Central Park in New York City is a green oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle of Manhattan. Here, New Yorkers can catch their breath after a work week, while tourists can relax between visits to museums and landmarks.

However, there is also plenty to see within Central Park itself. Every year, it receives 42 million visitors, more than any other park in the United States.

Interesting facts about Central Park

More than 200 species of birds live in the park, and rare species can be seen during migration season.
There are about 9,000 benches throughout the park.
You can purchase a personalized nameplate on a bench as a gift.
More than 300 films and television series have been filmed in Central Park.
85 percent of the park’s budget comes from private donations.
The park has its own police unit — the Central Park Precinct.
The park’s acreage is approximately equal to Monaco.
Subway tunnels run beneath the park.
An Egyptian obelisk over 3,500 years old, Cleopatra’s Needle, stands in the park.

What to see in Central Park

The park is enormous, and there is much to explore. Here are the main attractions you can visit.

Belvedere Castle

Belvedere Castle stands at the highest point in the park, offering views of the entire Central Park. Built in 1869 in a Gothic style, it resembles something from a fairy tale. Admission is free, and there is also a small nature center inside.

It is also the best place for photographs overlooking Turtle Pond and the Great Lawn.

📍 Belvedere Castle / New York, NY 10024

Strawberry Fields

A memorial to John Lennon, who was killed near his home in 1980. The Dakota building is located directly across the street from the park. At the center of Strawberry Fields is the famous circular mosaic with the word “IMAGINE.” Visitors from around the world come here, leave flowers, and light candles.

📍 Strawberry Fields / New York, NY, 10023

The Great Lawn

A vast open lawn in the central part of the park. This is where the largest open-air concerts take place, featuring performers such as Paul Simon, the New York Philharmonic, and the Metropolitan Opera. It can accommodate up to 80,000 people.

📍 The Great Lawn / 79th Street & 85th Street, New York, NY 10024

Bethesda Fountain

One of the most recognizable symbols of Central Park is the fountain featuring the Angel of the Waters at its center. It is located by the Lake and surrounded by a terrace offering beautiful views.

📍 Bethesda Fountain / New York, NY 10024

Central Park Zoo

A small but charming zoo, known worldwide from the animated film “Madagascar.” It is home to penguins, snow leopards, tropical birds, and sea lions. The zoo is open daily, and admission is paid.

📍 Central Park Zoo / New York, NY 10021

Central Park Carousel

One of the oldest carousels in the United States, installed here in 1951. It features 57 hand-carved wooden horses.

📍 Central Park Carousel / 1802 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065

Wollman Rink

In winter, an outdoor ice skating rink opens in the southern part of the park, offering views of the skyscrapers. It operates from October to March.

📍 Wollman Rink / 830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065

Wollman Rink in Central Park, New York City

Conservatory Garden

Three gardens in different styles: Italian, French, and English. It is one of the quietest and most beautiful corners of the park, especially in spring when tulips and lilacs are in bloom.

📍 Conservatory Garden / 1233 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir

A vast artificial reservoir in the center of the park, covering 43 hectares of water surface. A 2.5-kilometer track runs around it, popular among runners. It is named after Jacqueline Kennedy, who lived nearby and ran here regularly.

📍 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir / New York, NY 10128

Things to do in Central Park

Central Park is not just a green oasis in one of the most urbanized cities in the world. It is a fully equipped space for sports and outdoor activities.

Cycling. A bicycle path of about 10 kilometers runs around the park. You can rent a bicycle from numerous rental stations nearby.
Running. Central Park is the main running location in New York City. The famous TCS New York City Marathon finishes here.
Picnicking. The large lawns are perfect for this. On weekends, locals fill the space with blankets, food, and dogs.
Boating. At the Lake, the Loeb Boathouse offers classic wooden boats for rent so you can paddle among the ducks.
Chess. At the Chess and Checkers House, anyone can play a free game of chess or checkers.
Birdwatching and nature. The Ramble is a wild wooded area, a favorite spot for birdwatchers. With binoculars and patience, you can see dozens of bird species.
Open-air theater. Every summer, the park hosts the free Shakespeare in the Park performances at the Delacorte Theater. Tickets are free, but you need to queue in advance.
Yoga and fitness. Free yoga and meditation sessions take place in different parts of the park every morning.

How to get to Central Park

The park is so large that it has dozens of entrances. You can reach it on foot from most places in Manhattan within 10 to 20 minutes. You can also use Citi Bike, with stations all around the park, or take a taxi such as Uber or Lyft.

By subway:

Lines A, B, C, D, 1 — Columbus Circle (59 Street) station — southern entrance
Lines N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 — 59 Street station — southeastern entrance (corner of 5th Avenue)
Lines B, C — several stations along the west side: 72 Street, 81 Street, 86 Street, 96 Street, 103 Street

Central Park by season

Spring — the best time to visit. Cherry blossoms bloom near the Reservoir and in the Conservatory Garden. The park is full of color and life.
Summer — concerts, picnics, and cycling. The park becomes a large outdoor living room for all of Manhattan.
Autumn — golden and crimson foliage. October is the most beautiful month.
Winter — Wollman Rink, snow-covered trees, and a festive atmosphere. The park looks like a postcard.

Central Park in popular culture

Central Park is one of the most filmed locations in the world. It has appeared in hundreds of films, television series, and music videos.

“Home Alone 2” — Kevin feeds pigeons near Bethesda Fountain.
“Night at the Museum” — part of the action takes place in the park.
“The Devil Wears Prada” — Andrea runs through the park.
“Friends” — the characters often walk in Central Park.
“Sex and the City” — the park appears frequently.
“Spider-Man” — Peter Parker swings above the park’s trees.

The park has become as much a symbol of New York City as the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty.

History of Central Park

Central Park is one of the first artificially designed urban parks in the history of the United States. Before its creation, the area was occupied by farms, slums, and small settlements, including Seneca Village, a community of free African Americans that was demolished in the 1850s to make way for the park.

In 1858, a design competition was announced. The winning project, the Greensward Plan, was created by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Construction took nearly 20 years and was completed in 1873.

An interesting fact: about 10 million tons of soil were moved during construction, and more than 270,000 trees and shrubs were planted. The entire landscape was created by hand. The seemingly “natural” rocks, hills, and lakes are the result of the work of thousands of laborers.

In 1962, the park was designated a city landmark, and in 1963, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitor information

📍 Central Park / New York, NY

Opening hours: from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM

Website: centralparknyc.org