In a nutshell
- Central Park in Manhattan is the most famous park in New York — and an absolute must when you’re in the Big Apple.
- We’ll show you the best spots in Central Park you can’t miss and which activities are genuinely worth your time.
- We’ve put together a map with three routes through Central Park: one each for walkers, cyclists, and joggers — so you won’t miss a thing.
- Our top pick for things to do in Central Park NYC? A bike tour through the park. That’s exactly what we did — we saw so much in a short amount of time, and thanks to e-bikes, it’s not even tiring.
Central Park Map with Routes for Walkers, Joggers & Cyclists
On this map, we’ve marked the Top 10 attractions in Central Park New York, important entrances and exits, and three routes through the park:
- Teal for pedestrians (takes you to all the attractions)
- Yellow for cyclists (loop road)
- Red for joggers (Reservoir Loop)
The Best Central Park Attractions
There’s so much to discover on your way through Central Park New York. These are our favorites among the best spots in Central Park.
By the way, we haven’t ranked them by popularity — instead, we’ve arranged them to follow the walking route through the park shown above. That way you’ll really see everything along the way.
You can find the complete list of highlights outside the park in our article on the most important New York City attractions.
Gapstow Bridge
Gapstow Bridge is a gorgeous stone bridge that spans The Pond — a small lake in the southeastern part of the park, near 59th Street.
The bridge offers a stunning view of the Midtown Manhattan skyline and is seriously popular for photos, strolls, and romantic moments.
Gapstow Bridge was originally built in 1874 as a wooden bridge, but was replaced by the current stone version in 1896.
Truly one of the most beautiful spots in Central Park New York — don’t skip it.
Umpire Rock
Umpire Rock is one of the largest boulders in Central Park and THE photo spot in the park. It’s located in the southwestern part, near the Heckscher Playground and West 63rd Street.
But don’t think “Okay, great…a rock.” Umpire Rock actually has a fascinating historical significance. It’s made of Manhattan schist, one of the city’s oldest rock types, and bears striking marks left by glacial movement during the last Ice Age.
You’re also allowed to climb it. There are no ropes or other safety equipment, though. Boulderers simply climb it with their hands and feet, no gear required.
Strawberry Fields John Lennon Memorial
Strawberry Fields, named after the Beatles song “Strawberry Fields Forever,” is the famous memorial to John Lennon in Central Park.
It’s located near the West 72nd Street entrance, directly across from the Dakota Building, where Lennon lived and was murdered in 1980. Yoko Ono helped design it.
The memorial is a so-called Quiet Zone — a peaceful area free of loud music or activities. At the center is the “Imagine” mosaic, named after Lennon’s song. Flowers are often placed here, and you’re absolutely welcome to add your own.
Cherry Hill Fountain
Cherry Hill is a gentle rise west of Bow Bridge (our number 6). And so — you can probably guess — the Cherry Hill Fountain is a fountain on that rise.
Cherry Hill Fountain has a classic and fairly simple design, because it originally served as a watering trough for horses.
Today it’s a popular photo spot in New York and also a wishing fountain. Legend has it that friends or couples who walk around the fountain together will always share a special bond. Some visitors toss a coin into the water and wish for lasting friendship or love.
Bethesda Terrace & Bethesda Fountain
Bethesda Terrace and Bethesda Fountain are two of the most famous attractions in Central Park. You’ll find them in the middle of the park, at the level of 72nd Street on a large plaza.
Bethesda Terrace consists of an upper and a lower level connected by an impressive double staircase. It’s especially known for its beautiful arcade with ornate ceiling tiles — street musicians often perform here, which makes the whole vibe really special.
Bethesda Fountain, also known as the Angel of the Waters, is one of the most beautiful fountains in Central Park. It stands right in front of the lower terrace and is adorned with an angel statue reaching out one hand, symbolizing peace, healing, and purity.
You might recognize this spot from “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.”
Bow Bridge
Bow Bridge is a beautiful, curved bridge that spans the Central Park Lake, connecting Cherry Hill with The Ramble.
It looks a little like a fairy-tale bridge and is part of one of the most beloved photo compositions in Central Park: Bow Bridge in the foreground with The San Remo and other Upper West Side buildings in the background. Seriously one of the best shots you’ll take all trip.
Belvedere Castle
Now things get really special. Right in the middle of Central Park, a little castle awaits you. Belvedere Castle.
It looks like something out of a fairy tale, with turrets, balconies, and thick stone walls perched on a rock. The panorama from up there is absolutely incredible — you can see almost the entire park, Turtle Pond, and even the skyline.
Now you might be wondering, “But why on earth is there a castle here?” Simple: because the designers of Central Park thought the park needed something dramatic and romantic. So in 1869, they built a castle. Seriously. Walt Disney must have been jealous.
Nobody ever actually lived in Belvedere Castle. It was purely decorative from the very beginning.
Great Lawn
The Great Lawn is a vast, open meadow in the heart of Central Park, surrounded by trees, overlooking the skyline, and nearly the size of 30 soccer fields.
There used to be a water reservoir here — a massive artificial storage tank. But in the 1930s it was filled in and transformed into a huge open lawn. Today the Great Lawn is a popular spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and playing sports.
During our bike tour through Central Park, we took a break here and just relaxed for a while. Totally worth it.
It’s also the venue for many massive open-air concerts, which we’ll tell you more about further down.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir (J.K.O. Reservoir) is one of the largest lakes in Central Park — nearly a mile and a half around — and absolutely stunning.
From the waterfront promenade you get a breathtaking vista of the skyline, especially at sunset. And the lake is home to plenty of ducks and swans.
It used to be part of New York City’s water supply. Today it’s a favorite destination for joggers who run laps around it — Jackie Kennedy herself often jogged here, which is why this part of the park was named after her.
Harlem Meer
Harlem Meer is a quiet, natural lake in the northeastern corner of Central Park, near 110th Street. Very few tourists make it out here — which makes it one of the best parts of Central Park if you want some peace and quiet.
It’s smaller than the Reservoir, but full of charm — with reed-lined shores, winding walking paths, and plenty of water birds.
At Harlem Meer, which was named by Dutch settlers, you can fish, relax on the wooden piers, or visit the nearby Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, which has an exhibit about the park.
Sports & Activities in Central Park
Beyond a typical stroll, there are so many great ways to get active in Central Park. Here are our top recommendations for things to do in Central Park NYC:
Cycling in Central Park
Cycling is honestly one of the best ways to explore Central Park. We hopped on bikes ourselves and loved it.
That said, you can’t just ride wherever you feel like. For cyclists, Central Park has a large loop road — Central Park Drive — that runs through the park. Bike lanes are marked along all the main paths.
We’ve mapped out the cycling loop for you above on our map in yellow.
Important: Bicycles are not allowed on the footpaths or grassy areas.
You can rent a bike from Citi Bike, New York’s official bike-sharing system. You’ll find stations at the park entrances, e.g.:
- Columbus Circle (59th St. & 8th Ave)
- 5th Ave & 72nd St.
- Central Park North (110th St.)
A single ride (30 minutes) costs around $5. You can pay via the Citi Bike app by credit card or Apple Pay/Google Pay, or at a Citi Bike station by credit or debit card. Cash is not accepted.
At the end of the 30-minute ride, you can either book an additional 30 minutes or return your Citi Bike to a station.
Our bike route shown on the map above requires two bookings. But it’s also much more relaxed that way.
Very important: Don’t just leave your bike anywhere. It can get very expensive.
Alternatively, you can join a guided bike tour through Central Park.
Also read:
Jogging in Central Park
Central Park is a dream for joggers too — especially in the morning before 9 AM.
One of the most popular and scenic running routes is the Reservoir Loop. The route is 1.58 miles long and takes you along soft gravel paths around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir with skyline views the whole way.
We’ve marked the route above on our map in red.
Before you head out, here are a few pointers:
- On the main paths, always run counterclockwise
- Watch out for cyclists on the main paths
- No headphones at full volume
- There are water fountains at 90th Street and at the Great Lawn
Boating in Central Park
Boating is a truly relaxing activity in Central Park — and one of the most underrated things to do in Central Park NYC.
The classic rowboats are available to rent from April through November at the Loeb Boathouse on The Lake, the largest lake in Central Park.
The price is $25 per hour and each boat holds up to four people.
You row across the beautiful lake, past Bow Bridge, with gorgeous views of the New York City skyline throughout.
Ice Skating in Central Park
In New York, you can ice skate not only at Rockefeller Center with Top of the Rock, but also in Central Park — at least from October through April.
The ice skating rink in Central Park is called Wollman Rink. You’ll find it in the southeastern corner of the park.
Depending on the day, ice skating with a skyline view costs between $15 and $35. Skate rentals are an additional $11.
Swimming in Central Park
A brand-new attraction in Central Park is the Davis Center with a public swimming pool.
The recreation center is located in the northern part of the park, near Harlem Meer, and opened in April 2025.
During the warmer months, you can swim here for free. The pool is fully accessible and has everything you need: changing rooms, restrooms, lifeguards, and even a green rooftop terrace overlooking Harlem Meer.
Carriage Ride through Central Park?
Carriage rides through Central Park — and through New York in general — have come under a lot of criticism, and for good reason.
Animal welfare organizations have called out the poor conditions under which the horses are made to work. The same issue exists, for example, in Malta.
We advise against these carriage rides. A bike tour through Central Park is a much better alternative.
New York City is planning to introduce electric carriages to replace the horse-drawn ones — great news! In the meantime, you can take a pedicab tour through Central Park.
Central Park New York with Kids
If you’re visiting New York with kids, Central Park is a fantastic destination. There’s plenty for children to explore and burn off some energy.
Central Park Carousel
The Central Park Carousel is a nostalgic merry-go-round with beautiful hand-carved horses — truly old school and totally charming.
It has been in the southern part of Central Park since 1871, near the 65th Street Transverse, and with its cheerful music it’s a wonderful stop for families.
A ride on the carousel costs around $4.
Important: The carousel is often closed in winter. It reopens with the first warm days of spring.
Central Park Zoo
The Central Park Zoo is a small but incredibly popular zoo right in the middle of Central Park New York.
It’s home to around 130 species — including sea lions, penguins, red pandas, monkeys, and tropical birds. There’s also a petting zoo — the “Tisch Zoo.”
Admission costs around $23 for adults and $17 for children ages three to 12. Tickets are available on-site at the box office and online.
Book Central Park Zoo tickets online
Tarr-Coyne Wild West Playground
Eating in Central Park: Restaurants & Cafés
No matter how you explore Central Park, all that time outdoors is sure to work up an appetite. Here are some spots in the park where you can rest and refuel:
- Tavern on the Green: elegant restaurant with a lovely terrace, perfect for brunch or dinner
- Le Pain Quotidien: cozy café with sandwiches, salads, and coffee
- Ballfields Café: small outdoor café with burgers, hot dogs, and drinks
- Wafels & Dinges: food truck serving incredibly delicious Belgian waffles
Central Park New York: Getting There & Admission
Here’s a quick overview of all the practical info you need for Central Park:
Central Park New York Address
The official address of Central Park is: Central Park, New York, NY, USA
Since the park is enormous, you can use a more specific address depending on which entrance you’re heading to:
- Southern entrance: 59th Street & 5th Avenue
- Main entrance near Columbus Circle: 59th Street & Central Park West
- Entrance near Upper West Side: 72nd Street & Central Park West
- Entrance near Upper East Side: 72nd Street & 5th Avenue
More Info about Central Park New York
- Central Park in New York is open daily from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM. Some attractions within Central Park have their own hours.
- Admission to Central Park is completely free. You can come and go anytime — stroll, jog, or just relax. Specific attractions like the Central Park Zoo or boating on the lake cost extra.
- Central Park in New York covers 1.32 square miles. That’s four times the size of Vatican City in Rome.
Visiting Central Park with the New York Pass
We’re huge fans of the New York Pass — and it’s genuinely useful for Central Park too. Here’s what’s included:
- Bike rental (e.g. Unlimited Biking): Rent a bike and explore the park at your own pace. Helmet, lock, and map are included.
- Guided bike tour through Central Park: In two hours, a guide will show you the most beautiful corners of the park and share fascinating stories.
- TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour: Discover filming locations from Home Alone 2, Friends, Gossip Girl, and many other movies and TV shows as you make your way through the park.
- Central Park Zoo: With the pass you get access to the main zoo, the Tisch Children’s Zoo (petting zoo), and the 4D theater.
In addition to the New York Pass, there are other city passes available. You can find out which one is the best value in our detailed New York City Pass comparison.
Everything you need to know about the New York Pass can be found here:
Hotels near Central Park New York
Still looking for a place to stay in New York and considering the Central Park area? Check out these three great options:
Hotel Lucerne: renowned boutique hotel with the popular French restaurant Nice Matin
Arthouse Hotel: boutique hotel in a historic building; a cool mix of vintage and modern design
The Wallace Hotel: luxurious boutique hotel with Parisian Art Deco design on the Upper West Side
Also read our other New York hotel recommendations:
More Great Parks in New York
Can’t get enough of parks, or already know Central Park well? Then check out these other New York City parks:
- Battery Park: large park at the southern tip of Manhattan with views of the Statue of Liberty
- Bryant Park: lively park in Midtown Manhattan; known for cool open-air events
- Brooklyn Bridge Park: sprawling waterfront park along the East River with views of the Manhattan skyline
- Little Island: Little Island isn’t a traditional park but a small island in the Hudson River with walking paths, gardens, and more.
- High Line: The High Line isn’t a conventional park either — it’s a former elevated railway line that’s been transformed into a green space with walking paths. One of our favorite free activities in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions about Central Park New York
What makes Central Park in New York so special?
Central Park is a massive green oasis right in the middle of Manhattan — and that alone makes it extraordinary.
But its size is also remarkable. Central Park covers 3.41 km². And you’ll find way more than just trees and meadows here — there are tons of attractions and opportunities for sports and outdoor activities.
On top of that, Central Park is famous from countless movies and TV shows, including Friends, Home Alone 2, and The Avengers.
Is Central Park the largest park in the world?
No, Central Park is not the largest park in the world — not even the largest in New York City.
The biggest park in New York is Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx.
The world’s largest urban park is the King Salman Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at 16 km².
Is Central Park man-made?
Yes! Central Park was artificially created in the mid-19th century.
Before that, the area was a mix of swamps, rock outcroppings, and small settlements.
What animals live in Central Park?
Surprisingly, a wide variety of animals actually live in Central Park. These include:
- Red-tailed hawks
- Owls, ducks & herons
- Gray squirrels
- Raccoons
- Carp, sunfish & trout (in the lakes)
The animals live primarily in what’s known as “The Ramble,” a wild woodland area within Central Park.
Are you allowed to feed squirrels in Central Park?
Feeding squirrels in Central Park is officially not allowed.
Human food like bread and nuts can harm the animals. It also causes them to lose their natural wariness around people — and the resulting litter attracts rats.
If you feed them anyway, there’s no formal penalty, but park rangers could warn you.
Is Central Park dangerous at night?
During the day, Central Park is safe — but you should be cautious at night.
When night falls, Central Park gets especially dark in its more secluded corners. Not all paths are adequately lit, fewer people are around, and muggings do occasionally occur — even though police and park rangers are regularly present.
Our advice: stick to daytime visits.
Are you allowed to fly a kite in Central Park?
Yes! Flying kites is allowed in Central Park — but only in certain areas.
The best spots for kite flying are:
- Great Lawn
- Sheep Meadow
- North Meadow
Can you drive through Central Park?
No. Since 2018, all public roads in Central Park have been closed to cars.
This improves air quality, reduces noise, and makes the park safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
You can park your car nearby, for example:
None of these parking garages are particularly well rated, though.
Do concerts take place in Central Park?
Yes, concerts and large events are held regularly in Central Park. These include:
- Global Citizen Festival
- SummerStage Festival
- Shakespeare in the Park
One of the most famous concerts in Central Park history was Paul McCartney’s “Live at the Park” concert in 2008 — several hundred thousand people showed up!
