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New York’s Iconic Central Park: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

New York’s Iconic Central Park: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Overview

Get the most out of Central Park with this self-guided walking tour produced by an Emmy-nominated storyteller.

• Relive the Great Zoo Escape of 1874 and hunt down the park’s hidden witch
• Hear from Tom Darbyshire, a Creative Director from New York’s advertising industry whose passion for juicy stories and Central Park inspired him to produce this VoiceMap tour
• Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

City: New York City

Thu 24 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $14.99

Make a reservation

Thu 24 Apr

Starting at $14.99

Make a reservation

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What's Included

VoiceMap App for Android and iOS

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Lifetime access to this self-guided tour in English

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
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

Central Park

This self-guided audio tour takes place in Central Park. Over the course of 90 minutes, you'll be guided through the park and hear fascinating stories relating the the sites you see along the way.

Pulitzer Fountain

The tour passes by the Pulitzer Fountain which was designed in 1916, by Thomas Hastings, whose firm also did the New York Public Library. You'll hear about the fountain while you walk.

William Tecumseh Sherman Monument

The tour passes by the statue of William Tecumseh Sherman who, in the Civil War battle of Shiloh, had his horse shot out from under him. You'll hear about the legendary man while you walk.

Gapstow Bridge

The tour takes you past the Gapstow Bridge which has been featured on films and TV shows, like Home Alone 2, The Devil Wears Prada, Gossip Girl, and Enchanted. You'll hear about the bridge while you walk.

Central Park Zoo

The tour takes you past Central Park Zoo where you'll hear the story of the Great Zoo Escape of 1874 while you walk.

Balto Statue

The tour passes by the Balto Statue. You'll hear about the legendary dog who saved Nome, Alaska, and who wasn't actually called Balto while you walk.

Indian Hunter

The tour passes by John Quincy Adams Ward's famed Indian Hunter statue. Hear about the statue and the artist while you walk.

Women's Rights Pioneers Monument

While you walk, hear how there wasn't a single statue in honor of a real woman in Central Park until August of 2020, on the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote.

Bethesda Terrace

Take in some of the views of the park from Bethesda Terrance and learn a bit about the terrace's history.

Bethesda Fountain

Hear the history of Bethesda Fountain while you walk past it.

Bow Bridge

The tour passes by Bow Bridge where you'll hear some of the horrors that have unfolded in its shadows.

Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial

The tour passes through Central Park's Strawberry Fields. While you walk, you'll hear about John Lennon’s murder.

The Dakota

The tour ends in front of the Dakota Hotel. Hear how the hotel came to be before the tour ends.

Show 10 more stops

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews (4)

Christopher_N

Jul 2023

Very hard to use especially with paths in Central Park kept going in circles and telling us we were lost. No kidding! Would like a refund

Response from Host

Jul 2023

Hi Christopher I've processed a refund for you. We're sorry you didn't have a satisfactory experience. From our side, it looks like you were able to complete most of the tour without any issues so we'd really appreciate it if you took the time to email us about your experience so we can find out what went wrong. Thanks, Alicia

Madison D

Jun 2023

I've lived in New York most of my life and had NO IDEA about so much of the fascinating history I learned this tour-- from escaped zoo animals to the gilded age to bizarre guests at the Plaza Hotel, I was transported. The tour really focuses on stories instead of facts and dates, which I absolutley loved. The self directed nature of the tour means you can stop and explore on your own if you reach a place you like, or sit down in the grass and stare at some of the design of in the park the tour teaches you about, which I did! Often, because it was hot! Such a relief to not be carted around in a large herd of people. And so much more affordable.

624claudiaw

Jun 2023

Packed with information both stirring and hilarious. The back story of the Central Park Zoo is simply unforgettable. Who knew?!! Allow at least two hours to cover the ground here. You'll see the famous park with new eyes and notice things you've never seen, no matter how many times you've visited.