Central Park Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Central Park. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

• Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours

• Private Central Park Pedicab Tour

• Official NYC Horse Carriage Rides in Central Park Since 1979™

• Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights

Central Park is free to visit, though some attractions within the park, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Central Park Zoo, require tickets. You can also explore the park with a guide for a fee—brief pedicab and walking tours typically start at US$30, while half-day sightseeing tours of New York City highlights cost at least US$75.

Yes, Central Park is definitely worth visiting. A New York City staple, the park not only provides a respite from Manhattan's bustling avenues, but it also has endless sights to explore, from Belvedere Castle to the Strawberry Fields memorial. To see the highlights without getting lost in the massive green space, join a guided tour by bike, by pedicab, or on foot. Whether you're most interested in the park's long history, best photo spots, or famous filming locations, you'll cover much more ground on a tour than you could on your own.

Per one customer who booked the Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours, "We had an amazing Central Park pedicab tour with Sayyed! He was pleasant, professional, and incredibly informative the entire ride. He shared so many interesting facts about the park, the history, and hidden spots we would have never noticed on our own. He made us feel comfortable, never rushed us, and even helped us get great photos along the way. You can tell he truly enjoys what he does. If you're visiting Central Park, I highly recommend asking for Sayyed — he made our experience memorable!"

There are a few horse-drawn carriage operators around Central Park—prices tend to hover anywhere from $90–$120 for 30 minutes. There are all sorts of specific tours to choose from, including small-group tours and private tours, 30-minute tours and 2-hour tours, filmed tours, light tours, holiday tours, and more; prices vary by tour.

Whether or not Central Park carriage rides are worth it depends on your interests. If you value seeing the country’s most famous city park the way it was intended—by horse—and want a slower, more romantic way to take in sights like Wollman Rink, Belvedere Castle, and Bethesda Fountain, then yes, Central Park carriage rides are absolutely worth it.

At half a mile (0.8 kilometers) wide and 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) long, you could see Central Park on foot; but you might have a better time on two wheels, traveling via bicycle like many locals do. That way, you’ll save time navigating between the park’s most iconic spots, like Wollman Rink and Bethesda Fountain.

At 843 acres (341 hectares) and 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) long, it takes most visitors about an hour to walk Central Park’s length. That being said, if you want to stop and see famous sights like Bethesda Fountain, Wollman Rink, or Belvedere Castle—or just zigzag its half-mile width—you’ll need considerably more time.

NYC carriage ride operators are largely accustomed to standard American tips—that means 15 to 20% of your ride fee, or roughly US$10 to US$30. Cash is required and smaller bills are ideal; tips are not included in your ride fee or booking. Tips of any size are not technically required, but they are always appreciated.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Central Park. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in New York City:

• Statue of Liberty

• Empire State Building

• Ellis Island

• National September 11 Memorial & Museum

• Flatiron Building

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in New York City.