Central Park is an iconic destination that is well known around the world. Many movies such as When Harry Met Sally, Manhattan Love Story and even Home Alone 2 were filmed here.
There is so much to see and do here from taking a guided walking tour to riding on the carousel or rowing along Loeb Boathouse. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your New York City experience.
1. Take a Walk
The park is huge, and navigating through it all can be confusing. Make your life easier by downloading a map of the park before you leave for your trip. Several vendors in the park offer maps, but you can also get one from the Visitors Center at Central Park West and 67th St. The building was formerly the old sheep hold and now serves as a restaurant, shop, and information center. The map will help you figure out where to go and how long it will take you to reach your destination.
Central Park is home to many famous landmarks and attractions. You can visit the zoo, take a rowboat on the lake, catch a free Shakespeare in the Park show at the Delacorte Theater, or simply stroll along the paths. This is a place where the city’s residents go to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience nature’s beauty in all its glory.
Walking in the park is a transformative experience. It’s the kind of activity that makes you forget your worries and focuses you on the rhythm of your steps, the joy you derive from such a simple human movement. A walk in the North Woods or along the Loch’s trickling waterway will make you feel small next to the massive trees and vast sky.
Taking a walk in Central Park is a great way to see the sights without rushing or getting too tired. The park’s air is buoyant and vibrant, whether you’re there on a balmy summer day or a chilly winter night. You can also stop for a bite at one of the restaurants inside the park, such as Tavern on the Green or Loeb Boathouse.
2. Go for a Picnic
Bring a picnic basket, lay out a blanket, and enjoy some food in the city’s oasis. It’s a time-honored way to spend your day and is a great option for budget-minded travelers who want to avoid restaurants but don’t want to miss out on the New York experience. Plus, if you pick a spot far enough into the park, you won’t hear any honks or sirens.
Central Park has countless lawns and benches to choose from, so finding the perfect picnic spot is easy. Just be sure to bring a blanket, take off your shoes, and enjoy the view. It’s also a good idea to bring snacks and drinks to keep you going throughout the day. Some good options include sandwiches, apples, bananas, trail mix, cookies, and water. Remember to pack reusable cups and bottles as the parks’ trash cans fill up quickly with millions of visitors.
There are several places to grab a bite in the park, including the iconic Tavern on the Green and Loeb Boathouse. There are also a number of food vendors throughout the park that sell hot dogs, pretzels, beverages, and ice cream. If you’re planning on attending a concert or event in the park, make sure to check their events calendars in advance.
For an extra-special picnic, head to Turtle Pond for a romantic view of Belvedere Castle and its reflection in the serene pond. This is also one of the quieter areas of the park and can be less crowded than other parts. You can also get a great view of the Carl Schurz Monument, which is an Egyptian-inspired obelisk that symbolizes immortality and connects heaven to earth.
3. Go for a Ride
Getting lost in Central Park is a real thing, especially for first-timers. Having some sort of map on hand can save you time and money by helping you navigate the park effectively. A free app on your phone or a print-out of a map can go a long way in ensuring you don’t get turned around too often.
One of the best ways to take in all the beauty of Central Park is to see it from the water. Rent a row boat at the Loeb Boathouse to lazily cruise around the second largest body of water in NYC, and enjoy the views. This activity has been romanticized by countless movies, and it’s sure to be a memorable experience.
The Bethesda Terrace and Fountain are one of the most beautiful features in the whole park. You may have seen it in a few of your favorite films like John Wick, Sex and the City, and Enchanted. This spot is a popular choice for marriage proposals and photo opportunities.
If you want to see the most of Central Park in a short amount of time, try biking around. The bike paths are easy to follow and connect the most famous attractions. You can also book a guided bike tour to get an insider’s perspective on the park and learn more about its history.
An old-fashioned carriage ride through Central Park is a fun and luxurious experience for tourists, locals, and family members. Whether you’re sightseeing, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating your loved ones to a romantic experience, the memories you make will last a lifetime.
4. Go for a Concert
Central Park isn’t just a recreational hotspot—its sweeping green expanse makes a valuable ecological contribution to the city. Its 18,000 trees help cool and clean the air, while its vast acreage in the heart of Manhattan serves as a habitat for wildlife. The park also helps provide recreational and health benefits to local residents, allowing them to escape the stress of urban living.
Central park designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux intended the Park as a democratic space that would be open to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. They envisioned that the Park would be a place to enjoy arts and music, where everyone could relax. Concerts in the park became a regular event soon after the Park opened to the public in 1857, with a bandshell built at the Ramble. Early performances included a mix of classical music, such as opera selections and Strauss waltzes, and band music.
Today, the iconic SummerStage series hosts a wide variety of musical performers throughout the summer at Rumsey Playfield. The concerts are a great way to spend your evenings in the park and get a taste of NYC’s world-class entertainment.
The park is also home to a number of other venues where you can see live performances, including the Metropolitan Opera and Broadway’s Theatre District. Whether you are in the mood for a classic musical or a cutting-edge play, there is sure to be something for everyone at one of the many theatres in the city.
The park is a wonderful place to visit during the fall, when the leaves on the trees turn a dazzling shade of orange and red. The best time to view the colorful foliage is in late October or early November, when the weather is usually pleasant and the Park is less crowded.
5. Go for a Night Out
A trip to New York City is incomplete without a visit to Central Park, the sprawling natural space in the heart of Manhattan. At 843 acres, it’s one of the most visited urban parks in America and is full of distinctly New York character and folklore.
It’s a great place to go walking, take a concert or have a picnic. It’s also a popular spot for sports fans and runners. There are even two ice-skating areas, the Wollman Rink and the Lasker Rink, which convert into swimming pools in summer.
There are a number of iconic attractions in Central Park that are worth visiting, including Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, the Central Park Zoo, and Strawberry Fields. It’s also well known for being one of the most filmed locations in the world, with episodes of TV shows like Sex and the City and Law and Order as well as movies like Woody Allen’s Annie Hall and John Wick having been shot there.
The northern section of the park above the Reservoir tends to be quieter at night and is less busy than the southern part, which is a good idea if you’re travelling with kids or on a budget. It’s a bit riskier to wander around Central Park at night, however, so it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your belongings and use common sense, especially when alone.
Be sure to bring a map – the park is huge and it’s easy to get lost, especially if you’re unfamiliar with it. You can buy one from many vendors within the park but downloading a printable version beforehand is a good idea so you don’t waste any time trying to locate it.
