Central Park

Central Park showing a pond, a park and flowers
Central Park
Central Park showing cycling and a garden
Central Park showing a park and signage
Central Park featuring a park


A beautiful haven where you can escape from the steel canyons of Manhattan for a wander or a picnic.

Manhattan's legendary public park was first opened to the city all the way back in 1857. Over the years, it has become extremely well known across the world, serving as the backdrop to an eclectic mixture of films from “When Harry Met Sally” and “Annie Hall” to “Home Alone 2” and “Sex and the City: The Movie”. As well as being a famous spot, it is a popular recreational destination for locals and tourist alike.

Designed by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, the park spans 843 acres between the Upper East Side and the Upper West Side, and contains woodland, historic monuments and sports facilities.

Visit the many stunning landmarks, such as the Bethesda Fountain, the Loeb Boathouse Restaurant, and Strawberry Fields where you can see the John Lennon Imagine memorial. You can also explore nearly 100 kilometres of walking trails, and there are some 21 playgrounds for children to have fun in. If you're in town in the summer, take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage or visit the Central Park Carousel playgrounds, or even hire a rowing boat from the Boathouse. In the winter, meanwhile, you can even go ice skating. You can also visit the zoo all year round.

Among the other striking structures that you'll find throughout this sumptuous space are The Arsenal which was once a munitions supply depot for the State's National Guard and which predates the park, as well as the beautiful Belvedere Castle which you can tour free of charge. All around the park, you'll see monuments paying tribute to Hans Christian Andersen, Romeo and Juliet and so many others besides.

Volunteers are on hand at the park's information booths if you are struggling to find your way around. You can grab a map from them to help you look around and explore. As well as enjoying everything there is to see and do in the park, you can simply buy something to eat from one of the vendors who you'll find serving up hot dogs, pretzels and ice cream, and simply enjoy some time out on the Great Lawn.

Situated in the Upper West Side and Upper East Side neighbourhoods, you can reach Central Park by subway or by bus.

Plan a trip to see Central Park

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NoMo SoHo
INNSiDE by Meliá New York Nomad
Le Meridien New York, Central Park by Marriott

Reviews of Central Park

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
938
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
410
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
51
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

def do horse cart around central park was def worthwhile and weather was lovely too

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Felt safe and had a pleasant walk around some of the park, there are options to take a horse and carriage or other forms of transport should you wish to see more but be careful of the pricing can be very expensive for what you get.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

went on one of their bicycle rides very enjoyable and they were very friendly and informative good value for money. Also rode in one of their horse and carriage’s

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice for a Walk and some quite.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Takes a while to walk through as paths meander around! Nice to say I've been but not worth a second visit - there are prettier parks in the world.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Hired bikes, lovely sunny day. Boat house café reasonable and great views

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Central Park

Central Park offers a myriad of exciting activities for visitors, including delightful entertainment options, impressive art installations, and vibrant shopping experiences. Whether you're exploring the park's scenic paths, enjoying street performances, or visiting nearby galleries and boutiques, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this iconic New York destination. Make sure to immerse yourself in the amazing atmosphere and diverse attractions that Central Park has to offer.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Macy's, a vibrant shopping centre located 3.2km from Central Park, perfect for gifts and souvenirs. Tiffany & Co., just 1.6km away, offers exquisite jewellery. Don't miss Grand Central Market, also 3.2km away, for a taste of local culture and business atmosphere.

Recreation

Yankee Stadium, 6.4km from Central Park, offers exhilarating sports experiences, while Carnegie Hall, just 1.6km away, delights with its vibrant music concerts. For ultimate relaxation, indulge in the SoJo Spa Club, located 4.8km from the park, where wellness and tranquillity await you.

Adventure

At DreamWorks Water Park, located 9.7km from Central Park, enjoy thrilling water rides and family-friendly attractions. The Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden, 6.4km away, offers a serene outdoor escape. For a challenge, visit the ExtraVertical Climbing Center, only 1.6km away, where you can scale climbing walls amidst an adventurous atmosphere.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Central Park. Catch a romantic film at the Broadway Theatre, only 1.6km away, or enjoy family-friendly performances at the Beacon Theater, 1.3km away. For a unique experience, explore the entertaining Hayden Planetarium, just 483m from the park.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Central Park

Central Park offers a delightful array of attractions, including urban parks, art museums, and iconic skyscrapers. Whether you seek cultural enrichment, family-friendly experiences, or a taste of city life, the points of interest around Central Park cater to all types of travellers. Explore the vibrant art scene, enjoy leisurely strolls in the lush greenery, or marvel at the towering buildings that define the New York skyline.

  • Times Square: Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of Times Square, a vibrant hub known for its bright lights, bustling crowds, and iconic billboards. This lively square offers a taste of New York's energetic city life, making it a must-visit destination.
  • Broadway: Experience the heart of theatre at Broadway, a legendary street renowned for its world-class performances and musicals. The street buzzes with creativity and excitement, providing a unique opportunity to witness outstanding artistry.
  • Grand Central Terminal: Step into the grandeur of Grand Central Terminal, a stunning architectural marvel that serves as a cultural symbol of New York. Its majestic design and rich history offer visitors a glimpse into the city's vibrant heritage.

Best time to go to Central Park

The best time to visit Central Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Central Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Central Park falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Central Park

To save money on your visit to Central Park, consider travelling during the off-peak months from January to March, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, preferably on a Sunday, as Saturdays tend to be more expensive. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and refine your search by budget and preferences, including eco-friendly options. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can yield significant savings. Lastly, explore the park on foot to enjoy free activities while avoiding transport costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Central Park are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Central Park about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Central Park is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Central Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you favour. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel reservation in Central Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia