Travel Plan
Central Park

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · NEW YORK

Central Park

Manhattan's 843-acre green heart of lakes, meadows, bridges and famous film locations.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
2–3 hours
Entry
Free
Best time
Spring and autumn
Area
Manhattan

843 acres of lawns, lakes and paths in the middle of Manhattan, with Bethesda Fountain and Bow Bridge.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Central Park, New York, NY

  • Subway: Many stations along the park: 59 St–Columbus Circle, 72 St, 5 Av–59 St.
  • Getting around: Rent a bike, take a pedicab or walk the loops.
  • Size: About 4 km long and 800 metres wide.

The story of Central Park

Central Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux and opened in stages from 1858. Almost everything in it — lakes, hills and woods — was created by hand.

Highlights include Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields, the Mall's elm trees and Belvedere Castle.

Best time to visit

Best season

April–May for blossoms; October–November for autumn colours.

Best time of day

Morning or late afternoon.

Winter

Ice skating at Wollman Rink.

Tips before you go

  • Rent a bike or a rowing boat, and visit the zoo with children.
  • Rent a rowing boat at the Loeb Boathouse.
  • Walk from Bethesda Fountain to Bow Bridge.

Best hotels near Central Park

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

The Plaza

Legendary hotel on Central Park South.

See prices

The Langham, New York

Spacious rooms near the Empire State Building.

See prices

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Waterfront hotel with Manhattan views.

See prices
All hotels near Central Park

What's around Central Park

  • The MetOn the park's east side.
  • American Museum of Natural HistoryWest side.
  • Fifth AvenueShopping street.
  • Columbus CircleSouthwest corner.

Questions travellers ask

How big is Central Park?

About 843 acres.

Is it free?

Yes.

Can I rent a bike?

Yes, near the park entrances.

More in New York

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Read the guide
Times Square

Times Square

Read the guide
Empire State Building

Empire State Building

Read the guide
Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

Read the guide
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Travel Plan · Central Park Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure