Central Park - a National Historic Landmark in NYC

Central Park
Location
59th to 110th Streets (bet. Fifth Ave. & Central Park West)
Phone

64th St. Conservancy (212) 360-8111

Hours

Every day 6am to 1am

Subway

West Side: A,C,B,D,1,9 at 59th St; B,C at 72nd, 81st, 86th, 96th, 103rd, and 110th Sts. East Side: N,R at Fifth Ave.; 6 at 68th, 77th, 86th, 96th, 103rd, and 110th Sts.

Central Park

Located in Manhattan, Central Park is the nation's first major urban public space, attracting 25 million visitors every year.  Covering 843 acres of land, this magnificent park was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1963.  Central Park does not only impress NYC tourists, but it amazes and continues to attract loyal New Yorkers who make frequent visits.  First opening in the mid-1800s, Central Park has appeared in multiple movies, television shows, and books as an important factor of many storylines.  Offering Central Park photo tours, music festivals, incredible views and fun dining experiences, Central Park is a perfect stop for all NYC tourists and truly encompasses the title, "The Heart of the City."

How to Get to Central Park

Because Central Park is so vast, there are a number of ways to get to your specific park destination.  Located from 59th Street to 110th Street, Central Park is open seven days a week from 6am until 1am.  There are plenty of parking garages located on all sides of this NYC park charging a variety of rates per hour parked.  Traveling by subway is cheaper option for most Central Park visitors:

  • From West: use rail lines: A, C, B, D, 1, 9 at 59th Street, and B & C at 72nd Street, 81st Street, 86th Street, 96th Street, 103rd Street, and 110th Street.
  • From East: use rail lines N & R at Fifth Ave, and 6 at 68th Street, 77th Street, 86th Street, 96th Street, 103rd Street, and 110th Street.

Activities in Central Park

Central Park Zoo in New York

A Polar Bear at New York's Central Park Zoo

Central Park in NYC has an endless list of activities that will cater to every type of visitor.  With 21 different playgrounds, 58 miles of pedestrian path, open-air concerts, rickshaw rides, carriage rides, the Strawberry Fields memorial and more, there should be no shortage of activities for the Central Park visitor.  

  • Take a Tour: the park offers bike tours that are two hours long, $35 per adult and $20 per child 15 years and younger.  This price includes bike rental and escort.  Walking tours provided by the Central Park Conservancy are usually one to one and a half hours long and while some cost $10 and up, there are free Central Park tours available.
  • Take a Carriage Ride: carriage rides are offered by both The Manhattan Carriage of NYC and Central Park Carriages and average at $50 per 20 minute ride plus tip.  Every additional ten minutes is $20 or more and no reservations will be taken.  One carriage fits only four adults, or three adults and two children under 12, or one adult and four children under 12, no exceptions will be made.  If you would like a pre-arranged carriage, call (212) 736-0680 and be prepared for higher rates.  Carriage rides begin at 10am Monday-Friday and 9am Saturday & Sunday.  Night rides last until 2am but be sure to check the weather!  Carriage rides will not proceed when temperatures are below 19 degrees or above 87-89 degrees.
  • Visit the Central Park Zoo:  providing amazing exhibits such as an indoor rain forest, a polar bear pool, and a snow leopard exhibit, the Central Park Zoo is the perfect spot to view the most beautiful animals from all over the world.  Open 365 days a year, the park is open from 10am to 4:30pm for Winter (Nov. 1-Apr. 1),10am to 5pm Monday-Friday and 10am-5:30pm on weekends and holidays during the Summer (Apr. 2-Oct. 31).  Adult admission is $12, children are $7, and seniors (65+) are $9, children under three years old are free!  This also includes admission into the Tisch Children's Zoo.

Central Park Image Gallery

NYCTourist Travel Info

Tours in Central Park

  Tour Info
1. Sex and the City Hotspots


ActiveFamily FriendlyScenicHistoricArtsyHoliday FunSportsCulturalMuseumBroadwayNightlifeNYC SightsRomanticShoppingTV and MoviesCentral Park
Price
$47.00 Details
4.25
1 review
2. Central Park TV & Movie Sites


ActiveFamily FriendlyScenicHistoricArtsyHoliday FunSportsCulturalMuseumBroadwayNightlifeNYC SightsRomanticShoppingTV and MoviesCentral Park
Price
$23.00 Details
0
0 reviews
3. Stray Boots NYC


ActiveFamily FriendlyScenicHistoricArtsyHoliday FunSportsCulturalMuseumBroadwayNightlifeNYC SightsRomanticShoppingTV and MoviesCentral Park
Price
$12.00 Details
0
0 reviews
4. UrbanQuest NYC


ActiveFamily FriendlyScenicHistoricArtsyHoliday FunSportsCulturalMuseumBroadwayNightlifeNYC SightsRomanticShoppingTV and MoviesCentral Park
Price
$19.99 Details
0
0 reviews
5. Central Park Tour


ActiveFamily FriendlyScenicHistoricArtsyHoliday FunSportsCulturalMuseumBroadwayNightlifeNYC SightsRomanticShoppingTV and MoviesCentral Park
Price
$137.00 Details
0
0 reviews
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NYCTourist Travel Info

Hotels near Central Park

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$800
$0
  Hotel Info
1. Waldorf
in Midtown East

Business CenterConcierge ServiceFitness RoomFast Free InternetFree Guest ParkingPets AcceptedIndoor PoolRestaurantsRoom ServiceSpa
Rates starting at
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4
1 review
2. Hampton Inn Time Square
in Times Square

Business CenterConcierge ServiceFitness RoomFast Free InternetFree Guest ParkingPets AcceptedIndoor PoolRestaurantsRoom ServiceSpa
Rates starting at
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0
0 reviews
3. Excelsior Hotel
in Upper West Side

Business CenterConcierge ServiceFitness RoomFast Free InternetFree Guest ParkingPets AcceptedIndoor PoolRestaurantsRoom ServiceSpa
Rates starting at
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0
0 reviews
4. On The Ave Hotel NYC On The Ave
in Upper West Side

Business CenterConcierge ServiceFitness RoomFast Free InternetFree Guest ParkingPets AcceptedIndoor PoolRestaurantsRoom ServiceSpa
Rates starting at
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3.875
4 reviews
5. Sheraton NYC
in Theater District

Business CenterConcierge ServiceFitness RoomFast Free InternetFree Guest ParkingPets AcceptedIndoor PoolRestaurantsRoom ServiceSpa
Rates starting at
Check Availability Details
0
0 reviews
More Hotels...
NYCTourist Travel Info

Restaurants near Central Park

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NYCTourist Travel Info

Transportation in New York City

Transportation Info
National Charter Bus New York City

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Information
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0
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Ally Charter Bus New York City

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*Terms & Conditions: Offers, promotions and rates subject to change and may vary based upon date, length of stay and other factors. Some offers do not include taxes and fees. All offers based on availability and are subject to change without notice.

Dining at Central Park

The Loeb Boathouse

Spend an afternoon at The Loeb Boathouse in New York's Central Park

After ice skating all day at Wollman Rink ($10-$15 per person) or rowing a boat rented from The Loeb Boathouse($12 per hour), it's no surprise when hunger decides to kick in mid-afternoon.  At the Northern hedge of the Heckscher Ballfields, lies a quaint, unique restaurant, Ballplayers' House.  Serving salads, sandwiches, burgers and ballgame snacks, this adorable little diner offers outdoor seating with red-checkered table cloths nearby the Carousel for a cheerful lunch or snack.  If wanting to grab a quick coffee and pastry or a scoop of gelato on a hot summer day, stop by Merchants' Gate Plaza Cafe.  This charming kiosk offers outdoor seating and a great place to people-watch all of Central Park's visitors.  Located close to Belvedere's Castle, a tasty spot for a great cheeseburger or chicken sandwich under $10 is at Sheep Meadow Cafe.  Also serving beer and wine, this cafe is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors and bring along your dog for a relaxing meal in mother nature's favorite creation.

Central Park Hotels

The Sherry Netherland Hotel

Staying at The Sherry Netherland Hotel will be nothing short of splendor.

Whether you're visiting New York for business or leisure, staying in a hotel close to Central Park is always a great choice.

  • The Sherry Netherland: located in the Southeastern corner of Central Park, this luxurious getaway will provide you with privacy, indulgence, and romance. Welcoming guests with Belgian chocolates and fresh flowers, complimentary wi-fi, and individually furnished rooms and suites, staying at this boutique hotel will be nothing short of splendor. Rates as low as $650 per night.
  • Park Central Hotel: this 3.5 star resort is all about location.  Across the street from Carnegie Hall, two blocks from Fifth Ave. and three blocks from Central Park, staying at this hotel is extremely convenient.  With a fitness center available and a lush cocktail lounge serving small bites and tasty martinis, Bar Bella, this hotel is great for enjoying multiple landmarks all over NYC.  Rates as low as $90 per night.
  • Trump International Hotel and Tower: located in the Southwestern corner of Central Park, this 5 star hotel is a prime example of pure class.  Great for families with providing kids and pet programs, Trump also offers in-room spa treatments, marble bathrooms, a private jacuzzi and more.  Rates as low as $1000 per night.

Need to Know for Central Park

When visiting Central Park there are a few things to take note of before you go.  Here are some quick Central Park tips that will help every NYC tourist:

  • Restrooms: There are 16 bathrooms located in Central Park however some are seasonal and not open during winter.  Also take note that less than half of them are wheelchair accessible.
  • Dogs: Central Park welcomes your dogs as long as you follow the park's pet policy.  In designated areas, dogs must be put on a leash where signage has instructed to do so.  In areas where dogs are not instructed to have a leash, they may run leash-free from 9am-9pm.  Dogs are not allowed near any playground, zoo, swimming pool, fountain, ball field, basketball, handball, or tennis court.  Dogs are also prohibited from all bridle paths in the park.  Please make sure you clean up after your pets.
  • Weather: Central Park temperatures can range anywhere from the low 30s to the mid 80s.  Be sure to dress appropriately depending on weather forecasts, as even most eateries in the park are outdoor.  Also ensure that the designated attraction you are planning to view is open that day, many close due to extreme temperatures or are closed for the entire winter season.