central park free tour

• Destinations
• Tours in New York

Central Park Free Walking Tour & Landscaping

Overview of the tour in New York

We will start our tour at the majestic Belvedere Castle, with an unbeatable panoramic view of the park. From there, we will head to the ruins of Seneca Village, where you will immerse yourself in the historical roots of New York City. As you marvel at the beauty of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Lake, we will take you to Heaven's Rest Episcopal Church, a hidden corner of serenity. You cannot miss visiting the Guggenheim Museum, famous for its architectural design and stunning art exhibitions. The Met Museum will also be on our way, a real treasure for art lovers. Then, we will have a stop at the bird nature reserve, a true paradise for bird watchers. The charming Gondola Lakes will make you feel as if you were in Venice. Our tour would not be complete without a visit to Strawberry Field and the John Lennon monument, a special place full of peace and music. Finally, we will end our tour at the iconic Dakota building, famous for being the home of numerous celebrities and sadly, the place where John Lennon was murdered. Remember to bring enough cash and consider a recommended tip of 30 USD for our guides. Thank you for your understanding and support!

This activity includes:

• Strawberry Fields
• Central Park
• Belvedere Castle
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
• Imagine Mosaic
• Maine Monument
• Seneca Village Site
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Professional Tour Guide
• pay what you wish
• Central Park High lights

Meeting point

Maine monument

Find us with the purple umbrella in front of the museum.

Things to note

Please bring comfortable clothes, sunscreen, water, and a hat.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

• Join Freetour
• Provider Sign In
• Affiliate Program
• Security & Privacy
• Terms & Legal
• Cookie policy
• Freetour Awards
• Ratings & Reviews powered by

Central Park Walking Tour

Book the best walking tour in NYC and explore Central Park!

Experience Central Park with a knowledgeable guide and visit many well-known attractions on this exciting 2-hour adventure!  Click here for info about our special early morning Holiday Walking Tour !

Learn about the history and architecture of the park through iconic landmarks like Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields, Wollman Rink, Gapstow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, and more. See where many famous movie and tv scenes were shot, such as Home Alone 2, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Spiderman 3, and Sex and the City.

We allow for a maximum of 15 people on our tours, for a more personalized experience!

• Duration : 2 hours
• Price : $35 adult / $19 child (14 and under)
• Booking : See schedule and book using the calendar below:
• Private Tours : $49 per person  Book Here

Picnic at The Pool

Add a picnic.

Make your outing even more memorable by adding a gourmet picnic in the park!

We offer fully catered picnics as well as grab & go options.

Perfect for social gatherings, families, couples, corporate outings, schools, graduations, birthday parties, or any occasion!

See Picnic Packages

Customer Reviews

Great Walk in Central Park

"Chris was a terrific guide on our two-hour walking tour of Central Park. They keep the groups small, so it was easy to hear him and ask questions. He was very knowledgeable about the park and the surrounding area. He also had a great sense of humor - maybe because he is also a stand-up comedian at night. Previously we had never actually been IN Central Park - just around it often. We couldn't believe how removed from the city we felt and how peaceful and calm our walk was. I think walking is the best way to appreciate all the park has to offer."

Walking tour with Tom

"During our two-hour walking tour with super guide Tom we learned more about the history of the park than probably more than 80% of New Yorkers. The park is wonderful and would be enjoyable just walking by yourself. However, the historical information added by Tom made it extra special. Would highly recommend this leisurely walk of the southern part of Central Park."  

Great Tour - Great Guide

"Took a two-hour walking tour of the southern half of Central Park. I was really lucky as I was the only person, so got a personal tour. Adam, my tour guide, was great. He supplemented the tour with photos on his I-pad which gave before and after images of the park. The route encompassed many interesting aspects of the park and was punctuated with loads of history. Highly recommended!"

Visitor Info

• Park Contact Info

Most Popular

• Strawberry Fields
• Central Park Zoo
• Ice Skating
• Horse & Carriage Rides
• Bike Rentals
• Yoga Classes
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Advertising

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 Greensward Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

Free Guided Walking Tours of Central Park

Jan 8, 2017 | Deals , Free , Sights , Things to Do , Tours

Free Tours Offered by the Central Park Conservancy

The Central Park Conservancy is the organization responsible for keeping Central Park the beautiful place to visit that it is today. They’re a not-for-profit organization that has contracted with New York City since the 1980s to manage the park. That’s a big job, because Central Park in huge, as in 843 acres huge!

Because the park is so large, it’s fairly easy to get yourself turned around and a little lost without a guide. The folks with Central Park Conservancy probably know the park better than anyone else, making them a great choice for guided tours. Conservancy tour guides give both free and paid tours. To see the full list of tours available, please visit the Central Park Conservancy website .

Free Central Park Tours

The Southern Welcome Tour – An introductory tour of the southern portion of the park including Grand Army Plaza, the Chess and Checkers House, Wollman Rink, Gapstow Bridge, The Pond, and the Dairy Visitor Center.

Mid-Park Welcome Tour – An introductory tour of the middle portion of the park including the Lake, Belvadere Castle, the Ramble, Oak Bridge at Bank Rock Bay, and Balcony Bridge.

Northern Welcome Tour –  An Introductory tour of the northern portion of the park including Harlem Meer, the Conservatory Garden, and the North Woods.

Secrets of the Southwest Park – Explore and learn little-known facts about one of the most-visited sections of the park. Highlights include the Maine Monument, the Children’s District, Sheep Meadow, Tavern on the Green, and Strawberry Fields.

Heart of the Park Tour – This tour through the middle of the park includes Bethesda Fountain, Cherry Hill, The Lake, Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Conservatory Water, Loeb Boathouse, and Strawberry Fields.

Visit the tours section of the Central Park Conservancy’s website for a current list of available tours.

The free tours last 60 to 90 minutes and start at various meeting places throughout the park. Check the individual tour descriptions and schedule for tour length and meeting places.

Tours take place rain or shine, except in extreme weather conditions (heavy rain, sustained winds of 30 mph or more, heavy snowstorms, wind chill below 25 degrees F, or heat index above 95 degrees F.  Cancellations will be noted on the online calendar at the Conservancy’s website , so if the weather seems iffy, check there.

Free Self-Guided Tours

If you’d rather explore on your own, the Conservancy has a nice selection of self-guided walking tours available for free download in PDF format. Tours available for download include a North End Tour, Mid-Park Tour, South End Tour, and Woodland Tour, plus a Monthly Mile Tour that covers a different mile-long walk in the park each month, and a series of Tree Walks that help you learn about the many types of trees in Central Park while you explore the Great Lawn, the Bethesda Terrace area, 59th Street, the East Meadow, or the Upper West Side. Download self-guided walking tours of Central Park here .

The Free Official Central Park App is also useful for self-guided explorations. The GPS-enabled app provides an interactive map that will show you where you are located with in the park and what is nearby. The app also includes the Celebrity Audio Guide .

There’s also a free audio guide that provides celebrity commentary of some of the park’s most famous locations. You can access the audio guide with the Official Central Park App or via a special phone number. Lean more about the audio guide here .

The Central Park Conservancy pays for 75% of the park’s annual operating budget plus all maintenance and capital improvement costs, so if you enjoy Central Park and want to help support its continued maintenance, you might consider taking one of the paid tours or becoming a Central Park Conservancy member .

Paid tours provide in-depth explorations of specific areas of the park or about specific topics. See a full list of available tours here .

365 Free Things to Do in New York City

Sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter to receive Free Things to Do updates via email.

Search This Site

News & discounts.

A Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park by a Local (Map & Itinerary)

By: Author Charles

Posted on October 22, 2023

A visit to Central Park can be quite overwhelming for those who want to wander its pathways. There are 843 acres of nonstop nature to explore spanning 50 New York City blocks.

Since there is so much to see and do within the park, it can get confusing on how to put together the best self-guided walking tour of Central Park. As someone who has walked all corners of the park over the course of 10+ years, I have a pretty solid understanding of how to put together the best possible Central Park itinerary for first time visitors.

This overview will give you step by step directions on what a one day self-guided tour of Central Park will look like and what to expect during your walk. Hope you enjoy it out there!

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) Ways to Tour the Park

Before getting into this self-guided walking tour of Central Park, I did want to mention some of the other main ways to go about a visit.

1) Join a Guided Tour

While I am one for the self-guided options, many people want to have a tour guide join them for their day in the park. This way you will not need to worry about getting lost or heading in the wrong direction. A tour guide will walk you around the park, give you some history lessons, and answer your questions along the way.

These walking tours usually do not head to all parts of the park, but rather just some of the main areas. Feel free to check out this two hour Central Park walking tour if interested in having a guide along with you.

2) Take a Pedicab

At the entrance of the park, you will find many pedicab drivers asking to take you around. This is a fast and convenient way to see a lot of the park in a shorter period of time.

However, it also takes away the chance to go to the inner pathways of the park, which in my opinion are some of the best spots. The pedicabs need to stick to the main streets of the park but can drop you off in different areas along the way for you to explore a bit more.

You can also choose to join a private Central Park Pedicab tour ahead of time .

3) Bike the Park

If you are not into walking and want to see the park on your own, you could rent a bicycle from some of the bike rental spots located right outside some of the main entrances. Riding a bike gives you the chance to see more of the park in a shorter period of time.

However, you will not be able to take a bicycle into certain areas of the inner park or alongside some of the main highlights. While you can get off the main outer loop, and onto some of the inner walking paths, you will be a bit more limited.

If you don’t want to explore the park by bike alone, you can also join a Central Park Bicycle tour .

4) Self Guided Walk

At the end of the day though, a self-guided walking tour of Central Park will give you the most flexibility compared to all the options above. You can see everything you want to see at your own pace, and best of all it’s all completely free!

The rest of this article will dive into one of the most wholistic routes of Central Park and what I would recommend for those wanting to see the highlights.

Central Park Tours : Check out some of the other top Central Park tours that are offered in throughout park

2) Self-Guided Walking Tour Map

We will first start out with a map of this self guided walking tour. You will find each of the highlights pinned on the map below, along with the actual walking route to follow along the way.

Feel free to reference this map as you go through this guide to understand the various directions and turns you will need to make along the way.

Visit Central Park as part of a longer 4 days in NYC itinerary that takes you throughout the city .

Note : there will be instances where you will be able to walk along parallel paths to those shown on the map. You do not need to follow the route to the tee.

3) Where to Stay in NYC

There are so many different neighborhoods to choose from when visiting NYC. Below are some of my top choices for a few of my recommended locations in the city:

Looking for the top hotels & neighborhoods in NYC? Check out some helpful accommodation resources when it comes to picking the best spot for you! Neighborhood Overview : Best Places to Stay in NYC Best Skyline Views : NYC Hotels with a View Times Square : Top Times Square Hotels with a View Theater District : Hotels in Broadway Theater District Central Park : Best Hotels with Central Park Views Tribeca : Best Tribeca Hotels SoHo: Where to Stay in SoHo Greenwich Village : Top Greenwich Village Hotels Brooklyn Bridge : Hotels with Brooklyn Bridge Views Best Panoramas : Hotels in NYC with Floor to Ceiling Windows

4) Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park

Now that you have a visual view of the self-guided walking tour, let’s get into a step by step guide of the walk itself.

Below I will give a detailed overview of how to go about your walk. Remember to reference the map above to give you a better idea of where you will be going directionally.

Be sure to also check out some of the other top things to do in New York City during a visit!

Walking Tour Starting Point

There are so many different entrances on all sides of Central Park. For the sake of this walking tour though, I will be starting it off at the southeast corner of the park on 59 th Street and 5 th Avenue. On Google Maps you will see this named Grand Army Plaza .

Here is where the beginning of East Drive is, which then runs up the entire East side of the park. You may see some pedicabs and horse & carriages waiting around the starting point as well since it is one of the more popular park entrances.

Stop 1: The Pond Viewpoint

From the entrance of East Drive, continue on the street for just a minute or so. Be on the lookout to your left, where you should see a pathway up a large rock face. On Google Maps it is called “Patinaje Central Park”.

Note: on the map above, Google Maps did not allow me show a route that goes onto the rock itself (rather around it). But trust me, there is a pathway to get up to the top and back down to the Pond.

Head up the rock to the top of it. From the top of this rock you will find one of the best elevated views of Central Park .

Right out in front of you will be the Pond and Gapstow Bridge, to your left will be the “Billionaire’s Row” skyline, and you will have the rest of the park’s greenery surrounding you in other directions.

From the top of the rock you can now head down to the pathway closer to the Pond. This will give you a chance to walk the pathway immediately surrounding this body of water. Head down left to the southern end of the Pond, where you will find a great view of the water and bridge out in the distance (pinned on the map).

Stop 2: Hallett Nature Sanctuary

After taking in the viewpoints, continue on the pathway looping the Pond. The path will head northbound, and you will soon reach an intersection. Turn right here, where you will immediately see the entrance to the Hallett Nature Sanctuary on the right hand side.

Take your time to explore one of the three woodland areas of the park -> nature, viewpoints, and wildlife will be all around you as you take a walk around.

Once all done, head back to the entrance (there is only one way in and out), and head back onto the pathway.

Learn more in the Hallett Nature Sanctuary guide up on the site .

Stop 3: Wollman Rink

After exiting the Sanctuary, head straight along the pathway as you walk parallel to the Wollman Rink (the rink should be on your right hand side here).

Head to the top of the Wollman Rink, where you will get some great views of the rink down below with the skyline sitting right behind it. The rink will only really be active in the winter time but it is still a nice view nonetheless.

Stop 4: The Dairy Visitor Center

Continue the path north of the Wollman Rink, where you should see the Dairy Visitor Center out in front of you.

Take a few minutes to head inside the visitor center, where you can buy some souvenirs or ask the employees any questions you may have.

Stop 5: The Manhattan Survey Bolt

After exiting the Dairy head back onto the pathway you were just on and continue northbound. You will very soon come across Center Drive, which makes up a section of the main loop of the park.

Around this area you will find one of the original Manhattan survey bolts that was put down over 200 years ago.

It’s exact location is a bit of a secret but if you do enough research, you should be able to find it. These bolts were installed to help create the Manhattan grid that you see today. It is the only known one left in the city.

If you can’t find it, no worries, just head across Center Drive, where you will see the Mall and Literary Walk out in front of you.

Stop 6: The Mall & Literary Walk

One of the most magnificent parts of Central Park is the tree lined Mall that heads from Center Drive all the way to Bethesda Terrace.

On either side you will find these beautiful American Elm trees as well as several statues of historical figures. During Central Park peak foliage , these trees turn a bright yellow color.

Take your time to walk the pathway until you arrive at the steps that will take you down to the terrace.

Learn more in The Mall & Literary Walk guide up on the site .

Stop 7: Bethesda Terrace and Fountain

You can choose to head under the arch here to Bethesda Terrace or you can head across the street, take the view in from above, and then walk down the stairs on either side of the arch.

At the Bethesda Terrace you will find the famous fountain right in the middle with fantastic views of the Lake and Loeb Boathouse.

Stop 8: Bow Bridge

As you wrap up your time at the terrace, head to the pathway to the left that is hugging the Lake. A couple minutes down the pathway and you will soon be welcomed to the famous Bow Bridge.

You can decide to head across the bridge and into The Ramble if you would like and explore the southern end of this woodland area (you will be heading into the Ramble a bit later on too).

If you do head across the bridge into the Ramble, you can enjoy some nice benches and viewpoints area of the Lake .

Be careful not to venture off too far as it can get confusing in there. Try and stay to the immediate right and towards the Loeb Boathouse, which you may be able to see through the trees.

If you don’t want to go into the Ramble now, head back across the Bow Bridge and retrace your steps towards the Bethesda Terrace, where you can then follow the pathway towards the Loeb Boathouse.

Learn more in the Bow Bridge Central Park guide up on the site .

Stop 9: Conservatory Water

Across the main pathway from the Loeb Boathouse you will find the Conservatory Water and the Alice in Wonderland Statue.

Here you may find model boats racing their way around this water feature with the Manhattan skyline out in the distance.

At the northern part of the water you will see the famous Alice in Wonderland statue, an iconic statue of the park.

Stop 10: The Obelisk

Get back onto the main loop of the park (East Drive here), and continue northbound. To your left will the Ramble, which you may have just visited (and can visit later on) and just past that you will come across the Obelisk.

This is one of the more unique features of the park. It was created over 3,500 years ago in Egypt and eventually made its way right into Central Park.

Directly across from the Obelisk you will also find the Metropolitan Museum of Art, another great place to visit during your time in the city.

Stop 11: The Reservoir

Just past the Met and Obelisk, you will come across the Reservoir. Head towards the water here and follow the path counter clockwise northbound alongside this massive water feature.

Here you should get some of the best views of NYC with hopefully some nice water reflections along the way .

The tree lined pathway is beautiful to walk along as you get to enjoy this famous stroll, especially during NYC cherry blossom season .

Learn more in the Central Park Reservoir guide up on the site .

Stop 12: Conservatory Garden

Once you reach the northern end of the Reservoir, you will need to be a bit cautious here as you want to get back on East Drive. Be on the lookout for a pathway on your right that you can follow back to the main path (don’t forget to check out the map above!).

Continue northbound on East Drive as you then will come across the Conservatory Garden on your right. You will need to get off the main pathway here and into the garden area.

This is probably the most ornate garden in all of Central Park and is also one of the more unknown features as not too many people get up here.

Definitely have a walk around and enjoy the garden before making your way just north of it to the Harlem Meer.

Stop 13: Harlem Meer

As you exit through the north side of the Conservatory Garden you will get to see the Lasker Rink and the Harlem Meer right out in front of you.

There is currently a pretty big renovation going on here but if any of the paths near the Meer are open, you should take a quick walk around as it is one of the more underrated water features of the park.

Stop 14: The Loch & Ravine

Once wrapped up at the Meer, get back on East Drive, where you will want to be on the lookout for the Huddlestone Arch (right across from the rink).

At the beginning of the pathway near the arch, you will be welcomed to a great feature of the park as you arrive at the Central Park waterfall .

You will then continue to follow the pathway alongside the Loch, a serene stream that makes its way across the Ravine .

During the walk you will come across various turnoff areas to get closer to the Loch. Be sure to take these short detours so you can enjoy some great up-close views.

Learn more in the Central Park Trail guide up on the site .

Stop 15: The Pool

Towards the end of the trail alongside the Loch, you will climb some stairs and be welcomed to the Pool.

The Pool is another great water feature of the park and you should get to enjoy some beautiful reflections of the surrounding trees. It is also one of my favorite spots to enjoy the colors during NYC foliage time.

Feel free to walk around it for a bit as you take in the Pool from some different angles. Once finished up there, head back to the east side of the Pool, where you will get onto the main loop (now West Drive).

Stop 16: The Bridle Path

This is more up to you, but you can continue southbound on the main West Drive, or you can head on what is called the Bridle Path. This is a softer dirt pathway that gets you off of the busy West Drive.

You should see the Bridle Path directly on the left hand side of West Drive as you walk southbound.

For now, you can continue walking along the Bridle Path southbound, which will still be parallel to West Drive. The path heads by the baseball fields of the North Meadow, the tennis courts, the Reservoir (feel free to get back on the Reservoir path for a bit here too), and Great Lawn.

Continue southbound as you walk the path, head under some arches, and soon approach the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre on your left hand side.

Be on the lookout here as you don’t want to miss the turnoff up towards the Shakespeare Garden.

Learn more in the Central Park Bridle Path guide up on the site .

Stop 17: Shakespeare Garden

Just behind the Swedish Cottage you will find another great garden to enjoy on your self guided walking tour of Central Park.

From the cottage, follow the signs up to the Shakespeare Garden. Here you will an immaculate garden area that is made up of several levels.

Stop 18: Belvedere Castle

As you exit the Shakespeare Garden up top, you will be welcomed to the highest structure in Central Park – Belvedere Castle. The castle overlooks Turtle Pond, the Delacorte Theater, and the Great Lawn.

There is a great viewing are to enjoy outside of the castle but you can also head up into the castle too, and enjoy the views from a bit higher up.

Stop 19: The Ramble

Once all done at the castle, you will find a path that heads southbound into the Ramble.

As mentioned earlier, this is a confusing part of the park (I always still get lost in there) but feel free to walk around the paths for a bit and explore.

However, you will then want to get yourself back to the north end of the Ramble, where one of the pathways heads through the Ramble Arch and across the Oak Bridge.

From the bridge, you will get some additional great views of the Lake and NYC skyline.

Learn more in The Ramble Central Park guide up on the site.

Stop 20: Hernshead Rocks

Just south of the Oak Bridge you will see some pathways on the left hand side. Follow this pathway that will take you closer to the Lake to the Hernshead Rocks (one of the top Central Park rocks spots).

As you walk along this secondary pathway you will soon be welcomed to the Hernshead Rocks. There is a pathway that circles the rocks and gets you safely to the other side. Here you will find one of the best skyline views of Manhattan.

The reflection of the Lake is something to enjoy as you can sit back and enjoy what Central Park has to offer.

Stop 21: Walk Along the Lake

It is now time to walk all along the western side of the Lake as you get some great views all around. Retrace your steps off of the rocks and get yourself back towards West Drive.

You will want to stay on the pathway closest to the Lake so you can get some nice views all the way through .

Along the way you will get views of the Bow Bridge from a distance, pass by the Western Shore Boat Landing, and get to see some row boaters out in the water (during season).

During spring bloom, you may see some of the best Central Park cherry blossoms on nearby Cherry Hill as you walk the Lake.

Learn more in the Central Park Lake guide up on the site .

Stop 22: Sheep Meadow

Once all done walking along the Lake, you will soon approach one of the most happening parts of the park – Sheep Meadow. Here you will find the main congregation area of the park with hundreds laying out their towels to enjoy the park in a relaxing fashion.

This is a great way to end your time in the park as you can find a spot to sit down and relax at to finish up your day.

Feel free to then exit the park, and head back to your hotel after a long and exciting day exploring Central Park on your self guided walking tour.

5) How Long Does it Take to Walk Around the Park

For this self guided walking tour of Central Park, you should expect it to take 4-5 hours. This of course all depends on how fast you walk, how much time you spend taking photos, and if you happen to get lost along the way at any point.

The walking tour will take you along 6+ miles of pathways that wind their way in all directions. For the most part, this route does cover the majority of the main park highlights. There is certainly more to see and do throughout the park, which can add time onto your day.

If you do find additional attractions to visit, you should have no trouble adding them onto the route at one point or another.

6) Can You See All of Central Park in One Day

The short answer is yes, you can see Central Park in one day. But be prepared for this to be the one and only highlight of this day in New York.

This is not something you want to rush through during a visit. Plan to spend the majority of a day following this walking route, taking time to relax, and just enjoying your time in the park.

As mentioned earlier, the route should take 4-5 hours to complete, but I imagine you will want to take breaks and find some relaxing spots to sit down at along the tour.

And while you can see a good amount of Central Park in one day, there is little chance that you can see ALL of Central Park. There are so many various pathways that wind their way around the park. It would be impossible to say how long seeing every last corner of the park will take.

I will say though, that the above self guided walking tour of Central Park does take you to many of the top highlights. I have a hard time believing you will leave the park unsatisfied after going through a day like this.

That about does it for a self guided walking tour of New York’s Central Park. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to add them in below.

Also don’t forget to check out the remaining New York itineraries and guides up on the site like a Central Park in Winter guide.

• Little Island
• Hudson River
• Statue of Liberty
• Brooklyn Bridge

Have fun out there and safe travels!

Related posts:

Sharing is caring!

Thursday 22nd of June 2023

This looks awesome. We are heading to NYC for our first time in September and this will be a great help!

Friday 23rd of June 2023

You will have a great time! If you have any other NYC questions, feel free to reach out

Friday 14th of April 2023

Thanks so much for this map! Sorry if i missed it... how long approximately does it take to walk, and approx how many miles?

Saturday 15th of April 2023

Hi Ally - no worries! Check out section 5 in the article. The walk is about 6 miles and I would estimate 4-5 hours based on walking + stops. This can be done much quicker if you were simply walking all the way through without stopping much. Have fun!

Thursday 30th of March 2023

Thanks for putting this together. I look forward to doing this before it's 1000 degrees.

Mary McCauley

Friday 7th of October 2022

Sorry to bother you again but that actually looks like a different place. I’m trying to find out the name of the place in the picture that comes right after:

“Check out this helpful guide that talks all about the best places to stay in New York during a visit”

*Pic w Empire State

4) Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park”

Please let me know if you can. Thanks again!

Saturday 8th of October 2022

@Charles, yes, thank you so much! I was looking at the one in Times Square. I really appreciate your help. Enjoy your weekend.

Hi Mary - that is the Moxy NYC Chelsea. It is a hotel with a restaurant. Hope that helps

Thursday 6th of October 2022

Hello. Thanks for this informative article! It’s very helpful.

I was wondering if you could tell me the name of the restaurant in the picture of the Empire State. I’d love to check that out as well.

It’s right above #4…

@Mary McCauley, awesome. Thanks so much!

@Mary McCauley, It’s right above “4) Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park”

I’d really appreciate it. Thanks again

• Conservatory Garden

Untermyer Fountain

One of the hidden wonders of Central Park is the Conservatory Garden at Fifth Avenue and 105th St. A secluded oasis, just a few steps down from one of the City’s busiest thoroughfares; the garden offers a fragrant respite from the gasp and clatter of the urban afternoon.

To enter the six-acre Garden from Fifth Avenue and 105th Street, you must pass through the Vanderbilt Gate. Installed in 1939, it originally served as the entrance to the Vanderbilt Mansion at Fifth Avenue and 58th Street (at the present site of the Bergdorf Goodman department store) until its demolition in 1927. One of the best examples of wrought iron work in New York City, the gate was made in France with designs by American architect George B. Post. The only formal garden in Central Park, the Conservatory Garden derives its name from a huge glass conservatory that once stood on the same spot, which was built in 1898. While not the impressive construct included by Olmsted and Vaux in the original Greensward Plan, it was put to brilliant use by the head gardener of the new park, Ignaz Pilat. It was here that many of the first shrubs and trees that were later planted in the park were first cultivated. When maintenance of the facility became too costly it was torn down in 1934 and replaced with the present garden in 1934.

The Conservatory Garden is filled with a myriad of plant life, from carefully cultivated heirloom roses to the most common of indigenous flowers, while portions of the grounds are delineated by hedges of English yew, barberry, Korean holly and the serendipitously named "Manhattan." The Garden itself is divided into three distinct sections, each representing its own specific style. These are the north (or French Garden), the Central (or Italian Garden) and the south (or English Garden).

The North Garden

The north garden is patterned in the classical French style. At its center is a lovely fountain named the Three Dancing Maidens, constructed in 1910 by the famed German Sculptor Walter Schott. (It is also known, somewhat less euphoniously, as the Untermeyer Fountain, after the family who presented it to the City in 1947.) The fountain is surrounded by sloping beds which display a dazzling array of floral designs, which change seasonally. From the twenty thousand tulips that brilliantly proclaim the end of winter to the 2,000 Korean chrysanthemums which bloom in the fall each change in the climate is marked by yet another brilliant floral display. And representing the four seasons are the four entryways to the garden's center, the arbors festooned with climbing "Silver Moon" roses, which produce gleaming white and pink hued blossoms in June.

The Central Garden

At the center lies the Italian style garden. It is bordered on both north and south sides by walkways lined with crabapple trees, which bloom in the spring. Above it, on the west side, is a wrought-iron wisteria pergola which looks down on a beautiful geyser fountain. This array is especially lovely in the spring when the pergola is covered with violet flowers. In the middle lies the meticulously clipped green lawn, providing a restful and understated stage from which to view the floral extravagance surrounding it. The Italian Garden is also the favorite spot of wedding photographers and virtually any season will find couples from all over the world waiting to have their pictures taken.

The South Garden

The Secret Garden

The southern garden features the English style and as such is much less formal than the other two. It is planted to be enjoyed the year round and almost every week there are new blooms to admire. At the center is a bronze sculpture, the Burnett Fountain, depicting a young boy and girl. Based on characters from The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett the fountain was designed and constructed in 1936 by Bessie Potter Vonnoh. It is surrounded by a reflecting pool upon which float hundreds of water lilies and in which swim dozens of extremely sophisticated goldfish (don’t forget the address).

Ringing the fountain and pool are the seasonal planting beds. Around this are arranged an amazing collection of perennial trees and shrubs, which now features, at its southern end a restful shade garden. Perhaps the most popular of the three the English Garden, with its revolving display of seasonal blooms and quiet, magnolia scented walkways, is the favorite of readers, gardeners, strollers and the contentedly sighing stare-ers into space. Stepping through the Vanderbilt Gates offers not only a change of pace and locale, but also the illusion of temporal transport. You not only leave behind the sights and sounds of the city, but the date as well.

Permission to hold weddings can be arranged by calling (212) 360-2766 or (212) 860-1382.

Location: 5th Ave and 105th St.

Details: The Conservatory Garden is open daily from 8 a.m. until dusk. Free tours start at the front gate Saturday at 11 a.m., April - October.

The CentralPark.org Conservatory Garden section below includes a comprehensive inventory of the twenty-seven flowering plants, shrubs and trees that grace the Garden.  And now with The Conservatory Garden Bloom Schedule below, you can not only discover when your favorite flower will be decorating the garden, but you can also find out fascinating background facts about each bloom.  Every plant article is also accompanied by a full color photo so identification is easier than ever.  So enjoy a stroll around the beautiful Conservatory Garden, either in person or online, and learn more about your favorite blossoms.

Conservatory Garden Bloom Guide

[pano file=”https://centralpark.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/617407151.417719-2-scaled.jpg” width=”1200″ height=”800″ title=”Conservatory Garden” panobox=”on”]

Iconic Central Park Poster

Click image to enlarge

Available Now Get yours here!

Centralparknewyork.

Central Park - the Heart of the New York City! #CentralPark

About Central Park

Find all the information you need to enjoy your visit to New York City’s iconic Central Park.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

The only issue? Joy like that does not typically come cheap. Or can it?

Well, at these 11 amusement parks across the U.S., from the Golden to the Garden States, you can save on one very important front: entry. While the vast majority of amusement parks — including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens — require tickets just to walk through the gates, these resorts and parks do not.

Of course, if you want to ride the rides or snack on the snacks, you'll still have to open your wallet. (A good thing can only go so far!) But if you're someone who's more about the vibes than the rides , this is the list for you.

Make sure you scroll to the bottom: There's one very famous park that's about to go "open gate" with its water parks for guests staying on property. (Hint: It's home to a special mouse!)

Where : Elysburg, Pennsylvania

Season : April - November

What's Free : Entry — plus parking, entertainment and picnic facilities

Where : On the shoreline of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois

Season : Open year-round

What's Free : Entry, as well as select entertainment and fireworks

Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, you'll find 3,300 feet of family fun — with a view you can't beat. While some of its beloved attractions (including The Centennial Wheel) are ticketed, there's plenty to enjoy gratis : entry, the summer fireworks (considered some of the best in the country) and Chicago Live!, a performing arts festival featuring music, dance, theatre, spoken word, improv, vocal performance and more.

Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks

Where : Wildwood, New Jersey

Season : March - October

What's Free : Entry

The Garden State's contribution to this list, Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks, consists of three separate piers, which collectively hold more than 100 rides and attractions — plus two water parks. While you need a ticket to enter the aquatic areas, the ride sections are pay-per-ride, so they're open to anyone visiting the Wildwood Boardwalk (which is 2.5 miles long and filled with all kinds of classic boardwalk goodness). Pro tip: Plan your visit on a Friday to enjoy the boardwalk's Friday Night Fireworks.

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

Where : Santa Monica, California

Another boardwalk beauty! Santa Monica's famed pier is home to concession stands, biking routes, fishing spots and Pacific Park: Los Angeles's only admission-free amusement park. The model is pay-per-ride, and if you're looking for panoramic views of the Southern California coastline, you'll want to shell out for these two rides: Route 66 West Coaster Roller Coaster, which offers you views from 55 feet up, and the Pacific Wheel, the only solar-powered ferris wheel in the world, which takes you up as high as 130 feet.

Luna Park in Coney Island

Where : Brooklyn, New York

Season : March - October *

NYC's Coney Island is iconic and worth a visit in and of itself. While there, stop by the free-to-enter Luna Park. The bright and bold amusement park with a slightly retro feel — a match to the turn-of-the-century aesthetic of the island — is home to adult favorites Cyclone and Thunderbolt, plus plenty of kid-friendly rides, including Sky Tykes, Tony's Express and Leti's Treasure.

* 2023 saw the park's inaugural Frost Fest, a holiday-themed event from November to January. While it's yet to be confirmed if it'll return for 2024, here's hoping!

Hershey's Chocolate World

Where : Hershey, Pennsylvania

What's Free : Entry and the Hershey's Chocolate Tour

Hershey Park, the resort devoted to the iconic candy company, is a treat — albeit one you do have to pay to enter. But if it's a quick (and possibly educational) trip you're after, stop by Hershey's Chocolate World. Not only is it free to enter, but it also boasts a free attraction: Hershey's Chocolate Tour. The factory tour gives you a chance to see how the chocolate gets made and a free taste at the end. (If you have little Wonka fans at home, this is for them!)

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Where : Santa Cruz, California

What's Free : Entry and entertainment

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk not only has an "open gate" policy, but it has a ton of free entertainment options too. There's something for everyone: Friday night movies on the beach, live music, trivia nights, acrobatic performances and DJ Dance parties are all complimentary for visitors.

Fun Spot America

Where: Orlando, Florida Kissimmee, Florida Fayetteville, Georgia (right outside of Atlanta)

What's Free : Entry and parking

Fun Spot America offers free entry and free parking. The best part? You'll find those perks at all three locations (one of which is a stone's throw from Disney World, if you're already visiting). Now, onto the important things, a.k.a. the best rides in each park: In Orlando, it's the Quad Helix Go Carts. In Kissimmee, it's the Mine Blower, the only wooden coaster in Florida that goes upside down. And in Atlanta, it's the ArieForce One, complete with 3,400 feet of steel track and a 154-foot lift hill. (Gulp!)

DelGrosso's Park & Laguna Splash

Where : Tipton, Pennsylvania

Season : May - September

Pennsylvania is officially the reigning queen of free-entry amusement parks, because this marks its third one on this list — and it's a good one. DelGrosso's, located mid-state in Tipton, has both free entry and free parking. But what makes it especially cool is its theme: Italian, complete with its own Leaning Tower of Pisa. Cute, right? The lazy river also features tipping wine barrels. Plus, there's gourmet Italian food — seriously!

Adventurer's Amusement Park

One more for the Empire State! Located on the Gravesend Bay, Adventurer's Amusement Park is a quaint, almost fair-style park with an open-gate, pay-per-ride policy. All the classics — go-karts, slides, a ferris wheel — are there. Plus, it's only 15 minutes from Luna Park. All the better to go park hopping!

And One More to Look Forward to...

Recognize that duck? Surprise! Yes, Walt Disney World is getting added to this list — but in a very specific way. Starting in 2025, all guests staying on property at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida can enter one of its two water parks, Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, at zero cost! The only restriction? Free entry only applies the day you check in. But hey, if you're arriving during Florida's scorching summer, you won't want to wait.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Travel

Best All-Inclusive Resorts Where Kids Stay Free

The Best Alaska Cruises

Universal's Epic Universe Will Live Up to Its Name

25 Fun Girls' Weekend Getaway Destinations

Inside Vrbo's Vacation Rentals of the Year 2024

20 Best Places to Visit in April

20 Surprising Disneyland Freebies

The Best Family Vacation Ideas

The Best Bachelorette Party Destinations

Romantic Weekend Getaways

The Best Destinations to Visit This March

Guided Walking Tour of the Moscow Metro

Description, good to know.

• Pricing details

Departure place

You would like, admiring the frescoes in kurskaya and komsomolskaya metro stations, marvelling at the architecture of the moscow metro, listening to your guide's commentary, essential information *, duration 1 hour 50 minutes, starting time 2:00 pm.

Set off to discover the most breathtaking stops on Moscow’s beautiful metro system on this walking tour.

Some of the stops on the Moscow metro are real masterpieces. Head underground and admire the Moscow metro with your guide.

During your guided tour, you will get to admire the Ploshchad Revolyutsii , designed by the architect Dushkin. There are no fewer than 72 sculptures in this station!

You will then explore Kurskaya station, built in 1938. The design, mosaics and slogans will immerse you in the era of Stalin. You will also see the frescoes depicting Russian victories in Komsomolskaya station.

Then, continue to one of Moscow’s must-see metro stations, Novoslobodskaya , which resembles an underground palace: marble, stained glass windows...

Join your guide to explore the most lavish and important metro stops in Moscow! 

• Availability: every day (excluding exceptional dates)
• Duration: 1 hr. 50 mins approx.
• Departure point: The Kremlin
• Languages: English
• Please wear comfortable shoes
• Metro tickets are included for the metro stations visited during the activity 
• A valid student card will be requested from participants who have booked the reduced student tariff
• A minimum of 2 participants is required to book this activity

Price includes

• Metro tickets
• The services of an English-speaking tour guide
• The guided tour of the Moscow metro

Price doesn’t include

• Access to stations not included in the tour
• Hotel pick-up/drop-off
• Tips (optional)
• All other extras

Customers also look

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Central Park at SummerStage

2023 lineup.

This post is about SummerStage, a series of free concerts held in Central Park every summer, and is updated for 2024.

We include information on how to attend a show, a list of performers, and other free music throughout NYC.

• Attending SummerStage
• Concert Lineup
• More Free Music
• Explore Central Park
• A Guide to Summer in NYC
• Other Things to Do in NYC

SUMMERSTAGE

Every summer since 1986, a series of free concerts called SummerStage has been held in Central Park .

Though most of the shows are in Central Park, there are also concerts in Harlem at Marcus Garvey Park, Coney Island 's Amphitheater, and other locations over all 5 boroughs.

The SummerStage line-up is diverse and includes everything from afro-punk, Latin jazz, soul, hip-hop, avant-garde, and good old rock and roll.

They also have stand-up comedy, dance performances, and sometimes Broadway musical performances .

A few shows are benefit concerts and require tickets, but those are benefit shows to raise money to keep the rest of the concerts free.

If you are heading to a show, why not make time beforehand to explore Central Park?

Consider joining us on one of our pay-what-you-wish tours . We also have a GPS-led Audio Tour of Central Park which you can take at any time.

Where is SummerStage?

The stage is in Central Park at Rumsey Playfield near 5th Avenue and 72nd Street.

How To Get Here

The easiest way to get there is to take the subway. Take the 6 train to “68th St-Hunter College” station and enter the park at Fifth Ave and 72nd St.

You can use this Google Maps link to get exact directions from your point of departure to Summerstage.

To learn more about using the subway check out our guides

• How to Navigate NYC Subway
• Which Subway Pass to Buy

Are Tickets Needed?

No tickets are necessary if it is a free show . Admission is given on a first-come, first-served basis, so entry is not guaranteed.

Benefit shows require a ticket. These shows cost around $40 - $80 Some extra spectacular with multiple top performers, shows may cost $100 and up.

When Should I Arrive?

• Free weekend shows - gates open 90 minutes before the showtime
• Free weekday shows - gates open 60 minutes before show time
• Benefit concert times vary

Food and Beverages

• At the free shows, food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted
• However, glass bottles, coolers, and alcohol are not permitted
• You can purchase food and drink at the concert

Items Not Allowed in Concerts

Your bags will be searched on entry. You cannot bring:

• alcoholic beverages
• any kind of glass bottle
• ice coolers
• video cameras
• recording devices
• flash cameras

TIP: If you have large bags, a bicycle, luggage, or anything else you can't bring to the concert, you can find inexpensive hourly storage in the area.

See our post about where to store luggage and more in NYC .

LINE-UP OF PERFORMERS IN 2024

The 2024 lineup is yet to be announced but based on the 2023 lineup you can bet the 2024 line-up will be awesome! Last year there were more than 90 shows!

Nearly all shows are free though there are a few benefit shows by top artists that require tickets, but we will always make note of that.

Concerts take place all over the 5 boroughs of NYC, but that is way too many to list here, so we list the best Central Park , Harlem , and Coney Island shows.

To see the 2024 line-up see the SummerStage website (remember as of March, 2024 it hasn't been announced yet but keep checking back with us).

The 2023 lineup was :

Shows in Central Park

• June 3 : Hippo Campus, Gus Dapperton (benefit)
• June 4 : Indigo Girls, Larkin Poe for the Subaru Music Series (benefit)
• June 10: Opening Night with St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Say She She, Mwenso and the Shakes, DJ Alisa Ali 
• June 14: New York Sings Yiddish! The Klezmatics
• June 15: Sammy Rae & The Friends, Rubblebucket (benefit)
• June 19: Park Jams: A Juneteenth Celebration of Hip-Hop with DJ Premier, Grandmaster Flash, Kid Capri, and more (benefit)
• June 20 : The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Gabriella Reyes, René Barbera, Will Liverman and Dimitri Dover
• June 24: Stanley Clarke N 4ever, Kenny Garrett, Brandee Younger, DJ Logic in Association with Blue Note Jazz Festival
• June 25: Dreamland: Pride in Central Park with Purple Disco Machine (benefit)
• June 28: Michael Franti and Spearhead, Tank and the Bangas (benefit)
• July 10: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Garbage, Metric (benefit)
• Jul 13: Bastille Day: Joachim Garraud & Marie Berson, Passi, Bénabar, Adèle Castillon 
• July 24: Cafe Tacvba (benefit)
• July 26: Works & Process at SummerStage: Dorrance Dance
• July 29: Mdou Moctar, Meg Baird and Mary Lattimore, Rough Francis
• August 2: The Comet Is Coming, Ibeyi, AceMo DJ Sets
• August 3: Bittersweet Daze: Cavetown, Ricky Montgomery, (benefit)
• August 5: The Originals: Stretch Armstrong, Rich Medina, Tony Touch, Clark Kent, D-Nice
• August 9 & 10: Mt. Joy (benefit)
• August 19: Cautious Clay, Wet, Christian Kuria, Zinadelphia  (benefit)
• August 20: Everyday People
• August 23: Manchester Orchestra, Jimmy Eat World, Middle Kids (benefit)
• August 24: Regina Spektor (benefit)
• August 27: Palmwine Festival with Show Dem Camp and Friends 
• August 31: In Our Own Sweet Time Tour with Vance Joy (benefit)
• September 14: Tanya Tucker, and Nikki Lane for the Subaru Music Series

Harlem's Marcus Garvey Park

• August 17: Works & Process at SummerStage: The Missing Element with The Beatbox House
• August 18: Jason Moran and the Big Bandwagon: James Reese Europe and the Harlem Hellfighters
• August 19: Mixtape (Film Screening) with DJ sets by: Ron G, Doo Wop
• August 25: Charlie Parker Jazz Festival with Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band featuring Dianne Reeves, T.K. Blue 
• August 26: Charlie Parker Jazz Festival with The Cookers, Endea Owens and the Cookout, Nduduzo Makhathini Trio

Coney Island Amphitheater

• July 9: Skip Marley & Friends 
• July 16: The Duprees, The Coasters, Charlie Thomas’ Drifters, Del Satins, Vito Picone & The Elegants, and more
• August 6 : Hip-Hop 50: SPECIAL EDITION with Nice N Smooth, Special Ed, and more
• August 13: Funk Flex & Friends Birthday Concert Featuring Raheem DeVaughn, Rob Base & more
• August 20 : Jose Alberto “El Canario,” The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra: The Music Of Machito, Tito Rodriguez and Tito Puente

See the SummerStage website for other shows and any other details.

If you can't make the live shows, many of the 2024 SummerStage shows will be live-streamed via SummerStage Anywhere .

MORE FREE MUSIC

Look at our guide to Summer in NYC and our monthly posts:

• Things to do in May
• Things to do in June
• Things to do in July
• Things to do in August

Also, see our post on hundreds of free things to do in New York .

Don't forget that NYC Street & Subway Performers are always free!

RELATED POSTS

• Free Things to Do in NYC
• Things to Do in NYC
• Things to Do at Night
• Free Shakespeare in the Park Tickets

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

Courtney Shapiro

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

THE BEST Elektrostal Sights & Historical Landmarks

Elektrostal landmarks.

• Monuments & Statues
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Statue of Lenin