Friday, March 22, 2024

What To Do In Central Park New York

How To Get To Central Park

TOP 15 THINGS to do in Central Park | New York City (Hidden Secrets & More !)

Just another sunny day in Central Park! Photo by Marcio Jose Bastos Silva

Central Park is open from dawn to 1am .

The park runs from 59th St. to 110th St. , between Fifth Avenue and Eighth Avenue .

Central Parks lovely Bow Bridge

To get there, you can take the A, C, B, or D lines on the subway, which run along Central Park West . Also, the N, R, and Q lines go to the 57th St./7th Ave. or 5th Ave./59th St. stops. The 1 train stops at Columbus Circle, then continues up Broadway .

Prefer to take the bus? The M1, M2, M3 and M4 run north up Madison Ave. , and south down Fifth Avenue.

The parks paths and roads curve by design, making it easy to get lost . Free maps are available at the parks five official Visitors Centers. Check the parks website for , schedule of free park tours, and special events.

The Conservancys great mobile app includes interactive maps, and detailed info about the parks sites. Finally, throughout the park youll find green signs posted with instructions to call for recorded narration about your location via mobile phone.

Where To Stay Near Central Park

So, Ive been staying near Central Park, on the corner of the Upper West Side basically, this spot was awesome for a newbie in New York City! The Hudson Hotel is steps away from Columbus Circle, where youve got a couple of subway lines passing, so it has a great connection to the south parts of Manhattan!

This hotel was also really safe, and clean. Hudson Hotel has a nice terrace as well, to sit outside, and a bar & restaurant where you can get some awesome burgers, but obviously not just! Its a mid-budget place, but considering its location, Hudson Hotel actually has some great prices!

Ice Skate At Wollman Rink Their Winter Rink

One of the most typical plans in New York during the winter is to go ice skating in Central Park. Just in the south corner of the park you will find Wollman Rink, a spectacular ice rink where you can slide on the ice from 10 am to 10 pm every day of the week .

Regarding the price, adults pay 12 dollars and children 6, and skate rental is available at the entrance of the rink for ten dollars more. Remember to bring cash because they do not accept credit cards. Once there, they will ask you your foot size so they can give you the right pair of skates. It is a great plan that awaits you in New York from November.

If you are dreaming of a postcard city because you are lucky enough to visit New York at Christmas, I leave you other plans like this that you can not miss in the most magical time of the year: 11 Christmas things to do in New York City.

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Visit During An Event

Central Park is always hosting some sort of an event no matter the time of year. The best time to attend a Central Park event is in the summertime when the weather is best. Take a break from usual tourist activities and join the locals with an event. Some of the most popular events include Philharmonic in the Parks and Shakespeare in the Parks. Theres something for everyone, just be sure to check the local event calendar before your trip!

Chess And Checker House

Central Park, New York City

The Chess and Checker House is also considered a part of The Childrens District.

When the park was built, this was the site of the Kinderberg . The Kinderberg was the largest shelter for children and their parents.

In 1952 the Chess and Checkers House was built to replace the Kinderberg. It was refurbished by The Central Park Conservancy in the 1980s when the shaded area was added.

Today, visitors are welcome to bring their own chess and checker sets or to borrow them from the Conservancy staff. Dominoes and backgammon are also available.

Look down the hill and check out the Wollman Rink, one of two rinks in Central Park.

The rink is seen in a number of films, including the final scene of Serendipity. Check out our post on ice skating in NYC!

Now head down the path and through the red and white brick archway to the Carousel.

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Map Of Central Park Attractions

Throughout the remainder of this guide I will be listing out the 15 best things to do in central park. The map below will pinpoint the locations of these activities and attractions. While some places are pinpointed exactly, remember that other places are much larger areas to explore.

From there you can decide on what you are most interested in and start putting together your own Central Park itinerary.

Vip Central Park Private Horse Carriage Ride

Enhance your Central Park experience with a narrated, private horse carriage tour and discover its famous sights. Sit back and relax aboard a beautiful and well-maintained carriage. See the popular attractions and get beautiful scenic views along your journey through the famous Park.Pass by Wollman Rink, Carousel, Chess and Checker House, The Dairy, Literary Mall, Bethesda Fountain, The Lake, Boat Pond, Sheep Meadow, Tavern On The Green, Columbus Circle, Balto Statue, Summer Stage, The Boathouse Restaurant, Bandshell, and Cherry Hill.Hear plenty of interesting facts about Central Park and its attractions. Take memorable pictures, during two photo stops at Bethesda Fountain and Cherry Hill .

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Nyc: Guggenheim Museum Entry Ticket

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is Frank Lloyd Wright’s modernist architectural masterpiece housing its world-renowned collections of modern and contemporary art. The building was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site one of two in New York the other being the Statue of Liberty.Once you arrive at the Museum, skip the admissions line and head straight for the information desk to check-in. Your ticket gives you unlimited time to discover all that the museum has to offer.Founded on a collection of early modern masterpieces, the Guggenheim Museum today is an ever-evolving institution devoted to the art of the 20th century and beyond. Connect to the Museum’s Wi-Fi and download the Guggenheim’s Digital Guide, available for free on the Bloomberg Connects app. Access audio guides and downloadable exhibition texts for each exhibition on view, as well as information about the permanent collection and the Frank Lloyd Wright building. The audio guide is available in 11 languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, and Arabic.Exhibitions on View: Vasily Kandinsky: Around the Circle – through September 5, 2022 Gillian Wearing: Wearing Masks – through June 13, 2022 Thannhauser Collection – ongoing

Central Park In New York

Central Park Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia

Central Park in New York is a large park in the middle of Manhattan, spanning from 59th to 110th Streets . Constructed artificially, with bits of untouched nature here and there Central Park welcomes up to 42 million visitors a year. Its no wonder that Central Park is known as the beating heart of Manhattan. The scenic drive-ways in Central Park are car-free and the park offers a huge variety of attractions and activities. No matter the season, theres always something to do.

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  • 3 Other Fun Facts
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    Picnic At Sheep Meadow

    Having a picnic in Sheep Meadow is one of the most popular things to do in Central Park. In fact, during the summer months this 15-acre greenspace swells with locals and tourists alike to the tune of 30,000 people.

    Its a sight to behold, but its not hard to see why this Central Park activity is so loved.

    Tucked under the shadow of NYCs impressive skyline, youll find plenty of mature trees that offer welcome shade if youre looking for a relaxing afternoon.

    If you crave Vitamin D, find a sunny patch and sunbathe with what feels like is half of NYC.

    But if action is more your speed, the entire meadow is at your feet. Youll find folks throwing frisbees, kids running wild while laughing uncontrollably and folks tossing soccer balls around.

    Whatever it is youre after, Sheep Meadow has you covered. My favorite way to spend a sunny weekend afternoon is to park myself under a tree with a picnic blanket and small snacks from nearby Zabars while people-watching.

    Location: West Side between 66th and 69th

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    Hotels Nearby The Park

    If being right by Central Park is a must for your stay, you might want to consider the Upper West or Upper East Side.

    Take a look at our post 25 Cheap Hotels In New York City which includes some excellent hotels right near the park.

    Upper West Side

    • Quick access to The American Museum of Natural History, New York Historical Society and Lincoln Center.
    • Many budget-friendly accommodation options, including hostels, inexpensive hotels and Air B& B rentals.
    • You have multiple subway options. The 1,2 and 3 trains run on Broadway and the B and C trains run on Central Park West. These lines can take you to a number of destinations all over the city.
    • Wide variety of restaurants and bars, including some lively nightlife along Amsterdam Avenue.

    Upper East Side

    • Quick access to Museum Mile, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim.
    • Nice walk or a quick subway ride to 5th Avenue shopping.
    • The 4, 5 and 6 trains run along Lexington Avenue on the Upper East Side. Though these trains can get a little crowded during rush hour, they are great for getting to a lot of NYC hotspots.
    • Good nightlife along 1st and 2nd Avenue with a wide variety of restaurants and bars!

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    The Pond And Gapstow Bridge

    The Pond is the southernmost body of water in the park. It is entirely man-made and is fed from the city water supply system.

    Gapstow Bridge arches over the Pond and offers one of the best views of Midtown from Central Park. It is a classic spot for a photo so have your camera ready.

    It is also a popular location for marriage proposals to take place – so have a ring with you too!

    Go north up the path and then head under the Inscope Arch towards the Central Park Zoo.

    Central Park With Kids: 20 Best Things To Do

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    Manhattans largest green space is the perfect spot for an adventure filled New York day and there are lots of fun things to do in Central Park with kids. From rowboats and model sailboats to storytelling sessions and enchanting statutes as well as whimsical fountains and castles theres something magical about exploring Central Park with kids and discovering it through their eyes. Weve put together this guide to the best things to do in Central Park with kids to help you plan your adventures in Central Park for kids!

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    Weddings In Central Park

    With a little luck, you will be able to witness a wedding during your visit to Central Park. The park is one of the most popular places for people around the world to get married or propose. Are you interested in this spot for yourself? You can check out your options of getting married in Central Park here.

    Bike Through The Park

    There are many ways to tour Central Park, but the time you have available may not be infinite and you are afraid of leaving things to see. The truth is that touring the park by bicycle is a very good option, as it will allow you to go around the park in much less time and see its main points of interest.

    At the main entrances to the park you will see that there are stands where you can rent a bike: I recommend that you take it for about two hours, so you will have time to get to almost everything you need.

    A different and fun way to discover Central Park is to take a private bike taxi tour where a professional guide will show you the most iconic places of this place and also others that usually go unnoticed by tourists. You will also see some of the locations of movies that have been filmed here, as well as several of the houses of celebrities.

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    Take In The Views From The Bethesda Terrace

    Heading north from the Central Park Zoo toward the heart of the park, youll discover the Bethesda Terrace. On the southern tip of the lake and surrounded by trees, the tiled arcade and grand staircase are surrounded by natural beauty. As you approach the Bethesda Terrace, stroll through the mall, where old-growth elm trees line the wide path, providing shade in the summer and a gorgeous burst of color in the fall.

    After making a wish at the Bethesda Fountain, head counterclockwise around the lake to the boathouse.

    Bethesda Terrace And Fountain

    Things To Do In Central Park with KIDS | New York City

    The formal terrace was considered the heart of the park by the designers.

    The central feature is the famous Bethesda Fountain with its Angel of the Waters statue. This statue is the only statue in the park that was specifically commissioned for the park.

    The terrace and fountain get their names from the Gospel of John, where a pool called Bethesda with healing waters is referenced.

    This was all dedicated in honor of the Croton Aqueduct System, the water supply system that gives New York its drinking water today.

    The creation of the aqueduct was a huge leap forward in New Yorks development and it greatly reduced disease in the city and also helped decrease the number of fires in New York.

    In the statue, the angel has her hand out, blessing the water for New York. The lily on her other hand represents the purity of the water.

    This area is seen in dozens of films and TV shows, including Law and Order, Sex and the City, Enchanted, and Elf.

    Fans of the Avengers will recognize the Terrace as the scene where they all depart from one another.

    Just beyond the fountain, you cannot miss the very big and bucolic lake.

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    Discovering An Urban Oasis

    Many people think that Central Park is preserved land. However, its actually completely man-made. Landscape architects Olmstead & Vaux blasted through tons of dirt and rock to sculpt Americas first public park.

    Their goal, which I think they achieved, was to design a park in which visitors would completely forget that they were in the middle of a huge metropolis like New York City. In certain areas, the skyline disappears, and in others, it acts as a jaw-dropping backdrop. Central Park is in the heart of New York City yet somehow still feels a million miles away.

    Ride The Mythical Central Park Carousel

    This carousel is an icon of the park that has been in operation since 1871. It is one of the largest merry-go-rounds in the country and has been enjoyed by many generations. A 3:30 minute ride costs $3. Nearby is an outdoor sports area.

    Although it may seem a bit childish, you’d be surprised how many adults come and try it without children. Maybe it has to do with the photos that many people think of uploading to their Instagram, but the truth is that the location of the merry-go-round gives a lot of play to the whole family.

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    S And 1970s: Events Era And Second Decline

    Moses left his position in May 1960. No park commissioner since then has been able to exercise the same degree of power, nor did NYC Parks remain in as stable a position in the aftermath of his departure. Eight commissioners held the office in the twenty years following his departure. The city experienced economic and social changes, with some residents moving to the suburbs. Interest in Central Park’s landscape had long since declined, and it was now mostly being used for recreation. Several unrealized additions were proposed for Central Park in that decade, such as a public housing development, a golf course, and a “revolving world’s fair”.

    The 1960s marked the beginning of an “Events Era” in Central Park that reflected the widespread cultural and political trends of the period.The Public Theater‘s annual Shakespeare in the Park festival was settled in the Delacorte Theater, and summer performances were instituted on the Sheep Meadow and the Great Lawn by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and the Metropolitan Opera. During the late 1960s, the park became the venue for rallies and cultural events such as the “love-ins” and “be-ins” of the period. The same year, Lasker Rink opened in the northern part of the park the facility served as an ice rink in winter and Central Park’s only swimming pool in summer.

    Real Estate And Economy

    The value of the surrounding land started rising significantly in the mid-1860s during the park’s construction. The completion of Central Park immediately increased the surrounding area’s real estate prices, in some cases by up to 700 percent between 1858 and 1870. It also resulted in the creation of the zoning plan in Upper Manhattan. Upscale districts grew on both sides of Central Park following its completion. On the Upper East Side, a portion of Fifth Avenue abutting lower Central Park became known as “Millionaires’ Row” by the 1890s, due to the concentration of wealthy families in the area. The Upper West Side took longer to develop, but row houses and luxury apartment buildings came to predominate the neighborhood, and some were later included in the Central Park West Historic District. Though most of the city’s rich formerly lived in mansions, they moved into apartments close to Central Park during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

    During the late 20th century, until Central Park’s restoration in the 1990s, proximity to the park did not have a significant positive effect on real estate values. Following Central Park’s restoration, some of the city’s most expensive properties have been sold or rented near the park. The value of the land in Central Park was estimated to be about $528.8 billion in December 2005, though this was based on the park’s impact on the average value of nearby land.

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