Parks & gardens
Central Park
Central Park
Central Park is a large park in the middle of Manhattan and the most visited park in the United States. Beyond open lawns and walking paths, it holds lakes, wooded areas, playgrounds, and landmarks such as Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge. Many corners feel familiar even on a first visit, since the park has appeared as a backdrop in countless films and TV shows.
Getting there
The park sits in the heart of Manhattan and is reachable by subway from most parts of the city, generally within 20-30 minutes from central areas. Several subway lines stop along its edges, so travellers can enter from the north, south, east, or west depending on where they're coming from.
How much time to allow
A short walk through a section near an entrance can take under an hour, but seeing more of the park, including a stop at a lake or a landmark, generally takes half a day. Those planning to combine it with nearby museums should budget a full day.
When to go
- Weekday mornings tend to be quieter than weekends, when the park draws large crowds, especially in good weather.
- Midday in summer can be hot with little shade in open lawn areas; early morning or late afternoon is more comfortable.
- Paths and open areas can be busy year-round given how many visitors the park receives.
Combine it with
The park borders several major attractions. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (0.6km) and the American Museum of Natural History (0.7km) are both close enough to combine with a park visit in the same day. The Upper West Side (0.9km) and Upper East Side (1.5km) neighborhoods, bordering the park on either side, are worth a walk for dining or browsing shops after spending time outdoors.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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