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 If you could only do 1 thing in NYC, go walk around Central Park! This did not disappoint! Massive park right in the center of the city full of locals and tourism enjoying the beautiful weather. We visited in lake March/early April and there were so many cherry blossoms to stop by and take pictures with. There are multiple ponds/lakes/playgrounds/museums/washrooms. A very walkable area. Lots of benches everywhere. Some street vendors selling drinks and ice cream. No tickets, no fees - just enjoy the walk. If you want to get away from the crowds the top park of the part is much quieter and feels more local. The bottom park around Billionaire row is very very busy. We went here early in the morning on a weekday and it was a good amount of people. We visited against on a weekend around lunchtime and it was packed.
Shawn - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Beautiful in every season, but fall is my favorite, especially when the leaves are changing. Best enjoyed in the morning while it’s still quiet. The Literary Walk is a standout—perfect for sitting on a bench and people-watching. Truly an oasis in the middle of the city. It’s massive, so don’t expect to see everything in one day—pick one area and take your time.
Amy C. - 5 months ago

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5 Star Rating Central Park is one of the most beautiful urban parks in the world and a perfect example of how landscape design can transform a busy city into a peaceful public space. Surrounded by Manhattan’s skyscrapers, the park creates an amazing balance between nature and urban life. What makes Central Park truly special is the variety of experiences within one large landscape. From open green lawns and lakes to tree-lined pathways, bridges, gardens, and performance spaces, every area has its own unique atmosphere. The planning and circulation are designed so naturally that visitors can walk for hours while continuously discovering new views and spaces. Architecturally and from an urban design perspective, the park is extraordinary because it integrates nature with the dense city fabric so seamlessly. The stone bridges, Bethesda Terrace, water bodies, and carefully framed skyline views create a timeless spatial experience. Even with thousands of visitors, many corners still feel calm and intimate. The park is equally enjoyable for families, tourists, joggers, cyclists, photographers, and architects. During different seasons, the character of the park changes completely — vibrant greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, snow-covered landscapes in winter, and fresh blossoms in spring. Located in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park is not just a park but the green soul of New York City. A must-visit destination where landscape, architecture, culture, and public life come together beautifully.
Soni Pratik - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating An absolutely gorgeous park with serene and beautiful foliage. The most famous part of the park would probably be the Bethesda fountain and Bethesda terrace. There is also a toilet there. There are lots of squirrels and other small animals in the park as well.
SL Wong - a month ago

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5 Star Rating This park feels like the ultimate urban escape and comes remarkably close to perfection. One moment you’re wandering through peaceful wooded paths, and the next you’re relaxing on open lawns or enjoying live performances, many of them free. There’s so much to do—boating on the lake, people-watching, or simply soaking in the scenery. In certain areas, it’s easy to forget you’re even in the middle of a city. For anyone visiting New York, spending time here is a must. With attractions like a zoo, carousel, ice-skating rink, and even a castle, the park offers something memorable for every age.
Jose Benson - 6 months 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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