Central Park NY

...843 Acres to Bike, Blade, Boat, Walk, Picnic, Tour

Central Park NY has so much to see and do! Native New Yorkers always want to live "by the Park," not just because of its beauty, but also for all the cool things to do there. Central Park draws between 37 and 38 million visits a year. Most everyone has their favorite Central Park spot and you can read more about them below.


Central Park Photo Gallery

Central Park

Central Park Spring Cherry Blossoms Central Park Reservior South View Central Park Boathouse Central Park Horse Carriage Ride Climbing Rocks in Central Park NY
Central Park Ice Skating North Rink Central Park Jogging in Spring Central Park View Central Park Bicycle Rental Central Park NY Summer Carnival

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Central Park is probably one of the most famous places in the world and one of NYC's best (and free!) things to do. Central Park has been showcased for decades in movies, film and books. Here are some of the best things to do while visiting Central Park.


Walking Tours of Central Park NY

Strawberry Fields in Central Park NY
Strawberry Fields in Central Park NY

Most New Yorkers agree, Central Park is best seen on foot. Choose from over 10 different free tours all year round, such as Waterways and Vistas or Amble Through the Ramble. You can also print three self-guided tours. Central Park is always free, but with so many options, and 843 acres of park to see, pick the things best for you and your family. Check the official Central Park NY Tours site or try FREE Central Park Tours with our favorite NYC free tour company, NYC by Foot.

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On Location Central Park Movie Tour

Central Park Movie Tour

A two-hour walking tour to over 40 locations in Central Park NY. Visit the Boathouse Café used in 'When Harry Met Sally', the Bandshell from 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and 'Kramer vs. Kramer', and Bethesda Fountain seen in movies such as 'One Fine Day' and 'Ransom'.

Choose this tour with your New York Explorer Pass or directly through On Location Central Park Movie Tour. Make sure to use the NYC Insider Guide exclusive discount code, NYCINSIDER10, for 10% off any On Location NY public tour price.

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Dine in Central Park NY - The Boathouse

Central Park Loeb Boathouse

One of MY FAVORITE NYC Restaurants - the view and atmosphere are unparalleled. Surround yourself with trees and a lake and you likely won't even know you are in the City. Both the day and night landscape are gorgeous.

The food is also good, especially considering most restaurants with "prime locations" don't have great food. Rent bicycles, row boats or a private Gondola.

The Loeb Boathouse on 74th, East Side, www.thecentralparkboathouse.com

Venetian Gondola Tour around Central Park Lake. $30/ride for up to 6 people; must reserve in advance). Andres, Central Park’s very own gondolier, can take your family on a 30-minute spin around Central Park Lake. A classic for a marriage proposal in New York City.

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Central Park NY and New York City Passes

New York Pass One Card. One Price. Endless Fun!

The New York Pass

Includes both Bike and Roll NYC Bike Rental ($39 value) and Central Park Bicycle Rentals & Tours ($49 value) and Central Park Zoo Admission.

New York City Explorer Pass and Go Select Card

New York Explorer Pass

Offers Central Park Movie Tour by On Location Tours ($22 Value - see description) and Bike and Roll Central Park Tour ($50 value) as choices.

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Roller Blade in Central Park NY

Central Park NY

Blades Board & Skate
W 72nd Bway/Columbus
(212) 787-3911
roughly $15-25 per day.
www.blades.com

Also: www.centralparkskate.com

 

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Ride a Bicycle in Central Park NY

Bicycle in Central Park NY

More Central Park Bicycle Rentals:

Loeb Boathouse
www.thecentralparkboathouse.com
$6-$15/hr, all day $45-$50

Bike Rental Central Park
2 hr tours daily: 10am, 1pm, & 4pm Adults: 45$ Kids: 35$
www.BikeRentalCentralPark.com

Central Park Bicycle Shop
315 W 57th St, #6 (8th-9th Aves)
Start at $15/hr www.centralparkbicycleshop.com

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Picnic in Central Park NY

Picnic in Central Park NY

Grab anything at a local deli, or order a picnic from Bouchon Bakery. With a one day advance order, the bakery will fill a canvas tote with breakfast ($32) or lunch ($42).

For a DIY version, stop at Whole Foods in the Time Warner Center and grab a picnic to go.

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Central Park Zoo

Central Park Zoo Polar Bear

Open 365 days per year, the Zoo is fantastic place to see leopards, polar bears swimming, pandas, lions, penguins, harbor seals, monkeys and bears.

Check out the Petting Zoo, 4-D movies, snack at the Leaping Frog Café, rain forest with tropical birds and so much more right in the heart of NYC.

Adult $12, Child $7, Senior $9. Included with New York Pass.

More info on the Central Park Zoo and every other zoo in the US!

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Carriage Ride in Central Park NY

Central-Park-Carriage-Ride

Please Note: NYC Insider Guide does not encourage (or discourage) riding horse-drawn carriages in NYC. However, many New Yorkers and animal rights activists are AVIDLY AGAINST this practice. Don't be surprised to see picket lines and protests near the carriages.

In general, it's a very "tourist" thing to do and we've given you 10 better ways to enjoy Central Park.

Rates: The signs say "$50 for 30 minutes or any fraction thereof" - but the REAL DEAL is the Hansom Cab Drivers take you on an assigned 1.5 mile route through the park that takes approximately 20 minutes (18- 23 minutes, depending on the horse pace).

What the sign really should say is "$50 for 1.5 mile tour, $20 per 15 minutes thereafter," although the Hansom Cab Drivers do not like to add on time. The bottom line is you are paying for the tour, not hiring the Hansom Driver by the minute. Suggested tip is $10 if the driver does a great job, so budget $60. Prices are for 4 Adults, or up to 5 people with 3 Adults and 2 small children.

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Central Park Map of Central Park NY

Central Park Map of Central Park NY

Download our Free Printable NYC Guide including a Central Park Map

Check the Central Park Site

Check the Central Park Runners Map

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Central Park NY Hotels

These are NYC Insider hand picked hotels that are not just "near" Central Park, as most NYC hotels claim to be...but on the Park itself, either Central Park South, Central Park West or Fifth Ave. Many other hotels are nearby, or within a few blocks, but these are the closest, and all offer Park views from select rooms.

New York City Luxury Hotels - Central Park

The Plaza Hotel

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From: $420

Plaza Hotel NYC

Does The Plaza really need an introduction? This classic and Hollywood famous hotel, offers 282 rooms, including 102 luxurious suites, which boast the largest square footage of any luxury hotel in New York City.

Amenities at The Plaza hotel include the world-class Shops at The Plaza, featuring exclusive luxuries and purveyors of fine food, as well as health and wellness facilities including a Caudalie Vinothérapie® Spa and Warren-Tricomi Salon.

Rates and Reviews: The Plaza, Fairmont
See More: Midtown East Hotels, NYC Luxury Hotels


Ritz Carlton Central Park

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From: $557

Ritz Carlton Central Park NYC

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park offers all the elegance and charm of a private home a few steps from Central Park. This New York City luxury hotel features 259 lavishly-appointed guestrooms, including 47 suites, and The Ritz-Carlton Club® Lounge experience for guests seeking a heightened level of luxury and privacy. In addition to superlative service and intimate surroundings, The Ritz-Carlton Club® Lounge serves five delectable culinary offerings throughout the day.

Rates Reviews: Ritz Carlton Central Park
See More: Midtown West Hotels, NYC Luxury Hotels


Mandarin Oriental Hotel

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From: $630

Mandarin Oriental Hotel NYC

Located high above Columbus Circle and the Time Warner Center, just steps from Central Park, 248 stylishly appointed rooms and suites reflect the oriental heritage of Mandarin Oriental while incorporating contemporary elements of New York City. Every room showcases a breathtaking view of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, or the scenic Hudson River over which the sun sets. Amenities include the two-level, Five-Star Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York and award-winning signature restaurant Asiate.

Favorites: Top NYC Spa, Views from 35th floor lobby and the Pool

Rates and Reviews: Mandarin Oriental
See More: Upper West Side Hotels, NYC Luxury Hotels


Trump International Hotel

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From: $556

Trump International Hotel NYC

Trump International Hotel & Tower, the only Forbes Five-Star and Five-Diamond restaurant in New York delivers the highest level of service, style, and exclusivity. The 52-story New York City hotel is just off Central Park, right at the juncture of Columbus Circle and Broadway and their Five-Star restaurant, Jean Georges, features contemporary international cuisine and was the winner of the 2009 James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Restaurant.

Favorites: Location - Central Park, Time Warner Center and prime Thanksgiving Day Parade Views

Rates Reviews: Trump International Hotel
See More: Upper West Side Hotels, NYC Luxury Hotels


The Pierre Hotel

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From: $385

Pierre Hotel NYC

The Pierre, on Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park, re-opened in June 2009 following a $100 million renovation to create new guestroom and bath interiors and reconfigure first floor public areas to include London's classic brasserie, Le Caprice and Two E Bar/Lounge. Staff outnumber guests by a ratio of three to one. The Pierre's history is as rich and deep as that of the Vanderbilts, Morgans, Astors, Chryslers and E.F. Hutton, all famed guests of the original restaurant, and much like these names, The Pierre Hotel is a New York City icon.

Rates and Reviews: The Pierre, Taj Hotels
See More: Upper East Side Hotels, NYC Luxury Hotels

Essex House

Park Central

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NYC Romantic Hotels - Central Park

The Carlyle

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From: $344

Carlyle Hotel NYC

The 2010 recipient of Travel + Leisure's World's Best Hotel in New York award, The Carlyle Hotel has been called home by leaders in world affairs, business, society and the arts since its debut in 1930. Brilliantly positioned on Madison Avenue in Manhattan's Upper East Side overlooking Central Park, it is a true New York City landmark — a showcase of great art, a purveyor of privacy and a sanctuary of luxury and refined taste. Café Carlyle, the piano bar, hosts Woody Allen and The Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band every Monday night January-June, 2011.

Rates Reviews: The Carlyle, Rosewood Hotels
See More: Romantic Hotels, NYC Luxury Hotels

Timeless Romance Package for Two:
• Deluxe accommodations for one night
• Champagne upon arrival
• Chocolate-covered strawberries
• Continental breakfast for two served in the comfort of your room
Note: Not combinable with other offers. The Carlyle is 1 block from Central Park (Madison Avenue) but have many rooms with Park views)

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