Travel bucket list idea:

Central Park [boating, walking & cycling]

New York, United States of America (USA)

Credit Shutterstock.com/Songquan Deng

Last updated: 07 April, 2024

Fifty blocks long and the width of four avenues, this world-famous park is an essential green oasis amidst the intimidating concrete jungle. Tourists take the obligatory stroll (or a horse-drawn carriage) and miss what makes this park an institution.

Hidden within are secrets, curios, and nostalgic delights; from the John Lennon tribute, small museums and the carousel, to ice-skating rinks and a boating lake. There’s even a little zoo near East 64th Street.

It’s great to cycle around – many do, of all ages. You can hire bikes in the park.

Don't miss

Enter at 72nd Street past the Imagine mosaic opposite the Dakota Building where John Lennon lived and died, then walk past ‘Strawberry Fields’ lawns, on to Bethesda Terrace.

While you're there

The restaurant at the Central Park Boathouse is of course overpriced, but it’s in a great spot overlooking the boating lake to take refreshments.

Logistics

Price: Free

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 4+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The park occupies a rectangular block in the centre of Manhattan, between 59th Street and 110th Street, and 5th and 6th Avenues. There are subway stops along both lengths, so you can access and enter pretty much anywhere. The typical (and most touristy) entry is from along 59th Street either at either Columbus Circle or Fifth Avenue. Walking the park width between 5th and 6th avenues takes about 15 minutes.

The Loeb Central Park Boathouse has bike rental by the hour in a handy central location. Located mid-park between 76th and 77th streets at the Boathouse. Open April to November.

The Central Park website has an interactive map showing the location of key sights.

When to do it

The Park closes from 1am-6am – there are no gates, but cops will shoo or even arrest you. After dark is safer nowadays, but still not recommended.

It’s romantic, charismatic and fun in the snow, gorgeous in the sunshine – but grim in the rain. Choose your weather if you can.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Private Central Park Pedicab Tour

New York City

Viator

Treat yourself to a tour of New York City's Central Park on a pedicab guided tour. Sit back and relax as you ride along the paths and hear unique stories about our famous central park. The tour begins with the short story of how this famous park was built followed by a fabulous view to Fifth Avenue and the Plaza Hotel. Shortly after covering the east side of the park your tour guide will make a stop at the most famous location of the park - Bethesda Fountain where we will take some wonderful pictures of you (free of charge). We will be pointing at apartments where celebrities live as well as the spots from your favorite TV Shows.

Price $50

Min age 1

Rating 4.98 / 5 [5258 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours

New York City

Viator

Central park tours are fun, but nothing beats the exhilarating pleasure of exploring and enjoying the world's most famous urban park from the comfort of a Pedicab and with the help of an experienced tour guides. NYC Park Tours offers the most exciting Central Park Pedicab tours in all of New York customized just for you. Our Central Park Pedicab tour is a favorite for tourists and locals alike, which is why we are the most preferred tour company when looking for an unforgettable central park Pedicab guided tour experience in New York. Here's why we are your best shot at enjoying the best views of Central Park. Including the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, the Mall, the Dakota Building, the Bow Bridge, the Boathouse, Cherry Hill Fountain, the Museum of Natural History, the Lake, and Strawberry Fields. *** Minimum 2 Travelers.

Price $50

Min age 1

Rating 4.97 / 5 [4658 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Central Park Guided Walking Tour

New York City

Viator

Your guide, Michael Hunt, is not only Central Park's number one tour guide, but also a passionate student of these 843 acres. From its history, wildlife, trees, and plants, statues and structures, he has immersed himself in all that makes the park a living work of art. Michael has led over 800 tours. He is constantly researching and studying to make each individual and family's two-hour tour the most memorable takeaway from their trip to this great city. Guaranteed five-star tour!

Price $44

Min age 6

Rating 4.94 / 5 [672 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Central Park Guided Pedicab Tours

New York City

Viator

A minimum of 2 persons is required per booking. Sorry, we cannot accommodate solo tours. Uncover magical Central Park during a private 1-hour pedicab tour. Visit popular sites including 3 stops Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Fountain, and Bow Bridge. Each stop is 5 minutes long, and you walk on your own to see up close major sightseeing. So you are not all the time in a pedicab. Tour sightseeing: Summer Stage, Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, The Plaza Hotel, Bethesda Fountain, Tavern on the Green, Heckscher Playground, Carousel, Bandshell, Boathouse, Cherry Hill, Bow Bridge, Wollman Rink, Sheep Meadow, Dairy, Balto, Dakota, The Lake, The Mall, The Pond, The Falconer, The San Remo, Conservatory Waters.

Price $65

Min age 1

Rating 4.97 / 5 [548 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Central Park Bike Rental New York City

New York City

Viator

Fall in love with New York City’s Central Park as you bike around and explore the area at your own pace. Pick up your bike at a convenient location, just three blocks from Central Park, and spend time discovering all that this beautiful park has to offer. Choose from 1-hour to 2-day bike rental options. Bike rentals regularly selling out weeks in advance during the peak season, so book ahead of time to avoid disappointment! Hours of Operation: 4/1 - 10/31 9am to 7pm 11/1 - 3/31 9am to 5pm

Price $8

Min age 0

Rating 4.06 / 5 [534 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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