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November 7, 2017

Rick Miller

A Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park by a Local (Map & Itinerary)

By: Author Charles

Posted on October 22, 2023

A visit to Central Park can be quite overwhelming for those who want to wander its pathways. There are 843 acres of nonstop nature to explore spanning 50 New York City blocks.

Since there is so much to see and do within the park, it can get confusing on how to put together the best self-guided walking tour of Central Park. As someone who has walked all corners of the park over the course of 10+ years, I have a pretty solid understanding of how to put together the best possible Central Park itinerary for first time visitors.

This overview will give you step by step directions on what a one day self-guided tour of Central Park will look like and what to expect during your walk. Hope you enjoy it out there!

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) Ways to Tour the Park

Before getting into this self-guided walking tour of Central Park, I did want to mention some of the other main ways to go about a visit.

1) Join a Guided Tour

While I am one for the self-guided options, many people want to have a tour guide join them for their day in the park. This way you will not need to worry about getting lost or heading in the wrong direction. A tour guide will walk you around the park, give you some history lessons, and answer your questions along the way.

These walking tours usually do not head to all parts of the park, but rather just some of the main areas. Feel free to check out this two hour Central Park walking tour if interested in having a guide along with you.

2) Take a Pedicab

At the entrance of the park, you will find many pedicab drivers asking to take you around. This is a fast and convenient way to see a lot of the park in a shorter period of time.

However, it also takes away the chance to go to the inner pathways of the park, which in my opinion are some of the best spots. The pedicabs need to stick to the main streets of the park but can drop you off in different areas along the way for you to explore a bit more.

You can also choose to join a private Central Park Pedicab tour ahead of time .

3) Bike the Park

If you are not into walking and want to see the park on your own, you could rent a bicycle from some of the bike rental spots located right outside some of the main entrances. Riding a bike gives you the chance to see more of the park in a shorter period of time.

However, you will not be able to take a bicycle into certain areas of the inner park or alongside some of the main highlights. While you can get off the main outer loop, and onto some of the inner walking paths, you will be a bit more limited.

If you don’t want to explore the park by bike alone, you can also join a Central Park Bicycle tour .

4) Self Guided Walk

At the end of the day though, a self-guided walking tour of Central Park will give you the most flexibility compared to all the options above. You can see everything you want to see at your own pace, and best of all it’s all completely free!

The rest of this article will dive into one of the most wholistic routes of Central Park and what I would recommend for those wanting to see the highlights.

Central Park Tours : Check out some of the other top Central Park tours that are offered in throughout park

2) Self-Guided Walking Tour Map

We will first start out with a map of this self guided walking tour. You will find each of the highlights pinned on the map below, along with the actual walking route to follow along the way.

Feel free to reference this map as you go through this guide to understand the various directions and turns you will need to make along the way.

Visit Central Park as part of a longer 4 days in NYC itinerary that takes you throughout the city .

Note : there will be instances where you will be able to walk along parallel paths to those shown on the map. You do not need to follow the route to the tee.

3) Where to Stay in NYC

There are so many different neighborhoods to choose from when visiting NYC. Below are some of my top choices for a few of my recommended locations in the city:

Looking for the top hotels & neighborhoods in NYC? Check out some helpful accommodation resources when it comes to picking the best spot for you! Neighborhood Overview : Best Places to Stay in NYC Best Skyline Views : NYC Hotels with a View Times Square : Top Times Square Hotels with a View Theater District : Hotels in Broadway Theater District Central Park : Best Hotels with Central Park Views Tribeca : Best Tribeca Hotels SoHo: Where to Stay in SoHo Greenwich Village : Top Greenwich Village Hotels Brooklyn Bridge : Hotels with Brooklyn Bridge Views Best Panoramas : Hotels in NYC with Floor to Ceiling Windows

4) Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park

Now that you have a visual view of the self-guided walking tour, let’s get into a step by step guide of the walk itself.

Below I will give a detailed overview of how to go about your walk. Remember to reference the map above to give you a better idea of where you will be going directionally.

Be sure to also check out some of the other top things to do in New York City during a visit!

Walking Tour Starting Point

There are so many different entrances on all sides of Central Park. For the sake of this walking tour though, I will be starting it off at the southeast corner of the park on 59 th Street and 5 th Avenue. On Google Maps you will see this named Grand Army Plaza .

Here is where the beginning of East Drive is, which then runs up the entire East side of the park. You may see some pedicabs and horse & carriages waiting around the starting point as well since it is one of the more popular park entrances.

Stop 1: The Pond Viewpoint

From the entrance of East Drive, continue on the street for just a minute or so. Be on the lookout to your left, where you should see a pathway up a large rock face. On Google Maps it is called “Patinaje Central Park”.

Note: on the map above, Google Maps did not allow me show a route that goes onto the rock itself (rather around it). But trust me, there is a pathway to get up to the top and back down to the Pond.

Head up the rock to the top of it. From the top of this rock you will find one of the best elevated views of Central Park .

Right out in front of you will be the Pond and Gapstow Bridge, to your left will be the “Billionaire’s Row” skyline, and you will have the rest of the park’s greenery surrounding you in other directions.

From the top of the rock you can now head down to the pathway closer to the Pond. This will give you a chance to walk the pathway immediately surrounding this body of water. Head down left to the southern end of the Pond, where you will find a great view of the water and bridge out in the distance (pinned on the map).

Stop 2: Hallett Nature Sanctuary

After taking in the viewpoints, continue on the pathway looping the Pond. The path will head northbound, and you will soon reach an intersection. Turn right here, where you will immediately see the entrance to the Hallett Nature Sanctuary on the right hand side.

Take your time to explore one of the three woodland areas of the park -> nature, viewpoints, and wildlife will be all around you as you take a walk around.

Once all done, head back to the entrance (there is only one way in and out), and head back onto the pathway.

Learn more in the Hallett Nature Sanctuary guide up on the site .

Stop 3: Wollman Rink

After exiting the Sanctuary, head straight along the pathway as you walk parallel to the Wollman Rink (the rink should be on your right hand side here).

Head to the top of the Wollman Rink, where you will get some great views of the rink down below with the skyline sitting right behind it. The rink will only really be active in the winter time but it is still a nice view nonetheless.

Stop 4: The Dairy Visitor Center

Continue the path north of the Wollman Rink, where you should see the Dairy Visitor Center out in front of you.

Take a few minutes to head inside the visitor center, where you can buy some souvenirs or ask the employees any questions you may have.

Stop 5: The Manhattan Survey Bolt

After exiting the Dairy head back onto the pathway you were just on and continue northbound. You will very soon come across Center Drive, which makes up a section of the main loop of the park.

Around this area you will find one of the original Manhattan survey bolts that was put down over 200 years ago.

It’s exact location is a bit of a secret but if you do enough research, you should be able to find it. These bolts were installed to help create the Manhattan grid that you see today. It is the only known one left in the city.

If you can’t find it, no worries, just head across Center Drive, where you will see the Mall and Literary Walk out in front of you.

Stop 6: The Mall & Literary Walk

One of the most magnificent parts of Central Park is the tree lined Mall that heads from Center Drive all the way to Bethesda Terrace.

On either side you will find these beautiful American Elm trees as well as several statues of historical figures. During Central Park peak foliage , these trees turn a bright yellow color.

Take your time to walk the pathway until you arrive at the steps that will take you down to the terrace.

Learn more in The Mall & Literary Walk guide up on the site .

Stop 7: Bethesda Terrace and Fountain

You can choose to head under the arch here to Bethesda Terrace or you can head across the street, take the view in from above, and then walk down the stairs on either side of the arch.

At the Bethesda Terrace you will find the famous fountain right in the middle with fantastic views of the Lake and Loeb Boathouse.

Stop 8: Bow Bridge

As you wrap up your time at the terrace, head to the pathway to the left that is hugging the Lake. A couple minutes down the pathway and you will soon be welcomed to the famous Bow Bridge.

You can decide to head across the bridge and into The Ramble if you would like and explore the southern end of this woodland area (you will be heading into the Ramble a bit later on too).

If you do head across the bridge into the Ramble, you can enjoy some nice benches and viewpoints area of the Lake .

Be careful not to venture off too far as it can get confusing in there. Try and stay to the immediate right and towards the Loeb Boathouse, which you may be able to see through the trees.

If you don’t want to go into the Ramble now, head back across the Bow Bridge and retrace your steps towards the Bethesda Terrace, where you can then follow the pathway towards the Loeb Boathouse.

Learn more in the Bow Bridge Central Park guide up on the site .

Stop 9: Conservatory Water

Across the main pathway from the Loeb Boathouse you will find the Conservatory Water and the Alice in Wonderland Statue.

Here you may find model boats racing their way around this water feature with the Manhattan skyline out in the distance.

At the northern part of the water you will see the famous Alice in Wonderland statue, an iconic statue of the park.

Stop 10: The Obelisk

Get back onto the main loop of the park (East Drive here), and continue northbound. To your left will the Ramble, which you may have just visited (and can visit later on) and just past that you will come across the Obelisk.

This is one of the more unique features of the park. It was created over 3,500 years ago in Egypt and eventually made its way right into Central Park.

Directly across from the Obelisk you will also find the Metropolitan Museum of Art, another great place to visit during your time in the city.

Stop 11: The Reservoir

Just past the Met and Obelisk, you will come across the Reservoir. Head towards the water here and follow the path counter clockwise northbound alongside this massive water feature.

Here you should get some of the best views of NYC with hopefully some nice water reflections along the way .

The tree lined pathway is beautiful to walk along as you get to enjoy this famous stroll, especially during NYC cherry blossom season .

Learn more in the Central Park Reservoir guide up on the site .

Stop 12: Conservatory Garden

Once you reach the northern end of the Reservoir, you will need to be a bit cautious here as you want to get back on East Drive. Be on the lookout for a pathway on your right that you can follow back to the main path (don’t forget to check out the map above!).

Continue northbound on East Drive as you then will come across the Conservatory Garden on your right. You will need to get off the main pathway here and into the garden area.

This is probably the most ornate garden in all of Central Park and is also one of the more unknown features as not too many people get up here.

Definitely have a walk around and enjoy the garden before making your way just north of it to the Harlem Meer.

Stop 13: Harlem Meer

As you exit through the north side of the Conservatory Garden you will get to see the Lasker Rink and the Harlem Meer right out in front of you.

There is currently a pretty big renovation going on here but if any of the paths near the Meer are open, you should take a quick walk around as it is one of the more underrated water features of the park.

Stop 14: The Loch & Ravine

Once wrapped up at the Meer, get back on East Drive, where you will want to be on the lookout for the Huddlestone Arch (right across from the rink).

At the beginning of the pathway near the arch, you will be welcomed to a great feature of the park as you arrive at the Central Park waterfall .

You will then continue to follow the pathway alongside the Loch, a serene stream that makes its way across the Ravine .

During the walk you will come across various turnoff areas to get closer to the Loch. Be sure to take these short detours so you can enjoy some great up-close views.

Learn more in the Central Park Trail guide up on the site .

Stop 15: The Pool

Towards the end of the trail alongside the Loch, you will climb some stairs and be welcomed to the Pool.

The Pool is another great water feature of the park and you should get to enjoy some beautiful reflections of the surrounding trees. It is also one of my favorite spots to enjoy the colors during NYC foliage time.

Feel free to walk around it for a bit as you take in the Pool from some different angles. Once finished up there, head back to the east side of the Pool, where you will get onto the main loop (now West Drive).

Stop 16: The Bridle Path

This is more up to you, but you can continue southbound on the main West Drive, or you can head on what is called the Bridle Path. This is a softer dirt pathway that gets you off of the busy West Drive.

You should see the Bridle Path directly on the left hand side of West Drive as you walk southbound.

For now, you can continue walking along the Bridle Path southbound, which will still be parallel to West Drive. The path heads by the baseball fields of the North Meadow, the tennis courts, the Reservoir (feel free to get back on the Reservoir path for a bit here too), and Great Lawn.

Continue southbound as you walk the path, head under some arches, and soon approach the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre on your left hand side.

Be on the lookout here as you don’t want to miss the turnoff up towards the Shakespeare Garden.

Learn more in the Central Park Bridle Path guide up on the site .

Stop 17: Shakespeare Garden

Just behind the Swedish Cottage you will find another great garden to enjoy on your self guided walking tour of Central Park.

From the cottage, follow the signs up to the Shakespeare Garden. Here you will an immaculate garden area that is made up of several levels.

Stop 18: Belvedere Castle

As you exit the Shakespeare Garden up top, you will be welcomed to the highest structure in Central Park – Belvedere Castle. The castle overlooks Turtle Pond, the Delacorte Theater, and the Great Lawn.

There is a great viewing are to enjoy outside of the castle but you can also head up into the castle too, and enjoy the views from a bit higher up.

Stop 19: The Ramble

Once all done at the castle, you will find a path that heads southbound into the Ramble.

As mentioned earlier, this is a confusing part of the park (I always still get lost in there) but feel free to walk around the paths for a bit and explore.

However, you will then want to get yourself back to the north end of the Ramble, where one of the pathways heads through the Ramble Arch and across the Oak Bridge.

From the bridge, you will get some additional great views of the Lake and NYC skyline.

Learn more in The Ramble Central Park guide up on the site.

Stop 20: Hernshead Rocks

Just south of the Oak Bridge you will see some pathways on the left hand side. Follow this pathway that will take you closer to the Lake to the Hernshead Rocks (one of the top Central Park rocks spots).

As you walk along this secondary pathway you will soon be welcomed to the Hernshead Rocks. There is a pathway that circles the rocks and gets you safely to the other side. Here you will find one of the best skyline views of Manhattan.

The reflection of the Lake is something to enjoy as you can sit back and enjoy what Central Park has to offer.

Stop 21: Walk Along the Lake

It is now time to walk all along the western side of the Lake as you get some great views all around. Retrace your steps off of the rocks and get yourself back towards West Drive.

You will want to stay on the pathway closest to the Lake so you can get some nice views all the way through .

Along the way you will get views of the Bow Bridge from a distance, pass by the Western Shore Boat Landing, and get to see some row boaters out in the water (during season).

During spring bloom, you may see some of the best Central Park cherry blossoms on nearby Cherry Hill as you walk the Lake.

Learn more in the Central Park Lake guide up on the site .

Stop 22: Sheep Meadow

Once all done walking along the Lake, you will soon approach one of the most happening parts of the park – Sheep Meadow. Here you will find the main congregation area of the park with hundreds laying out their towels to enjoy the park in a relaxing fashion.

This is a great way to end your time in the park as you can find a spot to sit down and relax at to finish up your day.

Feel free to then exit the park, and head back to your hotel after a long and exciting day exploring Central Park on your self guided walking tour.

5) How Long Does it Take to Walk Around the Park

For this self guided walking tour of Central Park, you should expect it to take 4-5 hours. This of course all depends on how fast you walk, how much time you spend taking photos, and if you happen to get lost along the way at any point.

The walking tour will take you along 6+ miles of pathways that wind their way in all directions. For the most part, this route does cover the majority of the main park highlights. There is certainly more to see and do throughout the park, which can add time onto your day.

If you do find additional attractions to visit, you should have no trouble adding them onto the route at one point or another.

6) Can You See All of Central Park in One Day

The short answer is yes, you can see Central Park in one day. But be prepared for this to be the one and only highlight of this day in New York.

This is not something you want to rush through during a visit. Plan to spend the majority of a day following this walking route, taking time to relax, and just enjoying your time in the park.

As mentioned earlier, the route should take 4-5 hours to complete, but I imagine you will want to take breaks and find some relaxing spots to sit down at along the tour.

And while you can see a good amount of Central Park in one day, there is little chance that you can see ALL of Central Park. There are so many various pathways that wind their way around the park. It would be impossible to say how long seeing every last corner of the park will take.

I will say though, that the above self guided walking tour of Central Park does take you to many of the top highlights. I have a hard time believing you will leave the park unsatisfied after going through a day like this.

That about does it for a self guided walking tour of New York’s Central Park. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to add them in below.

Also don’t forget to check out the remaining New York itineraries and guides up on the site like a Central Park in Winter guide.

• Little Island
• Hudson River
• Statue of Liberty
• Brooklyn Bridge

Have fun out there and safe travels!

Related posts:

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Thursday 22nd of June 2023

This looks awesome. We are heading to NYC for our first time in September and this will be a great help!

Friday 23rd of June 2023

You will have a great time! If you have any other NYC questions, feel free to reach out

Friday 14th of April 2023

Thanks so much for this map! Sorry if i missed it... how long approximately does it take to walk, and approx how many miles?

Saturday 15th of April 2023

Hi Ally - no worries! Check out section 5 in the article. The walk is about 6 miles and I would estimate 4-5 hours based on walking + stops. This can be done much quicker if you were simply walking all the way through without stopping much. Have fun!

Thursday 30th of March 2023

Thanks for putting this together. I look forward to doing this before it's 1000 degrees.

Mary McCauley

Friday 7th of October 2022

Sorry to bother you again but that actually looks like a different place. I’m trying to find out the name of the place in the picture that comes right after:

“Check out this helpful guide that talks all about the best places to stay in New York during a visit”

*Pic w Empire State

4) Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park”

Please let me know if you can. Thanks again!

Saturday 8th of October 2022

@Charles, yes, thank you so much! I was looking at the one in Times Square. I really appreciate your help. Enjoy your weekend.

Hi Mary - that is the Moxy NYC Chelsea. It is a hotel with a restaurant. Hope that helps

Thursday 6th of October 2022

Hello. Thanks for this informative article! It’s very helpful.

I was wondering if you could tell me the name of the restaurant in the picture of the Empire State. I’d love to check that out as well.

It’s right above #4…

@Mary McCauley, awesome. Thanks so much!

@Mary McCauley, It’s right above “4) Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park”

I’d really appreciate it. Thanks again

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Central Park Walking Tours

This post lists and compares the best Central Park walking tours including general tours and themed tours.

Our local walking tour guides have led tens of thousands of Central Park tours and know the park inside and out.

When we wrote this post, we looked for tours (in addition to our own), that include the park's history, stops at significant landmarks, and interesting anecdotes about all the beauty you'll see on the tour.

You'll get all of this and more on our guided tours and also from our GPS-led audio tour .

Take a look at our full calendar to see which tours are running when you plan to be in NYC.

Watch our 32-minute abridged version of our live guided tour.

NOTE: If you can't make our scheduled tours, please note that the New York Pass  and the Explorer Pass tourist passes include several Central Park tours for free.  

Read our post on which tourist pass to buy .

FREE TOURS BY FOOT

As the premiere walking tour company in NYC, it's no surprise that we offer several pay-what-you-like walking tours of Central Park.

Since 2010, we have led tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of people through NYC's most famous greenspace.

Besides leading tours, our tour guides have spent lots of their free time in Central Park. They know all the nooks and crannies of Central Park and so you really won't find more experienced guides than ours.

Our tours have no costs to book and are listed with (pay-what-you-wish) inside of the calendar and are also detailed below the calendar.  

And our reviews are as good as they get. Read them for yourself on Google , TripAdvisor , or any review platform that you trust.

At the bottom of this post, you'll find reviews of our Central Park tours from a handful of members of our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group.

The group has more than 225, 000 members and consists  of locals, like our guides, repeat visitors to NYC and newbies.

There's no need to join the group to read the posts and comments so check us out on Facebook!

We offer a seasonal and limited schedule of our Central Park walking tours, so we have also listed other for-fee walking tours available to you in the park.  

If you are interested in booking a private tour of Central Park, we have several affordable options.

FREE TOURS BY FOOT (Lower Section)

Once described as the lungs of the city, Central Park brings a breath of fresh air to New York's crowded urban terrain.

What started as the rocky and desolate northern fringes of a rapidly expanding city is today among the world's most famous and beloved public parks.

With over 843 acres (400 hectares) of meadows, hills, ball fields, and bodies of water, it's impossible not to find something to enjoy in Central Park.

Here's a sample from our GPS-led audio tour .

Join Free Tours by Foot as we stroll through the park and tell the epic story of New York's green oasis.

This Central Park tour explores the southern half of the park, wandering the winding pedestrian paths, passing a pond, rocky outcrops, bridges, open fields, and skyline views -- all great photo opportunities.

The tour also includes a stop in Strawberry Fields, a living tribute to John Lennon, and will end in front of the Dakota Hotel, where the great Beatles' life tragically ended.  

Sites we cover on the Central Park Walking Tours:

• Grand Army Plaza
• The Plaza Hotel
• Central Park Zoo
• The Mall and Literary Walk
• Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
• Sheep Meadow
• Strawberry Fields
• The Dakota Apartment Building

Tour information for Central Park Lower Section

Reservations:  REQUIRED.  Click here to reserve . Groups of 6 or more should visit our  groups' page .

Where:  The tour begins from the southwest corner of 59th St. and 5th Ave by the  Pulitzer Fountain  (Pomona - Roman goddess of purity) ( map ). The statue is located directly in front of the Plaza Hotel's main entrance.  The tour ends at  72nd St. and Central Park West .

Duration:  Approximately 2 hours. Approximately 1 mile in length.

When:  @9:45am Wednesdays and @9:45am Fridays (Fridays-early spring & late fall). Central Park Lower Section is also covered in the All in One Central Park tour @10am on Mondays and Fridays (late spring through early fall). More tours are available in the high season. Take this  any day as an audio tour .  Tours go out rain or shine. Dress appropriately for the weather.

If you can't make one of our tours, you might consider one of the  New York tourist passes , which include free guided tours of Central Park or through  Viator .

Cost:  This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done.  A  name-your-own-price tour  is a tour for anyone's budget.

Central Park Middle Section

This tour focuses on the middle of Central Park, starting in front of the beautiful American Museum of Natural History.

From there we enter the park and explore, seeing everything from a castle to the wild-looking Ramble.  

See an Ancient Egyptian obelisk and the place where Stuart Little raced his sailboat in the E.B. White children’s classic.

Don’t forget to bring along your camera!  There will be many wonderful photo opportunities throughout.

Listen to a sample of this tour from our GPS-led audio tour . 

Sites We Cover on Our Middle Central Park Tours:

• The Swedish Cottage
• Shakespeare Garden
• Belvedere Castle
• Turtle Pond
• The Delacorte Theatre ( Shakespeare in the Park )
• The Great Lawn
• Cleopatra’s Needle
• The Conservatory Waters
• Bethesda Terrace

Tour information for Central Park (Middle Section)

Reservations:  REQUIRED.  Click here to reserve . Groups of 6 or more should visit our  group's page .

Where:  The tour departs from the park entrance directly across the street from the American Museum of Natural History at the intersection of Central Park West, between 80th and 81st Streets ( map ). 

The tour ends at Bethesda Terrace, on the 72nd Street Traverse through Central Park.

When:  @2pm Sundays. Central Park Middle Section is also covered in the All in One Central Park tour @10am on Mondays and Fridays (late spring through early fall). Take this any time, any day as a  GPS-led audio tour  - sample.

Cost:  This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done.

A  name-your-own-price tour  is a tour for anyone's budget.

OTHER WALKING TOUR OPTIONS

Many companies offer walking tours of Central Park but not all offer tours regularly or offer only private tours.  

Below are highly-rated companies that offer regularly scheduled public tours.

Some of these tours are included at no additional cost in one or more of the money-saving NYC tourist attraction passes .  

We have listed which pass(es) each tour is included in the tour descriptions below. 

Click here to read our comparison post on these passes.

Manhattan and Beyond

This company offers a pretty good Central Park walking tour and is led by a former park employee, so you know you are getting the inside scoop about the park.

While learning about Central Park, you'll see several essential attractions such as the Dairy, the Literary Walk, the Conservatory Water, the Alice in Wonderland Statue, Bethesda Terrace, and Strawberry Fields.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cate Philbin (@cateinthecity)

You'll also learn about a few of the more noteworthy films that were shot here and see some of the filming locations.

• Cost: $25/Adults | $20/Seniors, Students, Military | $15/Youth
• Availability: Sunday and Monday at 9 am and 12 pm
• Duration: 2 hours
• Purchase tickets or learn more .
• Included with the New York Sightseeing Pass .

Manhattan and Beyond currently has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars ( read reviews here ).

Most guests were happy they took the tour, some reporting they weren't confident they could have found every stop on this outing by themselves.

That's the thing about Central Park. It's over 800 acres in size (400 hectares), so it can be easy not only to get lost but also to find specific locations within the park.

Since this tour is led by a former employee of Central Park, you can rely on them to help you find your way around.

Experience NYC

On this company’s two-hour tour you’ll be led by a friendly and knowledgeable guide with at least 5 years’ experience.

Sights you’ll visit including Wollman Rink, the Mall, Bethesda Fountain, Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields John Lennon Memorial and more.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @thenathanlao

Groups are small, with a maximum of 12 guests. This nice aspect of the tour allows guests to converse with guides and ask questions.

Your guide will point out the best photo opportunities, including locales from TV and movies like Home Alone 2 and Sex and the City .

• Cost: $36 per person
• Daily @ 10 am
• Learn more and purchase tickets here .

Experience NYC currently has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars ( read reviews here ).

Guests found the guides to be very knowledgeable about the park, so much so that a local who has been to the park more than 15 times learned some new things.

Reviews stated that the guides were welcoming, enthusiastic, humorous and engaging. Guests also liked the fact that the group was small.

One reviewer enjoyed the tour so much she said it was the highlight of her trip to NYC.

Central Park TV and Movie Sites

Nearly a thousand television shows and movies have been filmed in Central Park , so with a 2-hour-themed tour, you will get your money’s worth.

On Location Tours has a focused itinerary. Although you will get some Central Park history, this tour is for those with an interest in film.

The tours are led by actors and actresses, which adds to their authenticity.

Some of the many filming locations covered are Home Alone 2, When Harry Met Sally, Taxi, Elf, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Serendipity, Crocodile Dundee, The Producers, just to name a few.  

On Location Tours offers a full range of movie and television tours of NYC .  

• Cost: Adult $36, Child $26
• Daily @ 12 pm | Check for availability and additional tours.
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours

TIP: Both our Ghostbusters and our Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles self-guided tours include stops at and around Central Park.

On Location Tours has a strong 4 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor with over 2,000 reviews.

Reviewers find their tour guides very informative and enthusiastic, and the fact that they are actors themselves is seen as an advantage.

Reviewers feel that even if you are not a movie buff but you are traveling with one, there is enough trivia that everyone in your group will recognize some pop culture, along with enough history about the park itself to make it enjoyable for all.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVERLERS

We’re proud of our excellent ratings on Google and TripAdvisor , which is where most of our guests post reviews.

We do also get compliments from members of our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group. Some comment to thank us and others post comments to recommend our tours to others.

Below are just a handful of the nice things people had to say.

Not only did Janet below like our tour, she plans to do more with us when she comes bacK!

And as you can see, she received a lot of helpful information from the members of our Facebook group. 

So why not have a look at our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group for advice and recommendations about NYC.

You can even ask a question yourself!

OTHER TYPES OF CENTRAL PARK TOURS

• Central Park Bike Tours
• Central Park Horse and Carriage Tours
• Self-Guided Central Park
• Self-guided Central Park Movie and TV Tour

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1 Hour Tour

• 2 Hours Tour
• 3 Hours Tour
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Treat Yourself to a 1-Hour Central Park Pedicab Tour

Book online!

Central Park covers 1,317 square miles and every single inch of this glorious green space is truly magnificent. If you plan to be in the Big Apple in the foreseeable future, you should know that our 1-Hour Tour will allow you to explore this gorgeous New York City oasis in the most relaxing way .

Our 1-hour tour is a popular choice with tourists and townies alike, because it gives them the power to see the park’s most impressive attractions without walking or cycling. Our pedicab operators do all of the pedaling and also offer information about park highlights and history .

When you treat yourself to this tour, you’ll make memories which last a lifetime !

To help you decide whether or not this highly-rated and affordable tour is right for your needs, we’d like to give you some important facts.

Is This Tour Right For You?

Our tour gets stellar reviews . In fact, we’re renowned for offering the most beloved one hour pedicab tour of Central Park! Our guests love the comfort of our pedicabs and they enjoy discovering fun facts about the park during their tours.

If you’ve got a full itinerary, but really want to spend some time in this beautiful park, which was designed to rival the world’s most revered parks, such as the Bois de Boulogne in Paris, then we encourage you to book a tour with us today!

Our one-hour tour is action-packed and it’s a great way to fit plenty of enjoyment, sightseeing and learning into a short time frame! One thing that you’ll love about your tour is that you won’t need to tire yourself out while you’re experiencing it. You’ll be able to get healthy fresh air and see all of the sights, without exerting yourself. This means that you’ll have lots of energy left over for pounding the pavement in New York’s neighborhoods when your tour is complete!

The tour will leave you feeling rejuvenated. It’s such as awesome way to recharge your batteries during a trip to bustling New York City.

Our Pedicab Drivers Are Fun People

Our drivers are cherry-picked for their cycling skills, clean, well-groomed appearances, positive attitudes and extensive Central Park knowledge!

We’re so proud of our team of pedicab drivers and we know that you’ll enjoy chatting with your pedicab driver.

Our tours have a lighthearted vibe . This means that your pedicab driver will be there solely in order to ensure that you have a good time! Expect a few quips and a lot of amusing banter as you’re ferried about from attraction to attraction. We wants to see you smile, relax and drink in the legendary Central Park atmosphere.

When you choose this tour, you’ll be able to learn so much about this famous park. For example, you’ll get the inside scoop on popular movie scenes locations within Central Park boundaries. As well, you’ll discover the apartment locations of celebrities and discover interesting facts about the park’s rich heritage.

See The Park’s Key Attractions

We’ve designed a one-hour tour which will allow you to see Strawberry Fields (a touching tribute to John Lennon), the Dakota (John Lennon lived in this upscale apartment building with Yoko One before his shocking murder) and Bethesda Fountain (featured in many movies such as Enchanted, Gossip Girl, Home Alone 2, Avengers).

This just scratches the surface, so why not book today? Don’t forget your camera , as these key attractions will be well worth capturing!

Enjoy a VIP Tourist Experience

You deserve a VIP tourist experience which is all about your comfort and enjoyment . Our tour is fairly-priced and you’ll find that you’re treated like royalty throughout your journey by pedicab. Some of our clients are amazed by how affordable our one-hour tours really are…and you may just agree!

The best way to access the ultimate Central Park tourist experience is to book a 1-hour Central Park Pedicab Tour today. You’ll love the way that our popular tour makes you feel!

• Summer Stage
• Bethesda Terrace
• Strawberry Fields
• Grand Army Plaza
• Bethesda Fountain
• Tavern on the Green
• Heckscher Playground
• Cherry Hill
• Wollman Rink
• Sheep Meadow
• The Falconer

Book Online

• Infants and Toddlers (0-3): free
• Kids (4-15): $25
• Adults: $30

Please note: A minimum of 2 guests per reservation is required.

Book directly: No need for promo codes or vouchers! 

Book online and save!

Choose your Pedicab Tour pick-up option:

• 2745 Central Park S, New York, New York 10019
• We Can Customize Your Pick-up and Drop-off for some Hotels and Museums. 

Tour Duration Select from 30-minutes, 60-minute, 120-minute, or 150-minute!

About the Tour 

Immerse yourself in the splendor of the world’s most renowned urban park with the Best Central Park Pedicab Tours, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.

• Classic Tour : 1Hour Included
• Central Park Carouse l, 1802 65th St Transverse, New York City, NY 10065, pass by without stopping
• Wollman Rink , 830 5th Ave, New York City, NY 10065-7001, pass by without stopping
• The Plaza , 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA, 3 minutes
• Central Park Zoo , 830 5th Ave, New York City, NY 10065-7001, pass by without stopping
• Balto Statue , East Dr, New York, NY 10022, USA, pass by without stopping
• The Pond , Central Park South between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, New York City, NY 10019, pass by without stopping
• Gapstow Bridge , 62nd Street, New York City, NY 10019, pass by without stopping
• Rumsey Playfield , East Side at 71st Street, New York City, NY, pass by without stopping
• Conservatory Water , 5th Ave & E 74th St, New York City, NY 10021, pass by without stopping
• Loeb Boathouse , Park Drive North, E 72nd St, New York, NY 10021, USA, pass by without stopping
• Manhattan Mall , 6th Ave. and 33rd St., New York City, NY 10001, 5 minutes
• Bethesda Fountain , Midpark at 72nd St. Transverse Central Park, New York City, NY, 5 minutes
• Cherry Hill , Cherry Hill,  New York, 5 minutes
• Bow Bridge , Bow Bridge, Western Australia, 5 minutes
• Daniel Webster Monument , Central Park, New York City, NY, pass by without stopping
• Strawberry Fields , John Lennon Memorial, W. Park Dr. and W. 72nd St., New York City, NY 10023, 5 minutes
• The Dakota , 1 W 72nd St, New York City, NY 10023-3486, pass by without stopping
• Tavern On the Green , W 67th St, New York, NY 10023, USA, pass by without stopping
• Sheep Meadow , 1802 65th Street Transverse, 1802 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065, USA, pass by without stopping
• Pinebank Arch , Central Park West Historic District, New York, NY 10019, USA, pass by without stopping
• Deluxe Tour 2Hour Included:
• Belvedere Castle, 79th Street Mid Central Park, New York City, NY 10021, 15 minutes
• Obelisk, Central Park, New York City, NY, pass by without stopping
• Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, New York, NY 10128, USA, 5 minutes
•   Pond, Central Park, New York City, NY, pass by without stopping
• Alice in Wonderland Statue, 76th Street and 5th Avenue near Conservatory Lake, New York City, NY 10021, 5 minutes
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, New York City, NY 10028-0198, pass by without stopping
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave. at 89th St., New York City, NY 10128, pass by without stopping
• VIP Tour 2.5Hour Included :
• Times Square / Theater District, Times Square / Theater District, New York City, New York, pass by without stopping
• Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001, USA, pass by without stopping
• State Building, 20 West 34th Street, New York City, NY 10001, pass by without stopping
• Rockefeller Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza Rockefeller Centre, New York City, NY 10111-0100, pass by without stopping
• The Plaza, 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA, pass by without stopping
• Trump Tower, 725 Fifth Avenue, New York City, NY 10022-2519, pass by without stopping
• Patrick’s Cathedral, 50th Street & 5th Avenue Wheelchair accessibility located off the corner of 51st Street and 5th Avenue, New York City, NY 10022-6863, pass by without stopping

Prepare to embark on a unique adventure through Central Park! 

We Promise an Unforgettable Experience!  

Thank you, and We Look Forward to Welcoming You on a Fantastic Tour!

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• +1 201 751 1111
• [email protected]

Cycle along the scenic paths of Central Park on a bike tour!

Enjoy biking through Central Park at a casual pace on this 2-hour guided tour. Visit iconic  attractions such as Belvedere Castle, Wollman Rink, Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Fountain, and more!

Learn about the history and architecture of the park, and see where many famous movie & tv scenes were shot, like Friends, Ghostbusters, Maid in Manhattan, and Sex and the City.

Customer Reviews

"A bicycle tour is a wonderful way to discover Central Park."

"We had a fantastic time with our tour guide. He made it feel like we had a relaxing bike ride through the best places in the park with a knowledgeable friend. Thank you for a memorable day."

"Exceeded our expectations! Just the right pace, lots of great tips before we began our ride to ensure safety and maximum enjoyment of the tour. Favourite stop? Bethesda Fountain!"

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• Pedicab Tours
• Bike Rentals

Central Park Bike Tour

• The tour takes approximately 2 hours and it includes various stops along the way. On those stops, you can park the bicycle and go for a short stroll along some of the most stunning views of Central Park.
• Including Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, The Bow Bridge, Balto and many more. In addition, you will also visit some of the hidden places in Central Park - the Ravine, the secret waterfall and of course our team’s favorite - the Central Park Ramble!
• 2 Hours - $53 - Prices are per person Book Here .

Central Park Pedicab Tour

• Sit down and relax while your tour guide tells you about the history of the park, architecture, interesting trivia and of course points out the exact location of all those blockbuster movies filmed in Central Park
• Reserve either 1 hour or 2 hour guided pedicab tour. If you are already in the park, don’t worry, we can send the tour guide to pick you up from one of the many designated pick up zones inside Central Park.
• 1 Hour - $53 - 2 Hours - $89 - Prices are per person
• Book Here .

Central Park Bike Rental

• You can pick up your bike from one of our convenient locations around the park. In case you are already inside the park, no worries, we can send our concierge to deliver the bike(s) to one of the many designated bike zones inside the park. At the time of booking, we will direct you to the nearest bike pick up station in the park.
• Pack some light snacks and a water bottle, take one of the park maps we provide. When reserving your bike rental, you will have an option to include an audio guided tour.
• 1 Hour $15 - 2 Hours $20 - 3 Hours $25 - All Day (9am -7pm) $40

About Central Park

Find all the information you need to enjoy your visit to New York City’s iconic Central Park.

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Central Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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ASU 2024 spring graduation: When is it, what can I bring and where should I park?

Graduation day is less than a month away for students across Arizona. Arizona State University students will celebrate among thousands of their peers this May at the university’s spring commencement ceremonies.

Many who are set to graduate started their college careers in the midst of a global pandemic.

Last year, ASU celebrated 19,700 graduating students. Of them, 15% were international students, roughly 70% attended in-person and nearly half were Arizona residents. ASU, with campuses in Tempe and Phoenix, is one of the largest universities in the country with more than 140,000 students enrolled in total.

Here’s what to know before celebration day for the Sun Devils.

When is ASU graduation?

This year, spring commencement will be on May 6 for both graduate and undergraduate ASU students. The ceremonies will be at different times of day, allowing guests to attend both. The undergraduate ceremony will last around 90 minutes and no tickets are required for either ceremony.

ASU graduate commencement will be at 9 a.m. at Desert Financial Arena. Doors are set to open at 7:30 a.m.

Undergraduate commencement will be at 7:30 p.m. at Frank Kush Field at Mountain America Stadium. Doors are set to open at 6 p.m.

More than 30 school-specific convocations are scheduled throughout graduation week. For a full list, including locations and times, visit ASU’s site .

What can I bring to ASU's graduation?

Guests for graduation will have to adhere to ASU’s clear bag policy . All clutch bags larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches will need to be transparent, such as a gallon-sized plastic bag. Seat cushions without pockets or zippers are allowed.

Other prohibited items:

• Outside beverages
• Tobacco or e-cigarette products
• Selfie sticks and tripods
• Full-size strollers
• Noisemakers
• All weapons

All guests with non-compliant bags will need to return items to their car.

Where should I park at ASU's graduation?

ASU’s campus includes multiple parking locations detailed on its site . General parking is free and on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Parking near Mountain America Stadium:

• Packard Drive Structure

Parking near Desert Financial Arena :

• Packard Drive South Garage
• Novus Parking Structure

A courtesy shuttle is available for guests with a disability or accessibility license plate who are parked at Lot 59. More information is online or by calling 480-965-6407.

Helen Rummel covers higher education for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @helenrummel .