In a nutshell
- Central Park is one of the best places in New York City, offering various activities and stunning views. Whether you’re looking for peaceful walks or adventurous cycling, there’s something for everyone!
- We’ll show you the best spots in Central Park and the top activities worth trying. We have also prepared a map with 3 routes through Central Park: for walkers, cyclists and joggers.
- We highly recommend exploring the park by bike — we did it ourselves and were surprised by how much we were able to see. For us, it’s one of the best things to do in Central Park New York City.
Central Park Map with Routes for Walkers, Joggers & Cyclists
Explore the best parts of Central Park through carefully curated routes – ideal for walks in Central Park, cycling, and jogging.
This map highlights the top 10 must-see spots in Central Park, along with key entrances, exits, and three suggested routes through the park.
- Turquoise for walkers (takes you to all the sights)
- Yellow for cyclists (Ring Road)
- Red for joggers (Reservoir Loop)
Best Spots in Central Park
Here are the best places to visit in Central Park where you can immerse yourself in its beauty and history. From the iconic Strawberry Fields to the serene Belvedere Castle, you won’t run out of things to do in Central Park.
We’ve organized the spots in Central park along the walking route from the map rather than by popularity, so you can discover them naturally as you explore the park.
Gapstow Bridge
Gapstow Bridge is a stunning stone bridge. It spans The Pond, a small lake in the southeast corner of the park.
The bridge offers a great view of the Midtown Manhattan skyline and is particularly popular for photos, walks and romantic moments.
The Gapstow Bridge was originally built as a wooden bridge in 1874, but was replaced by the current stone version in 1896.
It’s easily one of the best spots in Central Park NYC.
Umpire Rock
Umpire Rock is one of the largest rocks in Central Park and THE photo spot in Central Park. You’ll find it in the southwest part of the park of the park, near Heckscher Playground and West 63rd Street.
But don’t be fooled – it’s more than just a rock. Umpire Rock also has an exciting historical significance. It consists of Manhattan shale, one of the oldest rocks in the city, and you can still see markings left by glaciers from the last ice age.
You can also climb here. There are no ropes or safety gear though – just you and the rock. Boulderers simply climb here with their hands and feet without any equipment.
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 is located near the West 72nd Street entrance, directly opposite the Dakota Building, where Lennon lived and was murdered in 1980. Yoko Ono helped with the design.
Designated as a Quiet Zone, it’s meant to be a peaceful place. In the center of the memorial is the “Imagine” mosaic, named after Lennon’s song. Flowers are often laid here. Many visitors leave flowers in tribute – and you’re welcome to do the same.
Cherry Hill Fountain
Cherry Hill is a gentle hill west of the Bow Bridge (our number 6). As you might guess from the name, the Cherry Hill Fountain sits atop the hill.
Cherry Hill Fountain has a classic and rather simple design. It was originally built as a watering station for horses.
Today it is a popular photo spot in New York City and also a wishing well. It is said that friends or couples who walk around the fountain together will keep a special bond forever. Some visitors also throw a coin into the water and wish for a long-lasting friendship or love.
Bethesda Terrace & Bethesda Fountain
Bethesda Terrace and Bethesda Fountain are among the most iconic landmarks in the park. They’re located in the center of the park, at the level of 72nd Street on a large square.
Bethesda Terrace consists of an upper and a lower level, which are connected by an impressive double staircase. The tiled arcade underneath is especially famous. Street musicians often play here.
Bethesda Fountain, also known as the Angel of the Waters, is one of the most beautiful fountains in Central Park. It stands directly in front of the lower terrace and is adorned with a statue of an angel holding out a hand. The statue symbolizes peace, healing and purity.
You might recognize this spot from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
Bow Bridge
The Bow Bridge is a beautiful, curved bridge that crosses Central Park Lake and connects Cherry Hill with The Ramble.
It looks a bit like a fairytale bridge. It’s one of Central Park’s most photographed locations: Bow Bridge in the foreground and The San Remo and other buildings on the Upper West Side in the background.
Belvedere Castle
Here’s something truly unique. A small castle awaits you in the middle of Central Park. The Belvedere Castle.
It looks like something out of a fairy tale, with turrets, balconies and thick stone walls and is perched on a rock. The view from up there is amazing! You can see almost the entire park, Turtle Pond and even the skyline.
Now you might be asking yourself, “But why is there a castle there?” Simple: because the designers of Central Park thought the park needed something dramatic and romantic. So they put a castle there in 1869. No kidding – Walt Disney would’ve loved it!
No one ever lived in Belvedere Castle. It was just decoration from the start.
Great Lawn
The Great Lawn is a huge open field in the heart of Central Park, surrounded by trees, it’s nearly the size of 30 soccer fields and offers skyline views all around.
There used to be a water reservoir here, a huge artificial water tank. However, it was filled in in the 1930s and turned into a huge lawn for sunbathing. Today, the Great Lawn is a popular spot for sunbathing, picnics and sports.
We stopped here during our bike tour for a well-earned break.
There are also often huge open-air concerts here, which we’ll tell you more about below.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir (J.K.O. Reservoir) is one of the largest lakes in Central Park – almost two and a half kilometers around – and absolutely beautiful, especially at sunset.
From the lakeside promenade, you have an amazing view of the skyline, especially at sunset. And there are lots of ducks and swans swimming in the lake.
It was once part of the city’s water supply, but today it’s a favorite spot for joggers. It was renamed in honor of Jackie Kennedy, who often jogged here.
Harlem Meer
The Harlem Meer is a quiet, natural lake in the northeast of Central Park, near 110th Street. You’ll find far fewer tourists here.
It is smaller than the Reservoir, but full of charm. With reed-covered shores, winding paths and lots of water birds.
You can fish at the Harlem Meer, named by Dutch settlers, relax on the boardwalks or visit the nearby Charles A. Dana Discovery Center with an exhibition about the park.
Active Things to Do in Central Park
Besides just taking a walk through Central Park, you can also do some great sports among all the greenery. These are our suggestions for you:
Cycling in Central Park
Cycling in Central Park is a great way to explore the best spots in Central Park. We got on our bikes too.
You can’t ride just anywhere. There is a large ring road for cyclists in Central Park, Central Park Drive, which runs through the park. All the cycle lanes are marked along the main paths.
We have marked the ring road for cyclists in yellow at the top of our map.
Important: Bicycles are not allowed on the footpaths and lawns.
You can rent a bike from Citi Bikes, New York’s official bike-sharing system, for example. You will find the 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 dollars. You can pay either with the Citi Bike app by credit card or Apple Pay/Google Pay or at a Citi Bike station by credit/debit card. Cash isn’t accepted.
At the end of the 30-minute tour, you can either book an additional 30 minutes or return your Citi Bike to a station.
Two bookings are necessary for our cycle route at the top of the map. But that’s also much more relaxed.
Note: Be sure to return your bike to a docking station—leaving it elsewhere can be costly.
Alternatively, Another option is to join a guided bike tour through Central Park.
Jogging in Central Park
Central Park is also a dream for joggers. Especially in the morning before 9 am.
One of the most popular and beautiful running trails in Central Park is the Reservoir Loop. The route is 2.54 kilometers long and takes you on soft gravel paths around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir with skyline views.
We have marked the route in red on our map above.
Before you head out, here are a few helpful tips:
- Always run anti-clockwise on the main paths
- Watch out for cyclists on the main paths
- No headphones at full volume
- There are drinking fountains on 90th Street and at the Great Lawn
Boating in Central Park
Boating is a relaxing activity in Central Park.
You can hire classic rowing boats from April to November from the Loeb Boathouse on The Lake, the largest lake in Central Park.
The price is 25 dollars per hour and the boat can fit up to four people.
You row across the beautiful The Lake, past the Bow Bridge and always have a great view of the New York skyline.
Ice skating in Central Park
You can ice skate in New York not only at Rockefeller Center with the Top of the Rock, but also in Central Park. At least during the season – from October through April.
The ice skating rink in Central Park is called Wollman Rink. You can find it in the south-east corner of the park.
Admission (with that amazing skyline view) ranges from $15 to $35. Skate rental costs another 11 dollars.
Swimming in Central Park
A brand new attraction in Central Park is the Davis Center with public swimming pool.
The leisure center is located in the northern part of the park, near the Harlem Meer, and was opened in April 2025.
Swimming is free during the warmer months. The pool is barrier-free and has everything you need: changing rooms, toilets, lifeguards and even a green roof terrace with a view of the Harlem Meer.
Carriage rides through Central Park
Carriage rides through Central Park, and New York in general, have sparked controversy due to animal welfare concerns.
Animal welfare organizations criticize the poor conditions under which the animals have to work. The same phenomenon can also be found in Malta, for example.
We advise against such carriage rides. Instead, you are much better off taking a bike ride through Central Park.
And the city of New York is planning electric carriages to replace horse-drawn carriages in the future. That’s a welcome change!
Alternatively, you can take a pedicap tour through Central Park.
Central Park New York with Kids
If you are in New York with kids, Central Park is a great destination. Kids can discover a lot here and burn off some energy.
When exploring Central Park with kids, the best places to check out include the Central Park Zoo and the iconic Carousel. These spots offer plenty of fun and excitement for younger visitors.
Central Park Carousel
The Central Park Carousel is a nostalgic carousel with beautifully carved horses – it’s charmingly old-fashioned.
It has been located in the south of Central Park, near the 65th Street Transverse, since 1871 and is a great destination for families with its cheerful music.
A ride on the carousel costs around 4 dollars.
Important: The carousel is often closed in winter. It opens with the first warm days of spring. It’s a real treat.
Central Park Zoo
Central Park Zoo is a small but popular zoo in the middle of New York’s Central Park.
It is home to around 130 animal species, including sea lions, penguins, red pandas, monkeys and tropical birds. There is also a petting zoo – the “Tisch Zoo”.
Admission costs around 23 dollars for adults and 17 dollars for children aged 3 to 12. Tickets are available on site at the ticket office and online. You can not visit the Central Park Zoo for free.
Book Central Park Zoo tickets online
Tarr-Coyne Wild West Playground
Food in Central Park: Restaurants & Cafés
After your exploration of the best spots in Central Park, be sure to check out the nearby cafés and restaurants for a relaxing break:
- Tavern on the Green: elegant restaurant with a beautiful terrace, ideal 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 with delicious Belgian waffles
Central Park New York: How to Get There & Admission
Finally, here’s all the information you might need about admission to Central Park:
Central Park New York address
The official address of Central Park is: Central Park, New York, NY, USA
Because the park is huge, you can use a more specific address depending on the entrance:
- South 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 information about Central Park New York
- Central Park in New York is open daily from 6.00 am to 1.00 am. Some attractions in Central Park have their own opening hours.
- Admission to Central Park is completely free. You can go in at any time, walk, jog or simply relax. Special attractions such as the Central Park Zoo or boating on the lake cost extra.
- Central Park in New York is 3.41 km² in size. That’s four times the size of the Vatican City in Rome.
Visit Central Park with the New York Pass
We are huge fans of the New York Pass. And with the New York Pass you can actively discover Central Park. Included are:
- Bike rental (e.g. Unlimited Biking): Rent a bike and explore the park on your own. Helmet, lock and map are included.
- Guided bike tour through Central Park: In two hours, a guide will show you the best spots in Central Park and tell you exciting stories.
- TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour: Discover filming locations from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Friends, Gossip Girl and many other films and series on your way through the park.
- Central Park Zoo: The pass gives you access to the main zoo, the Tisch Children’s Zoo (petting zoo) and the 4D Theater.
Take a closer look at the New York Pass:
Where to Stay near Central Park New York?
Still looking for a hotel in New York and thinking about staying close to Central Park? Then take a look at these three hotels:
Hotel Lucerne: renowned boutique hotel with popular French restaurant Nice Matin
Arthouse Hotel: boutique hotel in a historic building; cool combination of vintage and modern design
The Wallace Hotel: luxurious boutique hotel in Parisian Art Deco design on the Upper West Side
Also read our other New York hotel tips:
Other Great Parks in New York
Can’t get enough of parks or already know Central Park? Then take a look at these parks in New York City:
- Battery Park: large park at the southern tip of Manhattan with a view of the Statue of Liberty
- Bryant Park: lively park in midtown Manhattan; known for cool open-air performances
- Brooklyn Bridge Park: extensive riverside park on the East River with a view of the Manhattan skyline
- Little Island: Little Island is not really a park, but a small island in the Hudson River with walking paths, gardens and more.
- High Line: The High Line isn’t a park either, but a former elevated train line that has been converted into a green space and walking paths. One of our favorite free activities in New York.
Central Park New York: FAQ
What is so special about Central Park in New York?
Central Park is a huge, green oasis in the middle of the hectic New York borough of Manhattan. That alone makes the park special.
But the area is also remarkable. Central Park is 3.41 km² in size. What’s more, you won’t just find trees and meadows here, but it offers many cool things to do, like cycling, jogging and more.
Not to mention, Central Park has been featured in many famous films and series, including Friends and Marvel’s 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 largest park in New York is Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx.
The largest city park in the world is King Salman Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at 16 km².
Is Central Park man-made?
Yes, Central Park was artificially created in the middle of the 19th century.
Before that, the area was a mixture of swamp, rocks and small settlements.
Which animals live in Central Park?
Central Park is home to a surprisingly large number of animals. These include
- Red-tailed hawks
- Owls, ducks & herons
- Gray Squirrels
- Raccoons
- Carp, sunfish & trout (in the lakes)
The animals live mainly in “The Ramble”, a wild forest in Central Park.
Are you allowed to feed squirrels in Central Park?
Feeding squirrels and gray squirrels in Central Park is not officially permitted.
Human food such as bread and nuts can harm the animals. It also causes the animals to lose their natural shyness.
And disgusting: the resulting garbage attracts rats.
If you feed them anyway, there is no penalty. But park rangers could give you a warning.
Is Central Park dangerous in the evening?
Central Park is safe during the day, but you should be careful at night.
When night falls in New York, Central Park and its secluded corners are particularly dark. Not all paths are adequately lit.
In addition, there are fewer people in Central Park at night and there are occasional muggings – even though the police and park rangers are always present.
We therefore recommend that you take a walk through the park during the day.
Are you allowed to fly a kite in Central Park?
Yes, flying kites is allowed in Central Park. But only in certain places.
The best places to fly kites in Central Park are
- Great Lawn
- Sheep Meadow
- North Meadow
Can you drive through Central Park by car?
No. Since 2018, all public roads in Central Park have been closed to cars.
This is intended to improve the air and reduce noise. It also makes the park safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
You can park your car here, for example:
However, none of the parking garages are really well rated.
Are there concerts in Central Park?
Yes, Central Park regularly hosts concerts & major events. These include:
- Global Citizen Festival
- SummerStage Festival
- Shakespeare in the Park
Incidentally, one of the most famous concerts in Central Park was Paul McCartney’s “Live at the Park” concert in 2008, which was attended by several hundred thousand people!
Is 2 hours enough for Central Park?
Two hours is enough to get a taste of Central Park.
But if you really want to see everything, you should plan at least 3 hours.
A bike is the quickest way. However, they are not allowed on all routes – just the Ring Route.
Is Central Park worth going to?
Yes, Central Park is definitely worth a visit!
Located in the middle of Manhattan, the park offers a welcome break from hectic city life – green meadows, tranquil lakes, shady woods and spacious walking paths invite you to relax.
At the same time, Central Park is full of famous sights such as the Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge and Strawberry Fields, which you will recognize from numerous films.
Whether you want to walk, jog, cycle, have a picnic or simply enjoy nature – there is something for everyone here.
This was our article about things to do in Central Park New York City
Do you have any recommendations for places to visit in Central Park, or still have a question? Feel free to leave us a comment – we’d be happy to hear from you!