Central Park
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.