New York City , United States of America

Secret Places of Central Park

Active

(73 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience secret Central Park locations only a true New York City historian can help you find. Visit some of Central Park's least-trafficked, truly historic and most scenic locations above 100th Street. Discover the history of Central Park and its creators, find out what was there before, visit Revolutionary War forts, see the stunning formal gardens, "hike" through Central Park's man-made Adirondack Mountains and so much more. This very fascinating, educational, and entertaining tour is conducted by a licensed New York City tour guide with over 20 years of experience and a New York City historian.

Available options

Central Park 3-5:30PM

3-5:30PM

Central Park 11AM-1:30PM

11AM-1:30PM

Central Park 12-2:30PM

12-2:30PM

Central Park 10AM-12:30PM

10AM-12:30PM

Central Park 2-4:30PM

2-4:30PM

What's included

Search for "REVOLUTIONARY TOURS NYC" on TripAdvisor/Viator

Accommodation as per itinerary

Small group - Limited to 16 people.

From December to February, you can book our special CENTRAL PARK EXPERIENCE tour.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We start off with the history of the park including the designers, why the park was built, when it was built, how it was built. We'll start the walk along the path and the rolling terrain of The Pool area. You'll also visit the secret Grotto waterfall and understand its purpose...........Keep in mind that there are many SECRET PLACES that are not listed here!

Stop 2

As we leave the Pool area, you'll walk through this sensational stone arch designed in the 1860s. Nothing prepares you for the scenery that you'll see when you pass through this high arch.

Stop 3

Visit the manmade Adirondack Mountain scenery of the spectacular North Woods and leave the hustle and jar of New York City. We'll walk along The Ravine of Central Park. You'll see a waterfall, rustic bridges of stone and wood and be surrounded by trees and the sounds of birds.

Get a great view of this body of water from one of the forts.

Stop 5

Walk along this beautiful body of water in the North Woods.

Stop 6

Visit this War of 1812 fortification.

Stop 7

Visit all three serene French, English and Italian formal gardens built in the 1930s.

Stop 8

Hear about the most important person in the history of New York that you haven't heard about.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

15 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

58 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Tours go out in rain, snow and shine. There are no cancellations or rescheduling for rain or snow within 24 hours of the start of the tour.

The tour is approximately 3.25 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.

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Some locations may not be open or accessible depending on weather conditions and/or park closings.

Visit RevolutionaryToursNYC . com web site for additional dates and times.

Meeting point

Meet at 100th Street and Central Park West ACROSS THE STREET from 405 Central Park West. Meet on the Central Park side of the street

Important notes

NOTE:

The tour is conducted in the rain, snow or shine. Tour is non-refundable or exchangeable after the standard cancellation policy.

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. Please dress appropriately and wear suitable shoes. Carrying drinking water is recommended.

Please arrive 10 minutes early to check in. It is VERY difficult to find the tour guide once the tour starts.

As the tour is outdoors, check the weather forecast for appropriate clothing.

Some locations may not be open or accessible depending on weather conditions and/or park closings.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information