Central Park is among New York’s best-loved landmarks. Explore it on foot with the aid of the best local knowledge on these fab walking tours.
(Photo: Viator.com)
One thing that makes New York particularly special is the preservation of a vast tract of land for public use. Despite being flanked on all sides by what is some of the world’s priciest real estate, Central Park’s elegant assembly of ponds, walkways, bridges and monuments make it a must-visit location. But at 2.5 miles long and half a mile wide, there’s a lot of ground to cover. That’s why these excellent Central Park guided walking tours are a great way to make the most from your time there.
Guided Walking Tour of Central Park
Departing every day of the year at midday, this two-hour walking tour of Central Park is a reliable way to better appreciate Manhattan’s giant green lung. Your guide will unfurl the park’s history and social significance through landmarks such as the Jackie Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, Strawberry Fields and the Bethesda Fountain. As with all tours on this list, be sure to wear some comfortable shoes and be prepared for whatever weather the New York climate has to offer. Itineraries may change during the year in respect of the seasonal highlights. From $24 per person.
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New York City’s Central Park Highlights Walking Tour
Given the sheer size of Central Park, seeing everything in a short space of time is not easy, particularly if you’re planning to visit on your own. But with the help of your guide on this tour, you’ll be able to move from one highlight to another seamlessly over two and a half hours, leaving plenty of time to delve into other areas of New York. The tour operator, Custom NYC Tours, keeps group sizes small (maximum of ten people), and itineraries are planned around the season. From $30 per person.
Central Park Movie Locations Walking Tour
Most people who have never even set foot in the United States or even New York feel intimately familiar with Central Park. It may indeed be one of the world’s most famous parks thanks to its regular presence in movies and TV shows, including Friends, When Harry Met Sally and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. And the filming locations within the park neatly coincide with some of the best sights in this green space, making this popular walking tour of Central Park the perfect combo option. Tours run from Thu-Sun from Sept to May, and daily from Jun to Aug. From $36 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Central Park Walking Tour
Local guides who have lived near Central Park for years are the best people to accompany you on a jaunt through this beautiful inner city idyll. In a small group (up to 12 people), you will explore the park to an itinerary that always includes a neat balance of notable landmarks and lesser known fascinations that only an expert can show you. Discover the history and culture that have become wrapped up in the lore of Central Park as you go. These walking tours run on most days of the year and last for around two hours. From $45 per person.
Central Park Exclusive Guided Walking Tour
For a tour that really gets into the finer detail of the design and history of New York’s most celebrated park, this is a great way to explore. See the 19th-century Bow Bridge and learn about its unique design, plus The Dakota and Strawberry Fields to hear all about John Lennon’s final years living on the edge of Central Park, along with dozens of other landmarks from filming locations to the park’s own zoo. This is a daily, all-weather tour that also has a private option available for roughly twice the price. From $84 per person.