Central Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

NYC: Edge Observation Deck Admission Ticket

1. NYC: Edge Observation Deck Admission Ticket

Get entry tickets to Edge, a marvel of architecture, engineering, and technology, suspended in mid-air over 1100 feet above the ground. Get the feeling of floating in the sky and take in the entire Manhattan skyline from Edge's unique vantage point on the western side of Midtown Manhattan. Begin your journey on Level 4 of The Shops at Hudson Yards, where you will enter into an immersive multimedia experience explaining the design, construction, and sustainability of Hudson Yards. Then, head up over 1100 feet to the Observation Deck, and then 80 feet out into the air on the Outdoor Sky Deck. Here, frameless glass panel walls are boldly angled outwards to allow you to feel the thrill of leaning out over the edge with the busy city below. Next, stand on the glass floor and look over 100 stories straight down to the city streets below your feet. At Edge's furthest point, The Eastern Point, there's space for one person to stand alone, surrounded by glass, air, and sky—you will never have had a picture quite like it. The upper level also features the Skyline Steps, where you can look out over the top of the glass panels and past the edge of the deck. Have a seat and hang out in the sky with your friends and family, or head indoors and sip champagne or a signature cocktail at the Champagne Bar. When you leave be sure to visit Hudson Yards' centerpiece, Vessel, or enjoy a bite to eat or a shopping experience at The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards.

New York City: American Museum of Natural History Ticket

2. New York City: American Museum of Natural History Ticket

Enjoy a day of family-friendly activities at the American Museum of Natural History, in New York City. Located just across from Central Park, the museum is home to over 32 million specimens. Benefit from all-day entry and use the option to upgrade your general entry ticket to include special exhibitions. Explore all permanent exhibitions as well as the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Wander around 45 Museum Halls to learn about dinosaurs and diamonds, and everything in-between. The new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation is an incredible addition to the museum, featuring state-of-the-art exhibits and immersive experiences that are perfect for all ages. You can explore the mysteries of the universe in the planetarium, journey through time in the Hall of Biodiversity, and come face-to-face with some of the world's largest and most incredible creatures in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. As you wander through the museum, you'll be transported to different worlds and eras, from the depths of the ocean to the vast expanse of space. You can learn about the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Greece, marvel at the stunning gems and minerals in the Morgan Memorial Hall of Gems, and discover the fascinating world of insects in the Butterfly Conservatory. Look out for the iconic Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton and Easter Island head that inspired characters in the film "Night at the Museum." Connect to the museum's WiFi and download the free Explorer App to your smartphone. The app offers turn-by-turn navigation, behind-the-scenes stories about exhibits, quizzes, and more. See the exhibition highlights at your own pace with the museum's self-guided tours of popular collections. Special Exhibitions Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium: Delight in the year-round immersive exhibit and mingle with up to 1,000 free-flying butterflies—and maybe even experience one landing on you! The Secret World of Elephants opens November 13, 2023, and explores the evolution of elephants, their political and cultural significance, and inspiring efforts to overcome threats to survival. Available with General Admission + One ticket type. Giant-Screen Film Blue Whales: Return of the Giants, narrated by actor Andy Serkis, takes viewers on a journey into the world of blue whales, a species rebounding from the brink of extinction on a massive 40-foot-high and 60-foot-high film screen.

New York: Go City Explorer Pass with 90+ Tours & Attractions

3. New York: Go City Explorer Pass with 90+ Tours & Attractions

Explore iconic New York with Go City for one low pre-paid price. With a selection of over 90 must-see NYC attractions, museums, and tours, you can save up to 50%* compared to buying separate attraction tickets. Design your own New York adventure with access to the most popular attractions on one easy-to-use digital pass. Options include the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry, 9/11 Museum and Memorial, Empire State Building, EDGE, MoMA, Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour, The Guggenheim Museum and many more. Pick between a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10-choice pass, browse the PDF guide or Go City app to plan your itinerary and check entry requirements. Scanning your pass at the gate or ticket office of an attraction (or tour) for the first time will activate it. You then have 60 days to use the remaining number of choices purchased. Your Explorer Pass also features special perks including gift shop discounts or a free audio guide at selected attractions, helping you make the most of your New York trip and save even more along the way. The New York attractions you can choose include:  Museums and Galleries • American Museum of Natural History • 9/11 Memorial and Museum • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) • Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum and Space Shuttle • Guggenheim Museum • The Whitney Museum of American Art • Fotografiska New York • Museum of Sex • Museum of the City of New York • New York Botanical Garden • Museum of Jewish Heritage • New York Historical Society Museum • International Center of Photography • ARTECHOUSE New York Experiences • Empire State Building • Top of the Rock • One World Observatory • Edge • Central Park Bike Rental • Rise NY • 9/11 Museum Workshop: Hands-on 9/11 Tour • SPYSCAPE • Escape Virtuality - Choose 4 • Luna Park at Coney Island • Madame Tussauds + Marvel Universe 4D • Harlem Jazz Series • Harlem Bike Rental • The Beast Speedboat Ride (seasonal) • Clipper City Tall Ship: Daytime or Sunset Statue Sail (seasonal) • Surrey Bike Rental Governors Island • SEA Life Aquarium New Jersey • LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester • Brooklyn Bridge Bike Rental by Unlimited Biking • New York Yankees Game Tickets Tours & Cruises • Rockefeller Center Tour • Big Bus New York Hop-on Hop-off: 1-Day Classic Tour • Best of NYC Cruise: Circle Line Sightseeing • Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry • The RIDE • Harbor Lights Cruise: Circle Line Sightseeing • NYC Landmarks Cruise: Circle Line Sightseeing • Liberty Cruise: Circle Line Sightseeing • Central Park Bike Tour • Madison Square Garden All Access Tour • Radio City Stage Door Tour • Greenwhich Village at Night Walking Tour • NYC Slavery & Underground Railroad Walking Tour • St Patrick's Cathedral Tour with Express Entry • Graffiti and Street Art Tour Walking Tour of Brooklyn • Secrets of the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Walking Tour • NYC Bus Tour of Bronx, Brooklyn & Queens • Holiday Markets & Christmas Lights Walking Tour (seasonal) • Soho - Little Italy - Chinatown Walking Tour • Broadway & Times Square Walking Tour • Central Park TV & Movies Walking Tour • Yankee Stadium Tour • How Money was Made - Wall Street Walking Tour • Catacombs by Candlelight • Pride Walking Tour • NYC TV & Movie Bus Tour • Top of the Highline and Hudson Yards Tour • Liberty Super Express Cruise • Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Neighborhood Walking Tour • Brooklyn Bridge Guided Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking • Marvel & DC Superheroes Tour • Harlem Gospel Tour (Sunday Service) • The Official Chinatown Walking Tour • High Line - Chelsea - Meatpacking Tour • The Official Little Italy Walking Tour • New York City Sketching Art Tour • New York City News Media Waking Tour • Greenwich Village Walking Tour • Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour in Williamsburg • Woodbury Common Bus Tour (Round Trip + VIP Coupon Booklet) • Queens-Flushing Meadows International Food Excursion • Christmas Lights Walking Tour of Brooklyn (seasonal) • Statue at Sunset Cruise • Harry Potter and the Fantastic Beasts Walking Tour • Lower East Side Food and Culture Walking Tour Food and Drinks • Food on Foot Tours • Perfect Picnic • Spirits on Foot - Beer, Spirits & Wine Crawl *Savings based on sample itineraries on Go City website.

New York City: Manhattan Helicopter Tour

4. New York City: Manhattan Helicopter Tour

Manhattan brings to mind grand skyscrapers, taxi cabs, and a world-class attitude all of its own. See all this and more as an expert pilot flies you over NYC on a 15 or 20-minute helicopter tour. Soar over the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Madison Square Garden, among other landmarks. After take-off from the Downtown Heliport, swing down over lower Manhattan to see the skyline and streets below. Swoop over Battery Park to glance at Wall Street and its labyrinth of streets. Then sail over to Governor's Island, an island once reserved only for the city's dignitaries that now hosts summer concerts and public art. Then, fly over Ellis Island and see Lady Liberty shining brightly in the distance. Cruise right up to her eye for a new perspective of the Statue of Liberty. Enjoy all this before heading up the Hudson past the piers of Chelsea and the lights of Broadway. On your way back to the pier, head around the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and fly over Ground Zero where you can have a look at the exceptional work they're doing at the sight. Continue past Madison Square Garden and the Intrepid Air and Space Museum. See Central Park as your flight turns around to return to the heliport. Sights included in the 15-Minute tour: Statue of LibertyEllis IslandOne World Trade Center9/11 MemorialBrooklyn BridgeBattery ParkWall Street/Financial DistrictEmpire State BuildingChrysler BuildingMadison Square GardenTimes SquareU.S.S. Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space MuseumCentral Park Sights included in the 20-Minute tour: Brooklyn BridgeBattery ParkWall StreetStatue of LibertyEllis IslandOne World Trade Center9/11 Memorial SiteEmpire State BuildingChrysler BuildingMadison Square GardenU.S.S. Intrepid MuseumTimes SquareCentral ParkGrant’s TombGeorge Washington BridgeHarlem and Harlem RiverThe Bronx and Yankee StadiumPalisades CliffsSpuyten Duyvil Bridge

New York City: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

5. New York City: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Experience the perfect introduction to New York with a Hop on Hop off Big Bus tour. Relax on an open-top double decker sightseeing bus while listening to insightful and engaging digital commentary. The bus route takes you on a captivating journey through New York's rich history and vibrant modern life, as well as its many memorials and museums. You'll have the opportunity to hop off and explore the city's most iconic historical sites, including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Broadway, and the One World Trade Center with its 360-degree view of the stunning skyline. Pay tribute to the memory of those lost in the tragic event at the 9/11 Memorial just steps away. The Downtown Loop is a 90 minute circuit, while the Uptown Loop is 75 minutes. Many guests choose to ride a full loop to see the city before deciding where to hop off on the next loop around. Buses arrive every 10-15 minutes on the Downtown Loop and every 30 minutes on the Uptown Loop throughout the day. Explore Lower Manhattan on the Downtown tour, including popular neighborhoods such as the Flatiron District, World Trade Center, Battery Park, SoHo & NoHo, Greenwich Village & East Village, Chelsea, and the Financial District. Wander around Wall St. to see the famous Stock Exchange and Charging Bull. Eat your way through Little Italy and Chinatown, shop at the high-end boutiques in SoHo, or see the open-air observation deck at The Edge in Hudson Yards. Then make your way to the Upper East Side, home to some of New York’s most popular museums. Explore the Frick Collection and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). The Uptown Loop takes you through Midtown, passing by Grand Central Terminal and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Add a relaxing and scenic cruise around Liberty Island to complete your trip. Enjoy spectacular views of Lady Liberty and many more New York landmarks from a prime position on the Hudson River. Cruises last 1 hour and feature an onboard cafe and full bar, restrooms, outdoor deck space, air conditioning and indoor seating with large windows. Journey through New York on two wheels with an included offer at Unlimited Biking, NYC's premiere bike rental company. Purchase a 1-hour (minimum) bike rental and receive an extra hour free! Or, enjoy $5 OFF per person for any bike tour or Segway tour.

NYC: Manhattan Island All-Inclusive Helicopter Tour

6. NYC: Manhattan Island All-Inclusive Helicopter Tour

Experience the best views in New York City from inside a helicopter, complete with large floor-to-ceiling convex windows for your viewing pleasure. On your flight you will see the beautiful Central Park, Hudson River, and New York Harbor, including the Intrepid Museum. Cruise past the Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, the World Financial Center, and the Chrysler Building from up high, as well as the iconic Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Greenwich Village, South Street Seaport, and the Brooklyn Bridge, which dates all the way back to 1883. With tour narration and all heliport fees included, there is no better way to enjoy the dramatic and ever-evolving New York City skyline.

Central Park Bike Rentals

7. Central Park Bike Rentals

This is your chance to tour the Big Apple by bike. Whether you just want a couple of hours to cruise around New York City's Central Park, or a whole day to see every neighborhood in Manhattan, we have you covered! New York City's sightseeing bike rental offers a variety of high-quality bikes. Types include comfort, hybrid, mountain and tandem (for two people). Tag-a-longs and toddler trailers are also available. For your convenience and safety, the bike rental will include an illustrative map of New York City, a helmet, a chain-lock and a bike bag. Customer service is our priority. Our team members are pleased to offer recommendations about specific routes, must-seen attractions, and places to eat. Choose from several convenient durations to suit your personal schedule best. Bike rentals are available in 1-hour, 2-hour, 3-hour, 4-hour or 24-hour durations to allow you maximum flexibility.

NYC: Guided Central Park Horse Carriage Ride

8. NYC: Guided Central Park Horse Carriage Ride

Explore the Central Park area of New York on a private horse carriage tour and discover its famous sights. See the popular attractions like Wollman Rink, Carousel, Chess and Checker House, The Dairy, and more with a guide. Board a beautiful carriage and pass by the famous Literary Mall, Bethesda Fountain, The Lake, Boat Pond, and Sheep Meadow. Your guide will tell you the history and other interesting facts about the places during the journey. Click memorable pictures during two photo stops at Bethesda Fountain and Cherry Hill, also known as the Friends Fountain. You will also discover the Sheep Meadow, Tavern On The Green, Columbus Circle, Balto Statue, Summer Stage, The Boathouse Restaurant, Bandshell, and other places.  Experience an unforgettable horse-drawn carriage ride and soak in the beauty of Central Park. 

NYC: Big Apple Helicopter Tour

9. NYC: Big Apple Helicopter Tour

New York City isn’t called the 'Big Apple' for nothing! This very popular tour provides awe-inspiring views of the Big Apple’s most iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Departing from Pier 6, you will soar above the famous Hudson River, and fly right by the magnificent Statue of Liberty, gateway to the city. From your premium vantage point, look out for Governors and Ellis Islands and see Manhattan’s Financial District before cruising past the glinting angles of the NYC skyline. On this portion of the flight you'll see the Chrysler, Woolworth, Hudson Yards, Grand Central Terminal as well as the USS Intrepid, to mention just a few. You will even catch a glimpse of the George Washington Bridge and the world-renowned Central Park. Choose the 20 minute or 30 minute option to extend your flight and soar past Central Park and up to Yankee Stadium, and see St. John the Divine Cathedral, Columbia University, and even the Palisades of New Jersey. This all-encompassing tour really is the best way to see all of New York from the sky!

NYC: Central Park Ice Skating Tickets at Wollman Rink

10. NYC: Central Park Ice Skating Tickets at Wollman Rink

Book your true New York Winter Wonderland Adventure at Wollman Rink before tickets sell out. Ice skate at an iconic location in the southeast corner of Central Park, near 5th Avenue and the Plaza Hotel and experience the magic of winter in New York. Visit an iconic skating rink has been featured in many famous movies including “Love Story”, “Night at the Museum”, and “Home Alone 2”. The rink also plays fun background music to enhance the mood. Enjoy a ticket with timed entry. You can rent your skates on site for $11 USD and tax, or alternatively feel free to bring your own. Lace up your skates and skate with a breathtaking backdrop of towering trees, glistening snow (weather dependent), and the stunning city skyline. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a first-timer, Wollman Rink caters to all skill levels. The rink is meticulously maintained, ensuring a perfect surface for every twirl, jump, and spin - perfect for all ages and occasions. Choose from a number of food options at the onsite Wollman Cafe which offers a wide selection of delicious food and drink including warm fresh food, grab-n-go items, vegan options and a coffee & hot chocolate bar.

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What people are saying about Central Park

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 10,864 reviews

Niko arrived on time and made us very welcome. He was super friendly and very knowledgable - he shared lots of facts about the park and New York as well as his own experiences. Jack was a great horse and full of character. Highly recommend. Was a lovely experience for my birthday.

The view from Edge was breathtaking and a bit scary but in a good way! It was great taking pictures up there. I am sure they will be the envy of all my friends.

Idris was our rider, he was exceptional, professional and very knowledgeable. He made our experience more fun and memorable. Thank you!

although windy and chill, we managed to hit almost all important dpots of the park

Fenomenal place, highly recommend it, out of all we saw in NYC!