Central Park is the 843-acre park in the middle of Manhattan, stretching from 59th Street to 110th Street between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West. It is free, open daily from early morning until late evening, and it is big enough that you need a plan. This guide starts at the southwest corner by Columbus Circle, the easiest entrance to reach by subway, and suggests a walk through the best-known sights of Central Park.
Why visit Central Park
The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, whose Greensward Plan won a design competition in 1858. Almost everything you see, from the lakes and rock outcrops to the woodland of the Ramble, was shaped by hand. It is a working park used by New Yorkers every day for running, cycling, picnics and concerts, and that everyday life is a big part of its appeal. It is also one of the most filmed places in the world, so many corners will look familiar.
Getting to Central Park by subway
The nearest station for this entrance is 59 St–Columbus Circle, served by the A, B, C, D and 1 trains. Exits come up around Columbus Circle itself, and the park's southwest entrance, known as Merchants' Gate, is right across the street, marked by the tall USS Maine National Monument.
Other useful stations if you want to start elsewhere:
- 5 Av/59 St (N, R, W) for the southeast corner near The Pond and the Central Park Zoo.
- 72 St on the B and C for Strawberry Fields on the west side.
- 86 St on the 4, 5 and 6 for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Reservoir on the east side.
A walking route through Central Park
This route covers the classic sights in about two to three hours at an easy pace.
- Columbus Circle to Sheep Meadow. Walk northeast along the paths to the large lawn of Sheep Meadow, a favourite place to sunbathe in summer. Grass areas may be closed at times to let the lawn recover.
- The Mall and Literary Walk. East of Sheep Meadow, this straight promenade lined with American elms and statues of writers is one of the most photographed paths in the park.
- Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. At the north end of the Mall, steps lead down to the terrace, its tiled arcade and the Angel of the Waters fountain overlooking the Lake. Street musicians often play in the arcade.
- Bow Bridge. A short walk west along the Lake brings you to this cast-iron bridge, with views back toward the skyline.
- The Ramble. North of the bridge, winding woodland paths popular with birdwatchers. It is easy to get turned around, so keep your map handy.
- Belvedere Castle. A small stone castle on Vista Rock with views over Turtle Pond and the Great Lawn.
- Strawberry Fields. Head back west to the memorial to John Lennon near West 72nd Street, with the black and white Imagine mosaic.
From Strawberry Fields you can leave by the West 72nd Street entrance, which is close to the 72 St station on the B and C.
Tickets, tours and opening hours
There is no entry fee for Central Park. A few attractions inside charge admission, including the Central Park Zoo, the seasonal ice rinks and some boat and bike rentals. The park is managed by the Central Park Conservancy in partnership with the city, and its website, centralparknyc.org, is the best source for current opening hours, maps, closures and its own guided tours. Avoid unlicensed pedicab drivers who quote unclear prices; agree on the total cost before you set off.
Best time to visit Central Park
Every season has something. Spring brings cherry and magnolia blossom, especially around the Reservoir and the Conservatory Garden. Summer has free concerts and Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater. Autumn colour usually peaks in late October and into November, and the Ramble and the North Woods are good places to see it. Snow turns the park quiet in winter.
Mornings are the calmest time on any day. Weekends from late morning onward are busiest around Bethesda Terrace and the southern end. Allow two to three hours for the route above, and a full day if you want to reach the northern sections such as the Conservatory Garden and the Harlem Meer.
Nearby on the same subway stop
- Columbus Circle: the roundabout itself, with the Columbus monument and a large shopping and dining centre on its western side.
- Museum of Arts and Design: at 2 Columbus Circle, focused on contemporary craft and design.
- Lincoln Center: home of the Metropolitan Opera and New York Philharmonic, a short walk north up Broadway.
- Carnegie Hall: at Seventh Avenue and 57th Street, a few blocks southeast.
To see cafés, food and more around Columbus Circle, open Central Park on Around the Metro, or browse the New York subway map.