New York wouldn’t be the same without Central Park, and Central Park wouldn’t exist without New York. We’re talking about the most famous park in the world—a true green refuge in the middle of one of the busiest urban metropolises. For me, strolling through Central Park was one of the most anticipated moments of my trip to New York.
At its core, it’s just a park, much like those found in many major cities. However, Central Park is more than just a park—it’s a feeling, a synthesis of New York’s energy, a place where nature and urban life coexist, whether they like it or not. That’s why I believe it’s impossible to visit New York without spending at least a few hours in Central Park.
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Central Park – A Brief History
Central Park was designed in 1857 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux as part of an urban planning project aimed at providing city residents with a recreational space. It was the first landscaped park in the United States and has since become one of New York’s most prestigious symbols. Covering an area of approximately 3.41 km², the park features 36 bridges, 21 playgrounds, and nearly 30 monumental sculptures. The landscaping work took almost 20 years, and today, the park is maintained by the Central Park Conservancy, an organization dedicated to the preservation and continuous improvement of the world’s most famous park.
Main Entrances to Central Park
- Columbus Circle (southwest corner) – One of the busiest entrances, near the Time Warner Center.
- Fifth Avenue & 59th Street (southeast corner) – Close to the iconic Plaza Hotel and the famous statue of General William Tecumseh Sherman.
- West 72nd Street (near Strawberry Fields) – One of the most beautiful entrances, offering quick access to Bow Bridge and the John Lennon Memorial.
- East 90th Street (near Conservatory Garden) – A quieter entrance, perfect for those wanting to explore the park’s gardens.
Must-See Attractions in Central Park
Central Park is filled with iconic landmarks and must-see attractions, many of which are famous due to their appearances in movies and TV shows. Some of the top attractions include:
- Bethesda Terrace & Bethesda Fountain
- Strawberry Fields
- Bow Bridge
- The Mall & Literary Walk
- Central Park Zoo
- Belvedere Castle
- The Great Lawn
- The Ramble
- Alice in Wonderland Statue
- Conservatory Water
Central Park Activities
Most visitors simply enjoy walking along the park’s pathways, which is exactly what I did, and I loved every moment of it. However, there are plenty of activities to experience in Central Park:
- Jogging
- Boating on The Lake
- Horse-drawn carriage rides
- Exploring the Conservatory Garden
- Visiting the Central Park Zoo
- Picnicking on the Great Lawn or Sheep Meadow
- Ice skating at Wollman Rink in winter, one of New York’s most popular winter attractions
- Guided tours explaining the park’s history and architecture
- Attending performances at Delacorte Theater, which hosts free summer theater shows
Famous Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Central Park
As mentioned earlier, the park is also famous for its numerous appearances in iconic movies and TV series, including:
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
- Elf (2003)
- Enchanted (2007)
- Avengers (2012)
- When Harry Met Sally (1989)
- Friends (1994-2004)
- Gossip Girl (2007-2012)
- Sex and the City (1998-2004)
- How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)
- Mad Men (2007-2015)
How Much Time Do You Need for Central Park?
For a complete visit, you should allocate 3-4 hours, but if you want to explore the park in more detail and enjoy all the activities, you can easily spend an entire day there.
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Final Thoughts
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, visiting Central Park was one of the highlights of my trip to New York. I visited at the end of November, when the park was in a stunning autumn landscape, and I enjoyed every moment of it. Central Park is an iconic New York destination that you absolutely must include in your itinerary.
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Enjoy your walk! 🥰
