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40 Things to Do in New York City Central Park

Sherianne Higgins·
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Top things to do in New York City’s Central Park

New York City Central Park is 843-acres with 58 miles of paths, 9,000 benches, 36 bridges, 7 fountains, and 7 lakes. Central Park is as well-known as its skyline. It is easy to spend an entire in and around this iconic green space while visiting New York City. Here are 40 things to do in New York City’s Central Park.

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Must-See in New York City’s Central Park

Walk under the Wisteria Pergola at the Conservatory Garden

Stop by the Dakota and pay respect to John Lennon

Leave a rose on the Imagine Mosaic

Walk under the Stone Arch

Take the Central Park TV and Movie Sites Tour

Visit the American Natural History Museum

Take the free West Side Stories Tour of Central Park

Climb up Belvedere Castle

Watch Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater

Take a romantic stroll through Shakespeare Garden and enjoy the flowers and poems

Photograph the Manhattan skyline from the Reservoir

Jog the Shuman Running Track around the Reservoir

Take a picture of Manhattan’s skyline from the Great Lawn

Visit the Guggenheim and the MET

New York City Central Park

Photograph the ornamental Greywacke Arch and the Gapstow Bridge

Take a photograph with the Alice in Wonderland Statue

Take a guided tour through Central Park

Watch model sailboat races at Conservatory Water

Check out the Hans Christian Andersen Statue

Listen to a free concert at the Summer Stage

Have breakfast at the Boat House

Go for a romantic row around the Lake

Walk across Bow Bridge

Make a wish at Bethesda Fountain

Check out the Minton Tile Ceiling at Bethesda Arcade

Stroll along The Mall and Literary Walk

Read the love messages on Central Park benches

Listen to a free classical concert at the Naumburg Bandshell

Watch the skaters during a dance party at Skater’s Circle

Have brunch at Tavern on the Green

Enjoy a romantic gourmet picnic at the Sheep’s Meadow

Take a ride on the Carousel

Play a game at the Chess and Checkers House

Climb Umpire Rock

See a performance at the Lincoln Center

Photograph Columbus Circle

Participate in a scavenger hunt through Central Park

Visit the Zoo

Listen to the Delacorte Musical Clock

Check the New York City Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

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18 Responses

  1. Love this place heaps. I have done most of those things, and whenever we do NYC sits by the park I spend hours there each week. Daily runs around the park – 1 full lap – plus my wife and I usually stroll through it for some much needed fresh air too. Inspired place to be in the middle of such a bustling city.

    Ryan

  2. I didn’t know that there were love notes on the benches at Central Park! I have to admit I haven’t explored this area enough. I’ve been to NYC several times and am always taken aback by how much there is to do and see in each neighborhood! It’s amazing!

    1. Yes! Not so merging you would notice unless you were sitting down, or looking for them!

  3. Central Park is amazing and sometimes it’s hard to believe that such a green and calm place exists right next to the skyscrapers and busy streets. Manhattan is probably the liveliest place on the earth and Central Park is a must visit for anyone going to New York. Taking a horse carriage ride through the park is one of my top recommended things to do as well 🙂

  4. Love how you have enlisted 40 awesome things to do in a park that has so much green and a photogenic skyline! I’d love to Climb up Belvedere Castle and visit the Shakespeare garden! That sounds so cool with poetry and flowers. I didnt know they have sailboat races at Conservatory Water! Would be a great photo op!

  5. Didn’t know there was an Alice in Wanderland Statue there! I visited during winter time with my high school band years ago and have been longing to return ever since. The horse carriage sounds lovely too!

  6. I used to live in NYC and one of my favourite places is Central Park! I love visiting the museums nearby, especially Guggenheim. i didn’t know there’s free West Side Stories Tour you can join!

  7. Wow those are so many activities! And each seems interesting. How many days would be required to do them all?

    1. It would be possible to explore the park in one day. Add on time for museums and zoo.

  8. great list of things to do in Central Park! it seems like you could almost spend your entire trip in NYC just doing things in and around the park, haha. To be honest, every time I’ve been in NYC I didn’t spend enough time in Central Park, so this is some great inspiration to spend more time there next time!

  9. I love central park there’s a lot to do there— bike, walk, picnic and what not. I absolutely loved this place.

  10. I love Central Park but it has been at least 10 years since I have been. I loved riding through the park on a horse and carriage ride.

  11. I didn’t realize Central Park extends over such a large area. I was amazed to see how many things can be done in Central Park. The few times I was there I only took a stroll. That was fun for me enough.

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