Central Park
Scandal & Vice
Uncover the Dark Secrets of NYC’s Iconic Park!
Step beyond the picturesque paths and iconic landmarks of Central Park to uncover the shadowy stories hidden in its history. From the 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. Discover the dark underbelly of one of New York City’s most famous landmarks in this eye-opening guided experience.
Main Features
Scandalous Controversies: Uncover the shocking stories behind the park's controversial design and construction, including the secrets that led to its creation
Notorious Crimes & Peculiar Misadventures: Dive into the bizarre and forgotten crimes and scandals that have stained Central Park’s reputation through the years
The Risqué Tales of The Ramble: Explore the park’s most storied and mysterious corner, where countless secrets and illicit affairs have taken place
After-Dark Intrigues: Hear about the intriguing and sometimes scandalous behavior that has sparked curiosity for generations, especially after the sun goes down
LGBTQ+ History: Learn about Central Park’s role in LGBTQ+ history, with hidden stories of resistance and acceptance that shaped the city's queer culture
This is your chance to experience Central Park’s fascinating—and sometimes sordid—past. Walk through the park’s hidden history and uncover its most scandalous and mysterious tales. Book your tour today and discover what lies beneath the surface of New York City’s beloved oasis.
Meeting point: 5th Avenue and East 64th Street entrance to Central Park/the Arsenal
Endpoint: By the Ramble Arch, Central Park (adjacent to West 77th Street)
Tour length: 2 hours
Distance covered: 1.5 miles
Meeting point: 5th Avenue and East 64th Street entrance to Central Park/The Arsenal
My wife and I had a blast on this tour courtesy of our lovely, personable and super-knowledgeable guide Liz! When she told us this was a new one for her at her company Purefinder, we were stunned, as we would've gotten the impression she had already given this one a hundred times. Fascinating historical stories (which I, as a lifelong Gothamite, knew little to nothing about) and a truly memorable stroll through Central Park on a gorgeous fall day!
This deep-cut tour into the seedier histories of NYC's most famous park ranges from the hilarious to the horrific and is deeply fascinating and enlightening for those who are over-confident in their knowledge of Vaux and Olmstead's urban oasis (mirage?). From scandals surrounding the famous Balto statue and pergolas, to the sometimes tragic, sometimes comic story of America's first supermodel, from the more recent tale of Baby-faced butchers to tales of the days when the LGBTQ+ crowd was confined to the shadows, no matter what you think you know about his park, you are sure to learn something new on this tour from the always reliable Purefinder New York. I have been on all these tours and this one might be my favorite. Of course, the experience was in no way lessened by the lovely autumnal colors in the trees and the generally scenic grounds of Central Park.
This tour was no walk in the park. It was so much more. I’ve taken a number of Central Park tours, all good, but this was in a class by itself. A wealth of information, beautifully presented. And INTERESTING information that takes off where other tours end. As promised, it’s what the City doesn’t want you to see; but it’s what YOU want to see. Too dark, too strange, too funny, too mysterious, too scandalous. And fascinating every minute. Purefinder does the best tours in the most interesting city on Earth.
Tripadvisor, 5 stars