Central Park: The Heart of New York City
Explore Central Park, New York City's iconic urban oasis filled with gardens, lakes, and vibrant recreational activities for every visitor.
Central Park is a sprawling urban oasis nestled in the heart of Manhattan, offering a perfect blend of nature, recreation, and iconic landmarks that attract millions of visitors each year.
A brief summary to Central Park
- New York, Manhattan, New York, US
- +1212-310-6600
- Visit website
- Monday 6 am-1 am
- Tuesday 6 am-1 am
- Wednesday 6 am-1 am
- Thursday 6 am-1 am
- Friday 6 am-1 am
- Saturday 6 am-1 am
- Sunday 6 am-1 am
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Consider renting a bike for a fun way to explore the park's extensive trails and hidden gems.
- Don't miss the Shakespeare Garden located near the west side, a beautiful spot with a variety of flowers mentioned in his works.
- Check the park's event calendar for free concerts, performances, and cultural events happening during your visit.
- Bring a picnic blanket and some snacks to enjoy a leisurely meal on the Great Lawn.
Getting There
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Train
From Stamford, head to the Stamford Transportation Center located at 30 Station Pl. You can walk there from downtown Stamford, just head east on Atlantic St until you reach the transportation center. Once at the center, purchase a ticket for a Metro-North train heading to Grand Central Terminal in New York City. The journey takes about 45 minutes. After arriving at Grand Central, follow the signs to the subway and take the 7 train towards Flushing. Get off at Times Square-42nd St and transfer to the 1, 2, or 3 train. Take one of these trains to 59th St-Columbus Circle. From the subway exit, Central Park will be directly in front of you.
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Bus
From Stamford, you can take the Greyhound or Peter Pan bus. The bus terminal is located at 30 Station Pl. Once you arrive there, purchase a ticket to New York City. The bus journey typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on traffic. After arriving in New York City, disembark at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. From there, exit the terminal and walk towards 8th Avenue. Turn right and walk until you reach 42nd St. At 42nd St, turn left and walk towards Central Park, which will be about a 15-minute walk.
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Metro-North Train
Start at the Stamford Transportation Center located at 30 Station Pl. Head to the ticket counters and purchase a ticket to Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Board a Metro-North train on the New Haven Line. The trip will take around 45 minutes. Once you arrive at Grand Central Terminal, follow the signs to the 7 subway train and take it towards Flushing. Get off at 59th St and transfer to the 1, 2, or 3 subway train towards downtown. Exit the subway at 59th St-Columbus Circle, and Central Park will be right in front of you.
Discover more about Central Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Alexander Hamilton Monument
0.2 km
Explore the Alexander Hamilton Monument in Central Park, a stunning sculpture honoring one of America's foundational figures amidst beautiful park landscapes.
The Obelisk
0.3 km
Explore The Obelisk in Central Park, a 3,500-year-old Egyptian monument, and behold history and art in one breathtaking landmark.
Graffiti in the city
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant street art of Manhattan, where every corner tells a story through stunning graffiti murals and creative expressions.
Church of the Heavenly Rest
0.6 km
Discover the peace and beauty of the Church of the Heavenly Rest, an architectural gem in NYC that offers spiritual solace and community engagement.
Metropolitan Museum Historic District
0.7 km
Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of the Metropolitan Museum Historic District, a cultural gem in New York City.
Upper West Side/Central Park West Historic District
0.7 km
Explore the Upper West Side/Central Park West Historic District, where history meets vibrant city life amidst stunning architecture and lush landscapes.
Park Avenue Historic District
0.9 km
Experience the charm and elegance of Park Avenue Historic District, a must-see architectural gem in the heart of New York City.
5th Ave
0.9 km
Discover the charm of 5th Avenue, a must-see destination in New York City filled with shopping, culture, and iconic landmarks.
The San Remo
1.0 km
Explore the iconic San Remo, a historical landmark on Central Park West, showcasing stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage in New York City.
Bethesda Terrace
1.1 km
Explore Bethesda Terrace, a historic gem in Central Park, where stunning architecture meets breathtaking views of New York City.
The Dakota
1.1 km
Discover the architectural beauty and historical significance of The Dakota, an iconic landmark on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City.
Daniel Webster Monument
1.1 km
Explore the Daniel Webster Monument in Central Park, a stunning tribute to American history and eloquence amidst nature's beauty.
Carnegie Hill Historic District
1.2 km
Discover the architectural beauty and historical significance of Carnegie Hill Historic District, a serene gem in Manhattan's vibrant landscape.
Riverside-West End Historic District
1.4 km
Discover the Riverside-West End Historic District, a stunning historical landmark in Manhattan showcasing beautiful architecture and rich cultural heritage.
W 72nd St
1.4 km
Discover the vibrant culture and charm of W 72nd St in Manhattan, a must-visit location near Central Park filled with dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Unmissable attractions to see
Arthur Ross Pinetum
0.1 km
Discover the tranquility of the Arthur Ross Pinetum in Central Park, a serene arboretum featuring a diverse collection of conifers and peaceful walking paths.
Seneca Village Site
0.3 km
Explore the historic Seneca Village Site in Central Park, a testament to the vibrant 19th-century African American community in the heart of New York City.
Delacorte Theater
0.4 km
Delacorte Theater: A captivating outdoor venue in Central Park for unforgettable performances and memorable cultural experiences.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
0.4 km
Discover a world of art and culture at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City’s premier cultural destination with an extensive collection spanning centuries.
The Central Park Turtle Pond
0.4 km
Explore the tranquility of Central Park's Turtle Pond, a serene escape in the heart of Manhattan with stunning views and abundant wildlife.
Ancient Playground
0.4 km
Experience the magic of Ancient Playground in New York's Museum Mile, where creativity and play come together amidst cultural treasures.
Belvedere Castle
0.5 km
Discover Belvedere Castle in Central Park: A historic castle offering breathtaking views and rich history amidst the natural beauty of New York City.
Neue Galerie New York
0.5 km
Explore the exquisite world of early 20th-century German and Austrian art at Neue Galerie New York, a cultural treasure in the heart of Manhattan.
Shakespeare Garden
0.5 km
Discover the serene beauty of Shakespeare Garden, a floral tribute to the Bard nestled in Central Park, perfect for nature lovers and literary enthusiasts.
Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
0.5 km
Discover the whimsical charm of the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park, where enchanting puppet performances captivate audiences of all ages.
Essential places to dine
The Milling Room
0.8 km
Experience the essence of American cuisine at The Milling Room in Manhattan, where fresh ingredients meet innovative cooking.
The Smith
1.8 km
Savor exquisite American cuisine at The Smith in Manhattan—your go-to spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and oysters.
Per Se
2.2 km
Experience exquisite French fine dining at Per Se with stunning Central Park views and unforgettable culinary artistry.
ROBERT
2.2 km
Savor exquisite American cuisine with breathtaking views at Robert in Manhattan's Columbus Circle.
The Modern
2.6 km
Experience fine dining at The Modern in NYC - where American and French cuisines meet artful presentation in an exquisite setting.
Le Bernardin
2.7 km
Discover unparalleled seafood delights at Le Bernardin – New York's premier French fine dining destination offering exquisite tastes and elegant ambiance.
Ellen's Stardust Diner
2.7 km
Experience Broadway magic while savoring classic American dishes at Ellen's Stardust Diner in New York City.
Cafe Archetypus
3.7 km
Discover Cafe Archetypus in Edgewater: A charming cafe offering artisanal coffee and delicious pastries with stunning river views.
Maiella
4.0 km
Experience exquisite Italian dining at Maiella in Queens with stunning skyline views and authentic flavors.
American Brass
4.3 km
Discover American Brass: A Culinary Haven in Long Island City Offering Fresh Seafood & Prime Steaks with Stunning Views.
Hortus NYC
4.5 km
Experience unique Asian fusion flavors at Hortus NYC, where Korean culinary traditions meet modern innovation in Manhattan.
Jackson's Eatery | Bar
4.6 km
Discover Jackson's Eatery | Bar in Long Island City: A perfect blend of American cuisine and vibrant atmosphere awaits you.
Sugar Freak
4.6 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Creole cuisine at Sugar Freak in Astoria - where Southern hospitality meets culinary excellence.
Oscar Wilde
4.6 km
Discover Oscar Wilde: A Victorian-inspired bistro and bar offering exquisite New American cuisine in the heart of Manhattan.
Upland
4.8 km
Experience the best of Californian-Italian cuisine at Upland in Manhattan - where vibrant flavors meet chic ambiance.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Museum Shop
0.7 km
Explore The Museum Shop for unique gifts inspired by nature and science at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
HINA
1.0 km
Discover unique home goods at HINA, where local charm meets modern design in the heart of the city.
Unique Boutique
1.3 km
Explore Unique Boutique, a charming thrift store in Manhattan, for one-of-a-kind vintage finds and eco-friendly shopping.
Really Great Things NYC Boutique
1.5 km
Explore unique women's fashion, custom tailoring, and couture pieces at Really Great Things NYC Boutique in the heart of Manhattan.
New York Attitude Gift shop
2.5 km
Explore New York Attitude Gift Shop for unique souvenirs and a cozy bar atmosphere, capturing the vibrant spirit of the Big Apple.
I Love NY by Phantom of Broadway
2.7 km
Discover the spirit of New York at I Love NY by Phantom of Broadway, where every souvenir tells a story.
Ny's Best Gift Shop
2.8 km
Explore Ny's Best Gift Shop for unique souvenirs and local treasures amidst the vibrant streets of Manhattan.
NiLu Gift Boutique
2.8 km
Explore the charm of NiLu Gift Boutique, where unique gifts and local crafts await every visitor in vibrant Harlem, New York City.
Rough Trade
2.9 km
Discover the vibrant music culture of New York City at Rough Trade, a record store and cultural hub for music lovers.
The Shop at NBC Studios
2.9 km
Explore unique souvenirs and NBC-themed gifts at The Shop at NBC Studios, a must-visit destination in the heart of New York City.
Gifts on the Square
2.9 km
Explore Gifts on the Square for unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the vibrant spirit of New York City, right in the heart of Times Square.
I Love NY Gifts by Phantom of Broadway
3.1 km
Explore I Love NY Gifts by Phantom of Broadway for the best selection of New York souvenirs and unique memorabilia that capture the city's essence.
Grand Slam New York
3.1 km
Explore the heart of Manhattan at Grand Slam New York, your go-to gift shop for souvenirs, toys, and sporting goods in the city that never sleeps.
Line Friends New York Times Square Store
3.2 km
Explore the whimsical world of Line Friends at the iconic Times Square store, a treasure trove of toys, fashion, and exclusive merchandise.
Domus - unaffected living
3.4 km
Explore Domus in Manhattan, a hidden gem for unique gifts and home decor reflecting the vibrant spirit of New York City.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tanner Smith's
2.4 km
Discover Tanner Smith's, a stylish gastropub in Manhattan offering exquisite cocktails and modern American cuisine for an unforgettable dining experience.
PIMCO
2.8 km
Discover PIMCO, a key financial institution offering breathtaking views and a taste of Manhattan's vibrant economic life.
Strangelove Bar Nyc
2.8 km
Discover the eclectic ambiance of Strangelove Bar NYC, where craft cocktails meet a punk-rock vibe in the heart of Manhattan's nightlife.
Lost in Paradise Rooftop
3.7 km
Discover Lost in Paradise Rooftop, an enchanting cocktail bar in Queens, offering breathtaking skyline views and expertly crafted drinks.
Raines Law Room at The William
3.8 km
Experience the charm of Raines Law Room at The William, a cocktail bar in Manhattan known for unique drinks and a cozy atmosphere.
Hudson Blue Bar & View
3.9 km
Discover Hudson Blue Bar & View: your ultimate destination for sports, stunning views, and delicious food in Weehawken, New Jersey.
Bo Peep Cocktail and Highball Store
4.0 km
Discover the enchanting blend of live piano music and handcrafted cocktails at Bo Peep Cocktail and Highball Store in Manhattan.
THE HUNTRESS whiskey, wings n’ other things
4.0 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of The Huntress in Long Island City, where gourmet wings, craft beer, and a lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable dining experience.
The Shannon Pot
4.0 km
Experience authentic Irish hospitality at The Shannon Pot, a cozy pub in Queens serving delicious food and a wide selection of drinks.
LIC Bar
4.1 km
Experience vibrant nightlife at LIC Bar in Long Island City, where great drinks and lively dancing create unforgettable memories.
Bar 47
4.2 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of Bar 47 in the Bronx, where great drinks and community spirit come together for an unforgettable night out.
Gantry Bar & Kitchen
4.3 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Gantry Bar & Kitchen in Long Island City, serving delicious food and cocktails with a stunning Manhattan skyline view.
The Beast Next Door
4.3 km
Discover The Beast Next Door, a cocktail bar in Long Island City, Queens, known for its inventive drinks and inviting atmosphere, perfect for any night out.
Mad Donkey Beer Bar & Grill
4.3 km
Discover the lively Mad Donkey Beer Bar & Grill in Astoria, where delicious grilled dishes meet entertaining comedy and karaoke nights.
Diamond Dogs
4.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Astoria at Diamond Dogs, a cocktail bar and beer garden known for its creative drinks and lively atmosphere.
