The diverse line-up is amazing and it's hard to believe that the performances don't cost a thing!

Check our Summerstage post for the annual line-ups and dates.

Classical Music

Since 1905, there Naumburg Orchestral Concerts have been presenting free classical music at the Naumburg Bandshell. See the schedule here .

The Met Opera Summer Recital Series

Each year, up-and-coming opera singers from the Metropolitan Opera perform well-known arias and duets in concerts in all five boroughs, including one recital in Central Park. 

Find out more about Summer at the Met .

Where to Eat in Central Park

Tavern on the Green

67th Street at Central Park West. This restaurant, once the sheepfold, has become a New York City landmark. $$$

The Loeb Boathouse

East 72nd Street and Park Drive North. Set on the edge of The Lake, this restaurant has an unbeatable ambiance. $$$

Boathouse Express Café

Tucked behind the Loeb Boathouse restaurant, this take-out café offers quick fare for a reasonable price. $$

Maoz Vegetarian

Fast, healthy food including falafel, smoothies, and breakfast foods, is located on the southeastern edge of the Harlem Meer. $

Dancing Crane Cafe

Located near the Central Park Zoo, the Dancing Crane Cafe serves hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages.

Ballfields Cafe

A casual eatery on the northern edge of Heckscher Ballfields.

Le Pain Quotidien

This US chain restaurant offers casual sit-down and take-out service. There are two locations in the park.

One is at the historic Mineral Springs pavilion , on the north end of the Sheep Meadow. The other is at the Kerbs Boathouse on the south side of the Conservatory Water. $

Snack Carts  

Food carts selling hot dogs, pretzels, and other snack food can be found throughout the park. $

Hotels Near Central Park

If being right by Central Park is a must for your stay, you might want to consider the Upper West Side or Upper East Side .

Recommended Hotels

*Price brackets are higher than for other neighborhoods

  • Empire Hotel
  • Belnord Hotel
  • Hotel Belleclaire Central Park

Mid Range  

  • Hotel Lucerne
  • Hotel Beacon
  • Arthouse Hotel
  • JW Marriott Essex House New York
  • 1 Hotel Central Park
  • Park Lane New York

Take a look at our post, 25 Cheap (And Nice!) Hotels In New York City , include some excellent hotels and a great hostel right near the park.

Good to Know

Public Transporation to Central Parks

  • B, C, 2, and 3 on the north side
  • 1, 2, 3, B, and C trains along the west side
  • 4, 5, and 6 trains along the east side
  • A, B, C, D, 1, N, R, and Q trains on the south side
  • M1, M2, M3, M4 on the east side
  • M10, M72 on the west side

Bathrooms and Vistors Centers

Use this map to locate bathrooms and Visitor's Centers in the park, as well as open hours.

Safety and Central Park

Read our post on staying safe in Central Park . The park is generally safe but there are a few tips you may find helpful.

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Secret Places of Central Park: The Walking Tour

Best Central Park Walking Tour

Discover the Best Central Park Walking Tour: Secret, Hidden and Fascinating Central Park Locations Only a New York City Historian Can Help You Find!

Get away from it all and immerse yourself in some of the least-visited, most scenic and historical parts in the Best Central Park Walking Tour in New York City.

“Translate Democratic ideas into trees and dirt” is how Calvert Vaux, the partner of Frederick Olmstead, described the concept of a Central Park in the 1850’s. It is a park for all people. Today, with about 42 million visitors annually, the park continues to fulfill that vision. Set in the center of the largest city in the United States, the majestic 843 acre, man-made, 2.5 mile long park, set in the largest city in the United States continues to astound. As a New Yorker or visitor, you’ve probably seen the well-known places of Central Park such as the Lake and Bethesda Fountain, but this tour, the  Secret Places of Central Park  will take you to places that will surprise and delight you. The tour is conducted by  Bruce Racond , a licensed New York City tour guide with 20 years experience.    Please see the current TripAdvisor reviews.

You will be amazed as you . . . 

  • Explore the forest of oak hickory, maple and ash trees of the North Woods.
  • Visit the Secret Garden of the Conservatory Gardens
  • See an ornate French iron gate that protected Cornelius Vanderbilt II’s mansion
  • Hear about the history and see the grounds of a convent built on the site of Central Park
  • “Look out” for invaders as you stand high on fortresses from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812
  • Overlook the scenic vistas of the Harlem Meer and Fort Clinton
  • Tread the same ground that General George Washington rode on to triumphantly retake New York in 1783
  • Stroll near an 1866 arch made of uncut boulders of Manhattan schist
  • Find peace and tranquility along the beautiful Loch and waterfalls of the captivating Ravine

You will be transported to scenery of the Adirondacks, right in the middle of Manhattan island!

You’ll learn the fascinating history of the park and gain an even greater appreciation for what the creators Frederick Law Olmstead, Calvert Vaux and commissioner, Andrew Haswell Green accomplished 160 years ago. You’ll see alternative proposals for the park’s design, and find out what was there before. This tour is a must for lovers of New York City and Central Park.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The tour is conducted in the rain, snow or shine.  Some locations may not be open or accessible depending on weather conditions and/or park closings. The tour is approximately 3.5 miles and takes about 2.5 hours.  You should be in good physical shape; there is uneven terrain, unpaved trails, rocks, some steep (but short) hills on dirt and mulch, uneven stairs and potentially slippery areas.  It is essential that you dress appropriately and wear suitable shoes.  

The tour meets around 100th Street & Central Park West.  The “Secrets of Central Park” tour details will be sent after you register.

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Top 6 Best Ways to Tour Central Park 

If you are planning to tour New York City’s most iconic destinations, one location you cannot leave off your list is Central Park. Comprising 843 acres, this sprawling urban park offers numerous diversions. In fact, even a resident of New York City who has lived in the Big Apple for years can still have brand-new experiences while visiting the park. 

If you are in NYC on vacation, however, you probably only have a few hours in which to explore Central Park for yourself. During that time, you want to see and do as much as possible. What is the best way to experience the most that Central Park has to offer in a short time? Let’s take a look at a few of your options.

6. Horse and Carriage Ride

The most romantic way to see Central Park is undoubtedly a horse and carriage ride. This is a great option if you are traveling on your own, but an even better one if you are on a trip with someone special. A surprise carriage ride is sure to impress any date. Carriage rides are also a good choice for families, as children are sure to love the chance to get up close and personal with the horses.

The biggest drawback of going with a horse and carriage is probably the expense. On average, this is the priciest way to see the park, which may limit the amount of time that you can spend on the tour.

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5. Central Park Bike Tours

Another option is a Central Park bike tour. This is where you rent a bike and go out for an hour or two (or more) with a group and a guide. There are couple of advantages to this type of tour. The first is that you save money; Central Park bike tours are usually quite affordable compared to carriage rides. The second benefit is that riding a bike in Central Park is a fun activity, and a great way to immerse yourself fully in your surroundings.

Because you are with a group, you do get the chance to meet new people. For some tourists, this may be yet another advantage. But if what you are looking for is a private tour, a horse and carriage or pedicab tour is a much better choice.

  • Central Park Bike Tour
  • OliDayTours

4. Central Park Bike Rental

Another thing you can do is simply rent a bicycle and go out on your own. This saves you even more money than a bike tour, but it does mean that you will need to guide yourself. You may not learn as much about Central Park landmarks as you would if you had an experienced guide, and there will be no one you can ask for personalized suggestions.

The upshot is that you get more privacy and tranquility than you would if you were touring Central Park with a large group. You also can explore at your leisure, choosing a route that caters entirely to your interests.

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3. Central Park Walking Tours

Central Park Walking Tour

You can save even more money touring Central Park on foot. Just as there are group bicycle tours, there are also group walking tours. Once again, you set out with a guide to explore Central Park’s sights and activities.

Of course, there are two significant drawbacks with walking tours. For one thing, walking is a lot slower than riding a bicycle or going with a carriage or pedicab. That means you probably will not get to see as much before you run out of time.

Secondly, walking is enjoyable, but it also can be tiring. After a couple of hours on foot, you may be quite fatigued. This can be especially problematic if you have small children with you. This can cut short your time, and can add unnecessary stress to your trip.

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2. Self-Guided Tour

If you like the idea of wandering Central Park on foot, but you prefer to set your own pace, an alternative is a self-guided walking tour. This is the most cost effective way to see the park, since there is no expense at all. You simply need to do some research, plan your route, and print or pick up a map. You can even find pre-prepared routes online.

While the self-guided walking tour allows you to choose your pace, you do lose the advantage of a guide who can answer questions and point you toward fun activities. Touring by yourself on foot also maximizes your chances of getting lost. So while you can have some exciting adventures, you might have a few misadventures as well.

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1. Central Park Pedicab Tours

central park pedicab tours best ways to tour central park

If you are looking for a way to tour Central Park which combines the best features of the options above, you might consider a pedicab tour. This type of tour provides you with a personal guide who can offer you tidbits and suggestions and teach you about the park’s history.

A pedicab tour is less expensive than a horse and carriage, but provides you with the same convenience. It also offers you more privacy and flexibility than a bicycle or walking tour. That means you can save money while seeing more of the park’s sights without the noise and distraction of a large group.

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Infographic: Best Way to Tour Central Park

2 thoughts on “top 6 best ways to tour central park ”.

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I think the biking would be better if there was better signs you could see from the bike path indicating what landmarks are in the different areas of the park. I was just there on Saturday June 3 ,we found it hard to find the sights we wanted to see. We were never sure if we were going the right way or turning at the right intersection. We felt like we spent more time walking the bikes. I think it would be good even if there was a big sign pointing into a directions of just to give you the an idea of were you are in the park or the area. I m happy with what I saw , and we did get to bike a loop. But it was frustrating trying to navigate around the park. Thankyou 🙂

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Hi Lisa! Good point. I notice that people miss out on some sightseeing while biking in a park. Therefore, guided tour will be better option

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The Best of Central Park- Self-Guided Walking Tour

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New York City’s Central Park is a favourite gathering place of both tourists and locals alike. The park’s 3.41 square kilometres boasts ponds, sculptures, archways, meadows, and gardens, all framed by NYC’s emblematic skyscrapers. Featured in countless movie scenes, with so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Central Park is one of New York’s most iconic locations.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions for First Time Visitors

Our Visit to Central Park

As a nature lover, I always try to seek out a city’s more natural side, so it’s no surprise that Central Park was my favourite place we visited during our five days in New York City . We dedicated an entire day to Central Park and I still went back during my second trip to New York City.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions for Your First Visit to Central Park

Both times I visited Central Park it was late-January, so the trees were bare and the park was lacking colour (the light wasn’t good for photography either). Yet even in winter, Central Park was still a beautiful place to go for a stroll.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions in Central Park

We decided to do a self-guided walking tour of Central Park so we could explore at our own pace and spend time at the attractions that interested us most.

Now, I knew Central Park was big, but huge is a much better word to describe it. I mistakenly thought we could walk the entire length of the park and still have energy to go skating at Wollman Rink afterwards. Wrong!

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions for First Time Visitors

By the time we got to the north end of the reservoir our feet were aching. So, we turned around our walking tour of Central Park at the 97 th street transverse, leaving the park’s most northern section unexplored.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions for First Time Visitors

Even though we didn’t complete our walk as intended, we still got to enjoy many attractions in Central Park. Perhaps most interesting, was seeing how the atmosphere changed the further north we got. South of the Great Lawn feels very touristic, but north of that we felt like we had entered the “backyard” of New York City’s locals.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Visiting Central Park's Main Attractions

This may have been our first visit to Central Park, but it made such an impression I could happily return each time I’m in New York City!

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Central Park- Main Attractions

There are so many attractions in Central Park, with several distinct areas to explore, that we had no trouble spending a whole day here. You could visit over and over again and still discover something new.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions in Central Park

For our walking tour of Central Park, we started with the attractions at the southeast side near 5 th Avenue, then worked our way north, meandering between the east side and centre, before returning along the southwest side.

As you will soon see, no matter what your interests are- be it nature, art, history, or fitness- there’s something for everyone in Central Park.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Visiting Central Park's Main Attractions

Here’s a look at what we felt were the best places to see in Central Park during a self-guided walking tour.

Map- Points of Interest in Central Park

To help you plan your visit, I made a map of the main sites in Central Park we saw during our walking tour (the purple stars).

best central park walking tours

The Pond and Gapstow Bridge

As soon as you enter the park from 5 th or 6 th Avenue, the Pond is there to welcome you with its serene atmosphere.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions in Central Park

You can walk along the water’s edge and watch ducks swimming, pass by the secluded Hallett Nature Sanctuary where small animals and birds thrive, then cross over the stone arch of Gapstow Bridge.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Visiting Central Park's Main Attractions

Gapstow Bridge offers wonderful views of New York City’s skyscrapers and the Plaza Hotel, making it a popular photo location in Central Park.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Visiting Central Park's Main Attractions

Wollman Rink

A stop at Wollman Rink is a must during a winter visit to Central Park.

New York’s skyline creates a romantic backdrop (especially at night) for ice skaters participating in one of the city’s most beloved winter traditions. I still haven’t skated in Central Park myself, but it’s definitely on my list for next time!

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions for First Time Visitors

Balto Statue

Considering how many dogs I saw being walked in Central Park, it’s only fitting that there be a statue of one too.

Balto was a sled dog in Alaska who led his team in delivering medicine to treat a diphtheria epidemic in 1925. Balto and 20 sled dog teams raced through extreme winter conditions from Anchorage to Nome, arriving 20 hours later with the medicine that helped end the epidemic.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions for First Time Visitors

In recognition of the brave efforts of Balto, this bronze statue was created and dedicated in December 1925.

The Mall and Literary Walk

The Mall is Central Park’s widest, and perhaps most picturesque, pedestrian pathway thanks to the double row of American elms arching over the walkway. I’d love to walk along here in the fall, under a canopy of autumn colours.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions for First Time Visitors

The southern end of the Mall is known as the Literary Walk because of the statues of four prominent writers- Scottish poet Robert Burns, Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott, American poet Fitz-Greene Halleck, and English poet and playwright William Shakespeare.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Visiting Central Park's Main Attractions

Bethesda Terrace and Bethesda Fountain

At the end of the Mall you’ll arrive at Bethesda Terrace, one of Central Park’s main architectural attractions.

There are some interesting details sculpted into the terrace, but the primary showpiece is the arcade’s Minton tile ceiling featuring almost 16,000 encaustic tiles on 49 panels.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Visiting Central Park's Main Attractions

Another highlight of the terrace is Bethesda Fountain. The fountain is topped by the Angel of the Waters statue commemorating when New York City first got fresh water in 1842.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Visiting Central Park's Main Attractions

Unfortunately, a downside of visiting Central Park in the winter is not getting to see water flowing in this beautiful fountain.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- What to See in Central Park

Hans Christian Andersen Monument

This memorial to children’s author Hans Christian Andersen was a gift funded by the Danish-American Women’s Association on behalf of Danish-American schoolchildren.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- What to See in Central Park

The statue commemorates the 150 th anniversary of Andersen’s birth and features the author holding an open book while a curious duck sits at his feet. I assume the bird is supposed to represent Andersen’s character The Ugly Duckling, but it looked pretty cute to me!

Conservatory Water and Kerbs Boathouse

This ornamental pond is popular from April to October when people come to sail model boats.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour

There wasn’t much going on here in the winter; it was just a pretty place to relax before continuing our walk through Central Park.

Alice in Wonderland Sculpture

Seeing the Alice in Wonderland sculpture in Central Park took me back to the carefree days of childhood, when imagination was all the entertainment I needed.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions for First Time Visitors

The climbable statue depicts Alice sitting on a mushroom while White Rabbit, the Cheshire cat, and Mad Hatter look on.

The Obelisk

Across from the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the Obelisk, the oldest outdoor monument in New York City.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions for First Time Visitors

Commissioned in 1450 BC by an Egyptian pharaoh, the obelisk was traded to America in 1880 by the Egyptian Khedive in exchange for money to modernize his country. The obelisk was erected in Central Park in January 1881 and has a time capsule buried beneath it.

Of all the interesting sites in Central Park, this one surprised me most since I was not expecting to see an Egyptian obelisk here.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir

The reservoir was an area of the park we really liked because there were fewer tourists here. The running track that circles the perimeter proved to be popular with the locals, but we underestimated just how big it was to walk around. Our feet got so sore!

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions for First Time Visitors

From the east side of the reservoir we enjoyed pleasing views of the neighbouring architecture and had fun guessing how much it would cost to live in a building overlooking Central Park.

Belvedere Castle

Belvedere Castle was one of our favourite places in Central Park because we loved the views from its top terrace.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- What to See on Your First Visit to Central Park

We could look out across the Great Lawn towards the reservoir, see the Ramble to the south, and enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding cityscape.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- What to See on Your First Visit to Central Park

Built in 1869, Belvedere Castle house a visitor center, gift shop, and instruments for measuring the weather.

Swedish Cottage

Even though I didn’t go inside the Swedish Cottage, I did appreciate its rustic architecture.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Visiting Central Park's Main Attractions

The cottage was built in Sweden in 1875 then shipped to Philadelphia the following year for the U.S. Centennial Exposition. Afterwards, the cottage was moved to Central Park where it served many purposes before becoming headquarters for the Parks Department’s Marionette Theatre.

Shakespeare Garden

Across from the Swedish Cottage is Shakespeare Garden, a landscape featuring flowers and plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s literary works.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Visiting Central Park's Main Attractions

Admittedly, it’s not much to look at in the winter, but we still enjoyed strolling along and reading the plaques engraved with Shakespeare quotes.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour

As we passed through the Ramble, it quickly became my favourite of the scenic walks in Central Park. This rocky, wooded area was the perfect place to escape the buzz of the city and connect with nature.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions for First Time Visitors

Exploring the meandering paths of the Ramble, we discovered a small stream, stone arch, rustic bridges, plenty of birds, and great views of the Lake. It was hard to believe we were still in one of the biggest cities in the world!

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- What to See in Central Park

For me, the best part of our walk through the Ramble was seeing more squirrels than people. They’re so cute!

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour

The Lake and Bow Bridge

Gracefully crossing over the Lake, Bow Bridge links the Ramble’s woodlands to Cherry Hill.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Places to See in Central Park

Completed in 1862, Bow Bridge is decorated with eight large urns filled with plants, helping make the Lake one of the most romantic landscapes in Central Park.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- What to See in Central Park

If we ever come back to Central Park in the summer, I would love to rent a boat and go rowing on the Lake. I think that would be the perfect way to enjoy Central Park!

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Places to See in Central Park

Strawberry Fields

As fans of the Beatles and John Lennon, Strawberry Fields was one of our top places to see in Central Park.

Named after one of Lennon’s favourite songs, Strawberry Fields was dedicated on October 9 th , 1985- what would have been his 45 th birthday.

The centerpiece of this contemplative location is the Imagine mosaic, a gift from the Italian city of Naples. In the heart of the memorial of is the word Imagine, title of the Lennon song encouraging unity and peace.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Visiting Central Park's Main Attractions

Across the street from the Imagine mosaic is the Dakota apartment building where John Lennon lived, and sadly, was murdered.

Even though Strawberry Fields is a designated quiet zone, each time I’ve visited there was a musician playing Beatles/John Lennon songs at the Imagine mosaic. It was a nice touch and we loved listening to the music and soaking up the atmosphere.

Umpire Rock

Our self-guided walking tour of Central Park ended near Umpire Rock, in the southwest section on the park.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- What to See in Central Park

Umpire Rock was one of the most commanding examples of the exposed bedrock we saw throughout the park. Climbing atop the rock’s folds and veins, we enjoyed one final view of the skyscrapers towering over Central Park.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour

Final Thoughts About Our Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour

As great parks do, Central Park invites you to wander. We walked and walked until our feet couldn’t take any more, but even then I still wanted to experience more of Central Park.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Places to See in Central Park

What I appreciated most about Central Park was the variety of scenery and activities. What surprised me the most was the history contained within its borders. I wasn’t expecting to see so many old pieces of architecture, monuments to historic and cultural figures, and ancient geological formations.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions for First Time Visitors

Even though it was impossible to do everything we wanted, we felt like our walking tour showed us the best places to see in Central Park for first-time visitors.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions for Your First Visit to Central Park

More Pictures of Central Park

In spite of the light being really strange during my visits, I still took a lot of photos of Central Park. Here are a few more to inspire your own self-guided walking tour of Central Park!

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions in Central Park

Fun Facts About Central Park

Did you know that….

  • Central Park was established in 1857 and was the first major landscaped public park in the United States.
  • Central Park is the fifth largest park in New York City and most visited urban park in the U.S. with over 42 million annual visitors.
  • There are 58 miles (93.3 km) of paths in Central Park.
  • The perimeter of Central Park is 6.1 miles (9.8 km).
  • The park has its own NYC Police Department precinct.
  • The Mall is the only intentional straight pathway inside the park boundary.
  • The statue of Fitz-Greene Halleck was the first one of an American to be placed in Central Park.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Best Attractions for First Time Visitors

Tips for Visiting Central Park

Location: Central Park is located in Manhattan between 59 St (Central Park South) and 110 St (Central Park North), and 5 th Ave and 8 th Ave (Central Park West).

Getting There: The easiest way to get to Central Park is by subway as there are multiple lines servicing all sides of the park.

  • A, B, C, D, F, 1, N, Q, and R trains reach the south side
  • 1, 2, 3, B, and C trains run along the west side
  • 4, 5, 6 trains run along the east side

There is no parking in Central Park.

Hours : Central Park is open 365 days a years from 6:00 am- 1:00 am.

Visitor Centers: There are five visitor centers in Central Park that are typically open from 9:00 am-7:00 pm in the summer and 10:00 am- 5:00 pm the rest of the year. Hours can vary and are subject to change.

  • Belvedere Castle (mid-park at 79 St)
  • Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (110 St between 5 th Ave and Lenox Ave)
  • Chess and Checkers House (mid-park at 64 St)
  • Columbus Circle Information Kiosk (59 St at Central Park West)
  • Dairy Visitor Center (mid-park between 64 St and 65 St)

Maps: You can pick up a free map at a visitor center or the information kiosks located in the park. There’s also good signage with maps posted throughout the park.

How to Long to Spend in Central Park: I recommend spending at least half a day in Central Park, but a whole day is best to fully enjoy it. I did this exact walking tour in 3 hours (but that was rushing it), and another time took a whole day to do it.

Places to Eat: For quick snacks, there are food carts scattered around the park, plus some permanent cafes and concession stands with outdoor seating. There are three full service restaurants in Central Park- The Loeb Boathouse Restaurant, Tavern on the Green, and Le Pain Quotidien.

Ice Skating: There are two rinks for skating in Central Park- Wollman Rink in the south and Lasker Rink in the north. There is an admission fee and rentals are available.

Boats: Rowboats are available for rent at the Loeb Boathouse on the Lake from April- November (weather permitting).

Biking in Central Park: Cycling is not allowed on pedestrian paths (unless it is marked as shared), so you will have to stick to the park Drives. You can only travel counter-clockwise on the Drives that circle the park. Consult this  Central Park Bike Map for more information.

Bike Rentals: You can rent bicycles in Central Park in the southeast corner at the Grand Army Plaza entrance (near 5 th Ave and 59 St), or in the southwest corner at Merchants’ Gate Plaza (next to Columbus Circle at Central Park South and Central Park West).

  • If you’d prefer to reserve in advance, here is a trusted site where you can book a bike rental .

Tours: The Central Park Conservancy offers a variety of tours. The fee helps support the care of Central Park.

Information was updated January 2022, but can change without notice. Please confirm directly with service providers.

travelyesplease.com | Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour- Visiting the Main Attractions in Central Park

Central Park Tours & Bike Rentals

If you’d prefer to have a guide for your first visit to Central Park, these are some links to a trusted site that offers Central Park tours. I’ve picked out a few highly rated ones here:

  • Central Park Sightseeing Bike Tour
  • Central Park Tour by Pedicab
  • Central Park Movie Sites Walking Tour
  • 2-Hour Central Park Guided Walking Tour

Accommodations in New York City

For your convenience, here is a list of  HOTELS IN NEW YORK CITY . Please consider booking your New York City accommodations through the included link. It costs nothing extra and helps support this website. Thank you!

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More New York City Attractions and Travel Guides

  • The New York CityPASS- What is It and Should You Buy It?
  • The Statue of Liberty
  • Brooklyn Bridge

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Central Park Walking Tour

best central park walking tours

"Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time." Steven Wright We believe that one of the best ways to discover and explore a great city is by walking on its streets. The same applies to Central Park and its hidden treasures. Pack a pair of comfortable shoes, your camera and join us for an unforgettable experience on our Central Park Walking Tour. Most of the attractions in Central Park are located within 59th street and 72nd street. That’s exactly the area that will be covered in a great detail on our 2 hour walking tour. You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide who will introduce you to the park and its rich history. We can also offer a bike tour around the park or rent a bike, if you wish to do it by yourself!

Popular Place

Strawberry Fields

Jackie Onassis Reservoir

The Belvedere Castle

The Shakespeare Garden

Bethesda Terrace

The Great Meadow

Approx. 2 hours

Private groups

Bathroom Water available

best central park walking tours

10 Best Eco-Tours You Can Take In New York City

  • Choose eco-friendly transportation: Use the highly efficient and cheap mass transit system of subways and buses in NYC to reduce carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable tourism.
  • Explore NYC's top attractions sustainably: Opt for these eco-friendly NYC tours that have a minimal impact on the environment and showcase the city's history, parks, and cultural landmarks. Walk, cycle, or take an eco sailboat tour to experience the Big Apple while being environmentally conscious.
  • Embrace sustainable food options: Join a walking food tour that showcases quintessential New York street food while walking through the city's streets instead of using vehicles. By supporting local eateries and choosing sustainable transportation, tourists can contribute to a greener New York City.

Eco-tourism and eco-travel in New York City? Yes, the world's busiest cosmopolitan does a lot to make it an environmentally friendly destination. The best example of this is its highly useful and used mass transit system of subway and bus services. Citizens and visitors are highly encouraged to use this super efficient and cheap mode of transportation within the city.

Sustainable tourism is conscientious travel, and this means being careful with the environment and respecting the community. Visitors can contribute towards this effort by choosing mass transit over taxis, staying at eco-friendly New York City hotels or homestays that make an effort to be “green,” shopping at a locally owned store, and eating at a diner or coffee shop instead of at a branded fast-food chain. Plus, New York City recycles its bottles and cans (including bottled water), and travelers can look for containers for recyclables before discarding litter.

Outside of the everyday small things that people can do to be eco-friendly during an NYC vacation, they can also be kind to the environment while sightseeing and having fun in the Big Apple. Tourists have an incredible amount of interesting things to do in NYC, and the city offers them lots of eco-friendly options while doing so - in the form of eco-friendly NYC tours. Here is a list of some of the best eco-tours in New York City that let travelers explore its top sights and sounds while ensuring a low-impact, low carbon footprint at the same time.

The following eco-friendly tours in New York City were selected based on their minimal impact on the environment, low carbon footprint, and appreciation and value of nature. From walking and cycling tours to excursions to botanical gardens and farms that highlight nature's importance, these environmentally friendly NYC tours are worth it for eco-conscious travelers.

Historic NYC Downtown Walking Tour

Downtown New York City! No other historical neighborhood can lay claim to so much impact or influence in the world over a relatively brief period in global events, and so a tour like this one is an essential item on the bucket list of things to do in NYC for anyone.

The tour retraces the evolution of Lower Manhattan, the historic role of New York Harbor, and the covert activities of the Revolutionary War. While on the tour, visitors will explore key historical locations like Wall Street, Stone Street Historic District, Trinity Church, Federal Hall, Hamilton's grave site, etc., and discover how Lower Manhattan has transformed since 9/11.

Downtown Manhattan is one of the most densely populated places in New York City, and a walking tour is a refreshing and most eco-friendly way of seeing this iconic city.

  • Price: $50 per person
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Meeting Point: Upon reservation, travelers will receive a confirmation with maps and the best mode of transportation to get to the meeting point
  • Reservation: Click here for reservations

Related: Just 25 Beautiful Photos Of New York City's Skyline

Central Park Walking Tour

Central Park is certainly one of the most popular places in New York City. They say even a few days walking through Central Park (which is free to visit) will not be enough to cover its many hidden corners and stories. The only way to see the park to justify the park's true potential is by walking, and this expert-led Central Park Walking Tour offers views and entrance to areas unavailable to even cyclists.

It is a relaxing stroll of a little over two hours covering the history, structures, plants, animals, and movies filmed in the park, told in a way both entertaining for adults and children. Visitors are expected to have a moderate fitness level of being able to walk for 2 hours at a comfortable pace. Being a rather large park, it's best to follow a guide who knows it very well to have a richer experience.

  • Price: $45 per person
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Meeting Point: CENTRALPARKHORSES, 7TH AVE &, Central Park S, New York, NY 10019

This tour will have a maximum of 12 travelers.

New York Botanical Garden Visit

Located in the Bronx, the 250-acre New York Botanical Garden is nature's paradise in every season of the year. With 50 breathtaking gardens, indoor rain forests and deserts, 50 acres of native forest, a river, waterfalls, and rolling green hills, the Garden is a blessing for the environment and a must-see destination for NYC visitors.

The garden is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays. Most of the Garden consists of outdoor spaces and are open in all weather conditions. Visitors are advised to dress for the weather and exploration. Refreshments are available at the Pine Tree Café within the property.

  • Price: $35 per adult, $31 per student/senior (65+), $15 per child (2-12), Free (children under 2, members)
  • Duration: All day pass
  • Location: 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10458

Related: The New York Botanical Gardens Are Home To NYC's Old Growth Forests, But That's Not The Only Reason To Visit

New York City Skyline Night Sailboat Tour

Seeing New York City's lights at night is a spectacle that just cannot be missed. City Lights Sail on America 2.0 is a breathtaking eco-friendly cruise through the waters of New York Harbor, sailing past One World Trade Center, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty, all lit up brilliantly to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience that begs to be repeated, and more than just once.

This incredible eco-friendly ride is one of the best places to view the New York City skyline . It's better enjoyed with a romantic companion or a close group of friends who want to have a quiet, relaxed evening and watch the most admired skyline in the world. Each seat allows a complimentary beer, wine, champagne, or soda, and additional beverages are available for purchase by credit card.

  • Price: $76 per person
  • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

Extreme high winds, fog, torrential rain, extremely low temperatures, etc., may contribute to a cancelation decision.

New York Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

New York City isn't just a bustling financial capital. With its rich history of culture and cuisine, it is also a food capital of the world, with delicacies from around the globe in fine dining restaurants as well as finger-licking street food.

This tour allows visitors an opportunity to contribute towards a greener New York by walking the vehicle-riddled streets of Manhattan instead of using a cab or bus, all the while sampling several quintessential New York street food favorites like classic bagels, New York-style pizza and gourmet doughnuts. The local tour guide takes visitors to some of New York’s best under-the-radar eateries.

  • Price: $85 per person
  • Duration: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
  • Meeting Point: IFC Center, 323 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014

This tour requires a minimum number of 12 travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, guests will be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Hudson River Greenway Bike Tour

Nothing could define an eco-friendly activity more than people using their energy while exploring nature. This is a small-group guided bike tour along the Hudson River in New York City on one of the most popular places to ride, offering beautiful water views, fresh unpolluted air, and a dedicated bike path that is closed to car traffic.

The use of a bicycle and a helmet is included in the Hudson River Greenway Bike Tour, so visitors have one less thing to be concerned about. Just land up there with comfortable clothing and shoes (suggested shorts or track pants with sneakers and a T-shirt) and get ready to spend some time refreshing yourself from the city's bustle. The tour prefers small groups of no more than 15 to allow a more personal experience for the group.

  • Price: $53 per person
  • Duration: 30 - 45 minutes
  • Meeting Point: Pier 84 at Hudson River Park, 555 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Infant seats are available on request.

A Day In Brooklyn Bike Tour

Brooklyn is one of New York City's coolest neighborhoods. This bicycle tour through Brooklyn explores tough-to-reach areas that most tourists often miss. The eco-friendly ride also goes through popular landmarks and hidden gems, like areas under the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, including breweries and eateries to stop and refuel.

Photo stops and complimentary tastings along the way make this a popular choice for active New York City visitors, especially those who prefer environment-friendly activities that are fun, informative, and don't leave a carbon footprint.

  • Price: $118 per person
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Meeting Point: Under the Manhattan Bridge - Brooklyn, NY 11205. (This location is a Lock away SeflStorage. Guests are requested to wait at the front gate for a tour guide to meet them here)

This tour will have a maximum of 12 travelers. The minimum age for travelers is 13 years old.

Prospect Park Walking Tour

Prospect Park is a 585-acre park located in the center of Brooklyn. On this tour, the experienced guide helps the visitors discover hidden treasures, natural wonders, and little-known tales of Prospect Park .

While taking in the beauty of this iconic park’s woodlands, waterways, wildlife, and landmarks, visitors also get to explore layers of history, flora, and the architecture of the surroundings. The tour gives an insight into how the park supports environmental conservation, historic preservation, and recreational and cultural access for locals and visitors from around the world.

  • Price: $25 per person (children under 5 are free)
  • Meeting Point: Brooklyn Public Library Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza

Related: The Ultimate Eco-Travel Checklist: 10 Things To Be Aware Of When Traveling

Farm.One Classic Tasting Tour

Farm.One’s indoor hydroponic farm uses LED lighting, hydroponics, and technology to grow hundreds of culinary plants with no pesticides or chemicals and up to 90% less water than a traditional farm. The tour offers visitors a chance to connect with fellow plant lovers while experiencing new flavors and culinary plants in a sensory experience not easily found anywhere else in New York.

This 1 hour guided tour takes visitors to the grow room, display racks, and packing room. It allows guests to taste rare herbs, microgreens, and edible flowers. Each visitor gets a complimentary 0% ABV beverage crafted with Farm.One greens.

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Location: 625 Bergen Street in Brooklyn, New York

Exploration Day At Randall’s Island Urban Farm

Despite its concrete density, New York City has hundreds of farms and gardens that produce fruit, vegetables, and herbs that are distributed and consumed within the city. Randall’s Island Urban Farm, set on 1 acre of land, grows hundreds of plants and teaches visitors about sustainable farming practices like pollination and composting.

The farm also has rice paddies, berry bushes, and greenhouses, all of which are open to the public on Exploration Days during weekends in the summer months. Throughout the year, the farm hosts over 200 free public events on the grounds of Randall's Island Park Alliance, including tours, waterfront activities, annual Earth Day and Harvest Festivals, and more.

  • Price: Free
  • Duration: Subject to individual interest
  • Timing and Reservation: There are specific days when visitors can explore the farm. Please check for relevant information .

10 Best Eco-Tours You Can Take In New York City

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

  • 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
  • Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

  • Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
  • Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
  • Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
  • Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
  • Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
  • Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
  • Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
  • If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
  • Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
  • Have fun time with a very friendly local;
  • + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

  • Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
  • + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

  • Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
  • Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
  • The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

  • + A friend in Moscow.
  • + Private & customized Moscow tour.
  • + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
  • + An authentic experience of local life.
  • + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
  • + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
  • + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
  • + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
  • + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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COMMENTS

  1. Official Central Park Walking Tours

    THE BEST WAY TO SEE CENTRAL PARK. Our tours run seven days a week at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm and are the best way to experience Central Park—checking off everything on your must-see list. BOOK NOW. Our expert walking tour guides have a wealth of knowledge to share about the Park's history, the creatures living within it, and the events and other ...

  2. Central Park Walking Tours

    When: @9:45am Wednesdays and @9:45am Fridays (Fridays-early spring & late fall). Central Park Lower Section is also covered in the All in One Central Park tour @10am on Mondays and Fridays (late spring through early fall). More tours are available in the high season. Take this any day as an audio tour . Tours go out rain or shine.

  3. 5 of the Best Central Park Walking Tours

    From $45 per person. Book at Viator.com. Central Park Exclusive Guided Walking Tour. For a tour that really gets into the finer detail of the design and history of New York's most celebrated park, this is a great way to explore. See the 19 th -century Bow Bridge and learn about its unique design, plus The Dakota and Strawberry Fields to hear ...

  4. An Insider's Walk Through Central Park

    Don't stop here! Go deeper into the Park's expansive 843 acres by signing up for an official Conservancy tour, embarking on a self-guided walk, getting to know the birds and the blooms that thrive here, and delving into essential reading about Central Park. Sign up for our Seasonal Guides. Leave this field blank.

  5. What are the Best Central Park tours? 14 Best Ways to See Central Park

    Boat tour on The Lake. Our next suggestion for Central Park tours, is by boat! This is one of the cutest ways to see the park, and it's so different from other ideas on this list. Boat hire is about $20 per hour, and most people tend to take the boat out for about 2 hours.

  6. 7 BEST Central Park Tours

    We think they can be super romantic or make a great family day out! This 45-minute horse carriage tour takes you on a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) loop around Central Park, hitting all the best sights. You'll pass famous spots like the iconic Wollman Ice Rink, Cherry Hill, Sheep Meadow, and the Bethesda Fountain .

  7. Central Park Walking Tour NYC

    See where many famous movie and tv scenes were shot, such as Home Alone 2, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Spiderman 3, and Sex and the City. We allow for a maximum of 15 people on our tours, for a more personalized experience! Details. Duration: 2 hours. Price: $35 adult / $19 child (14 and under) Booking: See schedule and book using the calendar below:

  8. Iconic Views of Central Park Tour

    Tuesday, April 23 Wednesday, April 24 Thursday, April 25 Friday, April 26 Saturday, April 27 Sunday, April 28 + 32 more dates. 90 minutes. 1.3 miles. 2.09 kilometers. Columbus Circle Information Kiosk. A few inclines and some stairs. Inaccessible. , , If you want to check off your Central Park must-see list, this is the tour for you!

  9. The 10 Best Central Park Tours in 2023 (Walking, Bike, Pedicab & More!)

    8) Central Park TV & Movie Sites Tour. 9) Central Park Helicopter Tour. 10) Bonus: Self Guided Walking Tour. Central Park Highlights. * Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you.

  10. Central Park Walking Tour

    from $478.73. Per group. New York City, New York. VIP Horse Carriage Ride through Central Park (Up to 4 Adults) 53. from $250.00. Per group. New York City, New York. Half-Day Civil Rights Walking Tour in Harlem with Lunch.

  11. A Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park by a Local (Map & Itinerary)

    Since there is so much to see and do within the park, it can get confusing on how to put together the best self-guided walking tour of Central Park. As someone who has walked all corners of the park over the course of 10+ years, I have a pretty solid understanding of how to put together the best possible Central Park itinerary for first time ...

  12. Central Park tours at sunset

    Winner of TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence. $52.50 per person. Approximately 2.5 hours. Brisk. Suited for active walkers. About Our Central Park Tours. We strive to give the best damn Central Park tour that money can buy. Our tour guides are friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and officially licensed by NYC.

  13. TOP 12 THINGS TO SEE in CENTRAL PARK, NYC

    12. Gapstow Bridge. Gapstow Bridge is an iconic stone bridge over The Pond in Central Park. According to the Central Park Conservancy, it is one of 30 total arches and bridges in Central Park and one of the original 27 bridges—24 of which remain today. It is a beautiful and peaceful bridge that adds to the park's pedestrian route which is ...

  14. 30 Things to Do in Central Park

    16. Picnic on the Great Lawn. This massive lawn is one of the most famous in the United States and one of the best picnic spots in Central Park. Over the years, the Great Lawn has been used for many concerts, including Simon and Garfunkel, Bon Jovi, and the New York Philharmonic, just to name a few.

  15. Secret Places of Central Park: The Walking Tour

    Get away from it all and immerse yourself in some of the least-visited, most scenic and historical parts in the Best Central Park Walking Tour in New York City. "Translate Democratic ideas into trees and dirt" is how Calvert Vaux, the partner of Frederick Olmstead, described the concept of a Central Park in the 1850's.

  16. Top 6 Best Ways to Tour Central Park in New York City

    For some tourists, this may be yet another advantage. But if what you are looking for is a private tour, a horse and carriage or pedicab tour is a much better choice. Central Park Bike Tour. OliDayTours. 4. Central Park Bike Rental. Another thing you can do is simply rent a bicycle and go out on your own.

  17. The Best of Central Park- Self-Guided Walking Tour

    Central Park is the fifth largest park in New York City and most visited urban park in the U.S. with over 42 million annual visitors. There are 58 miles (93.3 km) of paths in Central Park. The perimeter of Central Park is 6.1 miles (9.8 km). The park has its own NYC Police Department precinct.

  18. Central Park Walking Tour

    The same applies to Central Park and its hidden treasures. Pack a pair of comfortable shoes, your camera and join us for an unforgettable experience on our Central Park Walking Tour. Most of the attractions in Central Park are located within 59th street and 72nd street. That's exactly the area that will be covered in a great detail on our 2 ...

  19. 10 Best Eco-Tours You Can Take In New York City

    City Lights Sail on America 2.0 is a breathtaking eco-friendly cruise through the waters of New York Harbor, sailing past One World Trade Center, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty, all lit ...

  20. Moscow Metro Daily Tour: Small Group

    Moscow has some of the most well-decorated metro stations in the world but visitors don't always know which are the best to see. This guided tour takes you to the city's most opulent stations, decorated in styles ranging from neoclassicism to art deco and featuring chandeliers and frescoes, and also provides a history of (and guidance on how to use) the Moscow metro system.

  21. Moscow Metro Tour with Friendly Local Guides

    Moscow Metro private tours. 2-hour tour $87: 10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off. 3-hour tour $137: 20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

  22. Private Moscow Metro Half Day Tour 2022

    The Moscow Metro is one of the oldest in the world, as well as one of the most beautiful. As a visitor, it can be tricky to know which stations are must-sees, but this guided tour ensures that you see the best. Also, because it's a private tour, you don't need to feel self-conscious of being in a large tour group getting in commuters' way.

  23. Moscow Metro Tour and Bunker 42 with Private Guide

    While Moscow is beautiful above-ground, it's fascinating underground. On this tour you will visit two of Moscow's most interesting underground attractions: the beautifully decorated Metro system, and the Bunker 42 anti-nuclear facility. Your private guide will tell you all about the history of these places, and answer any questions you might have. You'll see a different side of Moscow on ...