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 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. Pass by Tavern on the Green—you might want to book dinner for later in the evening—or join the locals in Sheep Meadow, where New Yorkers 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 6th Avenue and 59 Street, you enter the park. One of the first things you see is the surviving ASPCA horse drinking fountain sited in 1912. This represents the only place in the city where one can bring a horse to drink water if they happen to have one.

You then walk west to get a stunning view of the residential skyscrapers that overlook Central Park. Spot the second tallest building in New York behind One World Trade Center.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

You pass Time Warner Center, a mixed-use building complex that consists of two 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 that you might want to photograph.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Afterwards, you visit Bow Bridge, the largest bridge in the park. It is a cast iron bridge, decorated with Classical Greek refinement. While other bridges in the park are inconspicuous, Bow Bridge is made to stand out from its surroundings, and is decorated with an interlocking circles banister and intricate elements underneath the arch span.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Another bridge you come across during your tour is the beautiful Gapstow Bridge that was initially built in 1874. The bridge provides one of the best views of the New York City skyline, offering an ideal perspective on the city.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

You can make your way to the Great Lawn, a 55-acre site 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 see the Turtle Pond, where many of the park’s turtles live.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Dakota is perhaps the most famous cooperative building in the city. Constructed in 1884, it still maintains much of its original character. John Lennon, former Beatles member, lived here until his murder in the archway of the building in 1980.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Strawberry Fields is 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 Fields is lined with elm trees, shrubs, flowers and rocks, making it a tranquil, picturesque site.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Angel of Bethesda atop of Bethesda Fountain is on view next. Located in the center 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, end your tour at the Central Park Zoo, at the southeast corner of Central Park. Here, you can either stay and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the park, or your guide can accompany you to the nearest subway.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included