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Central Park 2hr Walking Tour led by expert Manhattan residents !

Central Park 2hr Walking Tour led by expert Manhattan residents !

Overview

This tour is led by dynamic, local resident tour guides whose love for "our park" + engaging storytelling brings to life the history and charm of Central Park. Covering both well-known spots and hidden gem secret locations inside the park that you would never expect to experience. The thoughtfully engineered route offers a diverse, immersive experience, blending nature, architecture, history, and pop culture, while ensuring comfort and convenience with a pace that minimizes fatigue and concludes at a handy subway entrance for further city exploration. We will also reveal some other hidden gems to explore in and around Manhattan that only locals would know. Great restaurants, bars, entertainment spots that are a must see for anyone spending time in the greatest city in the world. Our local knowledge is incomparable and earned over lifetimes of being proud Manhattan residents. We will share all of it with you ❤️

City: New York City

Thu 20 Mar

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $75.00

Make a reservation

Thu 20 Mar

Starting at $75.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Bottled water

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not reccomended for very young children or the elderly. Strollers & wheelchairs are not suitable for this tour.

What To Expect

Hallett Nature Sanctuary

The smallest of the Park’s three woodland landscapes, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary offers visitors an intimate experience of nature just steps from the busy streets of midtown. Rustic trails wind up and down the hill, leading to various overlooks and sitting areas near the shore of the Pond. Originally called “The Promontory” by the Park’s designers, the rocky hill was a prominent feature in the landscape, but without any walking paths it was not a place that visitors could explore. In the 1930s, it was fenced off and designated a bird sanctuary. In 1986, it was renamed in honor of George Hervey Hallett, Jr., an activist, nature enthusiast, and birder.

Wollman Rink

Wollman Rink Expand Ice Skating at Wollman Rink Wollman Rink is a historic attraction and favorite event venue year-round. Location: MAP | Enter at 59th Street and 5th or 6th Avenue Contact: (833) 615-3500 Wollman Rink has been a favorite attraction for visitors since its opening in 1950. In fall and winter, ice skating at the rink is one of the most popular things to do among New Yorkers and tourists alike. There's nothing quite like gliding across the ice beneath a starry sky, while surrounded by the splendor of the Manhattan skyline! And in the warmer months when the rink is not in use for skating, it gets transformed into NYC's most iconic pickleball court location. With 14 new courts as part of a three-year collaboration with CityPickle which runs through 2026, Wollman Rink offers visitors a unique opportunity to participate in this popular sport!

Central Park Carousel

About 250,000 people take a ride on the Central Park Carousel every year. The famous ride has been very popular since 1871 when the original attraction opened. At first, the Carousel was not received positively; the park commissioners objected to having commercial enterprises in the park. However, since it was such a success there have been four different models on the site, each of which has served as a pastime in Central Park. A favorite of park-goers, the first Carousel remained in operation until 1924. It was powered by a mule and horse who walked in a hidden compartment underground below the attraction. The animals were trained to start and stop with a foot tap from the ride’s operator above ground. The next two Carousels in the park were steam-powered and both destroyed by fire. In 1950, the Department of Parks and Recreation began to search for a replacement model, and they found one abandoned in an old trolley terminal in Brooklyn’s Coney Island.

The Dairy Visitor Center and Gift Shop

The Dairy, a Victorian cottage designed by Calvert Vaux and built between 1869 and 1871, is at the heart of the Children’s District. As its name suggests, this charming structure was originally home to fresh milk and snacks for children and their caregivers. Families enjoyed refreshments under the Dairy’s loggia (open-air porch) and cool breezes from the nearby pond. The large rolling lawn in front of the Dairy provided a place for children to play. The Dairy became Central Park's first visitor center in 1979 and was one of the first Conservancy restoration projects in the early 1980s. At that time, the building’s historic and colorful loggia was restored, which had been removed in the mid-20th century.

Sheep Meadow

This expansive 15-acre field holds a rich history and continues to be a cherished haven for visitors from all walks of life. Originally known as the "Commons," Sheep Meadow earned its current name during the 1860s when the park's designers envisioned a pastoral landscape where sheep could roam freely. While the days of grazing sheep have long passed, the meadow still carries the essence of its agricultural origins, inviting visitors to bask in its serene beauty. As you step onto the expanse, you'll be greeted by a panoramic view of towering skyscrapers juxtaposed against the backdrop of nature. It's a remarkable sight, blending the urban energy of New York City with the calming embrace of the great outdoors.

Bow Bridge

"The Romantic Landmark" – Walk across the Bow Bridge, Central Park's most photographed and filmed cast-iron bridge, boasting a stunning view of the city skyline juxtaposed with the park's serene foliage. Enjoy its Victorian charm and picturesque vistas, making it an ideal spot for romance and leisurely strolls.

The Ramble

The lush Central Park woodland, known as the Ramble, is composed of 38 acres of winding pathways between 73rd and 78th streets. Described by Frederick Law Olmsted as a "wild garden", the Ramble's maze of trails amidst its abundant flora and fauna contrasts spectacularly with the formality of nearby attractions, such as the Bethesda Terrace. The Ramble is often noted for its bird-watching opportunities, where birdwatchers can catch a glimpse of some of the approximately 230 species found in the woods. Visitors can stop to take a look at the Gill, the man-made stream that runs through the Ramble.

Belvedere Castle

"The Enchanting Lookout" – Visit the whimsical Belvedere Castle, a mini castle perched atop Vista Rock, offering panoramic views of the Great Lawn, Turtle Pond, and the Ramble. Inside, it's a nature observatory, where visitors can learn about the park's wildlife and take part in bird-watching activities.

The Dakota

The Dakota, also known as the Dakota Apartments, is a cooperative apartment building at 1 West 72nd Street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, United States. The Dakota was constructed between 1880 and 1884 The building was one of the first large developments on the Upper West Side and is the oldest remaining luxury apartment building in New York City. The building is a National Historic Landmark and has been designated a city landmark. The Dakota gained attention when John Lennon, a resident and former member of the rock band the Beatles, was shot dead outside the building on December 8, 1980.[170] According to the Chicago Tribune, the Dakota became a makeshift memorial for Lennon, especially among fans of the Beatles. The murder also prompted concern among residents, who demanded more stringent security; all visitors were already required to pass through the security booth on 72nd Street. Years after Lennon's death, the Dakota's residents tended to eschew publicity.

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Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (28)

beth_m

Oct 2024

Katy was amazing. She pointed out things we never would have noticed. She guided us through the parts of the park you don’t know exist. A great 2 hour tour!

brandyt461

Oct 2024

Patrick was an excellent guide! We learned so much about the park that we would have passed by, if it weren't for this tour.

Brandy_Y

Oct 2024

Patrick was fantastic! Knowledgeable and took us to spots we would not have found in our own. Highly recommend