Central Park Experience: Scenic & Historical Walking Tour

New York City , United States of America

Central Park Experience: Scenic & Historical Walking Tour

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About this experience

Experience the ultimate Central Park tour from 59 to 81 Streets. Tour the park with a NYC Licensed Tour Guide and historian with over 20 years of experience in educating and entertaining. Whether a first-time or seasoned visitor, you'll make discoveries in this urban artistic masterpiece.

* Learn about Central Park’s fascinating history, ambitious construction, and motivations for creating the nation's first large-scale public park
* Walk through the exquisite Bethesda Terrace and see the glorious Angel of the Waters
* Traverse over the elegant Bow Bridge seen in numerous movies
* Walk through the mystical landscape of the Ramble
* Stand before the prominent Belvedere Castle
* Stroll the Mall with rows of magnificent elms and pay homage to "Women's Rights Pioneers"
* Discover life before Central Park, and the remarkable African American and immigrant community, Seneca Village . . . and so much more!

NOTE: This tour does not visit Strawberry Fields, just nine blocks from the finish.

Available options

Central Park Experience: A Scenic & Historical Walking Tour

Thursday

12-2:30PM

What's included

Licensed New York City Tour Guide and Historian

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The tour begins at the monument to General William Tecumseh Sherman with an introduction to the tour and the history of Central Park

We enter the park at this beautiful body of water that you know from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York right near the Plaza Hotel

Stop 3 Pass by

We see this beautiful stone bridge overlooking the Pond

We stop to look at this Victorian-era structure

Stop 5

Hear stories of the Southdown sheep that used to graze on this beautiful meadow, etc.

Stop 6

Explore the extraordinary center of the park, including the beautiful Angel of the Waters statue and learn about its design and history

Stop 7 Pass by

Learn the history and construction of this large body of water in the middle of the park

Stop 8

Traverse over this extraordinary cast iron bridge that takes you over the lake

Walk through this mystical "wild garden," take in great vistas, and learn its fascinating secrets

Stop 10

A castle in the middle of Manhattan? Yes! You'll learn the story of its construction.

Stop 11 Pass by

Overlook the famous great lawn and learn about the fascinating structures that occupied the area before

Stop 12

A floral celebration of the great playwright!

Learn about the fascinating history of this pre-park African American and immigrant community.

Stop 14

We finish up here at Central Park West and 81st Street. This tour does NOT visit Strawberry Fields, which is less than 10 blocks from the finish.

What's not included

No food or drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

This tour is operated in rain, snow, and shine. Please dress appropriately and wear suitable footwear.

Meeting point

We meet in front of the large gold statue of General William Tecumseh Sherman at GRAND ARMY PLAZA in MANHATTAN at Fifth Avenue between 59th and 60th Streets

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