Central Park Tours and Activities

Central Park showing flowers, a park and a pond
Central Park
Central Park featuring cycling and a garden
Central Park which includes signage and a garden
Central Park featuring a garden


Offering blissful respite from Manhattan’s concrete jungle, this is the perfect spot to rest weary feet or enjoy a picnic. 

When it comes to film credits, no green space in the world can match New York City's Central Park. “When Harry Met Sally,” “Annie Hall,” “Home Alone 2,” and “Sex and the City: The Movie” all feature scenes shot in Manhattan’s iconic park, which opened in 1857 and is renowned as one of the city’s most precious outdoor areas.  

Dividing the Upper West and the Upper East Side neighborhoods, Central Park — a 843-acre expanse of woodland, historical monuments and sporting facilities — sits between 59th and 110th Streets. It’s a much-loved place of respite from the urban chaos of Manhattan. Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, the man behind other notable landscape projects such as the Stanford University campus and Niagara Reservation in Niagara Falls, designed it.

Boasting its own string of landmarks — like the Bethesda Fountain, famous Loeb Boathouse Restaurant, and Strawberry Fields, home to John Lennon’s Imagine memorial — Central Park offers plenty to see and do. There are 58 miles ( 93 kilometers) of walking trails and 21 playgrounds. In the warmer months, a horse-drawn carriage ride or a spin on the Central Park Carousel are musts for romantics. You can also hire a rowboat from the Boathouse between April and November. In winter, Central Park has two ice-skating rinks, while the award-winning Central Park Zoo is open year-round. 

History and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the park’s fascinating structures. The Arsenal, which resembles a medieval fortress but is actually a former munitions supply depot for New York State's National Guard, was built in the mid-1850s, actually predating the park. Belvedere Castle is another beautiful building and offers free guided tours daily. And there are a range of bronze monuments, paying homage to everyone from Hans Christian Andersen to Romeo and Juliet, dotted throughout the park. 

Should you lose your bearings, check in with one of the friendly volunteers at the park information booths. They dispense detailed park maps and can guide you in the right direction. 

While there are plenty of activities and attractions in Central Park, take time to do as the New Yorkers do: grab a bite to eat from one of the many vendors selling hot dogs, pretzels, and ice cream, find a sunny spot on the sprawling Great Lawn and relax. 

Central Park is located in the Upper West Side and Upper East Side neighborhoods, and is easy to get to by subway or bus.

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Best Lodging Options Near Central Park

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

4 out of 5
811 7th Ave, New York, NY
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Empire Hotel

Empire Hotel

4 out of 5
44 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Empire Hotel
Loews Regency New York Hotel

Loews Regency New York Hotel

5 out of 5
540 Park Avenue, New York, NY
Loews Regency New York Hotel
Night Hotel Broadway

Night Hotel Broadway

2.5 out of 5
215 W 94th St, New York, NY
Night Hotel Broadway
Hyatt Grand Central New York

Hyatt Grand Central New York

4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street, at Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY
Hyatt Grand Central New York
The Lucerne Hotel

The Lucerne Hotel

4 out of 5
201 W 79th St, New York, NY
The Lucerne Hotel
Arthouse Hotel New York City

Arthouse Hotel New York City

4 out of 5
2178 Broadway at W 77th St, New York, NY
Arthouse Hotel New York City
Hotel Belleclaire

Hotel Belleclaire

4 out of 5
2175 Broadway, New York, NY
Hotel Belleclaire
Hotel St. James

Hotel St. James

2.5 out of 5
109 W. 45TH ST., New York, NY
Hotel St. James
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Central Park

When visiting Central Park, you can enjoy a variety of activities including free tours, walking, half tours, cycling tours, and virtual tours. Additionally, the area offers excellent entertainment options, shopping, and theatre experiences nearby, making it a fantastic destination for tourists from Canada.

Shopping

For shopping near Central Park, visit Tiffany & Co., just 1.6km away, for exquisite gifts. Macy's, 3.2km away, offers a wide selection in a vibrant atmosphere. Grand Central Market, also 3.2km away, features local goods and a bustling vibe.

Recreation

Enjoy a rejuvenating experience at SoJo Spa Club, where you can indulge in various body treatments and relax in serene surroundings. For an energetic vibe, catch a game at Yankee Stadium or immerse yourself in the musical atmosphere at Carnegie Hall, both offering unique cultural experiences close to Central Park.

Adventure

Experience thrills at DreamWorks Water Park, a vibrant waterpark located 9.7km from Central Park, perfect for family fun and adventure. For a tranquil outdoor escape, visit the Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden, located 6.4km away. For climbing enthusiasts, check out ExtraVertical Climbing Center, only 1.6km away.

Nightlife

In Central Park, the nightlife buzzes with excitement. The Broadway Theatre offers enchanting films just 1.6km away, while the Beacon Theater, 1.3km away, showcases captivating performances. For a unique experience, the Hayden Planetarium, located 483m away, delights families with stunning cosmic displays.

Find the best attractions near Central Park

Central Park in New York City offers an array of attractions for tourists, including urban parks, art museums, and iconic skyscrapers. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture and family-friendly experiences available in and around the park. Whether you're exploring the lush landscapes of Central Park or taking in the vibrant city life, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this iconic destination.

  • Times Square: Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Times Square, a bustling hub of neon lights and entertainment, located 3.2km from Central Park. Experience the pulse of the city as you explore shops, restaurants, and street performers.
  • Broadway: Just 3.2km from Central Park, Broadway is the heart of American theatre. Catch a world-class performance in one of its iconic venues and soak in the artistic atmosphere that captures the essence of New York City.
  • Grand Central Terminal: A stunning architectural marvel situated 3.2km from Central Park, Grand Central Terminal is a cultural landmark. Admire its beautiful celestial dome and vibrant atmosphere while enjoying the unique shops and eateries within.

Best time to go to Central Park

Visitor numbers around Central Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Central Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Central Park

When visiting Central Park, take advantage of the free entry and nearby attractions like Times Square and Columbia University. The best time to save on accommodation is from January to March, with lower prices than during peak months like September and December. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Mondays when prices are typically cheaper. Consider bundling your hotel, flight, and activities for additional savings, and use Expedia’s price filter to find the best deals that fit your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Central Park are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Central Park about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Central Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Central Park is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near Central Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.