Central Park Walking Tour

Belvedere Castle

Belvedere Castle was designed in 1865 as a way to bring fantasy and adventure to life right in the heart of Central Park. Translating from Italian as 'beautiful view', it is one of the most breathtaking sights in the entire park.

There are two balconies and a small promenade that offer enough of a Castle and one of kind views to make anyone feel like royalty.

Strawberry Fields

Probably one of the most visited spots in Central Park, Strawberry Fields is a living memorial to the world-famous singer, songwriter and peace activist, John Lennon.

The location was picked because it is directly across from the Dakota Apartments where John Lennon once lived and where he was murdered. A mosaic of stones forming a word “Imagine” lies in the center.

Bethesda Fountain

In 1832 thousands died in New York from a Cholera epidemic. Then Croton Aqueduct was built in 1842 and provided the New York with clean water, ending fears of another epidemic.

The Bethesda Fountain is in honor of the healing powers of that aqueduct and was unveiled in 1873. It is the only statue that was part of the original design of Central Park.

The Mall

Perhaps the most photographed and famous spot in Central Park, The Mall was once the central promenade where people would stroll in their Sunday best.

Today it is known as one of the largest and last remaining stands of American Elms. The quadruple rows of the rare trees create a one of a kind canopy.

Balto

In 1925 the city of Nome, Alaska was besieged with diphtheria. Dog sled team leading by Balto covered 674 miles over rough ice across treacherous waters through arctic blizzard to deliver antitoxin.

The statue has become a favorite place among kids who climb up on the dog hero celebrated in several books and in Steven Spielberg’s animated film, Balto.

Alice in Wonderland

In 1959, George Delacourte commissioned this statue as a gift to the children of New York. He choice Alice in Wonderland in memory of his late wife who often read the story to her children.

The gift has been well received as thousands of children have climbed, played and hidden among Alice, the MadHatter, the White Rabbit and the little dormouse.

Bow Bridge

Named for its curved shape, reminiscent of an archer’s bow, Bow Bridge is the second oldest iron bridge in the United States and the oldest one in Central Park.

It was built in 1862 and is considered one of the most romantic spots in the park. Several movies have taken advantage of the romantic setting including Manhattan, The Way We Were and Keeping the Faith.

Carousel

The Central Park Carousel is one of the most well-known features of the park since 1871. While three Carousels have been destroyed by fire, a new one always took its place.

Today the Carousel is one of the largest in the United States and is over 100 years old. It services over 250,000 people a year and features 57 hand carved horses.

Sheep Meadow

Sheep Meadow is a perfect representation of the pastoral vision that Olmstead and Vaux wanted the park to have. The 15-acre pasture gets its name from the sheep that once grazed upon its lands.

While in the 60s and 70s, it was the site of protests, where hundreds of thousands would gather. It is now designated as a quiet zone for picnicking, relaxation and frisbee freestyle.

Dakota

The Dakota building was constructed in the 1880s and continues to be one of the most prestigious cooperative residential buildings in Manhattan.

Perhaps the biggest claim to fame for this elegant apartment is that it was the residence of John Lennon from 1973 until his death just outside the building in 1980.

The Lake

Created from what was originally an ugly swampland, this glistening jewel of Central Park charms with a bamboo patch, overarching bridges, and the Manhattan skyline reflecting off the water.

It is a popular place for boating and catch and release fishing. 9 different species of freshwater fish inhabit the Lake, including largemouth bass.

Umpire Rock

One of the most impressive glacial remnants in Central Park, Umpire Rock is more than 450 million years and was formed during Paleozoic Era.

The rock offers the perfect view over surrounding playfields and city skyline, Several movies have taken advantage of the picturesque setting including Friends With Benefits, The Fisher King and Doctor Who.

Shakespeare Garden

Created in 1913, this 4 acres garden features the plants and flowers of the English countryside that inspired many of Shakespeare’s writings.

You will see rosemary and pansies referenced by Hamlet’s Ophelia, thistles from Much Ado About Nothing and even a white mulberry tree which is believed to be inculcated from a tree planted by the Shakespeare himself in 1602!

Turtle Pond

Turtle Pond rests at the foot of the famed Belvedere Castle and gets its name from a flourishing turtle population. The first turtles were released here by their owners in the 1980s and since then the population has exploded.

The pond is actually the last remnant of the Croton Water System which was the first steady source of clean water for the city.

Wagner Cove

This beautiful and often forgotten part of the park offers a quiet retreat from the bustle of the city and is an ideal place for a date, a relaxed lunch, or quiet contemplation.

The Cove has become a desirable wedding location and is not to be missed, especially in Fall when the leaves of the surrounding trees turn to brilliant shades of red and yellow.

The Beresford

The Beresford is the home of the rich and famous with apartments going for anywhere from $3 million to $22 million. There is one unit that is actually listed for $62 million!

The building was constructed in 1929 and is named after the Hotel Beresford which used to occupy the site. Celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld, Diana Ross and Tony Randall have made it their home.