Walking tour of Central Park New York
843 acres of fun and sightseeing awaits in Central Park.
Your Central Park itinerary awaits
Central Park is an expansive urban park, spanning 843 acres from 59th to 110th Street and 5th to 8th Avenue. It is among the largest urban parks globally, with a wealth of popular culture landmarks and hidden treasures.
As a resident of NYC, and having lived here for a number of years, I still pinch myself every-time I head to the park. Each time I go, I always see something new. To celebrate the arrival of Spring, I took my dog, Johnny Sausage exploring the park.
For anyone traveling to New York, Central Park is a must-visit destination. With over 40 million visitors each year, it's no surprise that it has become one of the most renowned parks in the world, and the first public park in the United States.
Despite its popularity, Central Park remains the perfect place for New Yorkers and tourists alike to relax and enjoy nature's beauty, with an array of landscapes including lush meadows, gardens and reservoir. The park also has a rich historical and cultural heritage that reflects the city's vibrancy.
Bethesda Terrace and Fountain is a natural gathering point for people, and generally the furthest point they walk in the park.
Highlights
There’s much to see and do. We’ve included some insights and travel tips on just some of the many places you’ll want to visit.
Gapstow Bridge
Originally built in 1896, the current Gapstow Bridge replaced a more elaborate bridge with unique cast-iron features that had deteriorated over time. Today, Gapstow is one of 30 ornamental bridges and arches scattered throughout Central Park. Hang around the bridge late in the morning and chances are you will see a wedding proposal or something equally interesting.
Wollman Rink
The idea for Wollman Rink was first proposed in 1945 and was brought to fruition in 1949 thanks to the philanthropic donation of Kate Wollman. The $600,000 she donated was to commemorate her family, and she happens to be the great-aunt of Henry and Richard Bloch, co-founders of the global financial and tax services corporation, H&R Block. In winter the rink is for ice skating and during summer you will find roller skating, pickle ball and any number of sporting activities. It’s a fun place to be.
The Mall and Literary Walk
The Mall is a prominent park feature, flanked by a double row of American elms, that serves as a central axis, providing a formal and structured element within the park's overall naturalistic landscape. The walk features statues of icons such as William Shakespeare, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Burns, among others. Be sure to take a look at the statue of Shakespeare. It gets super busy on the weekends and during peak vacation times.
Bethesda Terrace
A visually striking architectural masterpiece of cultural significance and natural beauty, within Central Park. The centerpiece of the terrace is the iconic Bethesda Fountain, also known as the 'Angel of the Waters', a beloved work of art in the Park. Construction of the terrace began in 1859 and was completed in 1863, even continuing through the Civil War. The terrace's layout comprises an upper and lower section, connected by grand staircases and a smaller one leading to the Mall. The terrace was designed to be one of the Park's most prominent displays of art and architecture, as well as one of its few formal landscapes, providing a contrast to the more naturalistic design of the rest of the Park.
The Dakota Building
Located just outside Central Park is the Dakota Building. “Imagine all the people living life in peace.” Not here unfortunately. John Lennon was murdered out the front of the Dakota Building on December 8, 1980. There is a whole story about John in the lead up to the murder. You’ll find John’s memorial at Strawberry fields in Central Park.
You Explore
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Happy travels.
