Visit Central Park in New York: tickets, fares, schedules

You planning a stay in New York? So don't miss visiting Central Park, the green lung of the city!

If there is a must to do during a stay in New York, it is undoubtedly visiting Central Park. This vast landscaped park of 341 hectares is an oasis of greenery in the heart of Manhattan.

This green rectangle, 4km long over 800 metres wide, is an integral part of the lifestyle of the inhabitants who love it. Tourists also appreciate it, the time for a break on the museum path or after a harassing day of shopping. Each season allows you to enjoy Central Park differently, especially through its landscapes and activities.

Then follow the guide to know all the important information and enjoy the best green lung in New York!

The history of Central Park

At the beginning of the 19th century, this wild and swampy site was a good distance from the city, concentrated in the bottom of Manhattan Island. Only a few Irish families lived in modest barracks and the rich New Yorkers came there on Sunday. It was in 1850 that the idea of creating a park in this place was established. Indeed, according to the poet William Cullen Bryant , it was necessary to offer to the city of New York, a real park that would “dist away its inhabitants from alcohol, game and vices.”

The construction work began in 1857. Central Park was built completely artificially, according to a succession of natural paintings, in the lineage of the Hudson River School, the landscape painting school in vogue at the time.

The work was massive and cost the equivalent of $500 million today. Architects Olmsted and Vaux devoted more than 19 years of their lives there. Central Park becomes one of the first public park in history!

He then established himself as the green lung of the city, occupying 6% of the total surface of Manhattan. The town that gradually extended the squadron: to the east (the Upper East Side) and to the west (the Upper West Side). After a decline in the middle of the 20th century, Central Park became one of the most dangerous places in New York. But he quickly regained his past glory thanks to the measures taken by the mayor Rudolph Giuliani .

Today, Central Park welcomes more than 25 million visitors a year and remains a must during a stay in the city.

What to see and what to do in Central Park?

It is difficult to visit Central Park in New York in one day. Indeed, if there are many monuments to discover, it is also pleasant to stroll around to discover the varied flora, but also to practice many activities. You can enjoy jogging, skating, cycling or horseback riding.

So here's our top things to do and see in Central Park:

• The Great Lawn : This is certainly one of Central Park’s flagship locations. In the heart of the park, from the 79th to the 86th Street, this huge lawn is a place of relaxation par excellence: rest, picnic and free concerts can be enjoyed.

Photo credit: Maxpixel

• The Strawberry Fields : Monument dedicated to the memory of John Lennon, one of the Beattles, the Strawberry Fields is a must if you are visiting Central Park. In the West Side, between 71st and 74th Street, the word “imagin” is written on a pavement of mosaics and attracts fans from all over the world. * Sheep Meadow : In summer, don’t miss relaxing on the huge Sheep Meadow lawn. Located in the West Side (66th at 69th Street), this place is the ideal place to take a sunbath while admiring the spectacular view of the skyscrapers. During the summer season, free outdoor cinema sessions are organized.

Photo credit: Wikimedia – Ingfbruno

• The Belvedere Castle : Located on 79th Street, Belvedere Castle was built at the top of Vista Rock, one of the park's authentic rocks. It offers superb views of the Belvedere Lake and Great Lawn.

Photo credit: Wikipedia - Stig Nygaard

• Bethesda Fountain : Direction the heart of Central Park to admire the Bethesda Fountain, one of the most famous in the world. The terrace overlooking it offers a breathtaking view of the lake and the Great Lawn. Take a break to listen to street musicians.

Photo credit: Pexels – Nicholas Santasier

• Loeb Boathouse : Facing the Bethesda Fountain, do not miss renting a small boat or a pedal boat at the Loeb Boathouse. The opportunity to see the park from another angle and be rocked by the country atmosphere.

Photo credit: Pxhere

• The Zoo de Central Park : Located in the East Side between 63rd and 66th Street, the Zoo of Central Park is a perfect activity during a family stay. There you can see many animal species. The Children’s Zoo also allows the smallest to approach the farm’s animals.

Photo credit: Flickr – Peyri Herrera

• The ice rink Wollman Rink : If you're visiting Central Park in winter, don't miss the Wollman Rink (59th Street and 6th Avenue). From the end of October to the end of April, you can thus enhance the skates and admire one of the most beautiful views on the skyscrapers of New York.

Photo credit: Unsplash – Joseph Barrientos

How do I get to Central Park?

If you would like to visit Central Park, know that it is located in the heart of Manhattan’s New York District. More precisely, it starts to the south, at the 59th Street level, and ends to the north on the 110th Street, where the Harlem neighbourhood begins. It is framed by 8th Street and 5th Avenue.

You can get to Central Park in New York:

• By plane: New York has three main airports: JFK (John F. Kennedy), LaGuardia and Newark. From Europe, JFK is the main gateway to the United States. Many companies operate daily from Paris to this main airport. Just compare ticket prices on the site Ulysses to realize that. Count about 7 hours of non-stop flight to Big Apple.
• Taxi: Once on site you can reach the city center by taxi. The price from JFK airport to any point in Manhattan is $75 (including flooring and tips). The journey time is about half an hour.
• By metro:

- Lines N, R and Q: These trains stop at 57th Street and 7th Avenue

- Lines 2 and 3: These trains move north and south and stop at 59th Street and Columbus Circle, followed by stops along Broadway at 72nd, 96th and 110th Streets

- Lines B and C: These trains move north and south along Central Park West, with 72nd, 81st, 86th, 96th, 103rd and 110th streets.

- Lines A, B, C, D and 1: These trains all stop at 59th Street / Columbus Circle. Train 1 also makes all stops along Broadway at 66th, 72nd, 79th, 86th, 96th, 103rd and 110th streets

• By bus:

- M10: On the west side, this bus runs north and south along Central Park West.

- M1, M2, M3, M4: on the east side, the buses travel south along Fifth Avenue and north along Madison Avenue.

- M57, M66, M72, M79, M96, M96, M116, M57, M116: These buses in crosstown circulate from west to east and west on the 57th, 66th, 72nd, 79th, 86th, 96th, 106th and 110th streets.

- From Penn Station: Take the M20 bus from W 34th Street Station to Lincoln Center. Get down to Central Park South near Columbus Circle

- From Grand Central Station: Take Q32 bus from Madison Ave and E 42nd Street to Jackson Heights, Queens. Go west on E 59th Street until you arrive at 5th Avenue and Central Park South.

• By car: If you opted for the car rental when you arrive in New York, parking is located near Central Park

Once you arrive in Manhattan, you can access Central Park by one of its 18 admissions. Please also indicate your position on Google map to find the closest entry to your position.

Central Park specific times and rates

Central Park in New York is open daily from 6h to 1h , and the entrance is free . However, some internal activities in the park are paid and subject to different times:

This is the case of Zoo de Central Park , where it takes about $14 for adult entry, $9 for children aged 3 to 12 and $11 for people over 65. The Zoo is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, and up to 5:30pm on weekends and holidays.

Know that there are also many guided tours to learn more about the green lung of New York. Some are free and others require a $15 contribution, which is used to maintain the park. More information on the official website .

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