New York City - Central Park - Helpful Information for Visitors



New York City Central Park was the first public park in the US.

Central Park in New York is 843-acres of landscaped land in the center of Manhattan. 

The Park covers from 59th Street to 110th Street between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West (Eighth Avenue).

There are so many activities to do here at NYC Central Park.

New York Central Park is an iconic NY attraction!  

Central Park has been featured in so many TV series and movies!

Some Mid Park Attractions in Central Park are:

• The Alice in Wonderland sculpture:  children love to climb atop it and featured in many movies and TV.

• Loeb Boathouse: visitors can rent rowboats and bikes, hire an authentic Venetian gondola, or dine overlooking views of the Lake.

• Minton Tile Ceiling at Bethesda Terrace (arcade): The highlight of the arcade is the magnificent Minton Tile ceiling.

• Strawberry Fields: the memorial to the singer John Lennon

• Belvedere Castle: miniature castle

• Stephanie and Fred Shuman Running Track:  with a view of the water and Manhattan skyline above, the 1.58-mile track looping around the 106-acre Reservoir

• Conservatory Water: This area is popular with families and children because of the famous climbing sculptures, the storytelling programs, the model boats, the cafe and the site in the children's classic Stuart Little.


Some South End Attractions in Central Park are:

• The Chess & Checkers House is one of five Park visitor centers run by the Central Park Conservancy.

   Chess and Checkers players can borrow pieces from the Conservancy staff.  Dominos and backgammon are also available.

• The Mall, a quadruple row of American elms

• The Carousel

• Central Park Zoo

• Wollman (ice-skating) Rink

Some North End Attractions inside Central Park are:

• The north end if full of playgrounds for children, some include the: Safari Playground, Tarr Family Playground, East 110th Street Playground

• The Conservatory Garden is Central Park's six-acre formal garden. It is divided into three smaller gardens, each with a distinct style: Italian, French, and English.

• The Reservoir is surrounded by a 1.58-mile running track and offers a great view of the city.

More useful information below in this Central Park travel guide for NYC visitors.

Address

14 East 60th St

New York, NY


Admission Fee and Hours


Charles A. Dana Discovery Center Hours

Inside Central Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues.

10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily

Belvedere Castle Hours

Mid-Park at 79th Street.

10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily

Dairy Visitor Center Hours

Mid-Park between 64th and 65th Street.

10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily

Chess & Checkers House Hours

Mid-Park at 64th Street.

November to March:

Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

April to October:

Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Columbus Circle Information Kiosk Hours

West 59th Street at Central Park West.

Weather permitting, spring through December: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily

Getting There

Getting to Central Park in NYC :

- There are various ways to get to Central Park.

- Take the metro/ bus anywhere from 59th Street to 110th Street between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West (Eighth Avenue)

- Walk towards one of the many park entrances.

Central Park map - More Information 

Recommendations

• You can spend all day exploring Central Park. 

   Many of the beautiful parts of Central Park are located by the MET on the Upper East Side:

   Central Park Reservoir, Great Lawn, The Lake area and more!

  Click here for a map of Central Park

• A great way to tour the park is by renting a bike.  

  You can rent using a private company or the NYC bike ride share Citi Bike program which is generally cheaper.

• Bring water, some snacks, and wear good walking shoes, the Park is large!

• If you are walking through Central Park in summer around dusk- look for the fireflies!

  Rent bikes, skates, walk, jog, take a boat ride, nap, picnic....there is plenty do in the park.

Website Visitor Info - Central Park - Website
Central Park Pedicab Tours - $50.00

Uncover magical Central Park during a private 1 or 2-hours pedicab tour. Visit popular sites including Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Fountain and Bow Bridge, as well as the filming locations of over 300 movies. If choosing to do the 2-hour tour you’ll also get to see the Onassis Reservoir, Alice in Wonderland, Swedish Cottage and Shakespeare Garden. This private tour offers a more personalized experience.