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

Thu 10 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $36.00

Make a reservation

Thu 10 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)

Tom N

Oct 2024

This tour was no walk in the park. It was so much more. I’ve taken a number of Central Park tours, all good, but this was in a class by itself. A wealth of information, beautifully presented. And INTERESTING information that takes off where other tours end. As promised, it’s what the City doesn’t want you to see; but it’s what YOU want to see. Too dark, too strange, too funny, too mysterious, too scandalous. And fascinating every minute. Purefinder does the best tours in the most interesting city on Earth.

B1783EHalexeyk

Oct 2024

It’s a fantastic tour that gave me a fresh perspective on Central Park, a place I pass by every day. The two-hour duration makes it the perfect start to a Sunday morning. I recommend it to anyone looking to spend time outdoors while discovering some of the city’s lesser-known stories.