Self Guided Audio Tour of Central Park New York

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2

  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3
  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 4
  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5
  Strawberry Fields

  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 6
  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 7

  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 8
  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 9

  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 10
  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 11
  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 12
  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 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.

  Admission ticket free
• 13

  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 14

  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 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.

  Admission ticket free
• 15

  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 16

  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 17

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

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 18
  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 19

  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 20
  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• 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

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