Central Park

Central Park - the most important information

It may be the fifth-largest park in New York City, but Central Park is undoubtedly the most visited one in the whole country. It is located between the Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan, and more than 42 million people visit it during one year. This park best represents New Yorkers' spirit, and it is the favorite place of relaxation and fun activities for all visitors.

About Central Park

This huge park spreads on an area of 340 hectares, and it was designed using landscape architecture techniques. From the moment Central Park is open, it has become one of the most beautiful green areas of the city. It's home to more than 18.000 trees, including one of the last standing American lams. Also, many animals found their shelter in the greens of the park, such as the American goldfish, Peregrine Falcons, squirrels, and others. Being this rich in flora and fauna, it has many benefits for people. Many people decide to spend sunny days making picnics or indulging in one out of plenty of activities in the park. Completely different landscapes appear in every part of the park, making it even more interesting for visitors. This is also the place where the Metropolitan Museum of Art is located, as well as a zoo, an ice-skating rink, three small lakes, an open-air theatre, many athletic playing fields, and children's playgrounds.

What to see and do in Central Park?

There are plenty of activities you can try in Central Park, as well as many attractions that make part of it.

Central Park Zoo - It's a 2.6 hectares large zoo located in the southeast part of Central Park. Every visitor can see many different exhibits - Allison Maher Stern Snow Leopard, Central Garden & Sea Lion Pool, Polar Circle, Temperate Territory, Tisch Children's Zoo, and Tropic Zone: The Rainforest, and more.
The Dairy- In the part of the park known as Children's District lays an old Victorian-style cottage. This was the place where children could take a break and have a nice snack. Today this place is used as the first Visitor's Center in the park.
Sheep Meadow - Once, this was where sheep came to eat, but today is a nice lawn where people come to sit, hang out, and walk barefoot in the grass.
Bethesda Terrace and Fountain - When the park was constructed, the terrace was made in order to become the central part of the park. The beautiful statue of an angel decorates the fountain, and you can easily recognize this place from some of the scenes were filmed here, as the ones in Law and Order, Sex and the City, Enchanted, and Elf.
The Lake - One of the ways to experience Central Park is to take a boat ride in the park's lake. Renting a boat costs $15 per hour (cash only), $4.00 for each additional 15 minutes with a $20 cash deposit. Each boat holds up to 4 people.
Bridges - There are 31 arches and bridges in the park. Each one of them is unique and worth seeing. They fit in different landscapes once they represented the main park's road for pedestrians, horse-drawn carriages, and horseback riders.
Belvedere Castle - This castle bears a name that in the Italian language means beautiful view, and for a reason. This building dates back to 1869, and It was built to provide a view of the Croton Reservoir to the north and The Ramble to the south, and it is one of the park's highest points.

Tickets and opening hours of Central Park

Opening hours - Central Park is open every day from 6.00 to 1.00 am.
Ticket prices - Being an urban public area, entrance to Central Park is free. Nevertheless, keep in mind that you may have to purchase a ticket for many additional attractions and activities.

How to get to Central Park?

Because the park lies in the heart of Manhattan, it is very accessible by several modes of transportation. It's also close to some of the city's most important attractions, so you can combine a park visit with a sightseeing tour.

On foot - If you want to reach the park from Times Square, you'll need less than 15 minutes of light walk. Just going straight through 7th Avenue will lead you to Central Park. To get to the park from the Empire State Building, you'll need a bit more time, around 30 minutes long walk through 5th Avenue.
By metro - Subway lines 2, B, and C will take you straight to Central Park.
By bus - The best way to get to the park by bus is to take one of the following lines: M1, M2, M10, and M96.