Central Park in New York: 2026 guided tour reviews and pricing

+23
recs
5/5 4 reviews
Entre 59th Street et 110th Street et entre 5th Avenue et Central Park West, 10023-7702 New York, United States
Entre 59th Street et 110th Street et entre 5th Avenue et Central Park West, 10023-7702 New York, United States
Bike rental from $13*
Booking recommended
Book now
Central Park
The pond
Central Parc vu du top of the rock

Visiting Central Park

Located in the borough of Manhattan, Central Park spans over 300 hectares and serves as the green lung of the Big Apple. Welcoming more than 37 million visitors every year, it stands as the most popular park in the country!

Its History

Laid out in the 19th century to give New Yorkers a place to enjoy nature, the project required 10 million cartloads of dirt and rock. 500,000 trees were planted by 1,500 workers for a cost of $500 million. At the time, it consisted of 3 distinct sections: a pastoral zone echoing sweeping English meadows, a picturesque area, and a formal section featuring a fountain and a gathering space. Central Park quickly became a popular spot for parades. In 1864, it welcomed a zoo, the oldest in the country, and a few years later the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET). It suffered with the rise of the automobile, and it took the New Deal for newly created sports facilities to give it a fresh dynamic. The 1970s saw a wave of protests and giant concerts unfold within the park before local residents pressured the mayor to establish the Central Park Conservancy in 1980.

Several Sections, Several Vibe Options

Today, Central Park comprises distinct areas. A massive central lawn, Great Lawn, is ideal for relaxing and spotting the many red squirrels. The largest body of water is the Reservoir, named after Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and is encircled by a 2.5 km running track. To the south, the artificial lake The Lake hosts rowboats in the summer and an ice skating rink in the winter. Do not miss the Scottish-style Belvedere Castle, the Bethesda fountain, and the Strawberry Fields memorial dedicated to John Lennon. Renting bikes on-site remains the easiest way to see everything.

Numerous free tours and events run throughout the year, so check the park website. Note that smoking in the park carries a $50 fine.

Bike rental from $13*Booking recommended
Check availability

Opening hours

Monday 06:00-01:00
Tuesday 06:00-01:00
Wednesday 06:00-01:00
Thursday 06:00-01:00
Friday 06:00-01:00
Saturday 06:00-01:00
Sunday 06:00-01:00
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of Central Park

Summary of 4 reviews
5/5
Average rating
+23 recs +23 -0 Score weighted by contributor expertise level: a recommendation from a level 3 member counts as 3.
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
5
As a couple
5
With friends
4.8

Avygeo ranking

#129
in the world
#7
in Americas
#4
in the United States
#3
in New York

Huge

I was shocked by the size of this park, which is truly immense. You can do so many activities there, whether it is running, biking, or even catching a show. I felt like I was in a movie. For once, reality lives up to what I imagined.

22
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Green lung of NYC

New Yorkers are really lucky to have Central Park. Located on the island of Manhattan, Central Park is just like in the movies: huge. To get around inside, you can either rent a bike or walk, which gives you access to smaller paths. You will even find the skating rink in season and the MET on the grounds.
The most interesting part is the south side with incredible views of the skyscrapers behind the trees. On the other hand, I advise against walking there at night.

14
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A forest in the heart of the city

A magical and unlikely place right in the heart of New York.
I had such a nice time there, walking around, people watching, and looking at the animals (including those famous squirrels...!)
Unmissable and amazing!

14
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The green lung of NY

For me, this is hands down a must-see in New York.

The contrast with the surrounding urban jungle is striking. The park is huge, you can walk around, play different sports, catch shows, have a picnic, or just sit back and watch the garden, the ponds, the skyscrapers all around, and the people passing by.

A place unique to New York that often serves as a backdrop in American movies.

12
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