Anyone who travels to New York City should make a point to visit Central Park. It’s one of the most famous and iconic parks in the world, and for good reason. With 843 acres of green space, it’s easy to find a spot to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the city. Whether you’re looking for the best central park activities to get stuck into, a place to have a picnic, or you just want to sit and people watch, Central Park is definitely worth your time.
So, what can you expect to experience as a tourist in Central Park? Here’s the go-to guide to spending a day there.
Getting There
Before you are able to enjoy your day as a tourist, you’ll need to find a way to get there. For those of you who are visiting New York City for the first time, you should know that Central Park is located in the heart of Manhattan, between 59th and 110th street.
The easiest way to get there is by subway, as several lines stop right at the park (the B and C line stop at the west side of the park, while the A, D, and 1 line stop at the east side). If you’re staying in a hotel near Times Square, you can also take the N, Q, or R train.
Of course, there are other transportation routes to consider too, such as taxis, Uber, or even the good old-fashioned method of walking. No matter how you get there, just make sure to give yourself enough time so that you can enjoy your day without feeling rushed.
Entering Central Park
As you enter Central Park, you’ll be able to see why it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City. With its large size and many attractions, it has something for everyone.
Walking and biking are two popular activities in the park. There are numerous trails, making it easy to explore on foot or by bike. The scenery is beautiful, and you’ll often find yourself stopping to take photos.
There are also plenty of places to sit and relax. The park has numerous benches and picnic areas, making it the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing. You can also find several food stands selling snacks and drinks, so you won’t be short of refreshments.
What Can You See and Do?
Once you’re at the park and have found your bearings, you’ll want to take some time to explore all it has to offer. Central Park is huge, spanning over 800 acres, so it is almost impossible to get bored. Here are some of the highlights:
The Reservoir: Located on the east side of the park, the reservoir is a great place to go for a walk or jog. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even walk around the entire perimeter, which is 1.58 miles.
The Bethesda Fountain and Terrace: The fountain, located near the center of the park, is a wonderful place to take a break and people watch. The terrace offers some of the best views in Central Park, so don’t forget your camera.
Strawberry Fields: This 2.5-acre section of the park, dedicated to the memory of John Lennon, is a must-see. You can’t miss the “Imagine” mosaic, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City.
The Great Lawn: The Great Lawn is a large open space that’s perfect for picnicking, playing catch, or just relaxing. On warm days, it is not uncommon to see people sunbathing or playing Frisbee.
What Else Can You Expect From Central Park?
Central Park is definitely one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City. Not only is it a beautiful park, but it’s also home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks. But what else can you get up to?
Well, for starters, you can visit the Central Park Zoo. It’s home to a variety of animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!). You can also go for a walk or a jog around the park or take a ride on one of the many bike paths. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go zip lining!
One of the best things about this area is that there’s something for everyone. So, if you’re planning a trip to New York City, be sure to add Central Park to your list of must-see attractions!
Conclusion
Central Park is one of the most famous and well-known parks in the world. If you’re visiting NYC, it should be at the top of your list of things to do. The park offers something for everyone, from playgrounds and sports fields to gardens and concert venues. There’s also a lot of history and culture to be found in Central Park, making it a must-see destination for any tourist.
So, take some time out of your busy schedule to explore this amazing green space in the heart of Manhattan – you won’t regret it!
