Secret Places of Central Park in New York, United States
New York, United States

Secret Places of Central Park

Outty Ranking 80 5.0 · 82 traveler reviews2.5 hoursFrom $53
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Outty Ranking

80/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 82 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Secret Places of Central Park worth booking?

Secret Places of Central Park is a 2.5-hour experience in New York, United States, from $53 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 82 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
80 / 100
Rating
5/5 (82)
Duration
2.5 hours
From
$53 per person

Experience secret Central Park locations that only a true New York City historian can help you find. Visit some of Central Park's least-trafficked, truly historic, and most scenic locations above 100th Street. Discover the history of Central Park and its designers, find out what was there before, "hike" through Central Park's man-made "Adirondack Mountain" scenery, visit Revolutionary War and War of 1812 fort areas, see the stunning Conservatory Garden, the recently completed Davis Center, and so much more. This very fascinating, educational, and entertaining tour is conducted by a historian and licensed New York City tour guide with over 25 years of experience.

What you get

    About this experience

    Experience secret Central Park locations that only a true New York City historian can help you find. Visit some of Central Park's least-trafficked, truly historic, and most scenic locations above 100th Street. Discover the history of Central Park and its designers, find out what was there before, "hike" through Central Park's man-made "Adirondack Mountain" scenery, visit Revolutionary War and War of 1812 fort areas, see the stunning Conservatory Garden, the recently completed Davis Center, and so much more. This very fascinating, educational, and entertaining tour is conducted by a historian and licensed New York City tour guide with over 25 years of experience.

    What's included

    Included

    • Search for "REVOLUTIONARY TOURS NYC" on TripAdvisor/Viator
    • Accommodation as per itinerary
    • Small group - Limited to 16 people.
    • From December to February, you can book our special CENTRAL PARK EXPERIENCE tour.

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. We start off with the history of the park including the designers, why the park was built, when it was built, how it was built. We'll start the walk along the path and the rolling terrain of The Pool area. You'll also visit the secret Grotto waterfall and understand its purpose...........Keep in mind that there are many SECRET PLACES that are not listed here!

      30 minutes here

    2. As we leave the Pool area, you'll walk through this sensational stone arch designed in the 1860s. Nothing prepares you for the scenery that you'll see when you pass through this high arch.

      15 minutes here

    3. Visit the manmade Adirondack Mountain scenery of the spectacular North Woods and leave the hustle and jar of New York City. We'll walk along The Ravine of Central Park. You'll see a waterfall, rustic bridges of stone and wood and be surrounded by trees and the sounds of birds.

      30 minutes here

    4. Harlem Meer

      Get a great view of this body of water from one of the forts.

      10 minutes here

    5. Walk along this beautiful body of water in the North Woods.

      15 minutes here

    6. Visit this War of 1812 fortification.

      10 minutes here

    7. See the latest addition to Central Park, the Davis Center, at times a swimming pool, skating rink, and Harlem oval.

      15 minutes here

    8. Hear about the most important person in the history of New York that you haven't heard about.

      5 minutes here

    9. Conservatory Garden

      Visit all three serene French, English and Italian formal gardens built in the 1930s.

      20 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    New York

    Meet at 100th Street and Central Park West ACROSS THE STREET from 405 Central Park West. Meet on the Central Park side of the street

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Meet at 100th Street and Central Park West ACROSS THE STREET from 405 Central Park West. Meet on the Central Park side of the street

    Options you can book

    • Central Park 10AM-12:30PM

      10AM-12:30PM

    • Central Park 11AM-1:30PM

      11AM-1:30PM

    • Central Park 2-4:30PM

      2-4:30PM

    • Central Park 12-2:30PM

      12-2:30PM

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Revolutionary Tours NYC

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Tours go out in rain, snow and shine. There are no cancellations or rescheduling for rain or snow within 24 hours of the start of the tour.
    • The tour is approximately 3.25 miles and takes about 2.5 hours. You should be in good physical shape; there is uneven terrain, unpaved trails, rocks, some dirt hills, uneven stairs and potentially slippery areas. It is essential that you dress appropriately and wear suitable shoes.
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Some locations may be closed or inaccessible due to weather conditions and/or park closures.
    • Visit RevolutionaryToursNYC . com web site for additional dates and times.

    Photos

    Secret Places of Central Park in New YorkSecret Places of Central Park in New YorkSecret Places of Central Park in New YorkSecret Places of Central Park in New YorkSecret Places of Central Park in New YorkSecret Places of Central Park in New York

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 82 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    82 verified traveler reviews for Secret Places of Central Park. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    82
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
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    1 star
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    Sort
    Camper86690 · October 2026

    Fantastic way to appreciate Central Park

    A well organized trip through the park punctuated by the significance and challenges of the areas visited. Bruce was pleasant, knowledgeable, and a great communicator on both a personal and subject matter basis. Time well spent!

    via Tripadvisor

    amysB1483UP · October 2026

    Great tour!

    Bruce is a wonderful guide! So knowledgeable, relatable and easy to be with. We learned so much and his passion for the city and its history is contagious. He made us see Central Park in a whole new way. We highly recommend this tour, and Bruce’s other tours as well.

    Response from the operator: Many thanks for taking the Central Park tour and for your kind words and recommendation. I'm so pleased you made new discoveries in the wonderful park. I hope to see you again soon. Bruce

    via Tripadvisor

    D8959FTadaml · August 2026

    Secrets of Central Park

    This is the second tour I have taken with Bruce and it did not disappoint. The journey through the “secrets of Central Park” was amazing. I have lived in NY my entire life and had no idea that such wonders and tranquility could be found in NYC! Highly recommend this tour

    Response from the operator: Many thanks for taking the Secret Places of Central Park tour and making it your second tour. Most people have not experienced the wonders and tranquility of the landscape, but when they do, they have the same reaction. Thank you for the recommendation. I hope to see you for a third tour soon. Bruce

    via Tripadvisor

    Historybuff333 · August 2026

    Northern Central Park Secrets

    We went to so many great spots like the pool scenic spot. North Woods hiking. Blockhouse 1, a 1814 fort and Harlem meer in the middle of the park

    Response from the operator: I'm so pleased you enjoyed the Secret Places of Central Park tour. Your list includes some of my favorite little-known places that we saw. Thank you for taking the tour! Bruce

    via Tripadvisor

    Deborah_H · July 2026

    Excellent tour!

    This is a great tour of a lesser known section of Central Park. I’ve been to Central Park many times but had never seen the areas covered in this tour. Bruce was an excellent tour guide and provided us so much history as well as current day facts. Wear good walking shoes! I highly recommend!

    Response from the operator: I had a wonderful time sharing Central Park with you. I appreciated your enthusiasm for the little-known sites, scenery, and history. Many thanks for your review and your recommendation. I hope to see you again for another tour soon. Bruce

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    2.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    29
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Revolutionary Tours NYC, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 81.0.

    See everything Revolutionary Tours NYC runs

    Why this scores 80

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)95
    Review evidence (18% weight)57
    Booking momentum (14% weight)50
    Value for money (12% weight)92
    Listing quality (10% weight)80
    Local standing (8% weight)86
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Secret Places of Central Park: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.

    How much does Secret Places of Central Park cost?

    +

    Prices start at $53 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Secret Places of Central Park take?

    +

    Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New York is not rushed.

    Is Secret Places of Central Park worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 82 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Secret Places of Central Park?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Secret Places of Central Park suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Secret Places of Central Park?

    +

    Around 29 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New York and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Secret Places of Central Park start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in New York?

    +

    New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit New York?

    +

    September to early November, and late April through June. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in New York?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Secret Places of Central Park?

    +

    Included: Search for "REVOLUTIONARY TOURS NYC" on TripAdvisor/Viator; Accommodation as per itinerary; Small group - Limited to 16 people; and From December to February, you can book our special CENTRAL PARK EXPERIENCE tour. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Secret Places of Central Park?

    +

    Meet at 100th Street and Central Park West ACROSS THE STREET from 405 Central Park West. Meet on the Central Park side of the street Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Secret Places of Central Park offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Secret Places of Central Park?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Secret Places of Central Park wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Some locations may be closed or inaccessible due to weather conditions and/or park closure. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Secret Places of Central Park if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Secret Places of Central Park?

    +

    Across 82 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    What booking options are available for Secret Places of Central Park?

    +

    There are 4 options to choose from, including Central Park 10AM-12:30PM, Central Park 11AM-1:30PM, Central Park 2-4:30PM, Central Park 12-2:30PM. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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