More about: 17 things to do in Central Park
Covering 341 hectares, Central Park is New York's largest urban park and its green lung, a beautiful place where New Yorkers gather to take a pleasant stroll, sunbathe or play sports, and thus disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city. It tops the list of the best parks in New York and you have probably seen it countless times in films.
It is worth remembering that it is over 800 metres wide and more than 4 kilometres long. With this in mind, walking through the whole of Central Park would be exhausting. To get an overview, you can join a guided tour or see it on your own, for which I have made this list of essentials.
1. Explore the park by bicycle
There are many ways to explore Central Park, but your time may be limited and you may be afraid of missing out on things to see. The truth is that exploring the park by bicycle is a very good option, as it will allow you to cover it in much less time and see its main points of interest. In addition, you have several options:
- Rent a bicycle in Central Park, from €10
- Rent an electric bike in Central Park, from €25
- Bicycle taxi tour of Central Park with driver, from €39
- Private bike tour of Central Park in New York, from €77
- 2-hour bike tour of Central Park in New York, from €52
- And if cycling isn't your thing, you can also book an electric scooter tour of Central Park, from €76
2. Visit the Central Park Zoo
It was New York's first zoo (1860) and specialises in certain species such as lemurs, grizzly bears, white leopards, red pandas and sea lions, but children will know it for its famous penguins, which inspired the successful Madagascar films.
Tickets to the Central Park Zoo must be purchased in advance, but fortunately, the prices are not excessive. An adult ticket to the Central Park Zoo costs from €20, which makes it an affordable option (considering standard prices in Manhattan). Another option is to take this tour of New York with a visit to the Central Park Zoo.
And if you prefer to learn about flora
Visit the Conservatory Gardens: this is a huge garden divided into three different styles (English, French and Italian) with beautiful seasonal plants and flowers. The atmosphere here is very relaxed, as there are no cyclists or runners, so you can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the scenery.
3. Tour Central Park by horse-drawn carriage
If you want to feel like a movie star, there's no better plan than touring Central Park by horse-drawn carriage. A tour lasting approximately 20 minutes, during which you'll discover the park's main attractions and have the option of personalising the tour thanks to the recommendations and guidance of the professional driver-guide.
This is a private tour and the carriage can carry up to four people. It's an ideal option if you want to see the park but are short on time, or if you want to enjoy a special evening. There are also a wide variety of departure times to choose from.
If you want a more comprehensive tour, you can also book a horse-drawn carriage tour of Central Park, Rockefeller Centre and Times Square. Here is a post where you can find the best carriage rides in Central Park. My recommendation: take your ride at sunset to appreciate the beauty of the sky.
4. Immerse yourself in cinema with a tour of legendary film locations
And if you're passionate about cinema, don't hesitate to book a tour of Central Park's film locations, where you'll visit up to 30 film sets. Breakfast at Tiffany's, Sex and the City, Taxi Driver, The Avengers and Ghostbusters are just some of the films that chose Central Park for their scenes. You'll be amazed!
What's more, you won't miss a single detail of all the historical sites in the park, because you'll be accompanied at all times by a professional guide on this two-hour walking tour.
5. Visit the museums and iconic buildings surrounding Central Park
Apart from all the places I've already mentioned to see in Central Park, you should include some museums and buildings on the edge of the park in your itinerary. The most important ones from north to south are as follows:
- Guggenheim Museum: One of the best museums in New York for its magnificent collection of modern art and the spectacular architecture of its modernist building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Guggenheim is a true icon of the 20th century.
- MET Museum: The largest museum in the city and one of the most outstanding. Its collection brings together works of art from around the world spanning more than 5,000 years of history. The MET is fascinating!
- Natural History Museum: This is one of New York's must-see museums. It was created for the study of the universe, the Earth, human beings and the dissemination of science.
- Dakota Building: Located on the Upper West Side, this apartment building is sadly famous for the murder of John Lennon in 1980, as he was about to enter his home.
- Ghostbusters Building: 55 Central Park West is home to the iconic Ghostbusters building, where some of the film's most legendary scenes were shot.
6. Walk around The Pond
Most of the park's attractions are located in the southern half, between 59th and 86th Streets. The Pond, with an area of 1.4 hectares, is the fourth largest lake in Central Park and a refuge for migratory birds. The pond is located in a kind of valley, so surprisingly, the noise disappears and it is a peaceful haven, ideal for watching the sunset.
Other lakes or reservoirs in the park:
- Harlem Meer: Another of the lakes in Central Park and a gem that not many people know about. It is common to see fishermen here, on the condition that they return the fish to the water, and people picnicking. Surrounded by large trees, it gives the feeling of being isolated from urban New York for a moment. In spring, it is impressive to see how roses invade this part of Central Park.
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir: At 43 hectares, it is the largest lake in Central Park. Until the 1990s, it was a drinking water reservoir for New York, but today it only supplies the other lakes in the park.
7. Rent a boat on The Lake
The Lake is the second largest lake in the park after Reservoir. It is crossed by Bow Bridge, where you can rent small boats or take gondola rides during the summer. Taking a boat ride at any time of day is a peaceful and super relaxing experience, but if the weather permits, I recommend doing so at sunset, when the colours of the park and the surrounding buildings take on a magical hue.
If you fancy hiring a boat on The Lake, you should know that it can hold up to four people and that the price starts at €15 per hour, although you will have to pay approximately €5 more for every 15 minutes you are late returning it. You will normally be asked for a deposit of around €20, which will be returned once they have checked that the boat is in perfect condition.
Opening hours are from 10 a.m. until sunset, from April to November, so take advantage of this plan if you are travelling to New York in spring, summer or autumn.
8. Ice skate at Wollman Rink, their winter rink
One of the most typical things to do in New York during the winter (and even more so during Christmas) is to go ice skating in Central Park. Right in the south corner of the park, you'll find Wollman Rink, a spectacular ice rink where you can skate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week (note that on Mondays they close at around 2:30 p.m.).
As for the price, adults pay approximately €25, and skate hire is available at the entrance to the rink for an extra ten euros. Remember to bring cash, as they do not accept cards. Once there, they will ask for your shoe size so they can give you a pair of skates that fit. It's a great plan that awaits you in New York starting in November.
If you're dreaming of a picture-perfect city because you're lucky enough to visit New York at Christmas, here are some other plans like this one that you can't miss during the most magical time of the year: 15 Christmas Things to Do in New York City.
9. Hop on the legendary Central Park Carousel
This carousel is a park icon that has been in operation since 1871. It is one of the largest carousels in the country and has been enjoyed by many generations. A 3.5-minute ride costs $3 (approximately €2.80). Nearby, you will find an area dedicated to outdoor sports.
Although it may seem like a somewhat childish activity, you would be surprised to see how many adults come and try it without children. Perhaps it has something to do with the photos that many people think of posting on their Instagram, but the truth is that the location of the carousel offers a lot of fun for the whole family.
10. Recharge your batteries at Tavern on the Green
Open since 1934, Tavern on the Green is Central Park's most famous restaurant. It specialises in American cuisine and is a highly recommended place to enjoy its terrace in spring, with the garden full of flowers and wonderful views of the park.
It may not be the best restaurant you'll try during your trip, but the location and surroundings make it a very pleasant place to stop and rest (or warm up) before or after your walk in the park.
The menu includes everything from salads to sandwiches and burgers, but what I liked best was the soup of the day, which I can assure you is perfect for warming up after a session of ice skating on a winter's day in New York.
11. Go for a run along the beautiful Mall promenade
If you go to Central Park, you have to walk at least part of this wonderful promenade. The Mall is the park's main promenade, running from 66th to 72nd Street, leading to the beautiful Bethesda Terrace, which I'll tell you about in a moment.
I like to imagine the city's upper class arriving at the park in their carriages decades ago and getting out for a pleasant stroll through this place. A real trip back in time!
Today, it is a popular meeting place for street performers and skaters, among others. (By the way, you'll be amazed at the skill level of many of the skaters who gather here!). Live music is also quite common along the walkway. At the southern end of The Mall is The Literary Walk, a promenade with statues of famous writers such as Shakespeare, Robert Burns and Sir William Scott.
12. Take photos from Bethesda Terrace
Bethesda Terrace is considered the heart of Central Park. The complex is dominated by the Bethesda Fountain (1873), one of its most photographed attractions, but the upper terrace and the beautiful lower passageway decorated with tiles and arches are also well worth seeing.
It is quite common to find musicians playing live around the fountain, and many New Yorkers use it as a meeting point to meet friends (and go on first dates). You will also see groups of teenagers hanging out here after school, and it is a place where more than one person has proposed marriage to their partner (just saying!).
13. Pay tribute to John Lennon at Strawberry Fields
Strawberry Fields is the name of the John Lennon memorial located between 71st and 74th Streets, which was named after a Beatles song: "Strawberry Fields Forever".
Lennon lived very close to here, in the famous Dakota building, and in his honour, a large mosaic was laid on the ground with the word "Imagine", referring to one of his most famous songs. Today, this circular mosaic has become a pilgrimage site for his fans.
You will recognise it immediately because there are usually musicians playing Lennon's songs live around it, as well as a group of tourists waiting to take the legendary photo with the mosaic.
14. Go in search of Alice in Wonderland
One of the most famous statues in Central Park, honouring the characters of writer Lewis Carroll. It was specially designed for children to climb on and take a fun photo with Alice, the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter. Not far away is the statue of Hans Christian Andersen, author of "The Little Mermaid".
Other statues in Central Park
Most of the statues we can see in Central Park have been donated by organisations and private individuals, while a few have been donated by the city itself. Some are dedicated to animals, writers, fictional characters, historical figures, scientists and even a regiment from World War I.
- Writers: William Shakespeare, Lewis Caroll, Hans Christian Andersen, Sir Walter Scott, and Fitz-Greene Halleck.
- Fictional characters: Alice in Wonderland, Romeo and Juliet, and Burnett Memorial Fountain.
- Historical figures: Christopher Columbus, Simón Bolívar, King Władysław II Jagiełło, and Secretary of State Daniel Webster.
- Scientists: naturalist Alexander von Humboldt.
- War memorial: to the 107th New York Infantry Regiment that fought in World War I.
- Animals: Eagles and Prey, Still Hunt, and Balto (the latter in honour of sled dogs that braved a snowstorm to deliver medicine to stop a diphtheria epidemic in Alaska).
15. Visit Belvedere Castle
This is a Victorian-style fortification designed in 1865. Today it houses a meteorological observatory, but you can visit the castle and enjoy panoramic views of Delacorte Theatre, the Great Lawn, Turtle Pond and the Ramble forest.
16. Have a picnic on the Great Lawn
This is the largest lawn in Central Park, where New Yorkers gather to sunbathe or have a picnic when the weather is nice. If you visit the park in summer, several free events are organised here, such as concerts by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
Where to buy food to take away
If the weather is nice and it's a sunny day, don't think twice and go ahead and organise the perfect day out in Central Park. But where can you buy food for a picnic?
- Whole Foods Market: Located at 10 Columbus Circle, this supermarket has an extensive buffet of salads, ready meals, sandwiches, burgers, organic products and juices.
- The Plaza Food Hall: This is a food market in the basement of the Plaza Hotel that has a bakery, pastry shop, and bar/restaurant where you can buy a variety of products. You can eat here at one of the tables or bars or order takeaway to go to Central Park. The Plaza Food Hall is located at 1 W 59th St.
- Street stalls: Scattered throughout Central Park are several food stalls where you can buy hot dogs, waffles, ice cream, sandwiches and drinks.
- Café Express: This is the inexpensive option at The Loeb Boathouse, offering burgers, sandwiches and salads on its menu. It has a very pleasant garden where you can eat when the weather is good, although they also offer a takeaway service so you can enjoy your food as a picnic in the park.
- Le Pain Quotidien: This is a simple, inexpensive café for lunch or afternoon tea. They have a healthy menu, coffee, pastries and delicious lemonade, which you can enjoy on their charming terrace overlooking the park. They also have free WiFi.
17. Eat at The Loeb Boathouse
On the shores of The Lake is this elegant restaurant, which has been the setting for popular films and series such as "When Harry Met Sally," "27 Dresses" and "Sex and the City" during its more than six decades of history.
Plan your visit to Central Park
How to get there?
- Bus: lines M1, M2, M3, M4 and M10.
- Metro: lines 5, 6, 7, A, B, C and D.
Location and opening hours
Between Fifth and Eighth Avenues and 59th and 110th Streets. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Which entrance is the most popular?
The one on Fifth Avenue at the Plaza Hotel. It is the busiest, but if you want to start your visit with fewer tourists and more peace and quiet, you can go north towards Harlem.
How much time to spend there
Depending on the length of your stay in New York, you can plan your visit to Central Park in different ways:
- If it's short, you can spend a morning or afternoon there, in which case you'll need to plan your itinerary based on the time you have available, as you won't be able to see everything because it's such a huge park. If you only have a couple of hours, rent a bicycle to make sure you cover the main points.
- If you are in New York for a week, you can spend a whole day there and take the opportunity to have lunch, either by having a picnic or at a restaurant such as Tavern on the Green.
- Another option is to explore Central Park over several days, combining different parts of the park each day with one of the museums nearby.
- If you are short on time, consider taking an electric scooter tour of Central Park. It's the fastest way to make sure you don't miss a thing!
How to find your way around Central Park?
Central Park has many different entrances, and once you're there, you can get disoriented given the park's large size. To avoid this, I recommend paying attention to the lampposts, as they are numbered. The first two digits correspond to the nearest street number, while the last digit indicates whether you are on the west or east side of the park.
In addition, even numbers mean you are closer to the east side of Manhattan, while odd numbers indicate you are on the west side.
Information points in Central Park
If you feel lost or want to find the best route to a specific location in Central Park, you can visit any of the four information points in the park.
- Dairy Visitor Centre: Located in the centre of the park at 65th Street. Open Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Information Kiosk: There are three information kiosks in Central Park that you can visit if you have any questions during your visit: West 60th Street, West 72nd Street and East 72nd Street.
Public toilets in Central Park
If you feel the call of nature while visiting Central Park, don't worry, there are public toilets! Below are the ones that are open all year round:
- Heckscher Playground.
- Delacorte Theatre Restrooms.
- Charles A. Dana Discovery Centre.
- Ramble Shed.
- Ancient Playground.
- Conservatory Garden.
- North Meadow Recreation Centre.
When to visit Central Park?
Central Park is undoubtedly one of the must-see attractions in Manhattan. The best time to visit the park is in spring or autumn, when the beauty of Central Park's flora is at its peak with the flowering of the vegetation or the changing colours of the leaves on the trees, which is a beautiful spectacle of colour for the eyes.
However, winter also has its charm, as the iconic Wollman Rink ice rink is set up, and in summer, Central Park is a cool oasis where you can relax when the high temperatures of New York become unbearable.
What day of the week is best for exploring Central Park?
Central Park tops the list of the best parks in New York, and any time is a good time to take a pleasant stroll through this Manhattan park, but it is true that Sundays have a special magic, as it is a holiday and many New Yorkers take the opportunity to go to Central Park for a picnic on the lawns, a photo tour, sports, etc.
What are the best views of Central Park?
Central Park is best appreciated on foot or by bike, as we have seen. It is full of hidden hills, bridges, lakes and viewpoints that will give you incredible postcard views.
But as with almost everything in New York, the best way to enjoy Central Park is from a bird's eye view. If you want to see Central Park from above, the best views are from the Top of the Rock or the terrace of the MET Museum.
Another option is to join a helicopter tour of Manhattan and enjoy the immensity of the park in all its glory. There are several tours that cover the entire park, from south to north, and I can assure you that they will leave you speechless.