When visiting Manhattan in New York City, taking a stroll in Central Park is a must. Especially during the summer months, it is amazingly beautiful in the center of city of skyscrapers. You can take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, until they ban them, but we didn’t want to based upon reports we had heard about how the horses were treated. Until you actually see it from above, it is hard to believe how large Central Park actually is, which is over 843 acres. There are activities throughout the year, so it is worth checking out their official website before you come to New York to see what is happening when you are there.
In addition to special events and concerts, there is the Central Park Zoo and Belvedere Castle as well as a variety of statues located throughout the park. Renting a bike is a great way to get around and see even more of the park than just by walking its many paths. During the summer, there are many artists selling artwork or willing to paint your caricature if you have the time to sit for one. There are also ball parks and open spaces to toss a Frisbee or kick a soccer ball around. You can even rent a rowboat on the lake, which they have been doing for over 150 years, or take a ride on a gondola.
There are concession stands throughout the park as well, which is a great way to get an inexpensive meal, but there are restaurant choices as well. The most famous of which is probably Tavern on the Green, but we were warned that their reputation has fallen slightly in recent years. We enjoyed a Sunday brunch at the Loeb Boathouse, which has wonderful views of the lake and a delicious variety of food. If you are in the mood for some French food, there is Le Pain Quotidien, which features a variety of quiches, although we did not eat there.
Central Park is truly an oasis in the heart of Manhattan with so much to do that you can certainly spend a full day there. It is possible to get a walking tour of the park, which is a great way to learn more about the history of the park and see some its lesser known attractions.
My childhood park!! But somehow I have more memories of it in winter, who knows why…
It is beautiful all year long 🙂
We were there last year and the park was a wonderful break to the city crowds. We saw a marionette show at the Swedish Cottage, and yes, we were the only adults without children in the audience! 😀
Visited last year but the weather was pretty dreadful. Still walked around the entire park and loved it. Great to have that space in the middle of the city for everyone to use.
Glad you still enjoyed it even with miserable weather :). Yes, it is a great space in the city. We wish more cities would have parks like this.
Beautiful park. I haven’t been there for awhile. Might be time to return to New York City. Were you there recently?
We were there two years ago for our sons wedding.
I have been to NYC but missed the park. Quiet amazing to think is is man-made.
As a runner and traveler, running in Central Park was a must-do for me when I was there. It’s a beautiful park for sure.
We really love the park 🙂
OH! Just came back from New York and we really loved central park, such a nice place to just stroll around in and people watch. Great photos, thanks for sharing 🙂
Rebecka xx
We are glad you enjoyed the photos 🙂
Get over to the west side of the park to check out the John Lennon tribute!
I recently visited New York for the first time and Central Park was certainly a big highlight for me. Love your pics, looks like you had a fab time.
lianne x
http://www.liannemarissa.com
Thank you. We had a great time 🙂
I have lived in New York my entire life and visited Central Park a hundred times…I still haven’t uncovered every gem hidden there!
There is sooo much to explore 🙂
This post brings back memories of my own trip to NY back in 2015 – it was my first solo travel adventure, so I was both nervous and excited 🙂 unfortunately Blizzard Juno hit just as I landed, so I didn’t get to experience nearly half the stuff I wanted to. I’ll definitely have to head back at some point, so I can do a few more of the things you’ve listed x
You can visit NYC several times and never see everything 🙂