New York’s Iconic Central Park: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Active
1h - 2h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Get the most out of Central Park with this self-guided walking tour produced by an Emmy-nominated storyteller.
• Relive the Great Zoo Escape of 1874 and hunt down the park’s hidden witch
• Hear from Tom Darbyshire, a Creative Director from New York’s advertising industry whose passion for juicy stories and Central Park inspired him to produce this VoiceMap tour
• Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.
The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.
Available options
New York’s Iconic Central Park: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
What's included
VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Lifetime access to this self-guided tour in English
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
This self-guided audio tour takes place in Central Park. Over the course of 90 minutes, you'll be guided through the park and hear fascinating stories relating the the sites you see along the way.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
The tour begins in Grand Army Plaza, in front of the Plaza Hotel. You'll hear about how VoiceMap works and be introduced to the tour while you walk.
3
The tour passes by the Pulitzer Fountain which was designed in 1916, by Thomas Hastings, whose firm also did the New York Public Library. You'll hear about the fountain while you walk.
4
The tour passes by the statue of William Tecumseh Sherman who, in the Civil War battle of Shiloh, had his horse shot out from under him. You'll hear about the legendary man while you walk.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
The tour takes you past the Gapstow Bridge which has been featured on films and TV shows, like Home Alone 2, The Devil Wears Prada, Gossip Girl, and Enchanted. You'll hear about the bridge while you walk.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
The tour takes you past Central Park Zoo where you'll hear the story of the Great Zoo Escape of 1874 while you walk.
7
Stop 7
Pass by
The tour passes by the Balto Statue. You'll hear about the legendary dog who saved Nome, Alaska, and who wasn't actually called Balto while you walk.
8
The tour passes by John Quincy Adams Ward's famed Indian Hunter statue. Hear about the statue and the artist while you walk.
9
Stop 9
Pass by
Learn why Central Park's mall is often referred to as cathedral walk while you take a trip down the walk way yourself.
10
While you walk, hear how there wasn't a single statue in honor of a real woman in Central Park until August of 2020, on the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote.
11
Stop 11
Pass by
Take in some of the views of the park from Bethesda Terrance and learn a bit about the terrace's history.
12
Stop 12
Pass by
Hear the history of Bethesda Fountain while you walk past it.
13
Stop 13
Pass by
The tour passes by Bow Bridge where you'll hear some of the horrors that have unfolded in its shadows.
14
Stop 14
Pass by
The tour passes through Central Park's Strawberry Fields. While you walk, you'll hear about John Lennon’s murder.
15
Stop 15
Pass by
The tour ends in front of the Dakota Hotel. Hear how the hotel came to be before the tour ends.
What's not included
Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Smarphone and headphones
Food and drinks
Transportation
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
───
Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
[REMOVE FOR DRIVING TOURS]This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.[REMOVE FOR DRIVING TOURS]
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About New York City
New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.
Top Attractions
Statue of Liberty
A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.
Historical
3-4 hours
$18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)
Central Park
A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.
Nature
2-4 hours
Free (some attractions have fees)
Times Square
The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.
Entertainment
1-2 hours
Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)
Empire State Building
An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.
Architecture
1-2 hours
$44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)
Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.
Museum
3-5 hours
$25 (suggested admission)
Brooklyn Bridge
An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.
Architecture
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
New York-style Pizza
Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan.
Bagel with Lox
A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.
Breakfast
Contains dairy and fish.
Cheesecake
Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.
Dessert
Contains dairy.
Pastrami on Rye
Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.
Lunch
Contains meat.
Popular Activities
Hiking in Central Park
Kayaking in the Hudson River
Rock climbing in the Bronx
Spas and wellness centers
Yoga and meditation classes
Strolling through botanical gardens
Museum visits
Broadway shows
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use common sense and trust your instincts
Getting there
By air
- John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
- LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown
By train
Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal
By bus
Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Manhattan
Brooklyn
Queens
Bronx
Staten Island
Day trips
Niagara Falls
650 km (400 miles) • Overnight
A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Washington D.C.
370 km (230 miles) • Full day
The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.
Philadelphia
150 km (93 miles) • Full day
A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.
Festivals
New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November
NYC Pride • Late June
Pro tips
- Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
- Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
- Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
