Self-Guided Audio Tour

Central Park: From the South Garden to the North Woods

Self-guided audio tour · New York

Duration

31 min

Distance

13 km

Stops

Accessibility

Accessible

Best time

Morning, Afternoon, Sunset

Languages

English, Español, Italiano, Português

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Spanning 843 acres right in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park is one of the world's most celebrated urban oases and a destination in itself. This route takes you from south to north, uncovering both hidden gems and iconic landmarks: the Carousel, the renowned Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, Bow Bridge (NYC's most photographed bridge), Strawberry Fields (the John Lennon memorial), the medieval Belvedere Castle, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and the northern woodlands with the charming Harlem Meer. It's an unforgettable walking or biking journey through the gardens that separate the Upper West Side from the Upper East Side.

What you'll see and hear

The stops on this route, in order — with audio previews where available.

Clock
Grand Central Terminal is a famous landmark in New York. Construction began in 1903. It officially opened its doors on February 2, 1913. Cornelius Vanderbilt was a key figure in its early development. The terminal was built on the site of two earlier stations, the first dating back to 1871. It was designed to be the largest and greatest railway terminal in the world when it opened. A surprising fact is that Grand Central was the first terminal to extensively use ramps for passenger flow, largely eliminating the need for stairs.
Audio preview
Hallett Nature Sanctuary
Hallett Nature Sanctuary. This special spot was first designed as "The Promontory" by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux when they created the park in 1858. It was officially closed off in 1934 by Robert Moses to be a safe haven for birds. In 1986, it was renamed to honor George Hervey Hallett Jr., a dedicated birdwatcher and civic leader. The sanctuary was restored and reopened to the public in 2016, offering a peaceful escape. You might be surprised to learn that the waterfall you see here has its water piped up to create the cascading effect!
Audio preview
Balto
Balto Statue. This statue honors a brave Siberian Husky named Balto. In 1925, Nome, Alaska faced a diphtheria outbreak. Sled dogs delivered life-saving medicine through a terrible blizzard. Balto led the final, dangerous leg of this journey. The statue was unveiled in Central Park in 1925, just months after the event. It was sculpted by Frederick George Richard Roth. A unique detail is that Balto himself was present at the statue's unveiling ceremony.
Audio preview
Giuseppe Mazzini
The Giuseppe Mazzini sculpture is located in Central Park. This bronze bust honors an Italian patriot. It was created by sculptor Giovanni Turini. Italian-Americans donated the sculpture. It was unveiled in 1878. Giuseppe Mazzini was a key figure in the movement to unify Italy in the mid-19th century. He founded the "Young Italy" movement. His philosophy is inscribed on the pedestal: "God and the people" and "thought and action." This sculpture was the first monument to an Italian American in New York City.
Audio preview
Balto
Balto Statue. This statue honors a brave Siberian Husky named Balto. In 1925, Nome, Alaska faced a diphtheria outbreak. Sled dogs delivered life-saving medicine through a terrible blizzard. Balto led the final, dangerous leg of this journey. The statue was unveiled in Central Park in 1925, just months after the event. It was sculpted by Frederick George Richard Roth. A unique detail is that Balto himself was present at the statue's unveiling ceremony.
Audio preview
Congregation Sherith Israel
The Dakota
Vista Rock
Audio preview
Romeo and Juliet
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
Metropolitan Museum Historic District
Audio preview
Farmers Gate