Central Park, New York City's green oasis, is considered by many to be the best park in the world.
We’ve been leading Central Park tours for over 15 years. Here’s our insider list of 30 must-see highlights and experiences in NYC’s backyard
I certainly think so but I'm biased since I am a native New Yorker and local tour guide who has spent an enormous amount of time here.
Central Park is where millions of New Yorkers go to immerse themselves in nature without leaving NYC.
With its big green lawns, quiet woods, gorgeous landscaped gardens, fountains and monuments, Central Park is a must-see.
This guide to the park lists the top attractions, activities, places to eat and stay and more, updated for 2025.
At 843 acres, Central Park is too big for most people to see in one day on foot. You'd need two days unless you want to walk for hours!
I suggest choosing one section to explore (either the lower or middle) or, if you want to see it all, do so in two visits or see it all in one day on a bike.
The list of things to see and do below is organized by site, starting at the park's southern border and heading north.
Our free Central Park Self-Guided Tour with Map in PDF format delves into these sites and can help you find your way.
When crafting this post, I was guided by my knowledge of the park and that of my fellow tour guides who have led hundreds of walking tours of Central Park over the past decade.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN CENTRAL PARK
- What to See
- Activities
- Guided Tours
- Where to Eat and Sleep
- Good To Know Information
- Other Things to Do in NYC
1. Gapstow Bridge & The Pond
Gapstow Bridge spanning The Pond is one of the most recognizable and charming Central Park sights.
It's the first structure you'll see when you enter the park at Fifth Avenue and E. 59th Street.
Instantly, you are transported from the hustle and bustle of the city into the peaceful beauty of nature.
Given the serenity of this body of water, it's hard to believe that it is man-made and fed from the city water supply system!
Gapstow Bridge is one of my favorite photo spots in Central Park and it looks lovely in all seasons.
TIP: If you only have a few hours to see the park and don't want to miss anything, consider joining one of our guided walking tours of Central Park.
We also have 2 GPS-enabled audio tours of Central Park.
For a preview of Central Park, listen to a segment of one of our tours by my fellow tour guide Katie.
2. See the Sea Lions in Central Park Zoo
After Gapstow Bridge, the next major site is the Central Park Zoo.
Though it is a relatively small zoo, it does have an interesting mix of residents! I find it more intimate than the massive Bronx Zoo.
If you are traveling with young children, they will love this zoo.
The sea lions and penguins are the most popular creatures, but there are also snow leopards, red pandas, lemurs and a Grizzly bear.
This is not what one would expect from a zoo in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
As a child, I loved seeing the animals but as an adult, I became much more drawn to the zoo's history.
The park's brilliant architects, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, wanted the park to mimic nature, so it did not include a zoo.
But from the 1860s to the 1890s, prominent citizens donated animals, some rare or exotic, to the park.
These animals were first housed in The Menagerie until 193,4 when a formal zoo was created.
The zoo was expanded in the 1980s and in 1988, the zoo that exists today was opened.
Find out about visiting the zoo and ways to save on tickets from our detailed post about Central Park Zoo.
TIP: Time your visit to see the whimsical Delacorte Music Clock in action.
It is located on the path between the Central Park Zoo and the Tisch Children's Zoo.
Every half hour between 8 am and 6 pm, six bronze statues of animals playing musical instruments rotate around the clock to children's nursery rhymes.
No matter what age, you will be delighted!
3. Ride the Central Park Carousel
This elaborate carousel is one of the most popular attractions for kids. I used to bring my nieces here when they were younger and I could pull them away.
The original carousel from 1873 was powered by a horse or mule under the platform.
This original carousel was replaced in 1924, but shortly after its opening, it burned down. The replacement also burned down in 1950.
The current carousel was discovered abandoned in a trolley terminal in Coney Island. It was constructed in 1908.
It has 57 horses and plays beautiful calliope music. The carousel runs 7 days a week in the summer.
4. Bask in the Sun in the Sheep Meadow
On summer weekends, the Sheep Meadow is filled with New Yorkers basking in the sun and throwing frisbees.
It's among my top spots to picnic in Central Park.
Looking at this expansive manicured field, it's hard to imagine that sheep grazed here up until 1934!
5. Walk Through The Mall
Nearly every time I visit the park, I make sure to walk down this majestic canopy of trees.
Whereas most paths and paved walkways in the park follow the flow of nature, The Mall is the only path laid out as a straight line.
The American Elms that make up the cathedral-like ceiling over the path are among the largest collections of these trees in the United States.
Among the most iconic photos of the park, The Mall has been in movies such as Doctor Who, Jessica Jones, Person of Interest, and the movie Enchanted.
At the south end of The Mall is Literary Walk, with statues of famous authors Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, Fitz-Greene Halleck, and William Shakespeare.
6. Sit a While at Bethesda Terrace
As you leave The Mall, you will find yourself at Bethesda Arcade, which leads to Bethesda Terrace with the Bethesda Fountain in the center.
The Arcade is lined with grand columns and a spectacular ceiling made up of 15,876 individual tiles.
These rare 19th-century tiles were designed by famed British architect Jacob Wrey Mould.
Trust me, do not rush down the stairs of the arcade. Stop and gaze up at these glorious tiles.
The Terrace is one of the most photogenic spots in Central Park, so you will see lots of professional photographers.
Television series like Sex and the City and Law and Order have episodes with scenes here.
Other well-known movies shot here include Woody Allen's Annie Hall, John Wick, One Fine Day, and the classic Christmas movies Home Alone 2 and Elf.
Learn more from the Central Park Conservancy.
7. Go Rowing On The Lake
This is one of only four New York City lakes so for us locals it's a rare treat to be able to go rowing without leaving the city.
What is amazing is that the park is designed such that the buildings surrounding the park can barely be seen.
It really is like rowing on a lake far from the city.
Find out about boat rentals from the Central Park Boathouse website.
The boathouse also has a cafe with lovely views.
TIP: I discovered the hard way that in the summer, many gnats (tiny, annoying flying insects) hover over the pond, so bring bug spray!
8. Watch the Mini Sailboats at Conservatory Water
To the east of the Lake is the Conservatory Water. Since the 19th century, it has been a popular spot for launching and racing miniature sailboats.
It's another hot spot for kids. If you don't have your own boat, you can rent one at the Kerbs Boathouse. It's $15 for 30 minutes.
Adjacent to the boathouse is a small cafe, Le Pain Quotidien.
You can dine there or get food to go. I prefer to sit on a bench and enjoy my food as the mini boats go by.
Fans of the book Stuart Little, the children's classic about a mouse living in New York City, will recognize this pond as the place where Stuart races a mini sailboat.
The Conservancy Water has also appeared in scenes in a dozen movies, most notably Breakfast at Tiffany's and Person of Interest.
9. See Alice in Wonderland
Just north of the Conservancy Water is the Alice in Wonderland statue depicting Alice and the Mad Hatter Tea Party.
The statue was donated by George Delacorte, a philanthropist and publisher, in honor of his deceased wife.
At the dedication ceremony in 1959, the Delacorte grandchildren unveiled the statue.
They then proceeded to climb on it, just as children do today!
George Delacorte also donated money towards the creation of the Delacorte Theater, where Shakespeare in the Park is held every summer.
10. Honor John Lennon at Strawberry Fields
To the west of The Lake, you'll find this small area shaded by elm trees dedicated to John Lennon, who lived across the street in the Dakota building.
The name comes from the Beatles' song Strawberry Fields Forever. The garden was planned together by John Lennon’s widow Yoko Ono and the city.
Its central feature is the Imagine Circle mosaic, designed by Italian mosaic artists. Read more about Strawberry Fields.
Strawberry Fields is a designated quiet zone, which means that no sports playing is allowed on the lawns and music must be played only with headphones.
This allows for a contemplative, peaceful atmosphere.
The 'quiet' rules are broken every December 8th (the anniversary of Lennon's death) when hundreds of people come together for a sing-along that goes well into the night.
As a Beatles fan since I was a tween, I've gone many times for the sing-a-long and it is a very spirited occasion. If you,too, are a fan and in town on that date, I cannot encourage you enough to go over and join in.
TIP: Strawberry Fields is just next to Central Park West, the border of the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Venture out of the park to explore this off-the-tourist-track neighborhood.
11. Hike Through The Ramble
To the north of The Lake is The Ramble, a 38-acre area built to resemble a forest, with winding paths, boulders, and even man-made waterfalls.
Olmstead and Vaux wanted to provide a wild environment to contrast with the formality of the nearby Bethesda Terrace.
The Ramble was the answer. It is yet another area that seems to be entirely natural rather than intentionally designed.
It is one of two places in Central Park where one can completely forget there is a city of 8.5 million people just outside the area.
The Ramble is one of the best spots for bird-watching in the United States. Over 230 different species have been spotted.
See the section below on park activities for information on bird-watching
Read more about The Ramble here.
TIP: Though there are some signs inside this 38-acre area, I did get lost once.
Keep track of where you are wandering so you can easily make your way back out.
Also, it's best to avoid the most wooded areas of The Ramble after sunset.
12. Get Great Views of the Park from a Castle
Belvedere Castle was built in the park in 1869. Its name, Belvedere, is Italian for “beautiful view”.
Though it's called a castle, designers Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould built it as a "folly”, an architectural term for a purely decorative building.
Situated on Vista Rock, the castle's two balconies overlook Turtle Pond, The Ramble to the south, and the Great Lawn to the north.
The castle is now a visitor's center as well as a Nature Center, where visitors can get information about the flora and fauna of the park and rent bird-watching kits.
The castle's views are among the 28 best views in NYC.
Read more about Belvedere Castle.
13. Stop and Smell the Flowers in the Shakespeare Garden
This formal garden was originally a flower garden called Heart Garden.
It was redesigned and designated Shakespeare Garden in 1915, in honor of poet and playwright William Shakespeare.
Each of the plants and flowers chosen for the garden is mentioned in Shakespeare's works.
Throughout the garden, there are small plaques with Shakespeare's quotes.
The garden is tucked away between large attractions and is not visited by as many people as other places.
It’s also a Quiet Zone so I like to take a quick stroll through the garden when I am nearby.
Besides, who doesn't love a good Shakespeare quote?
See more at the Central Park Conservancy.
14. See Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theatre
Speaking of Shakespeare, every summer the famous, free Shakespeare in the Park performance series takes place at the Delacorte Theater.
Since 1962, more than 100 performances have taken place. Annually, tens of thousands of people enjoy the Bard's plays outdoors.
Top-notch actors, some of TV and movie fame, perform. You won't find better Shakespeare productions for free anywhere else.
The theater was built in 1962 and named after George Delacorte, who financed the project.
Find out how to get tickets to this amazing theater series.
15. See a Real Egyptian Obelisk
Cleopatra’s Needle is the oldest structure in Central Park having been constructed in Egypt in 1400 BC!
The obelisk was moved from Alexandria, Egypt to New York City in 1880, and it was an arduous task.
A hole was cut into the hull of the ship, and the obelisk was rolled into it atop cannonballs.
Once it reached New York, it was moved very slowly in a wagon hitched to 32 horses. It took 112 days to move the obelisk from New York Harbor to Central Park.
Egypt had threatened to take the obelisk back due to neglect, but fortunately, the Central Park Conservancy was able to raise enough money to restore it.
TIP: Want to see more Egyptian wonders? Leave the park on the east side at 82nd Street and go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art!
See more at the wwww.nycgovparks.org.
16. Picnic on the Great Lawn
This massive lawn is one of the most famous in the United States.
It's another one of my favorite picnic spots in Central Park. Look at the picture below and I am sure you can imagine why.
Over the years, the Great Lawn has been used for many concerts, including Simon and Garfunkel, Bon Jovi, and the New York Philharmonic, just to name a few.
The Great Lawn was not included in the original park design because in 1842 it was the site of a massive reservoir that was part of the Croton Aqueduct System that delivered fresh water to the city.
The reservoir was drained in 1931 and filled in with excavation waste from the construction of Rockefeller Center and the 8th Avenue subway line.
Another gigantic reservoir that fed off the Croton River was at the site of the New York Public Library's main branch in Midtown.
Read more about the New York Public Library.
17. Walk or Run around the Central Park Reservoir
The Reservoir is one of the most popular spots in the park for those who want to get some exercise.
The jogging path goes around the water (approximately 1.6 miles or 2 km) and offers gorgeous views.
The Reservoir is one of the best places to go for a run in NYC.
The one billion gallons (3.7 billion liters) reservoir was built in the 1860s as a backup water supply for the city while the Croton Reservoir System was shut down for two weeks for repairs.
The Reservoir was permanently decommissioned in 1993. It was no longer needed because of a new underground water tunnel.
This body of water was officially renamed the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir after she passed away in 1994, as it was her favorite spot in the park.
18. Play Ball in the North Meadow
This 23-acre (10-hectare) meadow is the largest meadow in Central Park, even bigger than the huge Sheep Meadow.
It has seven baseball fields and five softball fields.
In the spring, baseball and softball teams play here and in the fall, soccer and football players come out.
TIP: The North Meadow also has a recreation center where you can find water fountains and restrooms should you need them.
19. See The Waterfalls of The Loch
You probably didn't have waterfalls on the list of things to see in New York City, but you can see several in Central Park.
Three of these waterfalls flow from The Loch (“Loch” is Scottish for “lake”) located in The Ravine, a wooded valley in the lower part of the North Woods.
All the waterfalls are man-made and are fed by hidden pipes but they look quite natural.
The Ravine’s towering trees and the sound of flowing water muffle out the sounds of the city.
This is a popular spot for birdwatching, one of many activities to do in Central Park.
20. Wander in the North Woods
The North Woods spans 40 acres at the north end of Central Park and is the largest of the park’s woodland landscapes.
Calvert and Vaux were inspired by forested areas of the Catskills and Adirondacks in northern New York State.
The goal was to give New Yorkers who could not afford to take a rural vacation in a place like Upstate New York to have that experience without leaving the city.
New Yorkers head to the North Woods when they want to immerse themselves in the wilderness, without leaving the city.
While Central Park is generally safe, I advise that you not venture into the North Woods after dark.
21. Admire the Landscape of the Conservatory Garden
The formal Conservatory Garden is a stark contrast to the expansive green fields and leafy woods of Central Park.
The garden opened in 1937 and is named for the glass conservatory that stood at the site in 1899.
This sophisticated garden is split into three sections: the French-style North Garden, the Italianate Center Garden, and the English-style South Garden.
On its six acres, there are three fountains and an array of flowers, including summer perennials, chrysanthemums, tulips, and lilacs.
This charming garden is a popular spot for small weddings.
22. Harlem Meer
Located at the northeast corner of the park is Harlem Meer (Dutch for lake), a man-made body of water named for the adjacent neighborhood of Harlem.
The surrounding vegetation includes various types of trees like cypress, oak, and beech trees.
Catch-and-release fishing is a popular activity at the Meer.
In the winter, there’s ice skating at Lasker Rink (closed until 2025).
I'm not interested in fishing, but I do love holiday lights. Each December, the Meer hosts a Christmas Tree flotilla made up of 17 fir trees adorned with 10,000 lights.
This is a great destination to see New York City's holiday lights.
ACTIVITIES IN CENTRAL PARK
23. Take a Bike Tour
One of the most popular activities in Central Park is bike riding. There are dedicated bike lanes around the perimeter of the park.
Several companies offer bike tours of Central Park.
Our guests are entitled to 20% off on all of our partner shops' Central Park bike tours. Just use promo code FTBF.
You can rent a bike and ride through the park on your own. See our list of reputable bike rental companies.
New York City's bike share program CitiBike has docking stations at various locations around the park.
24. Be a Photographer for a Day
Central Park is one of the very best places in New York City to take photos.
With so many scenic locales, one could take hundreds of pictures.
Our post on the best photo spots in Central Park takes you to the iconic sites that are most photogenic.
25. Take a Horse and Carriage Ride
Get a different perspective of the park from the back seat of a horse-drawn carriage.
Our post on horse and carriage ride companies compares the different options and the costs.
26. Ice Skate at Wollman Rink or Lasker Rink
In Winter, Wollman Rink at the park's southeast corner is open for ice skating.
If it looks familiar, that's because this rink appears in several films like Serendipity, Night at the Museum, and Home Alone 2.
Skating at this rink is special because of the skyline of buildings around the rink.
Lasker Rink in the north end of the park is also nice, but it is closed until 2025.
Find out about this rink and other places to ice skate in New York City.
27. Look for the Birds
Central Park is known for its great bird-watching opportunities. The prime locations are The Pond by Gapstow Bridge, North Woods, The Ramble, and the Hallett Nature Sanctuary.
See the official Central Park bird-watching guide.
28. Go for a Run
Central Park is one of the best spots for running in the city. It offers different distance options and terrains.
Read our post on running in the park for the best routes.
29. Attend a Roller Skating Party
From mid-April to late October, on the weekends, the Central Park Dance Skaters Association (CPDSA) hosts a roller skate dance party in the Skate Circle (see a map of the location).
The parties are from 2:45 pm to 6:45 pm and music is provided by a DJ. It is free to attend, but bring your own skates.
Check CPDSA’s event calendar to see what's on.
30. Go Fishing
Catch-and-release fishing is allowed only at these three locations in the park: The Lake, The Pond and Harlem Meer (the best of the three fishing spots).
The best season to fish is from April to October.
If you don't have fishing equipment, you can borrow some from the Charles A. Danna Discovery Center.
Note that participants 16 and older must have a valid NYS fishing license. Read these important Central Park Fishing Guidelines before thinking of going.
Global Citizen Festival
This yearly concert is held in Central Park and the proceeds go to help fight hunger. Find out how to get your free tickets here.
SummerStage
SummerStage is a summer-long series of free concerts. The diverse line-up is amazing and it's hard to believe that the performances don't cost a thing!
Check our Summerstage post for the annual line-ups and dates.
Classical Music
Since 1905, the Naumburg Orchestral Concerts have presented free classical music at the Naumburg Bandshell. See the schedule here.
The Met Opera Summer Recital Series
Each year, up-and-coming opera singers from the Metropolitan Opera perform well-known arias and duets in concerts in all five boroughs, including one recital in Central Park.
Find out more about Summer at the Met.
Where to Eat in Central Park
W. 67th Street at Central Park West. This restaurant, once the sheepfold, has become a New York City landmark. $$$
E. 72nd Street and Park Drive North. Set on the edge of The Lake, this restaurant has an unbeatable ambiance. $$$
Tucked behind the Central Park Boathouse restaurant, this take-out café offers quick fare for a reasonable price. $$
Fast, healthy food including falafel, smoothies, and breakfast foods, is located on the southeastern edge of the Harlem Meer. $
Located near the Central Park Zoo, the Dancing Crane Cafe serves hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages.
A casual eatery on the northern edge of Heckscher Ballfields.
This US chain restaurant offers casual sit-down and take-out service. There are two locations in the park.
One is at the historic Mineral Springs pavilion, on the north end of the Sheep Meadow.
The other is at the Kerbs Boathouse on the south side of the Conservatory Water. $
Snack Carts
Food carts selling hot dogs, pretzels, and other snack food can be found throughout the park. $
Hotels Near Central Park
If you want to stay near Central Park is a must for your stay, you might want to consider the Upper West Side or Upper East Side.
Recommended Hotels
*Price brackets are higher than for other neighborhoods
Budget
Mid Range
Expensive
Take a look at our post, 25 Cheap (And Nice!) Hotels In New York City, include some excellent hotels and a great hostel right near the park.
GOOD TO KNOW
Public Transportation to Central Park
Subways:
- B, C, 2, and 3 on the north side
- 1, 2, 3, B, and C trains along the west side
- 4, 5, and 6 trains along the east side
- A, B, C, D, 1, N, R, and Q trains on the south side
Buses:
- M1, M2, M3, M4 on the east side
- M10, M72 on the west side
Bathrooms and Visitors Centers
Use this map to locate bathrooms and Visitor Centers in the park.
Safety and Central Park
Read our post on staying safe in Central Park. The park is generally safe but there are a few tips you may find helpful.
