Central Park
Central Park in New York is a large park in the middle of Manhattan. It runs from 59th to 110th Street (and from Fifth to 8th Avenue) and was constructed artificially with bits of untouched nature here and there. The park welcomes up to 42 million visitors a year and is the beating heart of Manhattan. The scenic drives in Central Park are car-free, and the park offers a huge variety of attractions and activities. No matter the season, there is always something to do.
Attractions in Central Park
There are many attractions in Central Park: you won’t be able to see everything on your first visit. I’ve put together a list of my favourite things to do in Central Park to help you make the most of your time.
The Great Lawn
The Great Lawn is a large field in the middle of the park (from 79th up until 86th Street) with baseball and basketball courts and space for numerous other sports. In the summer free concerts are held here.
Strawberry Fields
In 1980 John Lennon, known from The Beatles, was shot in front of his apartment (the Dakota Building), near Central Park. After his death, Strawberry Fields was designed as a symbol of peace, on the spot in the park where he was always happy. Fans leave flowers, poems and candles every day in memory of Lennon.
Westside, between 71st and 74th Street
Belvedere Castle
A castle was built in the 19th century on top of Vista Rock, one of the non-artificial rocks in the park (which is 450 million years old!). Until the ‘60s this place was used by the New York Meteorological Observatory to predict the weather. Belvedere is Italian for beautiful views and the castle certainly does its name justice.
79th Street, in the middle of the park at Turtle Pond
Central Park Zoo with Children’s Zoo
Lions, monkeys, penguins and polar bears, it can all be found in the Central Park Zoo. This zoo was also used in the movie ‘Madagascar’. They also have a special Children’s Zoo, where children can pet goats, sheep, cows and pot-bellied pigs can be seen up close.
East Side between 63rd and 66th Street
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
The reservoir was named after Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1994, as thanks for her great commitment to the city and because she liked to go running. This is still a popular place to go running, especially in the spring because the trees bloom beautifully. The loop is about 2.4 kilometres long.
85th to 96th Street, from east to west
Sheep Meadow
Sheep Meadow is a lovely place to rest. Many New Yorkers come here in the summer to go sunbathing and picnicking. The skyscrapers poke out above the trees, which makes for a pretty picture. Until 1934 it was a pasture where sheep grazed and the shepherd lived in a nearby building that is now a famous restaurant called Tavern on the Green. This is also the place where movies are shown outdoors at the end of August. Admission is free.
Westside, from 66th to 69th Street
Tavern on the Green
Tavern on the Green is a chic restaurant situated on the west side of Central Park. Their menu focuses on using local, seasonal ingredients in their dishes. You can have lunch or dinner here in a classic setting with a view of the park. Tavern on the Green is a nice restaurant for a special occasion or a romantic dinner for two.
Westside, 67th Street
Shakespeare Garden
A beautiful garden containing some of the flowers and plants mentioned in the works of Shakespeare. There is also a mulberry tree, which is said to be an offshoot of a tree that was planted by Shakespeare himself in 1602.
The garden is located near the Delacorte Theater, where from May until August his work is recited during Shakespeare in the Park. This is a wildly popular series of theatrical performances, in which celebrities like Al Pacino, Meryl Streep and Natalie Portman have performed over the years. Free tickets are available but you have to stand in line on the day of the play. There is also a limited amount of tickets for sale.
Westside between 79th and 80th Street
Hidden Waterfalls
Did you know that Central Park also has waterfalls? Not a lot of tourists know about them, making them beautiful, tranquil places. There are five waterfalls in total, all artificial, and New York’s drinking water flows through them. Enter from the west side of the park at 102nd Street and follow the flow that’s called ‘the Loch’ (up until 106th Street).
Bethesda Terrace
The Bethesda Terrace is designed as the heart of Central Park. On the steps, you have a wonderful view of the lake and the Great Lawn. Under the stairs, because of the good acoustics, street performers often sing or play instruments. In the middle of the square is the Bethesda Fountain, one of the most famous fountains in the world. Also known as the Angel of the Waters, below the angel there are four cherubs symbolising health, purity, temperance and peace.
Middle of the park, near 72nd Street
Loeb Boathouse
Opposite the Bethesda Fountain, on the other side of the water, lies the idyllic Loeb Boathouse, a place where you can rent rowing boats. Of course, you can also just relax while enjoying a snack and drink, with a fantastic view of the lake.
Eastside between 74th and 75th Street
Naumburg Bandshell
Winter Fun
From the end of October until March you can go ice skating in New York. You’ll find the Wollman Rink in Central Park. You can purchase tickets in advance for the ice skating rink.
Wollman Rink: 59th Street & 6th Avenue (keep right when you enter the park)
Getting around in Central Park
Of course, you can explore the park on foot, but there are several other ways to get around in Central Park. Hop on a bicycle or an e-scooter, or take a guided tour to learn more about the different sights. You can also book a carriage ride.
Renting Bikes
The best way to explore Central Park is by bike. It’s best to rent your bikes in advance, this way you pay less and you are guaranteed a bike. Central Park has a one-way loop making it very easy to cycle around the entire park.
Electric scooter rental
Electric scooter rental in New York is a unique way to explore Central Park. The scooters are easy to use and can go quite fast. A guided scooter tour through Central Park can be booked as well. Hop on the scooter and see all the sights of the park.
Central Park Walking Tour
During this two-hour walking tour in Central Park, you will learn about the interesting history of the park and its development. You’ll stop at famous locations including the Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle, Central Park Mall and Bethesda Fountain. You will explore the park in a small group.
Book your Central Park walking tour here
Other Fun Facts
- It’s the most popular filming location in New York – Over 350 films have been filmed in the park
- Roughly 16 million New York apartments could fit in Central Park!
- The park is larger than the Principality of Monaco
- To make the four roads that go through the park, so many rocks had to be blown away that more gunpowder was used than at the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War
Why is Central Park famous?
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