Frequently Asked Questions
- Where does the tour start and end? Our sunset Central Park tours begin in front of The Arsenal, just down the stairs into Central Park located at the corner of 5th Avenue and East 64th Street. The Arsenal is in same part of the park as the famous Central Park Zoo and many of our guests choose to visit the zoo before taking the tour. The tour ends on the west side of the park at The American Museum of Natural History on 81st Street and Central Park West. Your guide will be able to help you with transportation options. We also offer an evening tour of the northern section of the park which begins at 100th Street and Central Park West then ends at 110th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr Boulevard (7th Ave).
- Do I need to have a voucher or printout with me? You will not need a voucher. The tour guide will know to expect you.
- What should I wear for the tour? Weather appropriate clothing with a good pair of comfortable walking shoes. We do lots of walking over varied terrain and we move fairly quickly at times.
- Should I bring anything? An umbrella wouldn’t hurt. Weather can change very quickly and while it may appear sunny, it could be raining by the end of your tour.
- Is the tour handicap accessible? Not completely. Central Park was built in 1858 long before handicap accessibility. There are several steps, some unpaved paths and hills. Unfortunately it is not possible to take the entire tour in a wheelchair. However, we can do a private tour route that would be accessible.
- Are children allowed on the tour? Children are allowed on the tour but parents will be responsible for ensuring that their child is well behaved. Crying, whining, rough-housing, and rowdiness will not be permitted. The tours have a relaxing and for some romantic quality and if the guide feels that this is being disrupted, they may ask you to leave the group. A refund will not be issued.
- How long is the tour? Our sunset walking tour is approximately two and a half hours. Central Park After dark is one and a half hours.
- Is there a lot of walking involved? Yes. There will be lots of walking and we will move at a brisk pace. Our sunset tour involves approximately 4 miles of walking and 27 stops. Do not book if you think you will be unable to keep up with the tour group.
- Is there a bathroom break on the tour? Our sunset tour has a bathroom break. However it is in the middle of the tour so it is best to use a bathroom before the tour begins. There is a bathroom in on the ground floor of The Arsenal but it closes at 5pm so if your tour begins after 5pm, you won’t be able to use it. Our evening tour does not have a bathroom break and there are no options available for restroom use without leaving the tour. Please plan accordingly.
- What if it rains/snows? Typically, our tours run rain or shine. We will not run our tour if there a severe thunderstorm or severe weather warning. Similarly if New York City issues an emergency alert regarding park safety, we will not run our tour. Otherwise, in the case of light rain or snow fall without the presence of lightening, the tour will run as scheduled. If a tour is canceled we will do our best to notify those who have reserved tickets and a full refund will be issued. Over the years we’ve learned it’s impossible to predict the weather. As we’re answering this question, there are some appropriate examples: yesterday’s tour was supposed to be rainy, instead we had a beautiful sunny evening. On Saturday we canceled a tour due to a severe storm warning, the storm passed before the tour began and tourists that came to the city from elsewhere were not able to enjoy what would have been a perfectly nice tour. So, we’ve learned that it’s best to have a rain or shine policy. We do give the tour guide the right to cancel the tour (refunds or exchange dates will be issued) if upon arrival conditions are unbearable. However, in the past two years, our tour guides have never arrived at a tour and canceled it as we usually cancel for high winds, or lightening which seem to be good indications of an unbearable storm.
- Can I cancel my reservation? Yes. If you notify us within 72 hours (3 days of your tour), we will issue a refund. Please email info@centralparksunsettours.com to request a refund.
- Is gratuity (a tip) included in the price of the tour? No. They are not included in the price of the tour. If you enjoy your the tour, it is customary to tip your guide.
- Do you offer private tours or group discounts? Yes. Please email info@centralparksunsettours.com for details.
- What happens if I show up late? Because our tours are scheduled to coincide with the setting of the sun, our tour guides are not able to wait for latecomers. Even with our evening tours, we do our best to stay on schedule. We recommend arriving early. We will not offer refunds to guests that miss the tour. Again, please arrive with ample time.
