Living Gluten Free: A Tour through New York’s Central Park
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About the Tour
About the Tour
New York City is a unique and special destination for the gluten-free community. It’s one of the few places where your dietary needs can be completely met within a mile or two of Manhattan’s popular sights.
On this walking tour through Central Park, I’ll show you several iconic locations that have shaped New York’s history. I’ll also tell you about the history of celiac disease and my personal journey, and share recommendations for fantastic gluten-free eateries.
This walking tour starts outside TAP NYC, a 100% gluten-free sandwich and açaí bowl cafe. From there, I’ll guide you through Central Park and share insights into its remarkable design, as well as a few stories behind its most famous spots.
You’ll walk in the footsteps of John Lennon and see sites linked to the iconic Beatles musician including his former home (the Dakota building, where he was shot) and Strawberry Fields, a striking memorial to him. I’ll show you some of the park’s lesser-known spaces, from the large Whisper Bench where hushed words can be heard on the other side of the bench, to the meteorological marvel of Belvedere Castle. On your way to the oldest artifact in New York, the Egyptian obelisk called Cleopatra’s Needle, you’ll pass by Cherry Hill and see the fountain created for horses, now a bird bath. This tour of history, nature, and urban design ends in front of the Miners Gate on 5th Avenue.
Along the way, you’ll have a chance to:
- Take a moment to enjoy the peaceful Imagine memorial mosaic that was gifted by the city of Naples, Italy
- Explore Shakespeare Garden, a beautiful four-acre space filled with the trees and flowers mentioned in the renowned writer’s plays and poems
- Hear about the origins of two important features in the park, the Western Shore Boat Landing and the Ladies Pavilion
- See the famous Alice in Wonderland and Christian Anderson sculptures as you navigate the Central Park Model Boat Pond
- Walk across the iconic Bow Bridge
- Admire the Angel of Waters sculpture at Bethesda Fountain, one of the first public art installations that a female artist was commissioned to do
- Pass by the Swedish Cottage, now home to Marionette Theatre, and learn about its journey around the world
By the end of this two-hour tour, you’ll see Central Park through new eyes, and understand its role as both a natural sanctuary and a cultural landmark. I’ll guide you out of the park and give you options for finding several 100% gluten-free establishments to have lunch or a lavish treat, all within one mile of the tour’s end point.
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
Hi, I'm Sinead, founder of Gluten Free Tours US and a passionate New Yorker by choice. My first trip to the city in 2001 opened my eyes to its magic but as someone with celiac disease, finding safe, truly gluten-free food was a real challenge back then. Dedicated kitchens? Almost nonexistent.
Fast forward, and NYC has transformed into one of the world's best destinations for the gluten free community, with over 30 100% gluten-free establishments!
In 2019, I launched a dedicated Gluten Free App to help people discover these safe spots in New York and beyond. That passion led me to study rigorously and pass the official New York City tour guide exam, and earn my official license. Since 2021, I've been leading in person tours focused on Central Park's history, hidden gems, and most importantly safe, delicious gluten free dining options.
My background in business technology and web design has helped me build practical tools (like the app and this self-guided tour) to make travel easier and more enjoyable for others with dietary needs. My deep love for New York's history and culture drives me to share its stories in a fun and personal way.
Whether you're celiac, gluten sensitive, or just exploring safe eating in NYC, this self-guided audio tour lets you experience Central Park's icons such as Strawberry Fields, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Fountain, and Cleopatra’s Needle; while learning about celiac history, my own journey, and nearby 100% gluten free spots for a worry free meal.
Join me on this relaxed 2-hour walk and see the park (and the city) through gluten free eyes!
Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 1
Start: TAP NYC
New York is unique in the fact it is a tourist fr... Read More
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How VoiceMap Works
Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
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TAP NYC | 100% Gluten-Free Sandwiches & Açaí Bowls | Upper West Side
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The Dakota
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Central Park
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Strawberry Fields
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Western Shore Boat Landing
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Ladies Pavilion
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Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
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Shakespeare Garden
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Belvedere Castle
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The Ramble
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Bow Bridge
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Cherry Hill
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Bethesda Terrace
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Bethesda Fountain
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Central Park Model Boat Sailing
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Hans Christian Andersen Monument
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Alice in Wonderland
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Glade Arch
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The Obelisk
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Group Of Bears
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Modern Bread and Bagel
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start location267 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA
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Total distance4km
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Final location3849 5th Ave, New York, NY 10075, USA
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Distance back to start location1km
Directions to Starting Point
This tour begins at TAP NYC | 100% Gluten-Free Sandwiches & Açaí Bowls | Upper West Side located on 72nd street and Columbus ave. Pause the tour while you dine. At any point you can pause the tour when you would like to spend longer, just remember to press play again before you walk.
Show Directions
Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
You may stop the tour at any time for photos stops or if you would like to enjoy the serenity of the park.
Once you complete the tour of Central Park, we end by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, a wonderful place to spend your afternoon.
Restaurants that I will recommend on this tour:
West Side Of Manhattan:
TAP NYC | 100% Gluten-Free Sandwiches & Açaí Bowls | Upper West Side: 267 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023
Modern Bread and Bagel | 472 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
Thyme & Tonic || 474 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
East Side Of Manhattan:
Modern Bread and Bagel 1427 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Noglu 1260 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10128
Glace NY 1266 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10128
While you are in Manhattan other 100% gluten free restaurants I would recommend are
Senza Gluten by Jemiko -100% Gluten Free Restaurant located at 626 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036 in the Hells Kitchen close to Times Square area. This establishment would be within distance to Times Square and Broadway Shows. Intrepid Museum; Empire State Building; Madison Square Garden. The Same chef has another bakery located on 171 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012 close to the original Senza Gluten on 206 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012. This is also very close to Washington Square.
Nadas - Rainbow Gluten Free Empanadas at 48 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011 is close to the Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the city steps which is located at 64 Perry Street; it is a private residence but you can donate to their charity of choice if you would like to take a photo in front of the steps, we also have the Friends Apartment Building
located at 90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014. Further south from Nadas you have the Ghost Busters headquarters at 14 N moore Street.
El Churros at 175 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002 is not too far from the Brooklyn Bridge if that is on your list to make your way across; a popular tourist destination and activity.
For lower Manhattan and the Wall Street area Twenty One Grains causal dining is located at The Hungry Pearl 100 Pearl Street an Urban Eatery. In this area you will be close to visiting 911 Memorial, The Stock Exchange and Wall Street, Mercer Labs, an immersive experience, The Charging Bull and The National Museum of American Indian. In lower Manhattan you can also take a boat to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The Staten Island Ferry is free if you would just like to sail past the Statue of Liberty, be careful in this area as people will try to sell you tickets for the FREE ferry, this is a scam.
Glace has a food truck year round at Rockefeller Center, you will also be close to St Patricks Cathedral and The Museum of Modern Art. Another Gluten Free offering within one mile is Lilli and Loo at 785 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065 where you can enjoy New York Chinese food, when was the last time you had Chinese food?.
The New York Subway is the best way of getting around Manhattan and you can now tap with your credit card for entry.
Best time of day
Best to do this tour around 10 am so you have time to visit museums after you finish and have lunch. The tour ends on the East Side of Manhattan and beside Museum mile which include:
El Museo del Barrio
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Jewish Museum
Museum of the City of New York
The Africa Center
If your time is limited Metropolitan Museum of Art does really have something for everyone and you will be directly beside it when you finish this guided tour.
This tour can do done all year round. During the winter months steps in Central Park can get slippy so use care during inclement weather.
Precautions
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water with you. Check the weather to dress appropriately.
Any information on this tour are my opinions and I do not speak as a medical professional.
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