Exploring Central Park New York – Tours, Sights & Tips
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Things to do in New York New York Attractions Parks in New York Central Park New York
843 acres stretching from the 59th Street to the 110th Street, occupying almost 6% of Manhattan is the Central Park New York for you. This vast expanse of lush greenery is a refreshing breather from the concrete jungle of New York making it the most visited urban park in the United States of America.
With a dozen things to do like bike trails, pedicab ride, quaint picnic spots, many a illustrious sculptures, ponds, zoos and much more; the Central Park New York has something for everyone. With so much to do and see, it demands a day’s attention if you’re a visitor in New York who wants to see it all. Moreover, it’s vibrant and buoyant air remains the same year round, be it on a balmy summer afternoon or chilly winter night. So, no matter what time of the year you plan to visit the Central Park New York, you will have a great time.
Without strolling the Central Park, your trip to New York is incomplete, so here’s a comprehensive guide on all you need to know about Central Park New York; all that you should do and how you can go about doing them.
Central Park New York in a Nutshell
Central Park New York - Things to know
| 📍 Location: | New York |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | 6 to 8 hours |
| ☀️ Best Time to Visit: | Early morning |
| 🎟️ Central Park New York Tickets: | $27.57 |
| 🚇 Closest Subway: | Grand Central St |
Central Park New York Opening Hours
6 am to 1 am, everyday
Central Park New York Address
New York, NY, United States
Get Directions
Why Visit Central Park in New York?
1.If you visit New York City and don't visit the iconic Central Park - did you really go to New York?
2. Apart from it being a bucket list item on everyone's 'Things to do in New York' list, there's lots to do and see here: from walking tours to fountains, and cafes to bike tours.
3. There are multiple attractions *inside* Central Park that you HAVE to see! They make New York City what it is.
Central Park New York Tickets - Which One Should You Buy?
Central Park is obviously a favourite among tourists and locals alike, as it IS the perfect way to end a day with a beautiful sunset and some adventure/start a day with an equally gorgeous sunrise and no crowds. Hence, long waiting lines are natural. Here are the top rated Central Park New York tickets you can buy, so you can save time and dime.
A ticket to Central Park can either include a guided walking tour ($26.13), or a bike tour - depending on the one you choose.
Buy your Central Park New York tickets on Headout and save $8 using code: GONYC
Top things to do at Central Park New York
1Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
Park
The Bethesda Terrace and Fountain is often considered the heart of Central Park New York. It has been featured in countless films and television series ( Sex & the City, Avengers, Enchanted & Elf to name a few) and it is most likely that you have been this fine structure through your screen at some point in life. It's always bustling with people and those who like people watching can sit here for hours together. The central feature is the Bethesda Fountain also known as the Angel of the Waters statue, a biblical allusion and a celebration of the development that first brought water to New York City way back in 1842. The angel in the statue has her hand out which denotes blessing the water for New York and the lily in her other hand represents the purity of the water.
2Belvedere Castle
Park
Belvedere translates to beautiful view in Italian and it is rightly called so. It sits atop the Vista Rock and offers great views of the Delacorte Theater, Turtle Pond and the Ramble from its vantage point. The Belvedere Castle was built in 1869 for decorative purposes and served the purpose of a lookour over the Croton reservoir to the north and The Ramble to the south. For a while it was also used by the National Weather Service to take weather readings for New York City. The Belvedere castle was renovated in 1983 and is now a Nature Center which displays information about the flora and fauna of Central Park. If you're a bird watcher, you have the option of rent bird watching kits at Belvedere Castle.
3Strawberry Fields
Park
Belvedere translates to beautiful view in Italian and it is rightly called so. It sits atop the Vista Rock and offers great views of the Delacorte Theater, Turtle Pond and the Ramble from its vantage point. The Belvedere Castle was built in 1869 for decorative purposes and served the purpose of a lookour over the Croton reservoir to the north and The Ramble to the south. For a while it was also used by the National Weather Service to take weather readings for New York City. The Belvedere castle was renovated in 1983 and is now a Nature Center which displays information about the flora and fauna of Central Park. If you're a bird watcher, you have the option of rent bird watching kits at Belvedere Castle.
4Central Park Zoo
Park
It is said that the Central Park Zoo happened by accident. New Yorkers kept leaving exotic animals around Central Park and soon the Park was taken over by swans, bears and rabbits.This lead to the need for a zoo to house all these animals and hence the Central Park Zoo came about. This zoo's shot to fame was the Madagascar movie. Don't forget to see the Sea Lion Pool which happens to be a central feature of the zoo. On your way out, check out the Delacorte Clock which features animals that move in a circle to nursery rhymes every half-hour.
5Wollman Rink
Park
The Wollman Rink lies to the Southern Part of Central Park. The rink remains open for ice skating during the winter months - October to April, and in summer it transforms into Victoria Gardens, an amusem*nt park. During the months that the Wollman Rink remains an ice rink, skating schoools, ice hockey games, film shoots and photo shoots happen full swing making it crowded almost always.
6Sheep Meadow
Park
A gigantic green area that gets crowded in the warm months. People come here for picnics, play, tanning, etc. This grassy meadow gets its name from the sheep that once grazed here.New Yorkers flock in to bask under the sun, enjoy a picnic and casually laze on dewy grass. It can get so crowded in summer that you may have to carefully hunt for a spot. Check out the famous Tavern on the Green restaurant while you're here.
7The Lake
Park
Boating in this bucolic lake on a bright sunny day is sure to lift your mood up a couple of notches. There are boat rentals ( Loeb Boathouse is to the east side of the lake ) that allow you to rent rowboats for $15 per hour with a $20 cash deposit and gifts you an hour of bliss. Most boat rentals provide lifejackets too allowing the experience to be safe and fun.
8Delacorte Theater
Park
The Delacorte Theatre is a open air theatre renowned for its free Shakespeare in the Park shows, a favourite New York summer tradition. All theatre enthusiasts come together to enjoy free Shakespeare and the tickets remain free as long as you're prepared to stand in queue for tickets for a good while. While this Public Theatre is known to provide a footing to new talent, it frequently employs famous actors like Meryl Streep and Al Pacino among others. The Delacorte Theatre boasts a capacity of 1,872 with each seat offering splendid views.
9Bow's Bridge
Park
If you've seen Night at the Museum and Spider-Man 3, you're likely to have seen the Bow Bridge. It stretches 60 feet from Cherry Hill to the Ramble and is one of the most beautiful cast iron bridges in the world. It is a romantic spot and if you're lucky you'll see a proposal here, because they happen a lot! Amongst the many bridges in Central Park New York, this is the most famous one of them all.
10Conservatory Garden
Park
Bang in the middle of a bustling Central Park is the 6 acre Conservatory Garden, a quiet hidden oasis. It is the only formal garden in Central Park and its tranquil atmosphere free from runners and bicyclists, makes it an ideal spot for relaxing strolls and both weddings.The Garden was designed by Gilmore D. Clarke, and composes of seasonal plants arranged into three styles: English, French, and Italian. Entry to the Conservatory Garden is through the Vanderbilt Gate and from here, you can amble past the magnolia and lilac trees of the English garden to the rest of this well-manicured garden.
Plan Your Visit
Central Park Opening Hours
Central Park is open from 6 am to 1 pm, everyday.
Getting to Central Park
By Bus
- M10 - To reach Central Park West Side
- M1, M2, M3, M4 - To reach Central Park East Side
- M57, M66, M72, M79, M86, M96, M106, M116 - These buses run West to East and East to West along 57th, 66th, 72nd, 79th, 86th, 96th, 106th & 110th Streets
By Subway
- A, B, C, D, 1 - 59th Street/Columbus Circle
- B, C - 72nd Street; 81st Street; 86th Street; 96th Street; 103rd Street; 110th Street
- 2, 3 - Central Park North/110th Street
- N, R, W - 59th Street
Best Time To Visit Central Park New York
While there is no perfect time to visit Central Park - it's an established fact that the views are best during sunset. Ideally, it’s also the perfect time to bump into a plethora of people. If you're someone who loves beating the crowd, sometime early early morning, or early afternoon should be the best time to visit.
Central Park Map
If you're opting for a self guided tour , you will need a map to get around Central Park and hit up all the prime attractions. We'd suggest downloading this Central Park Map on your phone and navigating yourself. This Central Park Map covers all the attractions and other hidden gems that you ought to see.
Insider Tips for Visiting Central Park New York
1. Always have a map in some form while visiting Central Park. Either on your phone or a printed version, this map will take you a long way here. This is specially for those embarking on a self guided tour as chances of getting lost in Central Park is quite high. If you want to save time and make the best of your day, map to the rescue.
2. Some event or the other happens at Central Park year round, so try squeezing in an event during your visit. Most events happen during Summer, so if take a break from the attractions hunt and spend some time with the locals during an event. We recommend Philharmonic in the Parks and Shakespeare in the Parks! Check the Central Park New York event calendar before setting out.
3. Grab a drink with a view at The Loeb Boathouse and you won't regret the few extra dollars spent. Not too many people know about the outdoor bar here, hence it's quite and offers the best view in the house.
4. All the visitors centers- Belvedere Castle, Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Chess & Checkers House, Columbus Circle Information Kiosk, Dairy Visitor Center remains closed on Thanksgiving Christmas and New Year's.
Thing to do near near Central Park
Here are some top attractions which are located near Central Park, that you should add to your itinerary.
Empire State Building
A visit to NYC is incomplete without gorging in the unobstructed panoramic views of the city from the iconic Empire State Building. The sprawling views of Manhattan and the ocean are a feast for the eye and the open-air 86th-floor observatory is the perfect place for you to enjoy it.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty stands tall on the 12 acre Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Lady Liberty was a gift from the French to mark 100 years of American Independence. This colossal neoclassical sculpture was a beacon of hope and an relief of welcome to the million immigrants who were fleeing from their motherlands in search of refuge.
Summit One Vanderbilt
New York City's newest immersive cultural experience, the Summit One Vanderbilt Observation Deck is a blend of art, tech, and entertainment like no other. Set atop the tallest commercial skyscraper in Manhattan, this observatory is high atop Grand Central Terminal. Everytime you want to question your perception of the built world, a visit to this NYC Observatory is the solution. The way you question your perception? Installations, glass ledges, and exterior glass-floor elevators.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Recognized as of the largest and most influential museums in the world, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City is the venue to get a glimpse into the world of modern and contemporary art. Housing over 150,000 works of art, MoMA brings modern art under the spotlight and allows you to access works from the best artists in this space, including Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Ai Weiwei, Andy Warhol, and many more.
Top of the Rock
Those dreaming of the ideal American dream may not need an introduction to the legendary Rockefeller Centre. In fact, a visit to New York may as well be proclaimed incomplete without a visit to the Top of the Rock — the observatory, situated on the 70th floor of the building. It promises a sense of calm that prevails far away from the buzz of the city that never stops.
Restaurants Near Central Park
With good views, good food is primary. Here are the restaurants where you can find the best meals to unwind with after an adventurous and tourist-y day at Central Park:
Marea
Your go-to place for when you're in the mood for Italian, Marea - the Michelin restaurant is a *must-visit* - even if we do say so ourselves. Known for it's great location, service, food, AND views, what else do you really need?
Loeb Boathouse
A restaurant that shows up on the most lists - from 'Most Romantic Restaurants in NYC' to 'Best Outdoor Bars in NYC' or even the 'Best Outdoor Dining in NYC' list - the Loeb Boathouse Restaurant is considered a classic in New York City. Michelin rated, the food, interiors, service and the location - are absolutely worth the visit and wait.
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Nougatine at Jean Georges
Your chance to have a tryst with the French in NYC, Nougatine at Jean Gorges is often deemend as the restaurant with the best outdoor terrace. So, after a long day of adventures and walking at Central Park, if you want to be adventurous with your food - this is where you should head out to.
Cafe Sabarsky
If you thought NYC was a hub of cultures, Central Park is exactly that. Next up - German and Austrian cuisines. Talk about not being able to choose what you want to have on a particular day. Perfect for breakfast, you can enjoy a meal at this restaurant before you head to your adventure around Central Park.
Tavern on the Green
If you're featured in the 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Guide to NYC' - you know you're doing something exactly right. So is the case with Tavern on the Green. A name that's popular across countries, let alone cities - Tavern on the Green is an iconic, landmark restaurant that absolutely lives up to the hype.
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FAQs: Central Park NYC
Central Park Guide
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Why is Central Park NY famous?
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Central Park influenced the development of urban parks nationwide and is widely regarded a masterpiece of landscape architecture. Central Park is a National Historic Landscape (1963) and a Scenic Landscape of the City of New York (1974).
Is New York Central Park free?
Central Park is free, but has its own paid shares of attractions as well. With its vastness, you'll definitely need a guide to help you pinpoint exactly where to go, and what to do within it if you're pressed for time.
How much does it cost to go to New York Central Park?
While you can purchase tickets directly at the entrance of Dubai Miracle Garden, it is suggested to make your reservation online to avoid overcrowding at the venue.
Does anyone live in Central Park?
There are129 people living in Central Park, according to the 2020 United States Census, a more than 400% increase since the 2010 Census, when 25 individuals reported living there. At least 90 towns in Texas reported having fewer residents than Manhattan's largest park.
Is Central Park worth visiting?
Besides plenty of scenic viewsCentral Park offers us numerous opportunities to have fun with friends or the family, enjoy extremely beautiful natural spots, visit historical monuments and places of world value. It's hard to choose just one side of Central Park as there are many that deserve to be visited.
Lakshmi Menon
Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.
