Central Park, New York, walking through an iconic park

Central Park – Although we are 100% outdoorsy people, we also like to go for a city walk. Through beautiful Brussels or Antwerp , but the world city of New York is still a division higher.

Did you know that you can walk for miles in the heart of New York in the green? Along the way you will even come across rock formations, waterfalls, lakes, castles and many more beautiful things. The elongated Central Park stretches over 4 kilometers from 59th to 110th Street and has a total area of no less than 341 hectares. A walk in the famous park, which has served as a backdrop for many films and series, is ideal to escape the city bustle for a while (well, Central Park also has more than 40 million visitors per year).

I walked, with my two beautiful daughters, through the park from North to South, passing most of the sights.

History of Central Park

Central Park, located in the heart of Manhattan, New York, is one of the most iconic urban parks in the world. The history of the legendary park begins somewhere in the mid-19th century, when the need for green space in the rapidly growing city became increasingly urgent. In 1857, it was decided to create a park on a 280-acre site. The land was purchased for over five million dollars (a huge sum at the time) and the 1,600 residents of the area, mainly poor African Americans and European immigrants, were dispossessed and evicted.

The design of the park was entrusted to landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted (pictured) and Calvert Vaux . The construction of the park took a whopping sixteen years and required enormous amounts of material and labor. More than ten million carloads of rubble and sand were removed and more than four million trees, plants and shrubs were planted. Central Park was finally officially opened in 1873.

In the years following its opening, however, it fell into disrepair. Under Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, a major renovation was carried out in 1934, which breathed new life into the park. In the 1960s and 1970s, Central Park was the scene of major concerts and festivals, but the park also suffered a wave of crime.

In the 1980s, the park was renovated again and even got its own department of the New York Police Department.

Today, Central Park is a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike. The huge park (see it from the air) offers a variety of recreational activities, from jogging and biking to rowing and ice skating.

Places of interest

Central Park is full of beautiful sights and attractions. The map and GPX that you can find below passes almost all of these sights. Here are some of the most popular places that you definitely don’t want to miss:

Bethesda Terrace and Fountain – Often considered the heart of Central Park, the fountain and terrace are beautifully designed and offer a great place to relax and people watch.
Belvedere Castle – This castle offers beautiful views over the park and also houses a small nature center.
Central Park Zoo – A small but charming zoo with a variety of animals, ideal for a family outing.
Strawberry Fields – A memorial to John Lennon, located near the Dakota building where he lived and was murdered by Mark Chapman . It is a peaceful spot with a plaque and a mosaic with the word “Imagine”. You are guaranteed to find a busker singing Beatles songs.
Cleopatra’s Needle is the name of three ancient Egyptian obelisks in London, New York (Central Park) and Paris, which were donated to these cities by Egypt in the 19th century.
The Mall and Literary Walk – A wide, tree-lined promenade leading to an area with statues of famous writers.
Conservatory Garden – A formal garden with beautiful flowers and fountains, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Alice in Wonderland Statue – A large bronze statue of Alice and her friends, loved by children and adults alike.
The Great Lawn – An expansive lawn where you can picnic, sunbathe or play sports.
The Res e rvoir – Officially the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, a large water reservoir with a popular jogging trail surrounding it.
Bow Bridge – A beautiful cast iron bridge often seen in films and TV series.

Film locations

Central Park is a popular location for movies and TV shows because of its iconic and diverse landscapes. Here are some famous movies and TV shows that were filmed in Central Park:

Films

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York – Kevin McCallister has adventures in Central Park, including an encounter with the “pigeon woman” at Bethesda Fountain.
The Avengers – The final scene of this superhero film takes place in Central Park.
When Harry Met Sally – Various scenes, including the famous walk through the park in autumn.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s – The romantic scene at the Bethesda Fountain.
Enchanted – The musical scene “That’s How You Know” was filmed in Central Park.
Our own Belgian Smurfs even walked around the legendary park.
…

Tv-series

Friends – Various scenes, including the famous picnic scene.
Gossip Girl – Many scenes featuring the Upper East Side youth take place in Central Park.
Sex and the City – Carrie Bradshaw has several iconic moments in the park, including the famous scene at the Central Park Boathouse.

Central Park provides a beautiful backdrop for both romantic and adventurous scenes, making it a favorite location for filmmakers. Do you have a favorite movie or series that was filmed in Central Park or NY? Let us know in the comments.

Food and drinks

Gita Caers — *You haven’t been to NY if you haven’t tried a pretzel.*

There are just a few dining options in the vast Park such as the Loeb Boathouse , the Belgian Le Pain Quotidien , Ballfields Café or Tavern on the Green . Or try the Migrant Kitchen for a culinary journey around the world.

Furthermore, you will find typical New York food stands throughout the park where you can get hot dogs, tacos, corn dogs, ice cream, drinks, coffee and much more. Here and there, South American migrants sell freshly cut fruit in cups, a welcome change from all the American fast food.

Drinking fountains

You’ll also find plenty of drinking fountains throughout the park where you can refresh yourself. Is the water safe to drink? Absolutely. The Department of Environmental Protection performs more than 600,000 tests on New York City’s water each year to ensure that it meets or exceeds all state and federal health standards. You’ll see blue stickers on the drinking fountains to let you know that the water has been tested and approved. Conservancy staff also cleans these fountains regularly.

Things to do

Central Park biedt een breed scala aan activiteiten voor iedereen! Hier zijn enkele hoogtepunten:

Picnic : Enjoy a relaxing picnic on one of the many lawns.
Biking and walking : Explore the park by bike or on foot. There are also many rickshaw drivers who will gladly take you on a tour of the park. Agree on the price in advance!
Central Park Zoo : Visit the zoo and discover a variety of animals.
Boating : Rent a rowboat and enjoy a peaceful trip on the lake. An affordable activity by New York standards ($25 in 2024).
Concerts and Events : In the summer there are often free concerts and events such as Shakespeare in the Park.
Things to See : Visit iconic sites like Strawberry Fields, the John Lennon Memorial, Bethesda Fountain, and the Alice in Wonderland statue.
Museums : Near the park you will find museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History . Next to the park on the Upper East Side you will find the ‘Museum Mile’. The Museum Mile is a famous stretch of Fifth Avenue, stretching from East 82nd Street to East 110th Street on the east side of Central Park. This mile is known for its concentration of world-famous museums.
In winter you can enjoy ice skating in the park.
Do you know the sport Pickleball ?

Map Central Park

GPX Central Park walk along most of the sights

GPX Central Park

How do you get there?

We assume you’re already in New York and not flying in especially for a walk in the park 😉

There are numerous metro stations around the park, making the green oasis easily accessible from all corners of the city.

The A, C, B and D lines all serve the park on the Upper West Side. On the Upper East Side, the park (and its many museums) can be reached on lines 4, 5 and 6.

There are also stops above and below the park on various metro lines such as the 2 and 3, N, R, W, etc.

Prefer a guided walk?

The man with the yellow coat BE NY is a household name among Belgians and many other tourists in New York. As a Belgian American, he lives in New York with his wife and two children. If you visit NY, be sure to read one of his very cool books about the city for great tips.

Weather Central Park this week

Central Park WEER DEZE WEEK

Toilets

Going to the toilet in a big city can be annoying, but in Central Park that is no problem!
Public toilets are located throughout the park at various attractions, monuments and playgrounds. Please note that some toilets are seasonal and are not open in the winter. Most toilets are also wheelchair accessible. Check the
map for locations .

Can I visit Central Park in a wheelchair?

The topography of Central Park can sometimes be challenging for users with limited mobility. To help with this, the Central Park Conservancy has created a map with information on how to get around Central Park, with a special emphasis on access for people with disabilities and/or limited mobility.

The map, which is useful for all park visitors, points out potential obstacles such as stairs, and shows the slope (or steepness) of the paths and ramps through the park. You can also find accessible restrooms for people with disabilities, some interesting facts about Central Park, and other useful information about safety and mobility.

Download the Conservancy’s Central Park Admission Map here. This map is also available at information kiosks and visitor centers throughout Central Park.

Walking your dog in Central Park

Balto, the sled dog hero, stands majestically on a rock just north of the Tisch Children’s Zoo. His statue is one of the most popular in the park and is perfect for photos with kids or your own dog.

In 1925, Nome, Alaska, was struck by a horrific outbreak of diphtheria. There was not enough antitoxin available to treat all the sick until teams of mushers and sled dogs battled a blinding snowstorm and traveled 600 miles to deliver the medicine. Balto, a husky, was one of the heroic lead dogs.

The chances of you taking your dog with you on holiday or during a stay in New York may be slim. You will need to meet a number of requirements.

Take your own dog to the iconic park

Central Park can feel like one big dog park at times, but there are a few rules to help everyone enjoy their time and stay safe. These rules are in place to protect the wildlife (have you spotted a raccoon?) and the ecosystems in the park. We found the dogs to be extremely well-trained in the park, many were off leash but perfectly obedient to their owners. New York zero tolerance.

BELOW ARE DOG RULES AND REGULATIONS
– Dogs must be under the control of their owner at all times.
– Animals must have a NYC license tag and a valid rabies tag.
– Your dog may not chase wildlife, damage park property, or interfere with other park users.
– Always clean up after your dog, including brushing off dog hair in the park.
– Respect signs, fences, and red flags that may indicate temporary closures due to restoration, maintenance, or weather conditions.
– These rules are part of the NYC legal code, Dog owners may be fined for any violation.
– If you find a lost dog or your dog goes missing, contact the Animal Care Centers of NYC.

Leash uren

Dogs must be on a leash in Central Park from 9am to 9pm daily. Off-leash hours in Central Park are 6am to 9am and 9pm to 1am.

Please note: Dogs must always be kept on a leash at the following locations, including during off-leash hours:

Arthur Ross Pinetum (Mid-Park between 84th and 86th Street)
Bridle Path (Loop surrounding the Reservoir)
Children’s Glade (West Side between 103rd and 106th Street)
Conservatory Garden (East Side between 104th and 106th Street)
East Green (East Side at 69th Street)
East Meadow Oval (East Side between 97th and 100th Street)
Kerbs Boathouse Plaza (East Side at 74th Street)
North Woods (Mid-Park between 101st and 110th Street)
The Ramble (Mid-Park between 73rd and 79th Street)
Shakespeare Garden (West Side at 79th Street)
Strawberry Fields (West Side between 71st and 74th Street)
Turtle Pond Lawn (Mid-Park at 80th Street)
West 86-90th ^Street Lawn
Central Park Drives
Other areas where signs requiring dogs to be leashed are posted

Audio Guide & app’s

There is an audio guide for both
adults (via the Bloomberg Connect app) and
children . The Central Park Conservancy recently relaunched the official Central Park app. It features a map section where you can locate where you are in the park, click on surrounding attractions and hear the nearest audio tour. New York City greats Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Whoopi Goldberg and Mathew Broderick provide narration.

Central Park with kids

Kids explore Central Park with Lettie , a time traveler from 1920s Harlem, and Alex, a modern-day guide from the Central Park Conservancy. As they play, they’ll uncover clues that will lead Lettie back home!

Along the way, discover hidden spots in the park’s picturesque north end and learn about the park’s unique history and care.
Begin your walk at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center. Follow the audio guide to explore the park at your own pace, solving puzzles at each stop. Look for signs throughout the park with three- or four-digit codes and use the “Reveal Code” link to check your answers.

Another popular activity in the park for youngsters (and adults) is catching Pokémons . It sometimes even causes hysteria when a rare Pokémon shows up. Furthermore, there are numerous playgrounds, skate parks and sports fields to be found throughout the park.

Marathon

The
New York Marathon (usually the first weekend of November) is one of the city’s biggest sporting events. Are you planning to explore Central Park? Don’t do it on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday around the marathon. 50,000 people run and another 2 million visitors stroll around. Not the best time to quietly explore the park.

Is Central Park safe?

Central Park in New York City is now one of the safest city parks in the world. In the past, the park had a bad reputation for crime, filth and even murder. Due to efforts by the police (the park has its own police unit), safety has improved considerably.

Things used to be different, in the 80s dozens of murders were committed every year in the now so quiet park. The Central Park jogger case was even turned into a series. The gripping When they see us can be watched on Netflix.

Overnight stay in New York

Central Park is very centrally located and accessible from all corners of the city. We stayed at
The Gallery House in Harlem, which we can highly recommend. It is quieter than in the city center, you have an apartment with very friendly private owners and it is located close to the subway. Moreover, it is a lot cheaper than the city center. In Harlem you also discover a different NY than downtown.