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
Beautiful park. So many things to see and explore. Love the castle and was able to see a photo shoot! We went in the morning hours and there was a limited amount of people so we were able to take pictures without others interfering. When we went to the park again in the early evening it was much busier and harder to take pictures that were unobstructed. We felt safe the entire time in the park as that was a concern.
Jennifer James - 2 weeks ago
A beautiful park where you can leave all the hustle and bustle behind. The park is spotless and quite easy to walk around. There are lots of things to see in the park. We even watched a movie being made. We went in February and it was freezing cold but still a lovely stroll.
Suzanne Lennon - a month ago
Must visit if you’re in the area. Very safe and enjoyable. A lot of people around but somehow not overcrowded, considering it’s end of March. Bought some fresh fruit with a vendor and enjoyed our walk savoring the snack. The tours on a pedicab is very recommended. We had limited time and couldn’t spend two days walking through the park. The pedicabs made it all worth it. Live music made an amazing experience. Don’t forget to tip music and performances. My teens enjoyed the playground as well. It is an amazing experience to see iconic places and landmarks used in so many movies and shows.
Ana Sierra - a week ago
Center Parcs offers a unique getaway in the heart of nature, combining relaxation and adventure. Nestled in lush forests, its villages provide cozy lodges, scenic lakes, and a wide range of activities for all ages. Guests can enjoy cycling through serene landscapes, unwinding in luxurious spas, or experiencing thrilling water parks. The resorts are designed for families, couples, and friends seeking an escape from everyday life. With a perfect balance of tranquility and excitement, Center Parcs creates unforgettable memories in a stunning natural setting.
Aimn An - 2 weeks ago
Central Park, the iconic green lung of Manhattan, is a must-visit destination for those seeking a break from the city's hustle and bustle. Perfect for family outings, this majestic park offers ideal spaces for relaxing picnics, outdoor sports, and strolls along its vast trails, adorned with historical monuments and lush woodlands.
Every corner invites exploration and immersion in nature without leaving the vibrant metropolis. With its unique charm and diverse activities, Central Park is the perfect retreat to unwind and reconnect with the beauty of the natural world.
Felipe Gatica - 3 weeks ago
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: Marcela McGreal - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Marcela McGreal - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Janne Räkköläinen - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: CPG83 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Urban Footfall - Street Photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Phil Roeder - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: 35mmMan - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Яick Harris - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Phil Roeder - cc license via Flickr
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