Embark on a self-guided tour of Central Park, NYC’s green oasis. Explore iconic spots like Bethesda Terrace and the Central Park Zoo while learning the park’s fascinating history.
Embark on a self-guided tour of Central Park, NYC’s green oasis. Explore iconic spots like Bethesda Terrace and the Central Park Zoo while learning the park’s fascinating history.
-
Grand Army Plaza - Begin your Central Park tour at the Grand Army Plaza, located at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 59th Street. From this starting point, you’ll journey to the reservoir and back, pausing at all the park’s key attractions along the way.
NOTE: This 4-mile tour highlights Central Park’s essentials in 1-2 hours.
Purchase once,…
- Grand Army Plaza - Begin your Central Park tour at the Grand Army Plaza, located at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 59th Street. From this starting point, you’ll journey to the reservoir and back, pausing at all the park’s key attractions along the way.
NOTE: This 4-mile tour highlights Central Park’s essentials in 1-2 hours.
Purchase once, enjoy for a year! Perfect for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
- Central Park Zoo - The Central Park Zoo sets a high standard for urban zoos. Spanning 6.5 acres, it houses a variety of rare and endangered species, including Antarctic penguins and a snow leopard!
- Delacorte Clock - More than just a timepiece, this clock is adorned with playful animal figures playing instruments, such as a bear with a tambourine and a kangaroo with a horn!
- Balto Statue - This statue honors the beloved husky, Balto, who became famous for delivering lifesaving medicine to a remote Alaskan town through severe blizzards and freezing temperatures. Balto himself attended the statue’s unveiling!
- The Mall and Literary Walk - One of Central Park’s most scenic areas, the Mall is lined with lush greenery and statues of historical figures, including the esteemed playwright Shakespeare and the controversial explorer Christopher Columbus. As you stroll, you’ll discover more about these statues and their significance.
- Naumburg Bandshell - Built in 1923, this impressive bandshell has hosted numerous renowned speakers, including Martin Luther King, Jr. and Cuban leader Fidel Castro! It remains in use today, often featuring free classical and jazz concerts.
- Bethesda Terrace - This stunning Italian-style terrace is the heart of Central Park. Integral to the park’s original design, it remains one of New York City’s most beautiful locations. It features both an upper and lower section, each breathtaking in its own right.
- Bethesda Fountain - Standing 26 feet tall and nearly 100 feet wide, this fountain is a must-see. It is crowned by the Angel of the Waters sculpture, the only statue included in Central Park’s original design. Here, you’ll also glimpse Central Park’s rich cinematic history.
- Loeb Boathouse - The Loeb Boathouse offers fine dining and operates a boathouse for those wishing to enjoy a leisurely time on the water. It has also been featured in films like When Harry Met Sally and The Manchurian Candidate.
- Hans Christian Andersen Monument - This bronze statue celebrates Hans Christian Andersen, the cherished Danish children’s author known for “The Little Mermaid” and “The Ugly Duckling.” From this spot, you might also see model sailboats on the water, weather permitting.
- Alice in Wonderland Statue - This large statue of Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the White Rabbit from Lewis Carroll’s classic tale is a favorite among children. Designed for climbing, the shiny, polished bronze attests to its popularity.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Known as the Met, this world-renowned museum showcases 5,000 years of art from around the globe, featuring European masters like Monet and ancient Egyptian artifacts. Art and history enthusiasts will find this a must-visit.
- The Obelisk - This massive Egyptian obelisk, relocated here in 1881, is not a replica! Weighing 220 tons, it is estimated to be around 3,500 years old, originally commissioned by a pharaoh to commemorate his reign.
- Alexander Hamilton Monument - While Alexander Hamilton gained fame through a Broadway play, this monument predates the stage production. Hamilton, a Founding Father of the United States, served as George Washington’s right-hand man during the American Revolution.
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir - This vast reservoir holds about a billion gallons of water and serves as a stunning park centerpiece. Once intended to supply the entire city with clean water, it now offers a perfect spot to relax and admire the city’s skyline.
- Arthur Ross Pinetum - The Arthur Ross Pinetum was created to add greenery to the park during the long winter months. If visiting after the leaves have fallen, it provides a delightful change of scenery.
- The Great Lawn - This 55-acre green space once hosted massive concerts with headliners like Elton John. Although it was once dubbed “The Great Dustbowl” due to the crowds, it has since been restored and is now an ideal picnic spot.
- Delacorte Theater - This open-air theater is home to the Public Theater, which regularly stages Shakespeare and other classic plays. One of its best features? Productions are completely free! Visitors just need to queue for entry.
- Belvedere Castle - Belvedere Castle offers stunning views of the park and the city beyond. It adds a charming touch of fairytale whimsy that visitors are sure to appreciate.
- Shakespeare Garden - This beautiful garden features flora mentioned in William Shakespeare’s plays and poems, aiming to recreate the spirit of the English countryside where the Bard of Avon lived.
- Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial - This memorial honors musician John Lennon. Yoko Ono, his widow, opted for a unique mosaic instead of another statue, creating a striking tribute unlike any other in the park.
- Sheep Meadow - Sheep Meadow is a picturesque green space that embodies Central Park’s original vision: a place for locals and visitors to unwind and enjoy nature away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
- Umpire Rock - Umpire Rock is the oldest feature in Central Park, dating back over 500 million years! This piece of bedrock couldn’t be removed during the park’s construction and now stands as a landmark.
- Columbus Circle - Columbus Circle, at the corner of 8th Avenue and 59th Street, marks the end of your tour. It also signifies the edge of a vibrant, lively neighborhood waiting to be explored!

- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive…
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Welcome to Central Park, a lush haven nestled in the heart of New York City! This self-guided walking tour takes you through the park’s most iconic spots, from the famous Bethesda Terrace (seen in numerous films and TV shows) to the picturesque Mall walkway, Central Park Zoo, and much more! As you stroll, discover the fascinating stories behind the…
Welcome to Central Park, a lush haven nestled in the heart of New York City! This self-guided walking tour takes you through the park’s most iconic spots, from the famous Bethesda Terrace (seen in numerous films and TV shows) to the picturesque Mall walkway, Central Park Zoo, and much more! As you stroll, discover the fascinating stories behind the park, its attractions, and the early history of New York City.
After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require a reliable internet/Wi-Fi connection. From there, simply follow the audio instructions and the route.
Purchase once and enjoy for a full year! Perfect for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
Please note, this is not an entrance ticket. Be sure to check opening hours before your visit.
- How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share one tour by splitting headphones
- Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
- For the best experience, bring headphones/earbuds for your walking tour.
- For the best experience, make sure your device meets these requirements: iPhones running iOS 13 or newer, and Android devices with version 9 or newer. For iPads or tablets, only models with GPS and cellular connectivity are recommended for navigation.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.