Central Park Scandal and Vice Tour

Overview

Uncover the Dark Secrets of NYC’s Iconic Park!

Step beyond the picturesque paths and iconic landmarks of Central Park to uncover the shadowy stories hidden in its history. From the shady dealings that shaped its creation to tales of illicit behavior beneath its lush canopy, this tour reveals Central Park as you’ve never known it. Discover the dark underbelly of one of New York City’s most famous landmarks on this eye-opening guided experience.

Main Features

Scandalous Controversies: Uncover the shocking stories behind the park's controversial design and construction, including the secrets that led to its creation.

Notorious Crimes & Peculiar Misadventures: Dive into the bizarre and forgotten crimes and scandals that have stained Central Park’s reputation through the years.

After-Dark Intrigues: Hear about the intriguing and sometimes scandalous behavior that has sparked curiosity for generations, especially after the sun goes down.

City: New York City

Fri 25 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $36.00

Make a reservation

Fri 25 Apr

Starting at $36.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

English Guide

English In person Guide

All Fees and Taxes

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

The Arsenal

Guests will be told a brief history of Central Park,followed by the Arsenal, as regards its history of 19th century infamy and violence. The evictions of the Central Park area prior to its construction will also be addressed.

Central Park Zoo

Guests will discover the strange origins of the zoo and the arrests for indecency that occurred there.

Balto Statue

Guests will hear about the controversy regarding the city's first dog statue as well as scandalous stories relating to other Central Park statues.

Rumsey Playfield

Guests will hear about the quarrels relating to the Wisteria Pergola and the prohibition nightclub that used to exist in Central Park.

Bethesda Terrace

Guests will hear about the scandalous affair of Jacob Wrey Mould, the unsung third designer of Central Park, and the history of crime and vandalism that ultimately became the catalyst for the Central Park Conservancy.

Sheep Meadow

Guests will learn about Central Park's "Hooverville" settlement during the Great Depression as well as Sheep Meadow's protest and demonstration history.

Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial

Guests will hear about a gruesome murder connected with Strawberry Fields that intersects with class and subculture.

The San Remo

Guests will discover the curious interconnecting history of Central Park-related accidents, stunts, and suspicious deaths.

Natural History Museum

Guests will hear about a notorious park-adjacent heist and another tale concerning a witness protection incident gone horribly wrong.

The Ramble

Guests will discover the "cruising" history of the Ramble, the nighttime incidents, the police raids, and the films and TV shows that this activity inspired.

Show 7 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Reviews (5)

susanmpassoni

Feb 2025

We had a wonderful time on our Central Park Walking Tour: Scandal & Vice! Our guide was engaging, entertaining and incredibly delightful. She shared some interesting tidbits on some of Central Parks History and how it has changed over the years. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in Central Park's and NYC's history. I look forward to doing some of the other tours to learn more about this incredible city!

garys649

Nov 2024

My wife and I had a blast on this tour courtesy of our lovely, personable and super-knowledgeable guide Liz! When she told us this was a new one for her at her company Purefinder, we were stunned, as we would've gotten the impression she had already given this one a hundred times. Fascinating historical stories (which I, as a lifelong Gothamite, knew little to nothing about) and a truly memorable stroll through Central Park on a gorgeous fall day!

O7502WMgeorgeb

Oct 2024

This deep-cut tour into the seedier histories of NYC's most famous park ranges from the hilarious to the horrific and is deeply fascinating and enlightening for those who are over-confident in their knowledge of Vaux and Olmstead's urban oasis (mirage?). From scandals surrounding the famous Balto statue and pergolas, to the sometimes tragic, sometimes comic story of America's first supermodel, from the more recent tale of Baby-faced butchers to tales of the days when the LGBTQ+ crowd was confined to the shadows, no matter what you think you know about his park, you are sure to learn something new on this tour from the always reliable Purefinder New York. I have been on all this tours and this one might be my favorite. Of course, the experience was in no way lessened by the lovely autumnal colors in the trees and the generally scenic grounds of Central Park.