Self Guided Audio Tour of Central Park New York

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Self Guided Audio Tour of Central Park New York

By Drives & Detours

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
2h 30m
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation

Overview

Explore Central Park like never before with a self-guided audio tour that reveals its tranquil beauty and rich history.

This immersive experience is designed to reflect the vision of its creators and invites you to wander through serene spots such as Hallett Nature Sanctuary and iconic landmarks like Bethesda Fountain and Bow Bridge.

Discover the stories behind hidden gems like Shakespeare Garden and Belvedere Castle, all while reconnecting with nature in this urban sanctuary.

— Self-guided audio tour showcasing Central Park's design and history
— Discover iconic sites such as Bethesda Fountain and Bow Bridge
— Unearth hidden stories in the park's tranquil spaces and gardens
— Experience the park as envisioned by its designers, Olmsted and Vaux

Activity location

Bethesda Terrace
- Mid-Park at 72nd Street
- 10021, New York City, New York, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

José Julián Martí Statue
- Center Drive
- 10019, New York, New York, United States

Check availability

Self Guided Audio Tour of Central Park New York in English

2h 30m
Opening hours: Thu 8:00am-8:00pm
English

Travelers

Language options: English

Price details

$9.99 x 1 Adult$9.99

Total

What's included, what's not

Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
Audio Guide
App and Tour Download
Smartphone (bring your own)

Know before you book

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time

Activity itinerary

Bethesda Terrace

This ornate terrace opens onto one of Central Park’s most beloved symbols—the sculpted Angel of the Waters fountain, graced by decorative tile and sweeping views. Bethesda Terrace is both a crossroads and a serene spot for quiet reflection amidst the city's bustle.

The Mall

The Mall and Literary Walk is a grand, tree-lined promenade where elm canopies arch overhead and statues of writers stand sentinel. It’s one of the few formal, planned spaces in the Park, designed for strolling, reading, and pausing to take in your surroundings.

Bow Bridge

A graceful cast-iron bridge with Gothic details that arcs over tranquil water, often framed by willows and reflective surfaces. Bow Bridge is a favorite for photographers and lovers seeking sweeping views of the city in green.

Belvedere Castle

Perched atop Vista Rock, this miniature castle offers views high above the treetops, with towers, terraces, and an observatory. Belvedere Castle feels like stepping into another world inside the Park.

Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial

Strawberry Fields is a peaceful memorial to John Lennon. The shaded garden space draws visitors with its mosaic Imagine center and message of harmony, creating a place for remembrance and quiet gathering.

Alice in Wonderland Statue

A whimsical bronze sculpture where Alice, the Mad Hatter, and friends beguile children and adults alike. The statue captures the playful side of Central Park in vivid detail.

Conservatory Garden Center Fountain

Divided into three themed gardens, this formal space is full of blooms, fountains, and serenity. The Conservatory Garden & Fountain is one of the Park’s best escapes when you want beauty without crowds.

The Ramble

A richly wooded, winding landscape designed to feel wild and untamed in the heart of Manhattan. Perfect for birdwatching, hidden trails, and a pause from geometry and stone.

The Great Lawn

A wide, open meadow that has hosted concerts, picnics, sports, and free expression for generations. The Great Lawn is a living space—grass, skyline, and sky are all part of the show.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is a massive water body edged with running paths and framed by skyline views on all sides. It’s especially striking at sunrise or sunset, with water, light, and sky in soft conversation.

Shakespeare Garden

Hidden just off the walks, Shakespeare Garden pays tribute to the Bard with flowers mentioned in his works and a romantic layout—a green pocket of poetry in bloom.

Gapstow Bridge

A rustic stone arch that spans a gently flowing inlet, with the city reflected in water and trees in all directions. It’s a shorter walk, but one that rewards with magic.

Central Park Zoo (Pass by)

Compact and charming, Central Park Zoo brings close encounters with penguins, snow leopards, sea lions, and more. This is an ideal visit for families or anyone curious about wildlife in the city.

The Obelisk

The Obelisk is an ancient Egyptian obelisk standing tall among trees and pathways—it’s one of New York’s oldest public monuments. The stone, markings, and surrounding plaza offer a powerful sense of history.

Delacorte Theater

An open-air amphitheater where Shakespeare in the Park and other free performances have thrilled audiences. Delacorte Theater is especially magical at twilight, when sound, stars, and stage blur.

Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre (Pass by)

A charming cottage that houses performances of tiny scale but grand imagination. Puppetry, artistry, and whimsy collide in a beautifully preserved setting.

Harlem Meer

This quiet lake is embraced by greenery and activity in the Park’s northern reaches—rowboats, fishing, and picnics. It feels tucked away yet connected to the pulse of the city.

North Woods

One of Central Park’s most rugged zones, the North Woods is full of rock ledges, dense woodland, and tumbling streams. It’s designed to feel like wilderness in miniature.

Hallett Nature Sanctuary

A wild, protected zone tucked behind dramatic cliffs and city sidewalks—perfect for observing native plants, birds, and discovering quiet green solitude.

Ladies Pavilion

A delicate, raised pavilion set on an elevated slope, offering lovely views and poetic design features. The Ladies Pavilion is elegant, quietly beautiful, and often missed.

The Pond

At the southeastern edge, this placid water body reflects the trees and buildings. Geese and wildlife often appear on this easy walk, and it provides a moment to feel far from the city.

Balto Statue

A bronze tribute to the sled dog hero of Alaska, this statue is small but full of character. The Balto Statue reminds visitors that even in the heart of New York, other landscapes and stories reach in.

Location

Activity location

Bethesda Terrace
- Mid-Park at 72nd Street
- 10021, New York City, New York, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

José Julián Martí Statue
- Center Drive
- 10019, New York, New York, United States

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