Central Park

Central Park: A beautiful 874 acre haven from the hustle and bustle of New York City

A screened view of Manhattan's highrises from Central Park
A screened view of Manhattan's highrises from Central Park

Located in the center of Manhattan, Central Park provides a pastoral refuge from the chaos and noise of New York City. Recognised as a National Historic Landmark in 1963, Central Park is the most visited park in the country. Covering over 874 acres, Central Park offers a near endless array of activities for natives and newcomers alike.

While an extensive network of trails perfect for running or hiking, Central Park also offers numerous recreational opportunities, including tennis courts, skating rinks, swimming pools, baseball fields, horseback riding, fishing and boat rentals. Birdwatchers will want to explore "The Ramble", a wooded section of the park where many species of woodland birds can be spotted in the spring and fall. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the Conservatory Gardens, the Park's first formal garden and Turtle Pond which attracts migratory birds and several species of turtle.

Central Park also hosts a number of cultural festivals and a summer concert series on the Great Lawn featuring popular and classical music. A beloved summer tradition, The Public Theater holds its critically acclaimed Shakespeare in the Park series at the Delacorte Theatre with eight weeks of free performances.

Young children will enjoy a visit to Central Park every bit as much as adults, especially the Central Park Carousel, which is one of the largest merry-go-rounds in the United States, the petting zoo at the Tisch Children's Zoo at the Central Park Wildlife Center and the Marionette Theatre at the Swedish Cottage. For a less structured approach, visit the Alice in Wonderland and Ugly Ducking statues, sail model boats at Conservatory Waters or simply enjoy the 21 playgrounds scattered throughout the Park.

The Central Park Conservatory also offers a variety of free guided interpretive walking tours, if exploring the park on your own seems overwhelming. These free tours run throughout the year except in extreme weather. You can check out the calendar on the official site to see what tours are happening on any given day. Bicycle rentals, horse-drawn carriages and pedi-cabs offer good alternatives to walking to explore sites throughout the park. iPhone users can download the Central Park Conservatory app for suggested itineraries and photography sites.

Nearby attractions: Central Park Wildlife Center, American Museum of Natural History, The Met and the Cloisters, Whitney Museum of American Art, Metropolitan Opera, The Frick Collection and Carnegie Hall



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: no

Central Park Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Thursday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Friday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Saturday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Sunday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM

Address: New York, NY, USA

Phone: (212) 310-6600

Official Website: Central Park

Central Park Reviews

Rated 4.8 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating New York City is a place of constant energy and contrast, where towering buildings, busy streets, and diverse cultures come together to create a unique atmosphere. Amid this fast-paced environment, Central Park stands out as a peaceful and beautiful retreat at the very heart of the city. Its presence gives New York a balance that few other cities can match. Central Park offers a refreshing escape from the surrounding skyscrapers and traffic. Wide green lawns, tree-lined paths, and quiet lakes create a sense of calm that feels almost surprising given the city around it. Visitors can walk, relax, or simply sit and observe, enjoying the slower rhythm that the park provides. Each season brings a different kind of beauty, from blooming flowers in spring to colorful leaves in autumn. The park is also rich in character and variety. Bridges, fountains, and open spaces are thoughtfully designed, blending natural beauty with careful planning. Musicians, artists, and families add life to the park, making it feel welcoming and vibrant without overwhelming its peaceful nature. Central Park reflects the diversity of New York itself, bringing people from all backgrounds together in one shared space. Overall, New York City is impressive for its scale and ambition, but Central Park is what gives it warmth and balance. It is a reminder that even in the busiest cities, there is room for nature, reflection, and quiet beauty.
Nikola - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Central Park is truly one of the greatest urban parks in the world. No matter the season, it offers something special — beautiful walking paths, peaceful lakes, open green spaces, iconic landmarks, and endless spots to relax or explore. It’s amazing how you can step away from the city’s energy and immediately feel calm and refreshed. Whether you’re walking, running, biking, visiting attractions like Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, or Strawberry Fields, or simply sitting on a bench enjoying the views, Central Park never disappoints. It’s perfect for families, couples, solo walks, and tourists alike. A must-visit every time I’m in NYC — timeless, beautiful, and unforgettable. Best time to visit: April last two weeks November first two weeks January last two weeks
ahmad haddad - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Central Park is love! • I’m so glad I booked an accommodation near the park. I could walk to the southwest entrance in less than 10 minutes. Such a dream! • I witnessed the park both before the snowstorm and right after the snowfall. Truly magical. The trees and views were magnificent, but I especially loved it the day after the snow when everything was beautifully snow-capped. • I got to take gorgeous photos before the storm too — the colors were vibrant and stunning in their own way. • The walkways were cleared quickly after the storm, though there were still some slippery, icy spots, so be careful! • The park is massive, yet it’s the perfect place to find stillness in busy, noisy NYC. There are so many quiet, uncrowded corners — especially during winter. Winter in Central Park just hits different ❄️🤍
BA - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Breathtaking. A must-see while visiting New York. It’s huge! 843 acres is a lot of walking. Wearing comfortable shoes. Felt safe. Lots of people. My pictures are taken shortly have the February 2026 snowstorm. Some snow was removed. Sand was sprinkled on the steps. Some walk ways were not shoveled unfortunately and surprisingly. Still enjoyed walking through.
Lisa Carmichael - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Central Park is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in New York City. In the middle of the noise and fast pace of Manhattan, the park feels like a breath of fresh air. Whether you want to go for a walk, have a picnic, read a book, or just sit and think, it offers the perfect environment to slow down. One of my favorite things about Central Park is how diverse it is. You can find open green fields like Sheep Meadow where people relax and sunbathe, scenic spots like Bethesda Terrace and Fountain that feel almost cinematic, and quiet wooded paths that make you forget you are in one of the busiest cities in the world. Every season completely transforms the park. In the fall, the trees turn warm shades of orange and red. In the winter, snow makes everything look magical. Spring and summer bring flowers, street performers, and so much energy. It is also a great place for movement. You will see runners, cyclists, people rollerblading, and families playing with their kids. The atmosphere feels welcoming and safe, even when it is busy. There is always something happening, but it never feels overwhelming. What makes Central Park special is that it belongs to everyone. Tourists, students, families, artists, and locals all share the space. It feels democratic and alive. No matter how many times you visit, you can always discover a new corner. If you are in New York City, Central Park is not just a place to visit. It is a place to experience.
Lore - a month ago

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Directions

Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
N, Q or R (South End)59th Street5 minutes
1 or 2 (South End)Columbus Circle5 minutes
A, B or C (Mid Park)American Museum of Natural History station or 86th Street2 minutes
A, B, or C (North End)96th Street, 103rd Street or 110th Street2 minutes
2 or 3 (North End)110th Street5 minutes

How to get to Central Park by Subway

For the southern end of the Park, take the N, Q or R train to 59th Street or the 1 or 2 train to Columbus Circle and enter the Park from 59th Street. For the middle of the park, take the A, B or C train to the American Museum of Natural History or 86th Street and enter the park from Central Park West. For the northern end of the park, take the A, B, or C train to 96th Street, 103rd Street or 110th Street and enter the park from Central Park West or take the 2 or 3 train to 110th Street, head southwest on Lenox Ave (Malcolm X Blvd) into the park.

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