Central Park Walking Tour - Private
About this activity
Explore Central Park on a 2.5-hour private walking tour with your own local guide. See Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, the Mall and Belvedere Castle.
Highlights
- Explore Central Park with your own private guide
- See Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge and Belvedere Castle
- Learn the stories behind park design and landmarks
- Enjoy a private guide exclusively for your group
- Explore lakes, meadows, statues and hidden paths on foot
Full description
Discover Central Park with a professional guide exclusively for your group on a 2.5-hour outdoor walk. See celebrated landmarks including Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, Bow Bridge, the Mall and Literary Walk, Sheep Meadow and Belvedere Castle. Hear how the park was designed and the stories behind its bridges, statues and scenery. The exact route may vary. The tour runs rain or shine; wear comfortable shoes. Attraction admission is not included.
Meet your guide by the Simón Bolívar statue at the northeast corner of Sixth Avenue and 59th Street. Walk into Central Park past the Pond and Gapstow Bridge, with views of the park’s landscapes and city skyline. Continue past the zoo exterior, Balto statue and Carousel toward Sheep Meadow and the elm-lined Mall. Explore Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, the Lake and Bow Bridge, then head toward Belvedere Castle. The walk normally ends near Central Park West and 80th Street, by the American Museum of Natural History. Stops and route may vary, including for access needs. This is a private guided outdoor tour, rain or shine. The Central Park Zoo is viewed from outside only; attraction admission, food, drinks, hotel transfers and gratuities are not included.
Included / Excluded
- Professional local tour guide
- Guided 2.5-hour Central Park walking tour
- Landmarks and history along a scenic park route
- Food and drinks, hotel pickup or drop-off, gratuities, luggage or coat storage
Itinerary
Simón Bolívar Monument and southern park entrance
Meet at the equestrian statue, then begin the walk into Central Park.
The Pond, Gapstow Bridge and park landmarks
Pass the Pond, Gapstow Bridge, Central Park Zoo exterior, Balto statue, the Dairy and the Carousel.
Meeting point
Start Location
59 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019, USA
59 Central Park S, New York, NY 10019, USA
Meet at the Simón Bolívar statue, not elsewhere along Central Park South.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- This is an outdoor guided walk; stops and route can vary.
- Wheelchair-friendly private tour: contact Babylon Tours in advance to arrange an accessible route.
- Tour does not include museum or attraction entrances
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Dress for outdoor weather—tour runs rain or shine
- Bring bottled water and sun protection
- No food, drinks, or admissions provided
- Meet by the Simón Bolívar statue at the northeast corner of Sixth Avenue and 59th Street; arrive 10 minutes early.
Cancellation policy
Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
Reviews
We booked this tour to get as much as possible out of our time at The Met. What we didn’t know we were getting was a personalized experience full of captivating stories about the artists' lives and the people who brought the art to the museum. Robin was a wealth of knowledge and a highlight of our trip to New York!
Spent a great day with Charlie he was very engaging and shared lots of information and entertaining stories with us. He took great care of us and we would recommend him for any future tours.
Mark, tour guide for the Metropolitan Museum is an outstanding teacher: engaging; entertaining; professional; personable; experienced and deeply knowledgeable as a result of a lifelong passion and relationship with the Met. He loves what he does and cares deeply about sharing his knowledge and insight to spark curiosity and inspire his clients--his students--to understand context and meaning of each piece or work of art reviewed. My wife, a retired professor emeritas and myself both left thoroughly impressed and grateful to have been taught by best and most captivating guides we have had the privilege of meeting on one of our many travels and adventures. Hire the best. Hire Mark. Worth every penny and every minute of your time you can afford at the Met. Like us, you will look forward to coming back for another teaching session from Mark. In my case, hopefully we will be back on my birthday next year! (Thanks again Mark!)
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
Bring an ID or a photo of an ID showing age. Do not bring items larger than a small backpack. The tour runs rain or shine. Late arrivals may miss the tour. For help, call +1 917 999 0380.