Central Park Scandal and Vice Walking Tour

5 Reviews5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 5 reviews collected by Cool New York City and TripAdvisor | New York City, USA

Loading Options

2 hours (Approx.)
Mobile Ticket
Instant Confirmation

Overview

Explore the dark underbelly of the world’s most famous park!

Step beyond the picturesque paths and iconic landmarks to explore the shadowy stories of the world’s most famous park. From shady dealings that shaped its creation to tales of illicit behavior beneath its lush canopy, this tour reveals Central Park as you’ve never known it.

Main Features:

The scandalous controversies and misconduct behind the park's design and construction.

Notorious crimes and peculiar misadventures that history has tried to forget.

The risqué tales of The Ramble, the park's most storied and mysterious corner.

After-dark intrigues that have sparked curiosity for generations.

This is your chance to delve into the park’s fascinating—and sometimes sordid—past. Experience the intrigue and vice hidden in plain sight!

What's Included

  • English Guide
  • English In person Guide
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Bottled water

Meeting Location

Meeting point

834 Fifth Avenue, 834 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

Open in Google Maps

The Arsenal is located in Central Park on 5th Avenue and East 64th Street. The meeting point is at the top of the steps leading down to the Arsenal.

End point

Ramble Stone Arch, Central Park, Oak Bridge, New York, NY 10024, USA

The tour will end in the Ramble in Central Park. All guests will be escorted out of the Ramble at the end of the tour (unless they wish to remain). The nearest exit out of Central Park is at West 77th Street and Central Park West, close to 81 St-Museum of Natural History subway station (B, C).

Start Times

What To Expect

The Arsenal

Guests will be told a brief history of Central Park,followed by the Arsenal, as regards its history of 19th century infamy and violence. The evictions of the Central Park area prior to its construction will also be addressed.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Central Park Zoo

Guests will discover the strange origins of the zoo and the arrests for indecency that occurred there.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Balto Statue

Guests will hear about the controversy regarding the city's first dog statue as well as scandalous stories relating to other Central Park statues.
Read more

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Rumsey Playfield

Guests will hear about the quarrels relating to the Wisteria Pergola and the prohibition nightclub that used to exist in Central Park.
Read more

7 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bethesda Terrace

Guests will hear about the scandalous affair of Jacob Wrey Mould, the unsung third designer of Central Park, and the history of crime and vandalism that ultimately became the catalyst for the Central Park Conservancy.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Sheep Meadow

Guests will learn about Central Park's "Hooverville" settlement during the Great Depression as well as Sheep Meadow's protest and demonstration history.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial

Guests will hear about a gruesome murder connected with Strawberry Fields that intersects with class and subculture.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The San Remo

Guests will discover the curious interconnecting history of Central Park-related accidents, stunts, and suspicious deaths.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Natural History Museum

Guests will hear about a notorious park-adjacent heist and another tale concerning a witness protection incident gone horribly wrong.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Ramble

Guests will discover the "cruising" history of the Ramble, the nighttime incidents, the police raids, and the films and TV shows that this activity inspired.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 8 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help.
Live Chat, Text, Call, or Email our friendly customer support with your questions.

Activity code: C-317194P9

Reviews

5.00
5 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 5 traveler reviews collected by Cool New York City and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
5
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

Similar Tours & Activities

St Patrick Cathedral and Manhattan Walking Tour

St Patrick Cathedral and Manhattan Walking Tour

1
 5 hours 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$80

NYC: The Story Of Lower East Side's Food Culture

NYC: The Story Of Lower East Side's Food Culture

 3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$56.09

Wolf Of Wall Street Movie Locations in NYC with Private Guide

Wolf Of Wall Street Movie Locations in NYC with Private Guide

New To The Site!
 2 hours 15 minutes  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$75

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

 3 to 4 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$30

American Dream Nickelodeon Universe Indoor Theme Park Ticket
Likely to Sell Out

American Dream Nickelodeon Universe Indoor Theme Park Ticket

 1 day  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$62.91