Central Park
Central Park: A beautiful 874 acre haven from the hustle and bustle of New York City
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: noCentral 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 out of 5
The central park is one of the most beautiful place in the middle of New York. It's a very big and green park with lots of trees and flowers. A lot of tourists visit the park every day. There are many horse rides inside the park and you can rent to see the park. There are many children's playgrounds inside the park. It is a great place for relaxation and passing your free time. The park is fully Accessible for ♿ wheelchair users, the entrance, walkways and toilets all are accessible for♿ wheelchair users.
Abdullah Al Mamun - 2 weeks ago
Central Park is an oasis in the midst of bustling New York City. I loved strolling through its pathways, admiring the diverse landscapes, and enjoying the tranquility it offers. The green spaces, lakes, and recreational areas are perfect for relaxation and unwinding. Additionally, the vibrant atmosphere with street performers and cultural events makes it a unique place. Definitely a must-visit for anyone looking for a break in the Big Apple.
Mailén Paulone - 2 weeks ago
It’s so amazing to just walk in the park and enjoy the view. You’ll be amazed how large the park is and how many interesting things happen here every day.
There are a few food trucks here and there and you can enjoy hotdogs, tacos, etc.
I could spend a whole day taking a stroll or sit down and enjoy everything Central Park has to offer.
Alaleh - FoodyTO - in the last week
Beautiful, beautiful gem just a short subway ride away from the major terminals.
The park is peaceful, inviting, and full of things to see.
It’s amazing to me that this is nestled in the heart of such a crazy city.
Carve out some time so you can truly enjoy your visit to this park!
Charlie Morse - 3 weeks ago
A must visit if visiting NYC and you could literally spend days exploring it. We hired scooters to explore and we were not disappointed. Amenities available include food, water and toilets all readily available. Great for couples, date weekends, a family day out or with kids. Closed roads to cars but you need to keep your wits about you with cyclists, scooters and horses everywhere and often.
Chris Foster-Ramsay - in the last week
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| N, Q or R (South End) | 59th Street | 5 minutes |
| 1 or 2 (South End) | Columbus Circle | 5 minutes |
| A, B or C (Mid Park) | American Museum of Natural History station or 86th Street | 2 minutes |
| A, B, or C (North End) | 96th Street, 103rd Street or 110th Street | 2 minutes |
| 2 or 3 (North End) | 110th Street | 5 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Central Park:
Photo Gallery
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A tree frames one of the many unique bridges in Central Park cc licensed photo by Trodel -
Central Park provides a wonderful oasis within Manhattan cc licensed photo by Evelyn Proimos -
Photo Credit: Yanqi Ding's Street Photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: d26b73 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Doolallyally - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Fabio Bruna - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: John Cunniff - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Marcela McGreal - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Stabbur's Master - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: tinto - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Urban Footfall - Street Photography - cc license via Flickr
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