Central Park covers 843 acres of Manhattan, from 59th to 110th Street and from Fifth Avenue to Central Park West. It is open 6am to 1am every day and costs nothing to enter. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, whose plan won the competition in 1858, and today it is cared for by the Central Park Conservancy under an agreement with the city.
Our top pick: Private Central Park Pedicab Tour, 50+ Sights
Best entrances for visitors
| Entrance | Near | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Army Plaza (5th Ave & 59th St) | The Plaza Hotel | The Pond, Gapstow Bridge, the zoo |
| Columbus Circle (8th Ave & 59th St) | Subway A, B, C, D, 1 | Bike rentals, the west side |
| W 72nd St (Central Park West) | The Dakota | Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Terrace |
| 5th Ave & 72nd St | Upper East Side | The Mall, Bethesda Terrace |
| 5th Ave & 105th St | Vanderbilt Gate | Conservatory Garden |
A simple route through the highlights
- The Pond and Gapstow Bridge at the southeast corner, the classic skyline photo.
- The Mall, the elm-lined promenade, north to Bethesda Terrace at 72nd Street.
- Bow Bridge, the 60-foot cast-iron bridge over the Lake, into the Ramble.
- Belvedere Castle and the Great Lawn.
- The Reservoir running track if you still have energy.
Allow two to three hours on foot. The full list, with tips for each stop, is on things to do in Central Park.
Getting around the park
The park drives form a loop of about 6 miles and have been car-free since 2018. On foot you will see the southern half comfortably; to cover the whole park, rent a bike or take a pedicab.
Popular Central Park tours
Private Central Park Pedicab Tour, 50+ Sights
The most reviewed pedicab tour: 4.9/5 from over 2,000 reviews on GetYourGuide.
Central Park Bike Rental
Pick up a bike near the park and ride at your own pace. 4.7/5 from over 2,200 reviews.
Home Alone 2 and Elf Locations Tour
Film spots in and around the park. 4.8/5 from over 250 reviews.
Why book online
- Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
- Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
- Mobile ticket on your phone
- Reviews from verified travelers
Go early: before 9am the paths belong to runners and dog walkers, the light is softer and Bow Bridge is quiet enough for photos.
Frequently asked questions
What are Central Park's hours?
The park is open daily from 6am to 1am. Some attractions inside, like the Conservatory Garden, the zoo and the skating rink, keep shorter hours of their own.
How big is Central Park?
843 acres, running about 2.5 miles from 59th to 110th Street and half a mile from Fifth Avenue to Central Park West.
Who designed Central Park?
Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, whose Greensward Plan won the design competition in 1858.
Can you drive through Central Park?
No. The park drives have been closed to private cars since 2018 and are used by cyclists, runners, pedicabs and walkers.
Belvedere Castle
Belvedere Castle in Central Park: where it is, its history, views over Turtle Pond and the Great Lawn, the Delacorte Theater and how to fit it into a walk.
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Bike rental
Central Park bike rental vs guided bike tours: the 6-mile loop, prices from about $44 for a 2-hour tour, riding rules and where to pick up a bike.
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Boat rental
Central Park boat rental: rowboats on the Lake from the Loeb Boathouse, where it is, the season, what you see from the water and Bow Bridge.
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Carriage rides
Central Park horse carriage ride guide: where carriages wait on Central Park South, what a ride covers, how to agree the price, booking online and alternatives.
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Pedicab tours
Central Park pedicab tours: 1-hour private rides from about $50 per person, what you see, how to avoid street overcharging and the best-rated tours.
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Central Park tours
Central Park tours compared: guided walking tours, bike tours, pedicab rides, film-location tours and e-scooter tours. Duration, best for and top-rated options.
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Central Park Zoo
Central Park Zoo guide: where it is (Fifth Avenue at 64th Street), the sea lions, penguins and snow leopards, how long you need and what to pair it with.
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Governors Island
Governors Island guide: ferries from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, what to do on the island, the Hills, harbor views, bikes, seasons and planning a day.
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Roosevelt Island Tram
Roosevelt Island Tram guide: where to board in Manhattan, the fare, ride time, the views, what to see on the island and how to plan a day out.
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Things to do
The best things to do in Central Park: Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, the Conservatory Garden, Belvedere Castle, biking the loop and more.
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Wollman Rink
Wollman Rink in Central Park: where it is, when the skating season runs, tickets and skate rental, the best times to go and how to combine it with a park walk.
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