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4.5
95,684 votes

Central Park

5 Av To Central Park W, 59 St To 110 St, New York, New York 10022 USA

Free
Free to Visit
Open Now
Thu 6a-1a
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    not Accepted
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
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Iconic Attraction

Our Take

It was designed to be an escape from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, and it really is a perfect oasis for some downtime. It’s just as huge as it seems like it will be, and there is a lot to explore. There’s the zoo, the carousel, the plaza and the fountain that appear in countless movies and TV shows, and plenty more. One attraction that’s exceptionally interesting is Belvedere Castle; It was built in 1869 on the highest elevation point in the park as a scenic viewpoint, and now serves as a park visitor center.

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“the green heart of Manhattan”

Central Park is a public park at the center of Manhattan in New York City. The park initially opened in 1857, on 778 acres of city-owned land (it is 840 acres today). In 1858, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux won a design competition to improve and expand the park with a plan they entitled the Greensward Plan. Construction began the same year, continued during the American Civil War, and was completed in 1873. Central Park is the most visited urban park in the United States. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962, the park is currently managed by the Central Park Conservancy under contract with the city government. The Conservancy is a non-profit organization that contributes 83.5% of Central Park's $37.5 million annual budget, and employs 80.7% of the park's maintenance staff. Central Park was not a part of the Commissioners' Plan of 1811; however, between 1821 and 1855, New York City nearly quadrupled in population. Since it was not part of the Commissioners' Plan of 1811, John Randel, Jr., surveyed the park and the only remaining surveying bolt from his survey is still visible. The bolt is in a rock just north of the Dairy and the 65th Street Transverse and south of Center Drive. As the city expanded, people were drawn to the few existing open spaces, mainly cemeteries, to get away from the noise and chaotic life in the city.

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Reviewed by
Tatiana Danger

  • Road Warrior
  • 1,169 Reviews
  • 910 Helpful
July 06, 2014
Rated 4.0

Central Park is one of the most romantic spots in New York City. Loads of fantastic walking paths. Or if you're in the mood for a jog it's a beautiful run. There are also gardens in the north end. This was the first public park in America and it's one of the most impressive urban gardens in the world. Be sure to check out Sheeps Meadow for some fun people-watching. Be aware it gets pretty busy on the weekends. My favorite time to visit is in the Fall, when the leaves are changing color and you can walk around with a hot apple cider. It's perfection. A must-see for anyone visiting New York.

9 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
James Fisher

  • Road Warrior
  • 534 Reviews
  • 491 Helpful
June 29, 2014
Rated 5.0

Central park never fails to blow me away. If you can only do one thing when do are in New York, take a walk round Central Park.

9 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Greek_nomad

  • Road Warrior
  • 401 Reviews
  • 296 Helpful
September 13, 2014
Rated 5.0

Located in the middle of New York city, Central Park is a relaxing escape for everyone.

We took our bicycles and cycled all around the park and stopped at the kids area. The children had a fantastic time while we grabbed a coffee and relaxed watching them laugh straight from their hearts.

Families, couples and solos, were just wandering around with their four-legged kids and stopped to play with them in the gorgeous grassy areas. (the park is dog friendly)

This place is just a jewel within the busy city of New York.

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Natalie Akers

  • Road Warrior
  • 373 Reviews
  • 130 Helpful
August 26, 2014
Rated 5.0

For as many popular finds (the reservoir, meadow, boathouse, free concerts), central park has just as many nooks and crannies and places you can make your own. I'm convinced the incredible greenery; scale; and amazing cultural mix of people in the park is what keeps New Yorkers sane. My all-time favorite event is Sunday roller-dancing!

2 people found this review helpful
  • Foodie
  • 242 Reviews
  • 216 Helpful
July 13, 2014
Rated 5.0

Central Park is amazing. Every time I go to NYC, I take a few runs in Central Park and one of my favorite things is there is ALWAYS someone else exercising. There's a great 6 mile route around the perimeter. Not challenging, but relaxing and you can feed off the energy of all the people around you. During the day, it's a great place for a long walk too. There's lot of interlinking trails through the middle of the park.

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Andrew Fickas

  • 30 Reviews
  • 31 Helpful
August 31, 2014
Rated 5.0

Lots to explore! A giant oasis inside the big city. Lots of culture. I've run into a movie being filmed when I was there once. Never know what else you might find on any given day. I love parks, this is one of the most magical.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Luisa

  • 332 Reviews
  • 190 Helpful
August 27, 2014
Rated 5.0

Central Park is one of the most worthwhile things to explore when you're in NYC. It's absolutely beautiful, the perfect place to go on a picnic with friends, relax with a book, go on a run, whatever you want. I'd definitely avoid the zoo and all the touristy stuff as you'll be charged an arm and a leg for stuff that's not that great. Definitely a must-see.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Kathleen Oanes

  • 103 Reviews
  • 80 Helpful
August 12, 2014
Rated

This is definitely one of the most loved places in New York. It is simply great for everybody who would love to enjoy the outdoors. You can ride your bike here, play frisbee with your friends, take a nice walk, have a picnic or even just look around and enjoy how beautiful the whole place is. There is just so much to do here. This is surely a perfect place for a nice day out.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Ken Valuska

  • Expert
  • 594 Reviews
  • 177 Helpful
July 14, 2014
Rated 5.0

I don't want to repeat the obvious, but Central Park is an absolute staple of New York City, one of the few free attractions in the city that has so many landmarks and recognizable spots from movies, tv, etc. The park is huge, too, so it will take at least a few hours to see the whole thing (if not longer). Use a bike if possible.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Stephen Rees

  • Road Warrior
  • 273 Reviews
  • 331 Helpful
July 13, 2014
Rated 5.0

Central Park always surprised me with its sheer size. I think I've spent five different days and an untold number of hours just exploring the park, and it always blows my mind how little I've seen of this vast urban green space. Probably one of the few places in New York that truly lives up to its hype.

1 person found this review helpful

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Central Park

5 Av To Central Park W, 59 St To 110 St
New York, New York
10022 USA
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Hours

Open now until 1:00 am
  • Sun - Sat: 6:00 am - 1:00 am

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