Central Park

Central Park showing a pond, a park and flowers
Central Park showing a pond, a park and flowers
Central Park as well as a couple
Central Park showing cycling and a garden
Central Park showing a park and signage


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.

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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Things to do near Central Park

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Central Park, visit Tiffany & Co., only 1.6km away, for exquisite gifts. Macy's, a vibrant shopping mall 3.2km away, offers a range of goods, while Chelsea Market, 4.8km away, provides a unique blend of food and shopping. If you're up for a drive, consider exploring further afield.

Recreation

Carnegie Hall, a renowned music venue, offers captivating performances just 1.6km from Central Park, enveloping visitors in vibrant entertainment vibes. Broadway Theatre, also 1.6km away, provides delightful cinematic experiences with a touch of family and romance. For ultimate relaxation, visit SoJo Spa Club, located three miles away, embracing wellness and tranquillity.

Adventure

DreamWorks Water Park, a thrilling waterpark 9.7km from Central Park, offers exhilarating rides and family-friendly attractions for an unforgettable day of splashing fun. Meanwhile, City Treehouse, located 4.8km away, provides an exciting arcadeAdventureZone experience filled with adventure vibes for all ages.

Nightlife

Central Park's nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a night out at Dave & Buster's, just 3.2km away, for a lively atmosphere and great drinks. Alternatively, visit the Stonewall Inn or 51-53 Christopher Street, both 6.4km distant, for a romantic vibe and lively entertainment.

*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 in New York City is a delightful urban oasis, offering a blend of cultural experiences and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can explore art museums, iconic skyscrapers, and popular points of interest such as the famous animal park and various top attractions within the park. With its vibrant atmosphere, Central Park is perfect for those seeking a unique city experience infused with nature and art.

  • Times Square: Experience the pulsating energy of Times Square, a vibrant hub filled with dazzling billboards and a myriad of shops and eateries. This iconic location is perfect for soaking up the city's electric atmosphere and people-watching, just 3.2km from Central Park.
  • Broadway: Immerse yourself in the world of theatre on Broadway, renowned for its spectacular performances and musicals. This famous street, located 3.2km from Central Park, offers an unforgettable evening of entertainment in a lively setting.
  • Rockefeller Center: Discover the charm of Rockefeller Center, a family-friendly precinct boasting outdoor skating rinks and stunning art deco architecture. Just 3.2km from Central Park, it’s a delightful spot for both relaxation and exploration.

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

Tips to save on your trip to Central Park

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Central Park.
  • Consider traveling to Central Park during the low season (January to March) for more affordable options.
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