central park tour map

A Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park by a Local (Map & Itinerary)

By: Author Charles

Posted on October 22, 2023

A visit to Central Park can be quite overwhelming for those who want to wander its pathways. There are 843 acres of nonstop nature to explore spanning 50 New York City blocks.

Since there is so much to see and do within the park, it can get confusing on how to put together the best self-guided walking tour of Central Park. As someone who has walked all corners of the park over the course of 10+ years, I have a pretty solid understanding of how to put together the best possible Central Park itinerary for first time visitors.

This overview will give you step by step directions on what a one day self-guided tour of Central Park will look like and what to expect during your walk. Hope you enjoy it out there!

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1) Ways to Tour the Park

Before getting into this self-guided walking tour of Central Park, I did want to mention some of the other main ways to go about a visit.

1) Join a Guided Tour

While I am one for the self-guided options, many people want to have a tour guide join them for their day in the park. This way you will not need to worry about getting lost or heading in the wrong direction. A tour guide will walk you around the park, give you some history lessons, and answer your questions along the way.

These walking tours usually do not head to all parts of the park, but rather just some of the main areas. Feel free to check out this two hour Central Park walking tour if interested in having a guide along with you.

2) Take a Pedicab

At the entrance of the park, you will find many pedicab drivers asking to take you around. This is a fast and convenient way to see a lot of the park in a shorter period of time.

However, it also takes away the chance to go to the inner pathways of the park, which in my opinion are some of the best spots. The pedicabs need to stick to the main streets of the park but can drop you off in different areas along the way for you to explore a bit more.

You can also choose to join a private Central Park Pedicab tour ahead of time .

3) Bike the Park

If you are not into walking and want to see the park on your own, you could rent a bicycle from some of the bike rental spots located right outside some of the main entrances. Riding a bike gives you the chance to see more of the park in a shorter period of time.

However, you will not be able to take a bicycle into certain areas of the inner park or alongside some of the main highlights. While you can get off the main outer loop, and onto some of the inner walking paths, you will be a bit more limited.

If you don’t want to explore the park by bike alone, you can also join a Central Park Bicycle tour .

4) Self Guided Walk

At the end of the day though, a self-guided walking tour of Central Park will give you the most flexibility compared to all the options above. You can see everything you want to see at your own pace, and best of all it’s all completely free!

The rest of this article will dive into one of the most wholistic routes of Central Park and what I would recommend for those wanting to see the highlights.

Central Park Tours : Check out some of the other top Central Park tours that are offered in throughout park

2) Self-Guided Walking Tour Map

We will first start out with a map of this self guided walking tour. You will find each of the highlights pinned on the map below, along with the actual walking route to follow along the way.

Feel free to reference this map as you go through this guide to understand the various directions and turns you will need to make along the way.

Visit Central Park as part of a longer 4 days in NYC itinerary that takes you throughout the city .

Note : there will be instances where you will be able to walk along parallel paths to those shown on the map. You do not need to follow the route to the tee.

3) Where to Stay in NYC

There are so many different neighborhoods to choose from when visiting NYC. Below are some of my top choices for a few of my recommended locations in the city:

Looking for the top hotels & neighborhoods in NYC? Check out some helpful accommodation resources when it comes to picking the best spot for you! Neighborhood Overview : Best Places to Stay in NYC Best Skyline Views : NYC Hotels with a View Times Square : Top Times Square Hotels with a View Theater District : Hotels in Broadway Theater District Central Park : Best Hotels with Central Park Views Tribeca : Best Tribeca Hotels SoHo: Where to Stay in SoHo Greenwich Village : Top Greenwich Village Hotels Brooklyn Bridge : Hotels with Brooklyn Bridge Views Best Panoramas : Hotels in NYC with Floor to Ceiling Windows

4) Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park

Now that you have a visual view of the self-guided walking tour, let’s get into a step by step guide of the walk itself.

Below I will give a detailed overview of how to go about your walk. Remember to reference the map above to give you a better idea of where you will be going directionally.

Be sure to also check out some of the other top things to do in New York City during a visit!

Walking Tour Starting Point

There are so many different entrances on all sides of Central Park. For the sake of this walking tour though, I will be starting it off at the southeast corner of the park on 59 th Street and 5 th Avenue. On Google Maps you will see this named Grand Army Plaza .

Here is where the beginning of East Drive is, which then runs up the entire East side of the park. You may see some pedicabs and horse & carriages waiting around the starting point as well since it is one of the more popular park entrances.

Stop 1: The Pond Viewpoint

From the entrance of East Drive, continue on the street for just a minute or so. Be on the lookout to your left, where you should see a pathway up a large rock face. On Google Maps it is called “Patinaje Central Park”.

Note: on the map above, Google Maps did not allow me show a route that goes onto the rock itself (rather around it). But trust me, there is a pathway to get up to the top and back down to the Pond.

Head up the rock to the top of it. From the top of this rock you will find one of the best elevated views of Central Park .

Right out in front of you will be the Pond and Gapstow Bridge, to your left will be the “Billionaire’s Row” skyline, and you will have the rest of the park’s greenery surrounding you in other directions.

From the top of the rock you can now head down to the pathway closer to the Pond. This will give you a chance to walk the pathway immediately surrounding this body of water. Head down left to the southern end of the Pond, where you will find a great view of the water and bridge out in the distance (pinned on the map).

Stop 2: Hallett Nature Sanctuary

After taking in the viewpoints, continue on the pathway looping the Pond. The path will head northbound, and you will soon reach an intersection. Turn right here, where you will immediately see the entrance to the Hallett Nature Sanctuary on the right hand side.

Take your time to explore one of the three woodland areas of the park -> nature, viewpoints, and wildlife will be all around you as you take a walk around.

Once all done, head back to the entrance (there is only one way in and out), and head back onto the pathway.

Learn more in the Hallett Nature Sanctuary guide up on the site .

Stop 3: Wollman Rink

After exiting the Sanctuary, head straight along the pathway as you walk parallel to the Wollman Rink (the rink should be on your right hand side here).

Head to the top of the Wollman Rink, where you will get some great views of the rink down below with the skyline sitting right behind it. The rink will only really be active in the winter time but it is still a nice view nonetheless.

Stop 4: The Dairy Visitor Center

Continue the path north of the Wollman Rink, where you should see the Dairy Visitor Center out in front of you.

Take a few minutes to head inside the visitor center, where you can buy some souvenirs or ask the employees any questions you may have.

Stop 5: The Manhattan Survey Bolt

After exiting the Dairy head back onto the pathway you were just on and continue northbound. You will very soon come across Center Drive, which makes up a section of the main loop of the park.

Around this area you will find one of the original Manhattan survey bolts that was put down over 200 years ago.

It’s exact location is a bit of a secret but if you do enough research, you should be able to find it. These bolts were installed to help create the Manhattan grid that you see today. It is the only known one left in the city.

If you can’t find it, no worries, just head across Center Drive, where you will see the Mall and Literary Walk out in front of you.

Stop 6: The Mall & Literary Walk

One of the most magnificent parts of Central Park is the tree lined Mall that heads from Center Drive all the way to Bethesda Terrace.

On either side you will find these beautiful American Elm trees as well as several statues of historical figures. During Central Park peak foliage , these trees turn a bright yellow color.

Take your time to walk the pathway until you arrive at the steps that will take you down to the terrace.

Learn more in The Mall & Literary Walk guide up on the site .

Stop 7: Bethesda Terrace and Fountain

You can choose to head under the arch here to Bethesda Terrace or you can head across the street, take the view in from above, and then walk down the stairs on either side of the arch.

At the Bethesda Terrace you will find the famous fountain right in the middle with fantastic views of the Lake and Loeb Boathouse.

Stop 8: Bow Bridge

As you wrap up your time at the terrace, head to the pathway to the left that is hugging the Lake. A couple minutes down the pathway and you will soon be welcomed to the famous Bow Bridge.

You can decide to head across the bridge and into The Ramble if you would like and explore the southern end of this woodland area (you will be heading into the Ramble a bit later on too).

If you do head across the bridge into the Ramble, you can enjoy some nice benches and viewpoints area of the Lake .

Be careful not to venture off too far as it can get confusing in there. Try and stay to the immediate right and towards the Loeb Boathouse, which you may be able to see through the trees.

If you don’t want to go into the Ramble now, head back across the Bow Bridge and retrace your steps towards the Bethesda Terrace, where you can then follow the pathway towards the Loeb Boathouse.

Learn more in the Bow Bridge Central Park guide up on the site .

Stop 9: Conservatory Water

Across the main pathway from the Loeb Boathouse you will find the Conservatory Water and the Alice in Wonderland Statue.

Here you may find model boats racing their way around this water feature with the Manhattan skyline out in the distance.

At the northern part of the water you will see the famous Alice in Wonderland statue, an iconic statue of the park.

Stop 10: The Obelisk

Get back onto the main loop of the park (East Drive here), and continue northbound. To your left will the Ramble, which you may have just visited (and can visit later on) and just past that you will come across the Obelisk.

This is one of the more unique features of the park. It was created over 3,500 years ago in Egypt and eventually made its way right into Central Park.

Directly across from the Obelisk you will also find the Metropolitan Museum of Art, another great place to visit during your time in the city.

Stop 11: The Reservoir

Just past the Met and Obelisk, you will come across the Reservoir. Head towards the water here and follow the path counter clockwise northbound alongside this massive water feature.

Here you should get some of the best views of NYC with hopefully some nice water reflections along the way .

The tree lined pathway is beautiful to walk along as you get to enjoy this famous stroll, especially during NYC cherry blossom season .

Learn more in the Central Park Reservoir guide up on the site .

Stop 12: Conservatory Garden

Once you reach the northern end of the Reservoir, you will need to be a bit cautious here as you want to get back on East Drive. Be on the lookout for a pathway on your right that you can follow back to the main path (don’t forget to check out the map above!).

Continue northbound on East Drive as you then will come across the Conservatory Garden on your right. You will need to get off the main pathway here and into the garden area.

This is probably the most ornate garden in all of Central Park and is also one of the more unknown features as not too many people get up here.

Definitely have a walk around and enjoy the garden before making your way just north of it to the Harlem Meer.

Stop 13: Harlem Meer

As you exit through the north side of the Conservatory Garden you will get to see the Lasker Rink and the Harlem Meer right out in front of you.

There is currently a pretty big renovation going on here but if any of the paths near the Meer are open, you should take a quick walk around as it is one of the more underrated water features of the park.

Stop 14: The Loch & Ravine

Once wrapped up at the Meer, get back on East Drive, where you will want to be on the lookout for the Huddlestone Arch (right across from the rink).

At the beginning of the pathway near the arch, you will be welcomed to a great feature of the park as you arrive at the Central Park waterfall .

You will then continue to follow the pathway alongside the Loch, a serene stream that makes its way across the Ravine .

During the walk you will come across various turnoff areas to get closer to the Loch. Be sure to take these short detours so you can enjoy some great up-close views.

Learn more in the Central Park Trail guide up on the site .

Stop 15: The Pool

Towards the end of the trail alongside the Loch, you will climb some stairs and be welcomed to the Pool.

The Pool is another great water feature of the park and you should get to enjoy some beautiful reflections of the surrounding trees. It is also one of my favorite spots to enjoy the colors during NYC foliage time.

Feel free to walk around it for a bit as you take in the Pool from some different angles. Once finished up there, head back to the east side of the Pool, where you will get onto the main loop (now West Drive).

Stop 16: The Bridle Path

This is more up to you, but you can continue southbound on the main West Drive, or you can head on what is called the Bridle Path. This is a softer dirt pathway that gets you off of the busy West Drive.

You should see the Bridle Path directly on the left hand side of West Drive as you walk southbound.

For now, you can continue walking along the Bridle Path southbound, which will still be parallel to West Drive. The path heads by the baseball fields of the North Meadow, the tennis courts, the Reservoir (feel free to get back on the Reservoir path for a bit here too), and Great Lawn.

Continue southbound as you walk the path, head under some arches, and soon approach the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre on your left hand side.

Be on the lookout here as you don’t want to miss the turnoff up towards the Shakespeare Garden.

Learn more in the Central Park Bridle Path guide up on the site .

Stop 17: Shakespeare Garden

Just behind the Swedish Cottage you will find another great garden to enjoy on your self guided walking tour of Central Park.

From the cottage, follow the signs up to the Shakespeare Garden. Here you will an immaculate garden area that is made up of several levels.

Stop 18: Belvedere Castle

As you exit the Shakespeare Garden up top, you will be welcomed to the highest structure in Central Park – Belvedere Castle. The castle overlooks Turtle Pond, the Delacorte Theater, and the Great Lawn.

There is a great viewing are to enjoy outside of the castle but you can also head up into the castle too, and enjoy the views from a bit higher up.

Stop 19: The Ramble

Once all done at the castle, you will find a path that heads southbound into the Ramble.

As mentioned earlier, this is a confusing part of the park (I always still get lost in there) but feel free to walk around the paths for a bit and explore.

However, you will then want to get yourself back to the north end of the Ramble, where one of the pathways heads through the Ramble Arch and across the Oak Bridge.

From the bridge, you will get some additional great views of the Lake and NYC skyline.

Learn more in The Ramble Central Park guide up on the site.

Stop 20: Hernshead Rocks

Just south of the Oak Bridge you will see some pathways on the left hand side. Follow this pathway that will take you closer to the Lake to the Hernshead Rocks (one of the top Central Park rocks spots).

As you walk along this secondary pathway you will soon be welcomed to the Hernshead Rocks. There is a pathway that circles the rocks and gets you safely to the other side. Here you will find one of the best skyline views of Manhattan.

The reflection of the Lake is something to enjoy as you can sit back and enjoy what Central Park has to offer.

Stop 21: Walk Along the Lake

It is now time to walk all along the western side of the Lake as you get some great views all around. Retrace your steps off of the rocks and get yourself back towards West Drive.

You will want to stay on the pathway closest to the Lake so you can get some nice views all the way through .

Along the way you will get views of the Bow Bridge from a distance, pass by the Western Shore Boat Landing, and get to see some row boaters out in the water (during season).

During spring bloom, you may see some of the best Central Park cherry blossoms on nearby Cherry Hill as you walk the Lake.

Learn more in the Central Park Lake guide up on the site .

Stop 22: Sheep Meadow

Once all done walking along the Lake, you will soon approach one of the most happening parts of the park – Sheep Meadow. Here you will find the main congregation area of the park with hundreds laying out their towels to enjoy the park in a relaxing fashion.

This is a great way to end your time in the park as you can find a spot to sit down and relax at to finish up your day.

Feel free to then exit the park, and head back to your hotel after a long and exciting day exploring Central Park on your self guided walking tour.

5) How Long Does it Take to Walk Around the Park

For this self guided walking tour of Central Park, you should expect it to take 4-5 hours. This of course all depends on how fast you walk, how much time you spend taking photos, and if you happen to get lost along the way at any point.

The walking tour will take you along 6+ miles of pathways that wind their way in all directions. For the most part, this route does cover the majority of the main park highlights. There is certainly more to see and do throughout the park, which can add time onto your day.

If you do find additional attractions to visit, you should have no trouble adding them onto the route at one point or another.

6) Can You See All of Central Park in One Day

The short answer is yes, you can see Central Park in one day. But be prepared for this to be the one and only highlight of this day in New York.

This is not something you want to rush through during a visit. Plan to spend the majority of a day following this walking route, taking time to relax, and just enjoying your time in the park.

As mentioned earlier, the route should take 4-5 hours to complete, but I imagine you will want to take breaks and find some relaxing spots to sit down at along the tour.

And while you can see a good amount of Central Park in one day, there is little chance that you can see ALL of Central Park. There are so many various pathways that wind their way around the park. It would be impossible to say how long seeing every last corner of the park will take.

I will say though, that the above self guided walking tour of Central Park does take you to many of the top highlights. I have a hard time believing you will leave the park unsatisfied after going through a day like this.

That about does it for a self guided walking tour of New York’s Central Park. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to add them in below.

Also don’t forget to check out the remaining New York itineraries and guides up on the site like a Central Park in Winter guide.

• Little Island
• Hudson River
• Statue of Liberty
• Brooklyn Bridge

Have fun out there and safe travels!

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Thursday 22nd of June 2023

This looks awesome. We are heading to NYC for our first time in September and this will be a great help!

Friday 23rd of June 2023

You will have a great time! If you have any other NYC questions, feel free to reach out

Friday 14th of April 2023

Thanks so much for this map! Sorry if i missed it... how long approximately does it take to walk, and approx how many miles?

Saturday 15th of April 2023

Hi Ally - no worries! Check out section 5 in the article. The walk is about 6 miles and I would estimate 4-5 hours based on walking + stops. This can be done much quicker if you were simply walking all the way through without stopping much. Have fun!

Thursday 30th of March 2023

Thanks for putting this together. I look forward to doing this before it's 1000 degrees.

Mary McCauley

Friday 7th of October 2022

Sorry to bother you again but that actually looks like a different place. I’m trying to find out the name of the place in the picture that comes right after:

“Check out this helpful guide that talks all about the best places to stay in New York during a visit”

*Pic w Empire State

4) Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park”

Please let me know if you can. Thanks again!

Saturday 8th of October 2022

@Charles, yes, thank you so much! I was looking at the one in Times Square. I really appreciate your help. Enjoy your weekend.

Hi Mary - that is the Moxy NYC Chelsea. It is a hotel with a restaurant. Hope that helps

Thursday 6th of October 2022

Hello. Thanks for this informative article! It’s very helpful.

I was wondering if you could tell me the name of the restaurant in the picture of the Empire State. I’d love to check that out as well.

It’s right above #4…

@Mary McCauley, awesome. Thanks so much!

@Mary McCauley, It’s right above “4) Self-Guided Walking Tour Central Park”

I’d really appreciate it. Thanks again

Central Park Map

Click here for a downloadable pdf map from the Central Park Conservancy.

Click here for the Central Park Running Map

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15 Best Things to Do in Central Park, NYC + Map

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Central Park is one of NYC’s largest green spaces, offering all kinds of recreational facilities, waterways, and nature trails. There are many more things to do in Central Park , so it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the Big Apple.

You may pass through Central Park while making your way around Manhattan, but I recommend spending a few hours here. Not only is this one of the best parks in New York City , but you can visit any time of year, and there will always be something going on.

In this guide, I’ll share the best things to see in Central Park and some tips to help you make the most of your visit. If you can, I suggest renting a bike since it’s the best way to explore the park and see many different landmarks in a short time, especially if you’re visiting NYC in 3 days .

At the end of this article, I’ll share the best Central Park tours that you can take to see the most important spots. I’ll also share a map of NYC’s Central Park with all these attractions, as well as nearby hotels and restaurants.

1. Visit the Loeb Boathouse and paddle along The Lake in Central Park, NYC

Spanning 20 acres, The Lake is one of the highlights of Central Park , and people have been boating here since the 1860s.

It became apparent that the city needed a storage facility for the boats, so construction on the Loeb Boathouse began in the 1870s. Today, the Loeb Boathouse is more of a restaurant and event space, but you can still rent a rowboat or take a gondola tour. Gliding along The Lake is a famous Central Park activity , and one of the best things to do in NYC , especially as a couple. While rowing along the water, you can see the Bow Bridge , one of the most popular bridges in NYC since it’s a beautiful cast-iron bridge and walkway.

Afterward, check out the Loeb Boathouse restaurant, which is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. There is also a seasonal outdoor bar where you can sit back and watch the boats float by while enjoying a cold drink. It’s one of the best outdoor activities in NYC.

2. Bethesda Terrace & Fountain, one of the most famous places in Central Park

On the southeastern edge of The Lake, you’ll find Bethesda Terrace , one of the best things to see in Central Park . This dual-level structure features some of the most intricate architecture in the park, with grand staircases, arches, balustrades, and an arcade.

The terrace’s lower level, the Esplanade, has columns and arches adorned with carvings representing nature and the four seasons. The upper level has a carriage road and connects to the Naumburg Bandshell and the Central Park Mall, which I’ll talk about later.

What makes this one of the most famous spots in Central Park is the Bethesda Fountain , the terrace’s beautiful centerpiece. This large fountain is topped with the Angel of the Waters statue, which represents the Gospel story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man at Bethesda. Also, the fountain was completed at the same time as the Croton Aqueduct, which supplied clean water to Manhattan. As such, the Bethesda Fountain became synonymous with purity and cleansing.

One thing is for certain – if you look out from the terrace’s upper level, you’ll get a lovely view of the fountain and The Lake behind it.

3. Look out from Belvedere Castle, one of the best things to do in Central Park

Another great couples things to do in NYC is to enjoy the romantic view from Belvedere Castle . This decorative lookout sits atop Vista Rock, and it’s one of the highest points in the park. Not only can you see the Manhattan skyline from here, but you’ll also get lovely views of Turtle Pond, the Great Lawn, and The Ramble.

Besides its observation deck, Belvedere Castle has exhibition rooms, a visitor center, and a weather station. Even though the structure was completed back in 1872, it’s still one of the top places in Central Park , thanks to its scenic views, lush surroundings, and Gothic and Romanesque architecture.

I recommend visiting Belvedere Castle when you first come to Central Park since you can get visitor information to help you plan your day.

4. Conservatory Garden, another place in Central Park you must visit

Strolling through the Conservatory Garden is another romantic thing to do in Central Park , and you might even see a bride and groom taking photos here. The six-acre formal garden is split into three sections, each with its distinct florals and decor.

First, the Italian-style central garden features a symmetrical lawn with a fountain, a giant sycamore tree, and a wisteria-covered pergola that’s popular with wedding parties.

The English-style garden includes The Secret Garden water lily pool and the Burnett Fountain, as well as large shrubs, decorative grasses, and seasonal plants. As for the French-style garden, this is where you’ll find the Untermeyer Fountain, which features the Three Dancing Maidens bronze sculpture. This section is also known for its springtime tulips and its Korean chrysanthemums, which you can see blossoming in the fall.

A final interesting fact about the Conservatory Garden is that you enter through the Vanderbilt Gate, a wrought iron gate that once stood in front of the esteemed Cornelius Vanderbilt II House.

5. Visit one of the Central Park playgrounds

There are also plenty of things to do at Central Park with kids. There are over 20 playgrounds here, but I’ll tell you about a few of the most popular ones.

First, Heckscher Playground is the oldest and largest playground in Central Park, spanning three acres. It has restrooms, slides, swings, seesaws, climbing rocks, and water sprayers. You can find it on 7th Avenue, at Central Park South.

Another favorite among New Yorkers is the Billy Johnson Playground at 67th Street and Fifth Avenue. What’s unique about this playground is that it utilizes natural structures and even has a slide built into a rocky hillside. Besides that, it has picnic areas, a small amphitheater, and a sprinkler for summertime.

Near the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Ancient Playground is one of Central Park’s most popular playgrounds. It’s inspired by the Met’s Egyptian collection and has pyramids kids can climb on and slide down, as well as an obelisk and sundial.

Two other famous spots in Central Park are the Safari Playground and the Tarr-Coyne Wild West Playground . The former is at 91st Street, off Central Park West, and is a quieter, more open space where kids can run around. It’s known for its hippo statues and treehouses. The latter playground is themed after the Wild West and has wooden play structures. It’s near Safari Playground, on 93rd Street.

6. Harlem Meer, a lovely, natural place in Central Park, New York

Besides The Lake, it’s also worth visiting the Harlem Meer , a man-made lake near the Conservatory Garden. This beautiful natural area of Central Park is a popular place for picnicking and relaxing.

The Meer has undergone renovations over the years, with the most recent in 2018, when Lasker Rink was removed and replaced with the Harlem Meer Center , which has a new rink and pool. A grass-lined walking path along the edge of the Meer is the perfect spot to take a stroll or sunbathe. As you people-watch, keep an eye out for waterfowl like herons, as well as muskrats.

You can also go to the nearby Charles A. Dana Discovery Center , a visitor center that hosts free community events and exhibits. The center lets you rent out binoculars, lawn games, and fishing poles since catch-and-release fishing is permitted at the Meer.

7. Ride the Central Park Carousel, the best thing to do in Central Park with kids

For the young and the young at heart, riding the Central Park Carousel is one of the top things to do in Central Park . The stunning wood-carved vintage carousel is considered a scenic landmark in Central Park and all of Manhattan.

This is actually the park’s fourth carousel, with the original one dating back to 1871. Today’s Central Park Carousel is one of the largest in the country, with 57 carved and painted horses. Taking a spin on this attraction is one of the best Central Park activities , and a fun thing to do in NYC with kids . A single ride costs $3, and they only accept cash.

8. Have a picnic at the Sheep Meadow a romantic thing to do in Central Park

Escaping the noise and chaos of the city is one of the best things to do in Manhattan , and the Sheep Meadow is the perfect place to find fresh air and peace. Located between W. 66th and 69th Streets, this area covers 15 acres, so there is plenty of space to stretch out and relax.

The Sheep Meadow was originally intended to be a parade ground for military use, but the park’s designers were against the idea. Instead, it became a pasture for sheep, hence the name. There haven’t been sheep here since 1934, but the Sheep Meadow is still one of the best places in Central Park to visit.

On any given day, you can see dozens of people lounging on the grass, playing games, and picnicking. Thanks to its expansive lawn and lush surroundings, the meadow is a popular picnic spot , so grab some food from the Tavern on the Green or one of the nearby cafes and enjoy a meal outside.

9. The Mall & Literary Walk, one of the most beautiful places in Central Park

Another nice thing to do at Central Park is to stroll along The Mall , a wide path lined by elm trees and benches. The huge elms serve as a canopy, creating a scenic and shady spot to people-watch, read, or listen to musicians and street performers. It’s my favorite place in NYC during the fall .

The Mall, which was designed as a gathering space and promenade, is a beautiful place to visit year-round. You can follow it to Bethesda Terrace or The Ramble or walk north towards the Naumburg Bandshell. To the east, you’ll find Rumsey Playfield, which hosts musical performances and SummerStage events, and the Balto statue of the famous Alaskan sled dog.

The southern portion of the Mall is known as the Literary Walk , named after its collection of statues representing famous authors and historical figures. Among the statues here are William Shakespeare, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, Fitz Green Halleck, and the Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony Suffrage Movement Monument.

The newest addition to the Literary Walk is the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument, which was added in 2020. It was the first sculpture added to this famous Central Park walk in over 50 years.

10. Ice skating at Wollman Rink, something to do in Central Park in winter

If you’re looking for things to do in NYC during winter , I suggest going ice skating at Wollman Rink .

The rink has been a popular attraction since it opened in 1949, bringing locals and tourists together to slip and slide across the ice. Today, you can take lessons at the rink’s Skate School or rent skates and go out on the ice on your own. Storage lockers are also available to rent, and the rink’s Wollman Cafe is open for grab-and-go items.

The ice-skating season runs from November to March, although if you visit NYC at Christmas time , you can enjoy the holiday festivities at Central Park. In addition to skating, you can visit Santa, listen to carolers, and see the Christmas tree lighting at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center.

Also, during the off-season, Wollman Rink transforms into Victorian Gardens , a kiddie amusement park with family-friendly rides, carnival games, and food vendors.

11. Imagine a different world at the John Lennon Memorial/Strawberry Fields

If you’re a fan of the Beatles, you can’t miss the John Lennon Memorial at Strawberry Fields . This Central Park attraction is one of the most famous areas of the park, bringing fans from all over the world.

The space covers 2.5 acres and is named after the Beatles song “Strawberry Fields Forever,” which was written by Lennon. The area features landscaped flowers, shrubs, trees, and rocks, and the centerpiece of the memorial is a circular mosaic made of stones that spell out IMAGINE . It’s a reference to Lennon’s song “Imagine,” which promoted global peace, respect, and understanding.

The mosaic, which is often adorned with flowers, candles, and gifts from Lennon’s fans, was made in Naples, Italy, and gifted to New York City. It’s a bittersweet reminder of the musician and peace activist, who was shot and killed in 1980, just a few hundred feet from the memorial.

12. Visit the Alice in Wonderland statue, a good thing to do in Central Park with kids

Another cool thing to see in Central Park , especially with kids, is the Conservatory Water boat pond. This scenic pond is surrounded by lush foliage including cedar, willow, pine, and beech trees. Interestingly, the pond is home to freshwater jellyfish, and a red-tailed hawk and his mate have resided here for years.

What makes this one of Central Park’s hidden gems is the Kerbs Memorial Boathouse , where you can rent a remote-controlled model boat and navigate it across the pond. The scene of little boats gliding across a picturesque pond is like something out of a storybook.

Speaking of which, it’s also worth visiting the nearby bronze statues around the Conservatory Water Pond, most notably, Alice in Wonderland . The sculpture features Alice sitting on a mushroom while enjoying a tea party with her kitten, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the White Rabbit, the Dormouse, the Cheshire Cat, and the Caterpillar.

You can also see the Hans Christian Andersen statue on the other side of the pond. The Danish author is memorialized holding a book, The Ugly Duckling , in his lap, and the statue was designed to be climbed on by children, so it has a flat place to sit.

Visiting the Conservatory Water Pond and its bronze statues is a great thing to do in Central Park in spring , especially since they’re next to Pilgrim Hill, where you can see groves of Yoshino cherry blossoms.

13. See a show and other events in Central Park

Central Park isn’t your typical park, so it’s no surprise that it hosts various performances throughout the year. Shakespeare in the Park is one of the most famous, as well as one of the top free things to do in NYC .

Shakespeare in the Park is a summer tradition in New York City and takes place outdoors at the 1,800-seat Delacorte Theatre , at the southwestern corner of the Great Lawn. Seeing one of these shows is among the best things to do in Central Park, and it’s free, although you’ll need tickets. Same-day tickets are available outside Delacorte Theatre or at The Public Theater, which organizes the event.

Typically, there are two featured productions every summer, and occasionally, non-Shakespearean plays are performed. These aren’t low-budget performances either! Shakespeare in the Park features large-scale productions with full costumes, sets, and sound design. In the past, several acclaimed actors have performed, including James Earl Jones, Meryl Streep, and Al Pacino.

If Shakespeare isn’t your cup of tea, there are other events in Central Park, NYC , most notably, the SummerStage Festival. While it’s not free, this annual event features concerts and performances by world-renown artists, such as Michael Franti, Barenaked Ladies, and Modest Mouse.

14. See the cherry blossoms, the best thing to do in Central Park in the spring

The Yoshino and Kwanzan cherry trees are a must-see in Central Park , so if you want to see them, plan your visit for mid-April to early May.

Once the buds first open, it takes just a week for the cherry blossoms to reach their full bloom, and the pink and white petals quickly fall to the ground. The cherry trees are a reminder of the fleeting beauty and nature of life, and people flock to the park every season to witness these delicate flowers.

You’ll find the highest concentrations of cherry trees at the Great Lawn , Pilgrim Hill , and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir , a decommissioned reservoir renamed after the former First Lady. You can also see cherry trees and blossoms at the aptly named Cherry Hill , which overlooks The Lake, and Cedar Hill , at the 79th Street and Fifth Avenue entrance.

It takes a bit of planning but walking through the groves of cherry trees is the best thing to do in Central Park in the spring . Plus, you can see the lovely magnolia tree blossoms, which last a bit longer.

15. Take a nature walk at the Hallet Nature Sanctuary

Taking a nature walk is one of the best things to do in Central Park in the fall , and there are several places to explore in the park. First, the Hallet Nature Sanctuary at The Pond is a small, wooded area at the southeastern corner of the park. The sanctuary, which is part of the Atlantic Flyway, is a stopover for migratory bird species. Besides the beautiful birds, you can see the Gapstow Bridge, which spans The Pond.

The North Woods is another good place for a walk in Central Park , and its large rocks make it a popular bouldering spot. It was the last part of the park to be built, and at 90 acres, it’s the park’s largest woodland area. As you walk through the North Woods, you’ll pass The Ravine, The Pool, and the Loch, which drains into Harlem Meer. The woodlands also connect to the North Meadow recreation facility and the West 110th Street Playground.

Another scenic walking path and birdwatching spot can be found at The Ramble . It winds through rustic bridges, outcroppings, and streams, and it’s close to other Central Park sights like Bethesda Terrace, Belvedere Castle, and Cleopatra’s Needle .

Inscribed with hieroglyphics, Cleopatra’s Needle dates back to the 15th century B.C. when it stood in the ancient Egyptian city of Heliopolis. It was gifted to New York City in the 1870s and stands 69 feet tall.

Central Park Zoo, a place we don’t recommend visiting

The Central Park Zoo is a popular place to visit, especially with kids. While it’s a top Central Park landmark , we don’t recommend visiting it since we prefer seeing animals in their natural, wild habitats. Besides, there are lots of other things to do in Central Park , as you can see!

Central Park bike rentals

Central Park covers over 840 acres, so don’t expect to see and do everything in one trip. That said, if you’re short on time or want to maximize your visit, Central Park bike rentals are available.

Renting a bike is the best way to get around Central Park and explore at your own pace. Your rental includes a park map, a helmet, a chain lock, and a basket. Plus, you can choose from a selection of mountain bikes, tandem bikes, baby seats, and more.

You can rent a bike for 1-4 hours, or for a whole day, so I recommend this activity if you know which attractions you want to see. If you prefer to explore the park with a guide, a Central Park bike tour is a better option. I’ll mention the different Central Park tour options in the next section.

Central Park tours

Again, there are different Central Park tours available, so if you want a general overview of the park or want to see the most famous areas, check out these options.

Central Park bike tours

This guided bike tour will take you to the most popular parts of the park over the course of two hours. A helmet, bike lock, and basket are included, and you’ll be led by a professional tour guide who will share their secrets and some history about Central Park.

This is the best Central Park bike tour if you’re interested in the most famous attractions like the Bethesda Fountain, Conservatory Water, the Conservatory Garden, Belvedere Castle, and Strawberry Fields. This tour is also included in the New York Pass .

Central Park walking tours

If you prefer a Central Park walking tour , I recommend this one . A guide will take you through the best areas of Central Park while sharing trivia, film and TV history, and other interesting tidbits. Movie buffs will love seeing some famous set locations from productions like Eat, Pray, Love , Cloverfield , and Sex and the City .

Bring your camera because you’ll pass by Central Park’s most famous bridges, waterways, monuments, and sculptures. This is one of the best walking tours in NYC , and it’s super affordable, too.

Central Park TV & movie sites tour

For those who are specifically interested in famous Central Park spots from TV and film, this walking tour is the best option. You’ll spend two hours visiting over 40 places in Central Park , including the Bethesda Fountain and Wollman Rink. See the Loeb Boathouse cafe from When Harry Met Sally and stop by the Bandshell featured in Breakfast at Tiffany’s .

Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share interesting facts and trivia, and even give you recommendations for shows and other activities in NYC.

Central Park helicopter tour

Finally, one of the most memorable Central Park tours you can do is a helicopter flight over this famous landmark. This 15-minute flight over Manhattan is one of the best helicopter tours in New York City and takes you not only over Central Park, but iconic sights like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.

The tour is narrated, and the helicopter has 180° windows so you can get the best views and see the full scope of the park. So, if you want to do some Central Park sightseeing in a completely different way, I highly recommend this flight!

Hotels near Central Park, NYC

If you plan to stay overnight, these are the best hotels near NYC’s Central Park :

• The Plaza – The famous Plaza Hotel at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South is one of the best 5-star hotels in New York and has been featured in iconic films like North By Northwest , The Way We Were , The Great Gatsby , and Home Alone 2 . Stay here and enjoy 24k gold-plated bathrooms and rain showers, and the hotel’s spa, salon, and luxury shops.
• 1 Hotel Central Park – This eco-friendly hotel is near The Plaza and offers private bathrooms, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center. It’s one of the best luxury hotels in New York City .
• Trump International New York – This 5-star hotel has spacious rooms with large windows overlooking the park, a pool, and a spa. It has the perfect location at Central Park West, in front of Columbus Circle.
• Park Central – This is another good hotel with a 24-hour gym and a variety of rooms and suites. It’s located at 7th Avenue, within walking distance of The Met, the Rockefeller Center, and Radio City Music Hall.
• West Side YMCA – The West Side YMCA is one of the cheapest hotels in Manhattan with shared and semi-private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. You’ll have guest access to the large gym and two pools, and you’ll be just a five-minute walk from Columbus Circle.

We also have a complete guide on where to stay in NYC if you want more options in Midtown or Lower Manhattan.

Central Park restaurants

Whether you want to grab something quick for a picnic, or you prefer a sit-down meal, there are lots of places to eat in NYC’s Central Park . Here are my top recommendations:

• Loeb Boathouse Central Park – The Lakeside Restaurant at Loeb Boathouse is a beautiful Central Park restaurant where you can dine alfresco or indoors. The Boathouse also has an outdoor bar where you can enjoy after-meal drinks while watching boaters on The Lake.
• Tavern on the Green – This Central Park landmark was originally designed to house the sheep at the Sheep Meadow. The restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner in its indoor bar room and outdoor patio.
• Zuckers Bagels – For a quick bite, head to Zuckers Bagels, which is known for its bagels and breakfast sandwiches with smoked fish. This Central Park deli is a New York staple and a popular stop on many NYC food tours .
• Per Se – Located at Columbus Circle, this fancy French establishment is one of the best restaurants in NYC and the perfect place for a romantic dinner of foie gras, ribeye, and fine wine.
• Marea – Across from Per Se, you’ll find Marea, another top NYC restaurant serving delectable Italian entrees and desserts.

Central Park map

I threw a lot of recommendations at you, so here is a map of Central Park to help you plan your visit. You’ll find all the top things to do in Central Park that I mentioned, as well as the hotels and restaurants.

If you still have questions about Central Park’s activities and attractions, check out the FAQs below!

Central Park FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about visiting the world’s most famous park. If you don’t find the answer to your question here, feel free to leave me a comment. I’ll be happy to help you out!

Where is Central Park?

Central Park stretches from 110th Street to 59th Street, between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side, in New York City.

How big is Central Park?

Central Park covers 843 acres (1.3 square miles), making it the fifth-largest park in NYC.

How long does it take to walk around Central Park?

Most people spend 2-3 hours sightseeing in Central Park .

Why was Central Park built?

The idea for Central Park came about when the city’s population began to swell, and the elite class pushed for an urban green space, similar to those in London and Paris. Proposals for a large Manhattan park were created in the 1840s and were approved in 1853.

How old is Central Park?

Central Park first opened in 1858, making it 164 years old as of 2022.

Who designed Central Park?

Mayor Fernando Wood organized a design contest for the creation of Central Park, with the winning entry being the “Greensward Plan” by two landscape architects, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.

What was there before Central Park?

Before it became the first part of Central Park, the area was Seneca Village, a predominantly Black neighborhood. The government had the power to seize it through eminent domain.

Who owns Central Park?

The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation owns Central Park, although the Central Park Conservancy manages the land.

With that, you have everything you need to plan your visit to Central Park! Don’t forget to download the Central Park map above and leave me a comment with any of your questions or recommendations!

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Central Park Walking Tours

This post lists and compares the best Central Park walking tours including general tours and themed tours.

Our local walking tour guides have led tens of thousands of Central Park tours and know the park inside and out.

When we wrote this post, we looked for tours (in addition to our own), that include the park's history, stops at significant landmarks, and interesting anecdotes about all the beauty you'll see on the tour.

You'll get all of this and more on our guided tours and also from our GPS-led audio tour .

Take a look at our full calendar to see which tours are running when you plan to be in NYC.

Watch our 32-minute abridged version of our live guided tour.

NOTE: If you can't make our scheduled tours, please note that the New York Pass  and the Explorer Pass tourist passes include several Central Park tours for free.  

Read our post on which tourist pass to buy .

FREE TOURS BY FOOT

As the premiere walking tour company in NYC, it's no surprise that we offer several pay-what-you-like walking tours of Central Park.

Since 2010, we have led tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of people through NYC's most famous greenspace.

Besides leading tours, our tour guides have spent lots of their free time in Central Park. They know all the nooks and crannies of Central Park and so you really won't find more experienced guides than ours.

Our tours have no costs to book and are listed with (pay-what-you-wish) inside of the calendar and are also detailed below the calendar.  

And our reviews are as good as they get. Read them for yourself on Google , TripAdvisor , or any review platform that you trust.

At the bottom of this post, you'll find reviews of our Central Park tours from a handful of members of our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group.

The group has more than 225, 000 members and consists  of locals, like our guides, repeat visitors to NYC and newbies.

There's no need to join the group to read the posts and comments so check us out on Facebook!

We offer a seasonal and limited schedule of our Central Park walking tours, so we have also listed other for-fee walking tours available to you in the park.  

If you are interested in booking a private tour of Central Park, we have several affordable options.

FREE TOURS BY FOOT (Lower Section)

Once described as the lungs of the city, Central Park brings a breath of fresh air to New York's crowded urban terrain.

What started as the rocky and desolate northern fringes of a rapidly expanding city is today among the world's most famous and beloved public parks.

With over 843 acres (400 hectares) of meadows, hills, ball fields, and bodies of water, it's impossible not to find something to enjoy in Central Park.

Here's a sample from our GPS-led audio tour .

Join Free Tours by Foot as we stroll through the park and tell the epic story of New York's green oasis.

This Central Park tour explores the southern half of the park, wandering the winding pedestrian paths, passing a pond, rocky outcrops, bridges, open fields, and skyline views -- all great photo opportunities.

The tour also includes a stop in Strawberry Fields, a living tribute to John Lennon, and will end in front of the Dakota Hotel, where the great Beatles' life tragically ended.  

Sites we cover on the Central Park Walking Tours:

• Grand Army Plaza
• The Plaza Hotel
• Central Park Zoo
• The Mall and Literary Walk
• Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
• Sheep Meadow
• Strawberry Fields
• The Dakota Apartment Building

Tour information for Central Park Lower Section

Reservations:  REQUIRED.  Click here to reserve . Groups of 6 or more should visit our  groups' page .

Where:  The tour begins from the southwest corner of 59th St. and 5th Ave by the  Pulitzer Fountain  (Pomona - Roman goddess of purity) ( map ). The statue is located directly in front of the Plaza Hotel's main entrance.  The tour ends at  72nd St. and Central Park West .

Duration:  Approximately 2 hours. Approximately 1 mile in length.

When:  @9:45am Wednesdays and @9:45am Fridays (Fridays-early spring & late fall). Central Park Lower Section is also covered in the All in One Central Park tour @10am on Mondays and Fridays (late spring through early fall). More tours are available in the high season. Take this  any day as an audio tour .  Tours go out rain or shine. Dress appropriately for the weather.

If you can't make one of our tours, you might consider one of the  New York tourist passes , which include free guided tours of Central Park or through  Viator .

Cost:  This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done.  A  name-your-own-price tour  is a tour for anyone's budget.

Central Park Middle Section

This tour focuses on the middle of Central Park, starting in front of the beautiful American Museum of Natural History.

From there we enter the park and explore, seeing everything from a castle to the wild-looking Ramble.  

See an Ancient Egyptian obelisk and the place where Stuart Little raced his sailboat in the E.B. White children’s classic.

Don’t forget to bring along your camera!  There will be many wonderful photo opportunities throughout.

Listen to a sample of this tour from our GPS-led audio tour . 

Sites We Cover on Our Middle Central Park Tours:

• The Swedish Cottage
• Shakespeare Garden
• Belvedere Castle
• Turtle Pond
• The Delacorte Theatre ( Shakespeare in the Park )
• The Great Lawn
• Cleopatra’s Needle
• The Conservatory Waters
• Bethesda Terrace

Tour information for Central Park (Middle Section)

Reservations:  REQUIRED.  Click here to reserve . Groups of 6 or more should visit our  group's page .

Where:  The tour departs from the park entrance directly across the street from the American Museum of Natural History at the intersection of Central Park West, between 80th and 81st Streets ( map ). 

The tour ends at Bethesda Terrace, on the 72nd Street Traverse through Central Park.

When:  @2pm Sundays. Central Park Middle Section is also covered in the All in One Central Park tour @10am on Mondays and Fridays (late spring through early fall). Take this any time, any day as a  GPS-led audio tour  - sample.

Cost:  This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done.

A  name-your-own-price tour  is a tour for anyone's budget.

OTHER WALKING TOUR OPTIONS

Many companies offer walking tours of Central Park but not all offer tours regularly or offer only private tours.  

Below are highly-rated companies that offer regularly scheduled public tours.

Some of these tours are included at no additional cost in one or more of the money-saving NYC tourist attraction passes .  

We have listed which pass(es) each tour is included in the tour descriptions below. 

Click here to read our comparison post on these passes.

Manhattan and Beyond

This company offers a pretty good Central Park walking tour and is led by a former park employee, so you know you are getting the inside scoop about the park.

While learning about Central Park, you'll see several essential attractions such as the Dairy, the Literary Walk, the Conservatory Water, the Alice in Wonderland Statue, Bethesda Terrace, and Strawberry Fields.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cate Philbin (@cateinthecity)

You'll also learn about a few of the more noteworthy films that were shot here and see some of the filming locations.

• Cost: $25/Adults | $20/Seniors, Students, Military | $15/Youth
• Availability: Sunday and Monday at 9 am and 12 pm
• Duration: 2 hours
• Purchase tickets or learn more .
• Included with the New York Sightseeing Pass .

Manhattan and Beyond currently has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars ( read reviews here ).

Most guests were happy they took the tour, some reporting they weren't confident they could have found every stop on this outing by themselves.

That's the thing about Central Park. It's over 800 acres in size (400 hectares), so it can be easy not only to get lost but also to find specific locations within the park.

Since this tour is led by a former employee of Central Park, you can rely on them to help you find your way around.

Experience NYC

On this company’s two-hour tour you’ll be led by a friendly and knowledgeable guide with at least 5 years’ experience.

Sights you’ll visit including Wollman Rink, the Mall, Bethesda Fountain, Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields John Lennon Memorial and more.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @thenathanlao

Groups are small, with a maximum of 12 guests. This nice aspect of the tour allows guests to converse with guides and ask questions.

Your guide will point out the best photo opportunities, including locales from TV and movies like Home Alone 2 and Sex and the City .

• Cost: $36 per person
• Daily @ 10 am
• Learn more and purchase tickets here .

Experience NYC currently has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars ( read reviews here ).

Guests found the guides to be very knowledgeable about the park, so much so that a local who has been to the park more than 15 times learned some new things.

Reviews stated that the guides were welcoming, enthusiastic, humorous and engaging. Guests also liked the fact that the group was small.

One reviewer enjoyed the tour so much she said it was the highlight of her trip to NYC.

Central Park TV and Movie Sites

Nearly a thousand television shows and movies have been filmed in Central Park , so with a 2-hour-themed tour, you will get your money’s worth.

On Location Tours has a focused itinerary. Although you will get some Central Park history, this tour is for those with an interest in film.

The tours are led by actors and actresses, which adds to their authenticity.

Some of the many filming locations covered are Home Alone 2, When Harry Met Sally, Taxi, Elf, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Serendipity, Crocodile Dundee, The Producers, just to name a few.  

On Location Tours offers a full range of movie and television tours of NYC .  

• Cost: Adult $36, Child $26
• Daily @ 12 pm | Check for availability and additional tours.
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours

TIP: Both our Ghostbusters and our Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles self-guided tours include stops at and around Central Park.

On Location Tours has a strong 4 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor with over 2,000 reviews.

Reviewers find their tour guides very informative and enthusiastic, and the fact that they are actors themselves is seen as an advantage.

Reviewers feel that even if you are not a movie buff but you are traveling with one, there is enough trivia that everyone in your group will recognize some pop culture, along with enough history about the park itself to make it enjoyable for all.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVERLERS

We’re proud of our excellent ratings on Google and TripAdvisor , which is where most of our guests post reviews.

We do also get compliments from members of our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group. Some comment to thank us and others post comments to recommend our tours to others.

Below are just a handful of the nice things people had to say.

Not only did Janet below like our tour, she plans to do more with us when she comes bacK!

And as you can see, she received a lot of helpful information from the members of our Facebook group. 

So why not have a look at our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group for advice and recommendations about NYC.

You can even ask a question yourself!

OTHER TYPES OF CENTRAL PARK TOURS

• Central Park Bike Tours
• Central Park Horse and Carriage Tours
• Self-Guided Central Park
• Self-guided Central Park Movie and TV Tour

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Tours of Central Park

Explore Central Park on a guided tour with a licensed expert!

Explore Central Park with a guided tour or rental!

We offer guided horse & carriage tours, bike and e-bike tours, walking tours, e-scooter tours, pedicab tours, running tours, and yoga tours.

Our guides are licensed and knowledgeable. Tours are in English (Spanish, French and Russian may be available upon request).

Top-quality bike rentals for self-guided tours include: hybrid bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, tandem bikes, specialty bikes, e-bikes (electric bikes), and e-scooter rentals.

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Central Park Tours

Central park tv and movie sites tour, dine in central park ny, the boathouse – closed, tavern on the green.

• The Bar Room is great if you want to sit on a comfortable sofa after a long walk or bike ride through Central Park.
• The Central Park Room provides all guests view of the courtyard through the floor-to-ceiling glass wall, as well as the open kitchen
• The main dining room has sweeping views of Sheep’s Meadow and floor-to-ceiling windows.
• The South Wing, the second dining room, looks like a stable with green tufted-velvet banquettes.

Central Park NY and NYC Attractions Passes

• Central Park Movie & TV Sites Tour ($25)
• Central Park Sightseeing Bike Tours & Rentals ($50)
• Bike and Roll Central Park Tour ($40)
• Central Park Zoo (admission)
• Go directly to the New York Sightseeing Pass Website to check out the details of the pass
• Compare prices at: New York Passes and NYC Attractions Passes , where there are always great deals and discounts
• More Info: Compare NYC Attractions Passes

Walking Tours of Central Park NY

Ride a bicycle in central park ny.

• Guided Bike Tour of Central Park (2 hrs) – guided tour through our amazing 843 acres, seeing Strawberry Fields, Cherry Hill, Tavern on the Green, Bethesda Fountain, Onassis Reservoir, the Alice in Wonderland Statue, Cleopatra’s Needle and the Dakota
• Rent a Bike in Central Park
• More NYC Bicycle Tours

Central Park NY Like a New Yorker

Carriage ride in central park ny, central park ny hotels.

• 1 Hotel Central Park
• Mandarin Oriental (photo)
• La Quinta Inn Central Park

Central Park NY Annual Events

• Shakespeare in the Park – June/July
• Central Park Taste of Summer – June
• Central Park SummerStage NYC – FREE music and theater, June to September
• Central Park Film Festival – August
• Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series – July/August
• Ice Skating in NYC

Central Park NY Printable Map

Get a central park map + 50 more pages, nyc insider printable guides, more on central park ny.

• One Day in NYC with Kids Itinerary
• Secret Spots of Central Park NY revealed by New Yorkers
• Central Park Map in the NYC Insider Printable Guide
• Central Park runs south to north from 59th St to 110th St and west to east from Central Park West to 5th Avenue.
• Central Park is open to visitors 365 days a year from 6:00 am to 1:00 am. Main Visitor Center: Dairy Visitor Center and Gift Shop.
• Central Park Official Website

Central Park Photo Gallery

Most popular ticketed tourist attractions.

• Empire State Building
• Statue of Liberty Museum
• Broadway Shows
• Madame Tussauds
• Circle Line Cruise
• One World Observatory
• Top of the Rock
• 9-11 Museum

Sightsee from the Sky

• Empire State Building - (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
• Top of the Rock - (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
• One World Observatory - (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
• Edge - (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
• Summit One Vanderbilt - (91-93 floors) Opens Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building

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Visiting New York's Central Park: 14 Top Attractions

Written by Lana Law Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Central Park is New York's backyard. This lush 843-acre patch of nature in the middle of Manhattan is one of the city's biggest attractions and greatest assets, enjoyed by tourists and locals year-round. Countless scenes from movies and TV shows have been filmed here over the years.

The park is home to scenic hills; meadows; playgrounds; skating rinks; ball fields; and many well-known attractions, including Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle, and the Central Park Zoo. Be warned: the park is huge. The best way to explore it is to stop by the visitor center and pick up a map of Central Park showing the various attractions and things to do, and then plan out a walking route or take a tour.

See also: Where to Stay near New York's Central Park

1. Belvedere Castle

2. central park zoo, 3. strawberry fields, 4. bethesda fountain and terrace, 5. conservatory garden, 6. loeb boathouse on the lake, 7. the mall and literary walk, 8. central park carousel, 9. conservatory water, 10. ice skating, 11. cherry tree blossoms in the spring, 12. alice in wonderland statue, 13. cleopatra's needle, the obelisk, 14. harlem meer, where to stay near new york's central park for sightseeing, tours of central park, map of new york's central park: top attractions, central park (new york) - climate chart.

Belvedere Castle is a stone castle atop Vista Rock, offering a spectacular view of the park and the city from its rooftop lookout. Looking north, you see the open green space of the Great Lawn and the Delacorte Theater , where free Shakespearean productions performed by some famous names are held every summer. To the south is the forest area known as the Ramble .

It should be noted that the "castle" is not really a castle at all, but a miniature castle built in 1869 specifically to serve as a lookout within the park. It eventually fell into disrepair and was renovated and opened in the 1980s. Inside is a visitor center and gift shop.

The weather for Central Park is measured from the top of the castle.

The Central Park Zoo features animals from the Asia, polar regions, and the California Coast. In the Temperate Territory, watch for red pandas, snow leopards, and snow monkeys. Head over to the Polar Circles to see the much-loved penguins. Other animal highlights include grizzly bears, California sea lions, and lemurs.

Also located at the zoo is a 4D Theater intended for visitors aged six and up. The theater charges a fee but is included with a full price ticket.

Near the entrance is the charming Delacorte Musical Clock , where bronze animals encircle the time piece and play children's songs or seasonal pieces every half hour.

Location: 64th Street and 5th Avenue

Official site: http://centralparkzoo.com/

Located within Central Park, Strawberry Fields is a memorial to John Lennon , who was tragically murdered in 1980 in front of the Dakota apartments just off the west side of the park. A mosaic is set in the pathway with the word "Imagine" inscribed, named after Lennon's 1971 song.

The landscape was designed by Vaux and Olmstead and features 161 species of plants (one from every country in the world), and the area was named a Peace Garden . This area of the park is also a designated quiet zone

It is one of the main attractions in the park, and people often come here to have their picture taken with the memorial.

Bethesda Fountain on Bethesda Terrace stands between the Lake and the Mall, and is one of the architectural highlights of Central Park. The fountain was dedicated in 1873 and the statue, Angel of the Waters , in 1842. The Spanish-style detailing of the double staircase with tiles and friezes was done by Jacob Mould. The terrace is a popular place for photos and a pleasant area to relax.

The Bethesda Fountain is located in front of the Bethesda Terrace. If you pass through the Bethesda Terrace, you will emerge on Central Park Mall.

Conservatory Garden is a peaceful oasis, filled with thousands of trees and shrubs. Known for being the only formal garden in the park, this six-acre area has a much calmer atmosphere than other portions of Central Park, with no cyclists or skateboarders. It is frequently the setting for weddings.

The main entrance is through the large, wrought iron Vanderbilt Gate off Fifth Avenue. Inside, the garden is divided into three sections of different styles: French, Italian, and English. The French garden features the bronze fountain, Three Dancing Maidens by Walter Schott.

The gardens are particularly impressive in spring, when the fruit trees come into bloom and the tulips provide a showy display of color.

In 2022, the Conservatory Garden is scheduled for a significant infrastructure upgrade. Be sure to check online to see what is and is not open.

On the far eastern shore of The Lake, the beautiful Loeb Boathouse is a restaurant with an indoor dining room and an outdoor seating area, set right on the water's edge. The picturesque setting here is often used for weddings and other formal events.

You can sit here on a warm afternoon sipping coffee or enjoying a meal while watching people row boats on the usually calm water. If you are looking for a little more activity, you can rent a boat yourself and go for a paddle around the lake.

A lovely area for walking, the Mall is a straight, wide pathway running beneath a canopy of huge trees in the south end of Central Park. This spot offers a peaceful retreat from the busy streets of New York City and a chance to enjoy a little nature.

Even in winter, when the park is covered in snow, this is a great place for a stroll. Joining the Mall is the Literary Walk, lined with statues of literary giants that include Shakespeare, Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scott, as well as others.

The Central Park Carousel has enjoyed a long tradition in the park, with the first carousel open for business in 1871. Over the years, four different carousels have operated in this location. It's one of the most popular things to do as a family in Central Park. In fact, hundreds of park goers ride the carousel each day with a yearly total of close to 250,000 riders.

The current carousel was added in the early 1950s and restored in the 1990s and features 57 hand-carved horses. It is considered one of the largest of its kind in North America. It's open seven days a week.

Conservatory Water, on the east side of the park near 72nd Street, is better known as the Model Boat Pond . People come here from spring until fall, particularly on weekends, to sail and race their model boats .

Benches around the shore, shaded by large trees, are a perfect place to visit to relax and watch the action. At the north end of the water is a sculpture of Alice in Wonderland and on the east side is Kerbs Boathouse , with a café.

Skating in central park is a great family activity, but couples can also enjoy a romantic skate. This is a seasonal activity, open from late October to April , and if you are visiting New York in the winter, a skate in Central Park on a sunny day is a memorable event.

Two options exist for skating in the park: Located near the Central Park Zoo, the Wollman Rink offers outdoor skating for a fee in a beautiful setting, surrounded by trees. Skate rentals are available on-site, and spectators are welcome but they also have to pay a fee.

The Lasker Rink serves as a skating rink in winter and a swimming pool in summer. The fees are less than Wollman Rink. Both rinks only accept cash.

Every spring, the cherry trees in Central Park burst into a blaze of pink and white, heralding the onset of warmer days ahead. Two types of cherry trees are in Central Park: the Yoshino (a gift from Japan in 1912) and the Kwanzan. Each bloom at different times in the spring, with the Yoshino blossoming in mid-April and the Kwanzan in early May.

The best places to see both types of cherry trees are along both sides of the reservoir. For Yoshino trees in particular, head to Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill, and Neil Singer Lilac Walk. The best areas for the Kwanzan trees are Cedar Hill, The Glade, and the Great Lawn.

If you are traveling with young ones, and they need a chance to burn off some energy, take a stroll over to the Alice in Wonderland Statue located just north of the Conservatory Water area. Here, you and your youngest will be delighted to find an eleven-foot-high Alice sitting on a giant mushroom surrounded by other characters from the zany tale by Lewis Carroll.

First revealed in 1959, the statue has been a popular one. In fact, it's so popular that the bronze is rubbed to shiny finish from all the children playing on it over the years.

If someone told you that in the heart of New York, an ancient Egyptian monument dating from 1450 BCE existed, you may think that they were joking. Well, you would be wrong because such a thing does exist, and it's easily visited in Central Park.

A gift to the United States from Egypt in 1881, the Obelisk, or as it's also known locally, Cleopatra's Needle, stands 71 feet high near the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics are carved into the structure.

If you are looking for a quiet part of the park with pleasant walking trails, Harlem Meer is a good place to start. Located in the north end of the park, Harlem Meer is home to a collection of aquatic birds, and in the summer, turtles can be seen sunning on rocks.

The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center is almost perfectly positioned, so that photos from across the lake frame it perfectly, with the buildings in the background. The center is worth a visit for its kids' programs that include free Discovery Kits for exploring the park, fishing poles for catch and release, and lawn games like bocce ball and ring toss.

We recommend these convenient hotels a short hop from Central park attractions:

• Park Hyatt New York : This hotel offers first-class luxury, a sophisticated style, and is just a block from Central Park. Other highlights include a pampering spa and heated indoor pool.
• Hotel Beacon : For a mid-range hotel offering good value, head to this hotel on the Upper West Side, near the Museum of Natural History. The Beacon offers spacious suites with kitchenettes.
• citizenM New York Times Square : Offering affordable rates, contemporary design, compact rooms with high-tech features, and free movies, this hotel is hard to beat.
• HI New York City Hostel : If you are serious about saving money, this hostel offers dorm-style rooms, a good-value café, communal kitchen, and free daily tours. This is also a perfect place for backpackers.

Central Park is huge, and exploring it can seem daunting, particularly if you have already spent time walking around the city. Navigating through the park can be time-consuming and tiring. If you only want to spend an hour or two in the park, here are some easy ways to see the highlights.

• Horse and Carriage Rides : A relaxing way to see the sites in the park is on a Private Horse and Carriage Ride in Central Park . These rides can hold up to four people and last about 45 to 50 minutes. This is a good way to see the bridges and fountains, as well as landmark features, such as Conservatory Water, Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, and Strawberry Fields.
• TV and Movie Sites Tour : Central Park has been the setting for hundreds of movies and TV shows. To see where some of the most famous scenes were shot take the Central Park TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour . This is a two-hour tour that takes you to locations seen in Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Avengers, When Harry Met Sally, Love Story, and Sex and the City.

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Moscow Metro

Introduction of moscow subway system (metro).

Nowadays the Moscow Metro has 12 lines, light subway and monorail. All stations are unique and beautiful in their own way. Unfortunately, in order to visit them all, you need to spend many days. I invite guests to visit the ones that have the greatest cultural and historical interest from my point of view. Among them are the Revolution Square, Arbatskaya, Kievskaya (Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya Line № 3); Kievskaya, Belarusskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Komsomolskaya (the Ring line number 5). Let us dwell a bit on each.

Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya Line

Subway station "revolution square".

Most recently - in the year 2008-2010 – the Eastern lobby was renovated. Because of the terrorist attacks in the Moscow subway that took place several hours before the planned opening of the East lobby after renovation, the solemn part of the event was canceled.

Subway station Arbatskaya

Subway Arbatskaya is located on the same subway line as the station "Revolution Square." It was founded in 1953. It received the name in honor of the Arbat Street. It has one ground lobby (Western). Initially, the lobby was in a separate building, but the new building of the General Staff of the Ministry of Defense started, the lobby appeared to be in its atrium. The old exits were bricked up; a new entrance was built into the building of General Staff of the street Vozdvizhenka. There is a huge frame with a missing portrait in the ground lobby - until mid-1950 there was a portrait of Stalin. According to some reports, it survived, but closed with plaster.

The lobby was restored and partially reconstructed in 2007-2008.

The depth of the station is 41 meters.

Pylons are finished with red marble at the bottom, decorated with bouquets of flowers made from ceramics. The floor is laid out with gray granite. The walls lined with glazed ceramic tiles, white top and black bottom. The station hall is illuminated by massive bronze chandeliers in the form of rings.

Subway station Kievskaya

There are several subway stations "Kievskaya" in Moscow, located on different branches. This name is quite popular. It comes from the capital of Ukraine - one of Russia's nearest neighbors - the city of Kiev. The name is fully consistent with the idea of the subway station. The interior the station devoted to Soviet Ukraine and the reunification of Ukraine and Russia. The station is decorated with a large number of paintings .Twenty four murals depicting workers of Soviet Ukraine are placed on the arch above the pylons. The wall from the side of platform also contains frescos, mainly with images of fantastic plants. Pylons are decorated with light marble and additionally decorated with colorful ceramic cornice. The butt of the station has a large mosaic, depicting festivities to celebrate the 300 anniversary of the reunification of Ukraine and Russia.

Opened in 1953, this subway station for a long time was the final (1953-2003).

The station has one lobby, combined with the station ring line and located in the building of the Kievskaya railway station. The diameter of the central hall station is 9.5 m, the diameter of side one is 8.5 m. The depth of the station is 38 meters.

= Ring Line Subway =

It opened in 1954. The station received its name after the Kiev station, and locked the Ring line. During the construction of the station many projects were proposed, but the victory in the competition won the Kiev architects who made the construction of the station. It is the only station of the Ring Line which is not located in the Central Administrative District of Moscow.

The station has a pylon structure. Eighteen pylons are decorated with mosaic panels of glazes, decorated on the theme of Ukrainian history and friendship between the Ukrainian and Russian peoples, which started in the mid-17 century.

On the front wall of the central hall of the station a large panel with molding in the form of flags and a mosaic portrait of Lenin in the center are located. There are lines of the Soviet national anthem around the portrait, and under the portrait - the words of Lenin. One of the ways out of the station was designed by French architects modeled on the Paris Subway in 2006.

At one of the mosaics – “The Struggle for Soviet power in Ukraine "- modern passengers observe a mobile phone and PDA in the hand of one of the guerrillas, and on his knees - a laptop. In fact, he uses a field telephone, which was really a heavy thing (guerrillas holds it in two hands), and thing that people see a laptop is the lid of a box with a telephone. However, these phones have begun to produce only in the second half of the 20-ies of XX century. We must assume that the mosaic depicts a foreign field telephone transmitter.

Subway station Belorusskaya

The founded of the station was in 1952. It received the name after the Belarusian railway station nearby. The station has two ground-based lobbies. The Western one goes to Tverskaya  Zastava. It is decorated with beautiful carvings. The Eastern one leads to Butyrskiy shaft and Forest Street. The Eastern lobby is known for its majolica panels.

The station Belorusskaya is located at a depth of 42.5 m below ground. The diameter of the central hall is 9.5 meters.

Pylons are faced with light marble. The walls lined with white ceramic tiles, the floor is covered with ceramic tiles, gray, white and red colors. Lamps placed on pylons, in the form of vases made of glass and marble. The theme of decoration is economy and culture of Belarus. Decorative pattern on the floor repeats the theme of traditional Belarusian embroidery. Decorations of the ceiling consist of stucco decorations and 12 mosaic panels depicting the life of the Belarusian people.

Subway station Novoslobodskaya

Built in 1952, Subway station Novoslobodskaya got its name from the eponymous street:  the station is located at the very beginning of it.

Novoslobodskaya is pylon station of deep foundation (its depth is 40 m) with three arches.

Exit to the street is through the ground lobby with column portico, located on Novoslobodskaya Street lined with gray marble. Pylons of the underground station are faced with marble from the Urals. Thirty two spectacularly illuminated stained-glasses, placed inside the pylon and bordered by steel and gilt brass are splendid decoration of the station. A remarkable mosaic "World Peace" is located at the end of the central hall. The picture depicts a happy mother with a baby in her arms; it was the face of Stalin at the picture: the child gave a hand to him. But in times of Khrushchev the face of the former leader of USSR was removed from the panel. The walls are lined with bright marble; floor is covered with white and black granite slabs, placed in a checkerboard pattern.

Subway station Komsomolskaya

The station was built in 1952 and named in honor of the Komsomolskaya Square, which is situated nearby.

This subway station is the station of the deep bedding. Its depth is 37 meters. The station has column and three- arched design. Cast iron decoration is used in the construction, monolithic slab used as a tray for a collapsible finishing. The length of the boarding hall is 190 meters; width of it is 10 meters. There are 68 octagonal columns at station.

The main theme of the interior of the station is the fighting of the Russian people for their independence. The ceiling is decorated with eight station mosaic mural made from glazes and precious stones. Six of them represent the Alexander Nevsky, Dmitry Donskoy, Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky, Alexander Suvorov and Mikhail Kutuzov, the Soviet soldiers and officers at the walls of the Reichstag.

 Two other panels, depicting Stalin ("Victory Parade" and "Presentation of the Guards Banner"), were replaced after the dethronement of Stalin's personality cult in 1963. New panels depict Lenin's speech in front of the Red Guards and the Motherland on the background of the Kremlin's Spasskaya Tower.

The yellow ceiling is decorated with mosaic and moldings. The hall is illuminated by massive chandeliers hanging between the panels; platforms are illuminated with smaller chandeliers. The columns are decorated with marble capitals and trimmed with light marble, as well as the wall station. The floor is laid with pink granite. There is a bust of Lenin at the end of the hall. At the opposite end of the escalator is a large Florentine mosaic of the Order of Victory with red banners on the background. The ground lobby of the station is decorated with bas-reliefs.

In conclusion...

Each of the stations of the Moscow subway is attractive and interesting in its own way. Each has its own long and fascinating history and is beautifully decorated. The Moscow subway is a whole world, which can be talking about for hours. I suggest you short - no more than one hour and a half - and a fascinating journey through the world of the Moscow subway. The pleasure is guaranteed!

Sculpture Park "Art Muzeon"

Mausoleum and necropolis.

• Bombing in Moscow Metro On March 29, 2010, another tragic event happened in Moscow that shocked not only the citizens of the Russian Federation, but also many people from countries that oppose the threat of terrorism. In the early morning rush hour, two women bearing suicide weapons blasted themselves in the subway trains of the Moscow Metro.
• The Best Redesign of Moscow Metropolitan Map 2013 Russia's leading internet and graphic design agency has won an online vote for the best redesign of the Moscow Metro map. Art. Lebedev Studio is a design company in Russia, founded in 1995 by Artemy Lebedev. They redrew the Moscow Metro map for a second time in three years, with even cleaner graphics and a raft of new details and won more than 50% of the online vote.

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My name's Arthur Lookyanov, I'm a private tour guide, personal driver and photographer in Moscow, Russia. I work in my business and run my website Moscow-Driver.com from 2002. Read more about me and my services , check out testimonials of my former business and travel clients from all over the World, hit me up on Twitter or other social websites. I hope that you will like my photos as well.

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.