2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Daily Tour
8 people
English
Central Park is New York City’s most beloved urban oasis, but not many know the park’s interesting history and design. With this private walking tour, take a deep dive into the park’s past as you stroll with a guide to landmarks you’ll recognize from movies and TV, like the Gapstow Bridge, Strawberry Fields, and Bethesda Fountain. Join locals lounging in Sheep Meadow and see John’s Lennon’s former apartment building.
.Explore this 19th century project that gave city dwellers an escape from urban life. Learn about the statues of prominent figures like Bolivar and Marti, or check out statues of more playful figures like sled-dog Balto and characters from Alice in Wonderland. Cross the charming – and famous – Gapstow Bridge on your way to the Central Park Zoo. Stroll the tree-lined Mall and discuss the literary figures along its path, ending at the instantly-recognizable Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. Cross Bow Bridge on your way to Strawberry Fields and the Dakota to learn about John Lennon’s final day at his memorial. Pass by Tavern on the Green to book dinner later in the evening or join the locals in Sheep Meadow, where New Yorkers of all walks of life can kick back and relax.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
After meeting your guide at the Latin America History equestrian statues on the corner of 6 Ave & 59 St, you will enter the park. One of the first things you will see is the surviving ASPCA horse drinking fountain sited in 1912. Although we are well into the world of the automobile, this represents the only place in the city where one can bring a horse to drink water if they happen to have one.
You will then walk west to get a stunning view of the new SuperScrapers. 432 Park Avenue is a residential skyscraper that overlooks Central Park. The skyscraper is the second tallest building in New York behind One World Trade Centre, making it a prime location to live at.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Next you will see the Time Warner Center, a mixed-use building complex that consists of two twin towers bridged by a multi-story atrium. The complex contains upscale retail shops as well as some office and residential flats. Yet another impressive skyscraper for you to photograph!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Afterwards, you will visit Bow Bridge, the largest bridge in the park. It is a cast iron bridge, decorated designed with Classical Greek refinement during the 19th century. While other bridges in the park are inconspicuous, Bow Bridge is made to stand out from its surroundings, decorated with an interlocking circles banister and intricate elements underneath the arch span.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Another bridge you will come across during your tour is the beautiful schist Gapstow Bridge that ws initially built in 1874. The bridge offers one of the best views of the New York City skyline and you will be able to get some great shots of the city.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Then, you will make your way to the Great Lawn, a site of 55-acres that is considered one of the most famous lawns in the world. The Lawn is a great place to have a picnic on a spring afternoon or catch some rays in summer. Close by you will see the Turtle Pond, where most of the park’s turtles live.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
After this you will see the Dakota, perhaps the most famous cooperative building in the city. Constructed in 1884, it still maintains much of its original character. It was the home of John Lennon, former Beatles member from 1973 until his murder in the archway of the building in 1980.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Following, you will visit Strawberry fields, a 2.5-acre area in Central Park that pays tribute to the late Beatle, John Lennon. A designated quiet area in the park, Strawberry files is lined with elm trees, shrubs, flowers and rocks, making it a tranquil, picturesque site.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
During your walk you will come across what is known as the Angel of Bethesda atop of Bethesda Fountain. Located in the centre of Bethesda Terrace, the angel became New York City’s first major piece of public art commissioned from a woman.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Finally, we will end our tour at the Central Park Zoo, at the southeast corner of Central Park in New York City. Here, you can either stay and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the park, or your guide will accompany you to the nearest subway.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included