Top 10 Central Park attractions
Don’t miss all the tips about the top 10 Central Park attractions! Find out prices, hours and much more! See a lot of beautiful pictures!
Central Park is one of our unmissable destinations in New York. The amazing contrast between the big city and exuberant nature, makes of it an oasis in Manhattan. Central park is gorgeous and, if possible, you should enjoy it throughout the week, because it is enormous!
An interesting idea would be to combine museums and nature. For example, visit the Metropolitan Museum and the eastern portion of Central park in one day. In another day, visit the Natural History Museum and the western portion of Central Park. I guarantee that the squirrels will be around.
Top 10 Central Park attractions
The Central Park picture above was taken from the Top of the Rock terrace.
1) PICNIC – TOP 10 CENTRAL PARK ATTRACTIONS
In our opinion, it’s the best program to be done in Central Park. It’s the essence. It is like finding paradise in the middle of a big city.
Picnic – Top 10 Central Park attractions
Take a large synthetic towel (doesn’t stain, it’s easily washable and light to carry around). You are probably going to take it in every trip. Every time you pack it to a new destination, you will be invaded with memories.
TOP 10 CENTRAL PARK ATTRACTIONS TIP: IT IS NOT ALLOWED TO SMOKE NEITHER DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OPENLY!
Be advised: On Central Park it is not allowed to smoke or drink alcoholic beverages! The way people usually do is to go on a nearby liquor store and keep the bottle in the paper bag that comes with it.
The Delis are going to be a great place for fruits, sandwiches, cookies, juices and soda. Don’t forget the plastic cups!
2) HORSE CARRIAGE RIDE – TOP 10 CENTRAL PARK ATTRACTIONS
Horse Carriage Ride – Top 10 Central Park attractions
If you are traveling with elderly people or small children, you should probably go on a carriage ride. It is the best way to get to know most of the park without walking. In case you are looking for a touch of romance it is a valid option as well.
No reservations necessary.
The carriages are located at 59th Street, between Avenue of the Americas and 5th Avenue.
Feel free to choose the one you find prettier.
TOP 10 CENTRAL PARK ATTRACTIONS TIP: IF YOU HAVE TIME, DO THE LONGEST ROUTE
Normally, two routes will be offered. The shortest one is pretty restrict.
Our favorite, the longest route, includes the Bethesda Fountain, the Lake with views to the Dakota Building, Bow Bridge and the Strawberry Field.
The carriage drivers usually tell some curiosities about the park and its celebrity visitors.
3) BETHESDA FOUNTAIN AND TERRACE – TOP 10 CENTRAL PARK ATTRACTIONS
Bethesda Fountain – Top 10 Central Park attractions
It has appeared in more than one movie. There’s a beautiful lake and fountain view from the terrace. A lot of people like to sit on the steps of the double stairs and eat a hot dog while watching people walking by.
4) BELVEDERE CASTLE – TOP 10 CENTRAL PARK ATTRACTIONS
Belvedere Castle – Top 10 Central Park attractions
The Belvedere Castle is located on the top of a hill called Vista Rock, beside a stunning lake. It has a very wide view of the city, probably one of the prettiest in the whole park. Of its terrace, it is possible to see the Delacorte Theater, where, in the summer, Shakespeare plays are staged.
How about the sneak peek of a snow covered Belvedere Castle? New York in winter time is also amazing and that’s why we are going to have an specific post about it.
5) CONSERVATORY WATER – TOP 10 CENTRAL PARK ATTRACTIONS
Conservatory Water – Top 10 Central Park attractions
It’s a small lake where little boat races happen in the summer weekends. In its north margin, you can find the famous sculpture of Alice in the Wonderland. Children love to see it!
6)TRUMP RINK (OLD WOLLMAN RINK) IN THE WINTER – TOP 10 CENTRAL PARK ATTRACTIONS
Ice skating is fun, hard and makes you feel hot! The Trump Rink has a snack bar, restrooms and places where you can seat to watch people skating. Or can be used by the ones that need a rest.
Trump Rink -Top 10 Central Park attractions
PRICES 2017:
• To keep your things in the locker, you pay US$ 11, but they give US$ 6 back if you return the keys with the receipt;
• The skate rental costs US$ 8;
• TICKETS:
– Monday to Thursday: US$ 11,25 adults, US$ 6 children under 12 years old;
-Friday to Sunday: US$ 18 adults and US$ 6 children under 12 years old;
– Spectators pay just US$ 5 any day of the week.
HOURS 2017:
-Monday and Tuesday :10:00AM to 02:30PM;
-Wednesday and Thursday: 10:00AM to 10:00PM;
-Friday and Saturday: 10:00AM to 11:00PM;
-Sunday: 10:00AM to 09:00PM;
-Thanksgiving: 10:00AM to 07:00PM
7) CENTRAL PARK ZOO – TOP 10 CENTRAL PARK ATTRACTIONS
Central Park Zoo – Top 10 Central Park Attractions
Very cool, even for adults. The stars are the polar bear, but there are penguins, sea lions, exotic birds and other animals.
If you buy the Total Experience Ticket, you can watch the 4D Rio Movie and have fun in the Tisch Zoo, where children can pet goats and rabbits.
TICKETS:
-Only the Zoo: US$ 7 children from 03 to 12 years old, US$ 12 over 13 years old;
-The Total Experience Ticket costs US$ 13 for children from 03 to 12years old, US$18 over 13 years old;
-Total Experience online: US$11,70 children under 12 years old and US$16,20 for 12 or more years old.
HOURS 2017:
•From March 30th to November 3rd: From 10:00AM to 05:00PM;
•From November 4th to March 30th: From 10:00AM to 04:30PM.
8) SHEEP MEADOW – TOP 10 CENTRAL PARK ATTRACTIONS
Sheep Meadow – Top 10 Central Park attractions
The Sheep Meadow is a sunbathing place for the locals. Frisbees are very popular with the crowd here!
09) THE LAKE E BOW BRIDGE – TOP 10 CENTRAL PARK ATTRACTIONS
The Lake – Top 10 Central Park attractions
The Lake is a cool place, excellent to rest and relax with a great view. If you want to exercise, you can rent a boat and row.
The Bow Bridge crosses The Lake and is the second oldest iron bridge in the Americas. Everybody loves to take pictures here. It’s a very romantic place, perfect for dating.
Bow Bridge – Top 10 Central Park attractions
10) STRAWBERRY FIELDS – TOP 10 CENTRAL PARK ATTRACTIONS
Strawberry Fields – Top 10 Central Park attractions
A tribute from Yoko Ono to John Lennon, it’s located in a part of Central Park near the Dakota Building, where they lived and where he was killed. The Strawberry Fields is a mosaic with the word “Imagine” written in the middle. A lot of fans leave flowers and light candles.
The fans love the Strawberry Fields, but aside the emotional part, there isn’t a lot to see or do.
TOP 10 CENTRAL PARK ATTRACTIONS TIP: DO YOU WANT TO RIDE A BIKE IN CENTRAL PARK? IT’S COMPLICATED!
Top 10 Central Park Attractions
We thought about renting a bike and ride it in the Central Park. The big problem is that you can only ride it on the streets, between the cars. We gave up the idea. You can’t ride on the pedestrian trails, bridges and walkways inside the Central Park. Where people walk, you can just push your bike.
SOME SUGGESTIONS OF HOTELS IN MANHATTAN:
We already stayed in these hotels and you can find them all using link of Booking.com in our site.
Empire State seen from Staybridge Suites – Top 10 Central Park attractions
– PENNSYLVANIA HOTEL
The first time we went to New York, we were on a tight budget and stayed at the Pennsylvania Hotel. Highlights: in front of a subway station and price. Not good: It’s old, with lots of huge tour groups.
-NEW YORK HILTON MIDTOWN
Highlights: Beautiful, very good location, nearby Central Park and subway station.
-STAYBRIDGE SUITES TIMES SQUARE
Highlights: very good location, near subway, close to Times Square, with compact kitchen and breakfast included. Our room had a view of the Empire State Building.
If I had to choose one of this hotels now, I’d choose the last one, because of the compact kitchen and location. If you don’t cook, then the New York Hilton is wonderful. I don’t think I’ll ever stay in the Pennsylvania Hotel again. There are better options in New York, with similar prices. But, of course, you have to check if there are any deals..
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Top 10 Central Park Attractions
If you are going to New York, Boston would be a great place to visit too! Take a look at BOSTON IN 1 DAY BY FOOT: BEST ATTRACTIONS.
But if you are looking for something really different in the United States, try VISITING ANTELOPE CANYON : THE MOST SPECTACULAR CANYON IN USA!
Visiting Antelope Canyon – The most spectacular canyon in USA
See you soon!
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