Central Park

Central Park featuring a pond, flowers and a garden
Central Park featuring a pond, flowers and a garden
Central Park as well as a couple
Central Park which includes cycling and a park
Central Park featuring a park and signage


Offering a welcome break from the lights and buzz of the Manhattan concrete jungle, this park is a much loved spot to rest weary feet, stroll and enjoy a picnic.

Central Park is a movie star in its own right, having featured in movies such as “When Harry Met Sally”, “Annie Hall”, “Home Alone 2” and “Sex and the City: The Movie”. Together with hosting some of the most famous musical artists such as Simon & Garfunkel, Central Park is an iconic space of natural beauty known worldwide and adored by native New Yorkers.

Situated between 59th and 110th streets, Central Park first opened its gates to the public in 1857 on just 315 hectares. Today the park spans a staggering 341 hectares and is so extensive that it has its own New York City Police department. Affectionately referred to as “the lungs of New York”, Central Park breathes an air of natural beauty into the chaos of downtown Manhattan, boasting areas of outstanding natural beauty including an expanse of woodland.

Central Park is a space for all seasons, with different activities come rain or shine. For walking or running enthusiasts there are 93 Kilometres of walking trails throughout the Park. During the summer months, horse-drawn carriages wait to whisk romantics off around the park, and in the autumn, rowing boats can be hired from the nearby boathouse. Winter in Central Park could not be more magical. The award-winning zoo is open all year round and visitors can enjoy outdoor skating on one of the park’s two ice rinks.

For the History enthusiasts and sightseers, Central Park offers a diverse array of stunning architecture and untouched historical monuments. The Arsenal, built in the mid-1850s resembles a fairy tale castle, but is in fact a munitions supply depot for the New York State National Guard. The many statues and monuments dotted around the park honour well-known characters Hans Christian Andersen and Christopher Colombus. After a long stroll around the Park, grab a bite to eat from the local vendors selling hot dogs, pretzels, and ice cream and find a sunny spot on the great lawn to relax.

Because of its ideal location between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side neighbourhoods, Central Park is easily accessible by subway or by bus.

Tours & day trips

See all 927 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 284 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 136 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 61 activities

Shows & concerts

See all 58 activities

Reviews of Central Park

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
938
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
410
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
51
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

def do horse cart around central park was def worthwhile and weather was lovely too

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Felt safe and had a pleasant walk around some of the park, there are options to take a horse and carriage or other forms of transport should you wish to see more but be careful of the pricing can be very expensive for what you get.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

went on one of their bicycle rides very enjoyable and they were very friendly and informative good value for money. Also rode in one of their horse and carriage’s

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice for a Walk and some quite.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Takes a while to walk through as paths meander around! Nice to say I've been but not worth a second visit - there are prettier parks in the world.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Hired bikes, lovely sunny day. Boat house café reasonable and great views

Popular places to visit


Top Central Park Hotel Deals

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

4 out of 5
811 7th Ave New York NY
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Loews Regency New York Hotel

Loews Regency New York Hotel

5 out of 5
540 Park Avenue New York NY
Loews Regency New York Hotel
Hotel Edison Times Square

Hotel Edison Times Square

4 out of 5
228 W 47th St New York NY
Hotel Edison Times Square
Hyatt Grand Central New York

Hyatt Grand Central New York

4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street New York NY
Hyatt Grand Central New York
NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS

NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS

4 out of 5
481 Eighth Ave. New York NY
NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS
Hotel Belleclaire

Hotel Belleclaire

4 out of 5
2175 Broadway New York NY
Hotel Belleclaire
Park Central Hotel New York

Park Central Hotel New York

4 out of 5
870 7th Ave New York NY
Park Central Hotel New York
Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel

Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel

4 out of 5
235 West 46th Street New York NY
Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel
The Lucerne Hotel

The Lucerne Hotel

4 out of 5
201 W 79th St New York NY
The Lucerne Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Central Park

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Macy's, located 3.2km from Central Park, offering a vibrant mix of business and entertainment. For a local flavour, visit Katz's Delicatessen, 6.4km away, or the bustling Grand Central Market, also 3.2km distant, where you can enjoy the city's lively atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the enchanting melodies of Carnegie Hall, a mere mile from Central Park, perfect for music lovers. Enjoy family-friendly films at the nearby Broadway Theatre, also one mile away. For ultimate relaxation, visit SoJo Spa Club, located three miles from the park, offering rejuvenating body treatments.

Adventure

At City Treehouse, located 4.8km from Central Park, enjoy a thrilling arcadeAdventureZone perfect for the whole family. For water enthusiasts, DreamWorks Water Park, 9.7km away, offers exhilarating rides and entertainment. Explore the vibrant Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden, 6.4km from the park, for a refreshing outdoor experience.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Central Park offers vibrant experiences. Enjoy a drink at the romantic Stonewall Inn, located 6.4km away. For a lively evening, visit Dave & Buster's, just 3.2km from the park. Alternatively, 51-53 Christopher Street, also 6.4km away, provides an entertaining pub atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Central Park

Central Park offers a delightful blend of urban parks, art museums, and skyscrapers, catering to culture enthusiasts, families, and city explorers alike. Visitors can enjoy top attractions such as the famous Central Park and its animal park, making it an ideal destination for memorable experiences in the heart of New York City.

  • Times Square: Known as The Crossroads of the World, Times Square buzzes with energy from neon lights, street performers, and massive digital billboards. It's a cultural hub that offers an immersive experience of New York's vibrant atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for people-watching and capturing unforgettable photos.
  • Broadway: Renowned for its world-class theatre productions, Broadway is the heart of American theatre. Attending a live performance here is an exceptional experience, as you enjoy the artistry of talented actors and stunning stagecraft, all within the historic venues that have hosted legends.
  • Rockefeller Center: This iconic complex features art deco architecture and a family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can explore the famous ice-skating rink, visit the Top of the Rock observation deck for breathtaking views, and enjoy seasonal events, making it a delightful destination for all ages.

Best time to go to Central Park

The best time to visit Central Park is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Tips to save on your trip to Central Park

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Central Park.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically January to March) for more affordable package holidays to Central Park.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia