Central Park
The basics
Central Park has something for everyone. Visit Bethesda Fountain, the Strawberry Fields monument, or the Alice in Wonderland statue; enjoy kid-friendly fun on the carousel at the Central Park Zoo; sail model boats at the Conservatory Water pond; or simply relax and soak in the scene at Bethesda Terrace or Sheep Meadow. The park’s size can be overwhelming, so consider a park bike tour, a walking tour, or a pedicab tour for a guided experience. Bike rentals are also available.
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Things to know before you go
Several spots offer information about the park: the Dairy Visitor Center, Belvedere Castle, the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, the Chess & Checkers House, and the Columbus Circle information kiosk.
No parking is available in the park, but parking garages are nearby.
Wheelchairs can be used on many paths, but there are stairs around the park, so consider starting at an information center to pick up a map.
How to get there
Central Park runs from 59th Street to 110th Street, and Fifth Avenue to Central Park West (a continuation of Eighth Avenue) from east to west, making it reachable on foot from many Manhattan neighborhoods. A number of subway stations are nearby, including B and C stops along Central Park West, and stops on the 6 along Lexington Avenue, a few blocks east of Fifth Avenue.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The park is open daily from early morning to late night. It’s a can’t-miss attraction any time of year, but to enjoy a classic NYC activity such as ice skating at Wollman Rink or seeing outdoor summer concerts, you’ll want to visit during the appropriate season.
Museums surrounding Central Park
Many of the city's top museums stand just on the edges of Central Park, most notably on the famed Museum Mile, a stretch of Fifth Avenue that’s home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art; the Guggenheim Museum; the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum; the Jewish Museum; the Museum of the City of New York; and the Neue Galerie New York. On the other side of the park, you’ll find the American Museum of Natural History.
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- Wollman Rink
- Central Park Zoo
- FAO Schwarz
- Bethesda Fountain
- Museum of Arts and Design (MAD)
- Strawberry Fields (John Lennon Memorial)
- Carnegie Hall
- Frick Collection
- DreamWorks Trolls the Experience
- Time Warner Center
- Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
- David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center
- The Metropolitan Opera
- The Dakota Apartments
- New York City Ballet (NYCB)