You can spend an entire day in Central Park and still only scratch the surface of its incredible sights and attractions. This iconic park spans over 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan, covering approximately 50 city blocks.
With so many amazing things to do and hidden gems, I felt compelled to write this guide and document my journey to help you explore one of the most beautiful parks in the world effectively, so without further ado, here are nine things I think you’ll really enjoy doing in Central Park:
- Central Park Points of Interest Map
- Where to Stay in New York City?
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9 Best Things to Do in Central Park, NYC
- Hanging in the Sun at Sheep Meadow
- Take Photos at Bethesda Terrace
- Check Out Bow Bridge From a Row Boat
- Enjoy the View at Belvedere Castle
- Explore the vast collections of the Met
- Visit the American Museum of Natural History
- Enjoy Street Performers at The Mall and Literary Walk
- Grab a Bagel at Nosh Bagels
- Find the 3,000-year-old Egyptian Obelisk in Central Park
- What time does Central Park Open?
- Which gate should you enter Central Park from?
- How to Get to get to Central Park?
- How to Get Around Central Park?
- How Long to Spend in Central Park?
- Further Reading for Northeast USA
Central Park Points of Interest Map
9 Best Things to Do in Central Park, NYC
1. Hanging in the Sun at Sheep Meadow
We start this list with one of my favorite activities in Central Park, laying on the grass at Sheep Meadow and soaking up the sunshine. No, really! It might sound silly, but it was definitely a highlight for me, and for a good reason.
When I was there, the morning had been mostly cloudy, which left me feeling a bit down, but when the clouds cleared in the afternoon, the park's vibe completely shifted. People came out in droves to bask in the sun at Sheep Meadow, and the energy was just magical.
What’s great about Sheep Meadow, beyond its expansive 15-acre lawn, is the diversity of people who gather here to unwind. You’ll see everything from families picnicking with their loved ones to New Yorkers soaking up the sun with a book in hand. And let’s not forget the stunning views from the lawn!
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From Sheep Meadow, you’re not just treated to a lovely open expanse of greenery but also a backdrop of striking, hyper-modern skyscrapers that scream New York City. The view is quintessentially New York, so iconic that there’s no mistaking it for anywhere else. It’s absolutely worth experiencing!
2. Take Photos at Bethesda Terrace
One of the most unique things about Central Park is how much thought and design went into every corner of this park, and out of all the features here, the most iconic and well-known one is Bethesda Terrace, a large plaza consisting of two levels as well as an Arcade and fountain.
Although the park was designed with nature as its primary focus, the architects also wanted to incorporate art and architectural elements to contrast with the natural landscape. This led to the creation of the beautiful fountain and the intricately designed arcade, which also serves as a popular gathering space for us to enjoy.
At the heart of the space is Bethesda Fountain, also known as the Angel of the Waters, a stunning work of art in its own right. In the summer, the fountain is filled with aquatic plants, while its centerpiece features a two-tiered basin that serves as a pedestal for the bronze Angel of the Waters statue.
Be sure to come and hang out here in the afternoon, and you’ll find the place quite lively, with people enjoying each other’s company and taking photos. You’ll also come across some incredible street performers and poets, and you can ask them to write a poem in exchange for a tip, just like that romantic scene from "Before Sunrise" (hands up if you're a fan of that movie too 😉).
3. Check Out Bow Bridge From a Row Boat
As you explore Central Park, you’ll come across the iconic Bow Bridge, a stunning cast-iron structure with an elegant arched design that spans the lake. It’s one of the park’s most popular photo spots, thanks to its breathtaking view of the lake, surrounding nature, and the skyline in the background.
There are several great viewpoints around here, including one overlooking the bridge where you can see the stunning skyline. If you want a picture of the bridge, you might want to check out this viewpoint, or this one from the other side of the lake.
The area can get quite busy at times, so if you’d prefer a photo spot with less foot traffic, this viewpoint just off the main trail is a great option. You won’t see the bridge from here, but you’ll still get that stunning shot of the lake against New York’s skyline.
If you're lucky, like I was, you might stumble upon a film crew shooting a movie, as the bridge is a popular spot for filming. I happened to come across a crew filming a Turkish series for Netflix (though I can't remember the name of the series) here, which I thought was pretty cool. Be sure to keep an eye out for them! Who knows, you might end up being an extra in a movie 😂.
If you want to row a boat, you can grab one from a rowboat rental on the east side of the lake. The price is $25 for a 2-person boat, and you can row for one hour. After that, you'll be charged $5 for every additional 15 minutes. The rental place is open daily from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.
4. Enjoy the View at Belvedere Castle
If you're looking for a great vantage point to see Central Park from above, Belvedere Castle is where you'll want to be. One of the most iconic features in Central Park, this miniature castle is perched atop Vista Rock, a large rock outcrop and the second-highest natural point in the park. From up here, you can see a pretty stunning view of the Great Lawn of Central Park set against the iconic NYC skyline.
Originally built in the 1860s as a folly (a decorative structure with no practical purpose), the castle is designed in a Gothic Revival style, with turrets and stonework that make it resemble something straight out of a fairytale. Nowadays, the castle houses a gift shop where you can buy a map of Central Park to help you explore the park more easily.
If you're into bird photography, this is an awesome spot to camp out and wait for the birds to arrive, as it is one of the highest points in the park. I saw many bird photography workshops with their massive lenses here. The viewpoint is open during the same hours as the park, while the gift shop is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day.
5. Explore the vast collections of the Met
There are regular museums, and then there’s the Met (the Metropolitan Museum of Art), one of the largest museums in the world, and thankfully, it is located inside Central Park, which makes for a great place to visit as you explore the area.
The museum stands in a league of its own with its vast collection of over 2 million artifacts. These artifacts span more than 5,000 years of global culture, including works from Ancient Egypt, European paintings and sculptures, Asian art, American decorative arts, and much more.
The museum is divided into various departments, each responsible for its specific collection, such as European paintings, Islamic art, arms and armor, and musical instruments. One of my favorite exhibitions inside is the Temple of Dendur exhibit, an actual Egyptian temple given to the US by Egypt in 1965 as part of a diplomatic gift.
The temple dates back to around 15 BCE and was originally built by the Roman Emperor Augustus in Nubia (modern-day southern Egypt) in honor of the Egyptian goddess Isis. You can get up quite close to the temple and admire the intricate details that have withstood the test of time.
You will also find other incredible collections from different eras, such as the armory exhibition featuring both European and Asian armor and weaponry. You can also see the famous "Washington Crossing the Delaware" painting, as well as temporary exhibitions like the Mandala exhibition, which explores Buddhist art of Tibet through over 100 pieces of paintings, sculptures, and textiles.
The museum is massive, and it could take several hours to see everything. I was there for two hours and still didn't manage to explore two-thirds of the exhibitions on display that day. Expect to do a lot of walking, so if you don't want to rush through it, I highly recommend treating the Met as a separate activity and dedicating at least half a day to fully enjoy it.
The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day, except Thursdays, with an entrance fee of 30 USD per person. You can purchase tickets in advance through their official website. There is often a line before the museum opens in the morning, but from my experience, it tends to dissipate later in the day. To avoid waiting, I recommend visiting after 10 AM. This museum isn't included in the CityPass, unfortunately.
6. Visit the American Museum of Natural History
Another great museum to visit in NYC is the American Museum of Natural History, one of the largest and most prestigious museums of its kind, featuring a wide array of exhibits spanning topics from paleontology to space exploration - fun for all ages.
Some of my favorite exhibitions here are the Fossil Halls, where you'll find dinosaur skeletons like the famous Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops, the Hall of Biodiversity, which explores the planet's biological diversity, and the Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, showcasing a dazzling collection of precious stones, including rare diamonds and vibrant minerals, some even glow in the dark, which is something you don't get to see every day!
While you are inside, don't forget to check out the Gilder Center with its new galleries and one-of-a-kind experiences, including an insectarium, butterfly vivarium, and floor-to-ceiling collections displays spread across 4 floors. The museum is massive, and you can expect to spend at least 2 hours exploring all its vast halls and exhibitions.
The museum is definitely great, but I do have one quarrel with it. The entry management is horrendous; even if you bought a ticket online, you still have to line up to get the printed ticket to get inside, which creates a bottleneck especially when only one person is at the counter. I had to wait more than 1 hour just to get inside, even though I bought the ticket beforehand. It doesn't make sense!
If you are lucky enough to be there when there is no line, then by all means, but if there is a long line, expect to spend at least an hour waiting to get inside or just skip the museum entirely. The museum is open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM every day and the entrance fee is 30 USD. You can get the ticket online here.
7. Enjoy Street Performers at The Mall and Literary Walk
The Mall and Literary Walk is a great place to go for a stroll and enjoy the wonderful street performers that New York City is famous for. You can step onto its wide promenade, admire the stately American elms, or take a seat on one of its benches to enjoy live music from a variety of street musicians who often gather here in the afternoon.
The entire park was designed as a democratic space open to everyone, in contrast to the many private parks that existed for the privileged few at the time. The Mall, in particular, exemplifies this vision, taking inspiration from European public spaces, but with an American twist to create a place for people to come together.
Lining both sides of the promenade, you'll find a massive collection of American elm trees, which were once a common shade tree in the U.S. However, due to the rapid spread of Dutch elm disease, American elms have become increasingly rare.
In fact, the Mall contains the largest and last remaining collection of American elm trees in the world, and maintaining these historic trees throughout the year requires tremendous effort from the park. Other than the American elms, you will also find many statues and monuments scattered across the Mall, so be sure to spend some time and track them down.
8. Grab a Bagel at Nosh Bagels
If you're looking for a great place to grab the famous New York bagels for breakfast or lunch, I highly recommend checking out Nosh Bagels and grabbing one of their delicious bagels or sandwiches for a quick bite as you explore Central Park. You can also grab it to go before you enter the park, so you don’t have to backtrack for lunch, as there are not a whole lot of places to eat inside the park.
One of the best bagels to get there is, of course, the egg and cheese bagel and you can choose a variety of types of bagels to go with. They do get a lot of customers, so you might have to wait in line a bit, but it's well worth it as their bagels are delicious and they give a pretty sizable portion.
The place is open daily from 5:30 AM to 8 PM, making it a great spot to grab a morning bagel if you're an early bird, before heading out to explore Central Park.
9. Find the 3,000-year-old Egyptian Obelisk in Central Park
Last but not least, be sure to spend some time tracking down the 3,000-year-old Egyptian Obelisk in Central Park. Not many people know about this, and I only noticed it when I was watching a short history video about Central Park and its long, rich history on YouTube.
The video was created by Architectural Digest, as part of a series where a New York architect explains the intricate details of Central Park and how it came to be. It helps you not only discover cool features in the park but also truly appreciate the effort that went into designing it.
Hint, hint: it’s located inside the park, not too far from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I also recommend watching the entire series of Walking Tour by Architectural Digest to discover other awesome features that you might have missed.
What time does Central Park Open?
Central Park is open every day from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM. While the park itself is always open, certain facilities, such as restrooms and the Central Park Zoo, have more specific hours. Additionally, some areas may be closed off due to weather conditions, especially if you're visiting during the off-season. Be sure to check for updates on their official website before planning your visit.
Which gate should you enter Central Park from?
There are four main gates in Central Park: North, East, West, and South. I would recommend entering through the South Gate, as it passes by all the attractions I listed here and offers a very scenic walk.
It is also closer to Midtown Manhattan and Lower Manhattan, where many of the accommodations are located. That said, if you're staying in other areas of NYC, you can choose to enter from the nearest gate instead.
How to Get to get to Central Park?
First and foremost, you need to find which of the four gates is nearest to you, and then you can use Google Maps to find a subway line to take you there. For example, if you live in Midtown or Lower Manhattan, you can take the N/R/W line and get off at 5 Av/59 St Station, and it's just a short walk to the South Gate. Easy peasy.
How to Get Around Central Park?
The easiest way to explore is on foot. The walking paths are wonderfully laid out with crisscrossing trails that will take you to various attractions, keeping you occupied all day. Walking in Central Park for 40 minutes felt much faster than it actually was, thanks to all the amazing sights and attractions scattered throughout the park. You’ll never get bored walking in Central Park, trust me.
You can also rent a bike from this bike rental place near the South Gate and explore the park on two wheels. The park has a dedicated bike lane, allowing you to zip through its entirety in less than an hour, perfect for those who want to be a little more active while exploring the park.
You can also rent a boat from this rowboat rental place and explore the lake in Central Park. The cost is 25 USD for a one-hour ride, with an additional 5 USD for every 15 minutes after that.
How Long to Spend in Central Park?
Central Park is massive, and with the two equally massive museums on its premises, you can expect to spend an entire day here. You should also be prepared to spend much of that time walking, as it can take over an hour to walk from one end of the park to the other.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Northeast USA
If you are looking for more articles about the Northeast USA, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:
- First time visiting the USA and looking for a complete itinerary? Check this out: First Time USA: 2 Weeks Itinerary Without Cars.
- Planning to visit Washington DC for 3 days? Here's an itinerary for you: 3 Days in Washington DC: A Backpacking Itinerary.
- First time visiting the US? Why not start Washington DC, its capital city known for its world-class museums and iconic landmarks like the White House and the Capitol. Here are the 10 best things to do in Washington DC.
- Here's a quick guide on how to get from Dulles Airport to Washington DC Downtown: How to Get From Dulles Airport to Downtown Washington DC.
- Want to visit world-class museums in Washington DC, but not sure where to begin? This is the article for you: 8 Best Museums to Visit in Washington DC.
- Have a day to spare in Washington DC? I highly recommend you check out Georgetown. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Georgetown, DC.
- Looking to visit Philly for the weekend? Here is the ultimate 2-day Backpacking Itinerary for Philly.
- If you’re a fan of food and history, Philadelphia offers the perfect blend with its incredible museums and some of the best food scenes in the country. Check out the 12 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia (Philly).
- Philly is best explored with your stomach and taste buds. Here are the 7 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Philadelphia (Philly).
- New York City is truly one of the best cities in the world and if you are planning to visit the city, here are the 15 Best Things to Do in New York City.
- Planning to visit New York City, but not sure where to begin? Check out our 4 Days New York City's Backpacking Itinerary.
- Looking for the best places to eat and drink in NYC? You might want to check out: Places to Eat & Drink in New York City: My 9 Favorite Places.
- Chelsea, one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC, is one awesome place to explore. Here are the 8 Awesome Things to Do in Chelsea, NYC.
- Should you go up the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock? Let's find out: Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock: Which One is Better for You?.
- Is it worth buying the CityPass for your trip to New York City? Let's find out: NYC CityPass: Is it worth it?.
- Want to visit Boston? Here are some of the things you do not want to miss! 15 Best Things to Do in Boston.
- Wondering how long to spend in Boston? Check this out: 3 Days in Boston: A Backpacking Itinerary.
- Want to walk the Freedom Trail in Boston, but not sure where to begin? Check out: Boston's Freedom Trail: A Walking Guide.
- Planning to visit Salem? Here's a travel guide for you: Discover Salem: 10 Highlights You Can't Miss.
- To see all articles about the United States of America, be sure to check out our USA travel guide page.
- For a complete itinerary of both the US and Canada, check out: One Month in USA & Canada: A Backpacking Itinerary without Cars.
- Looking for more travel guides for North America? You will find more over at our North America page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
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