Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place #1
Recommended Starting Point
Distance: 1.34mi
, Attraction : Zoo
5 Ave/E 65 St, New York, NY 10065, USA
Central Park Zoo
As we officially step into Central Park, we are immediately greeted by the Central Park Zoo! A staple of the park, the Central Park Zoo has been around since 1864! It started as a menagerie, the precursor to the modern zoo, and has expanded over the years to its current 6.5 acres. If you’re looking for something to do that lets you stay outside and learn about the different animals all over our globe, this is the perfect place.
The zoo actively participates in conservation initiatives and educational programs aimed at raising awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability. There are various outreach programs, seeking to inspire visitors to action to protect wildlife and their habitats.
Now, of course we all understand what a zoo is, and we also know it’s an excellent place for the children in our lives. Have your kids, or you, seen the animated film “Madagascar”? Even though this movie is a fictional cartoon, it still takes place at the Central Park Zoo! There’s always something fun about heading to a place knowing it's a famous filming location, even if it’s animated!
The zoo actively participates in conservation initiatives and educational programs aimed at raising awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability. There are various outreach programs, seeking to inspire visitors to action to protect wildlife and their habitats.
Now, of course we all understand what a zoo is, and we also know it’s an excellent place for the children in our lives. Have your kids, or you, seen the animated film “Madagascar”? Even though this movie is a fictional cartoon, it still takes place at the Central Park Zoo! There’s always something fun about heading to a place knowing it's a famous filming location, even if it’s animated!
Place #2
Distance: 0.01mi
, Attraction : Iconic Path
The Mall, New York, NY 10019, USA
The Mall
Beginning our stroll along Central Park’s iconic Mall, we are initially greeted by the statues of Christopher Columbus on our left and William Shakespeare on the right! The Mall is a scenic, tree-lined promenade, and where we stand is the famous Literary Walk of the Mall. As we walk, you will notice more statues recognizing famous literary figures such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns.
The movie, “Kramer vs Kramer”, starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, has an incredibly famous scene taking place right here on the Mall. In the film, Streep and Hoffman are married with a young child named Billy. Streep leaves Hoffman after she says he focuses too much on his career and leaves him with Billy. Hoffman then steps up to play all roles for Billy, even as he fights for him in custody. There are many scenes filmed in Central Park, but an iconic moment was Dustin Hoffman teaching Billy how to ride his bike down the Mall, and the viewers watch Billy ride away. An absolutely amazing film, filled with love and pain, but all shot right here.
Lined with American Elm trees, it is a canopy of greenery overhead, the trees arching over the walkway, forming a verdant tunnel that provides shade and a sense of tranquility for us. Designed back in the mid 19th century, it was envisioned as a grand promenade where New Yorkers could escape the hustle and bustle of the city and commune with nature.
The movie, “Kramer vs Kramer”, starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, has an incredibly famous scene taking place right here on the Mall. In the film, Streep and Hoffman are married with a young child named Billy. Streep leaves Hoffman after she says he focuses too much on his career and leaves him with Billy. Hoffman then steps up to play all roles for Billy, even as he fights for him in custody. There are many scenes filmed in Central Park, but an iconic moment was Dustin Hoffman teaching Billy how to ride his bike down the Mall, and the viewers watch Billy ride away. An absolutely amazing film, filled with love and pain, but all shot right here.
Lined with American Elm trees, it is a canopy of greenery overhead, the trees arching over the walkway, forming a verdant tunnel that provides shade and a sense of tranquility for us. Designed back in the mid 19th century, it was envisioned as a grand promenade where New Yorkers could escape the hustle and bustle of the city and commune with nature.
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Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
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Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural
+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided walking tour includes 25 stops, covering top attractions such as Central Park Zoo, The Mall, Naumburg Bandshell, Mother Goose Statue, Central Park Information Kiosk.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Central Park Zoo (Address: 5 Ave/E 65 St, New York, NY 10065, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided walking tour designed to be completed on foot through walkable areas and city highlights.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided walking tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you.
+ Is this a walkable tour?
Yes, this tour is fully walkable and designed to follow a comfortable route through pedestrian-friendly areas.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There is one thing that you need - A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour) and comfortable walking shoes! But here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a mobile charger/battery. 2. Bring earphones for the best experience. 3. Bring a bottle of water and dress appropriately according to the weather forecast.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. Just follow the route (cross streets carefully using crosswalks) and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue the from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.