Central Park

Central Park which includes a pond, a garden and flowers
Central Park
Central Park featuring a park and cycling
Central Park which includes a park and signage
Central Park featuring a park


Offering a welcome break from the lights and buzz of the Manhattan concrete jungle, this park is a much loved spot to rest weary feet, stroll and enjoy a picnic.

Central Park is a movie star in its own right, having featured in movies such as “When Harry Met Sally”, “Annie Hall”, “Home Alone 2” and “Sex and the City: The Movie”. Together with hosting some of the most famous musical artists such as Simon & Garfunkel, Central Park is an iconic space of natural beauty known worldwide and adored by native New Yorkers.

Situated between 59th and 110th streets, Central Park first opened its gates to the public in 1857 on just 315 hectares. Today the park spans a staggering 341 hectares and is so extensive that it has its own New York City Police department. Affectionately referred to as “the lungs of New York”, Central Park breathes an air of natural beauty into the chaos of downtown Manhattan, boasting areas of outstanding natural beauty including an expanse of woodland.

Central Park is a space for all seasons, with different activities come rain or shine. For walking or running enthusiasts there are 93 Kilometres of walking trails throughout the Park. During the summer months, horse-drawn carriages wait to whisk romantics off around the park, and in the autumn, rowing boats can be hired from the nearby boathouse. Winter in Central Park could not be more magical. The award-winning zoo is open all year round and visitors can enjoy outdoor skating on one of the park’s two ice rinks.

For the History enthusiasts and sightseers, Central Park offers a diverse array of stunning architecture and untouched historical monuments. The Arsenal, built in the mid-1850s resembles a fairy tale castle, but is in fact a munitions supply depot for the New York State National Guard. The many statues and monuments dotted around the park honour well-known characters Hans Christian Andersen and Christopher Colombus. After a long stroll around the Park, grab a bite to eat from the local vendors selling hot dogs, pretzels, and ice cream and find a sunny spot on the great lawn to relax.

Because of its ideal location between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side neighbourhoods, Central Park is easily accessible by subway or by bus.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Central Park

Central Park offers a plethora of activities, including nearby theatres showcasing captivating performances and immersive shows. For those keen on photography, guided photo tours are available, while free tours provide an insightful exploration of the park's beauty. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a cinema experience at local venues, ensuring a delightful mix of entertainment and art in this iconic New York destination.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Central Park, visit Bergdorf Goodman, just 1.6km away, for luxury goods. Macy's, located 3.2km away, offers a wide variety of products with a vibrant atmosphere. Chelsea Market, 4.8km distant, is perfect for unique finds and culinary treats.

Recreation

Yankee Stadium, located 6.4km from Central Park, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere, perfect for sports enthusiasts. SoJo Spa Club, 4.8km away, provides a tranquil retreat with rejuvenating treatments. Close by, Alice Tully Hall, only 1.6km from the park, presents delightful musical performances in a captivating setting.

Adventure

Explore the DreamWorks Water Park, located 9.7km from Central Park, for thrilling water rides and family fun. For tennis enthusiasts, the Central Park Tennis Center, 1.1km away, offers an exciting environment. Don't miss the ExtraVertical Climbing Center, 1.6km away, for a challenging climbing experience amidst outdoor adventure.

Nightlife

In Central Park, the Beacon Theater offers a romantic and cultured ambiance, just 1.3km away, perfect for live performances. The Gershwin and Minskoff Theatres, both 3.2km distant, provide enchanting entertainment options, ensuring a vibrant and lively nightlife experience in this iconic area.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Central Park

Central Park offers a wealth of attractions for tourists, featuring urban parks, art museums, and iconic skyscrapers. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and stunning park views. Key highlights include exploring Central Park itself, discovering nearby attractions, and taking in the main sights just steps away. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, there's something for everyone in and around this iconic urban oasis.

  • Times Square: Known as The Crossroads of the World, Times Square is a vibrant hub filled with dazzling lights, bustling crowds, and an electrifying atmosphere. It's the perfect place to experience the pulse of New York City, with street performers and iconic billboards captivating visitors.
  • Broadway: Renowned for its world-class theatre, Broadway offers an unmatched experience of musical and dramatic performances. Attending a show here immerses you in a rich cultural tradition, showcasing talent and creativity that draws audiences from around the globe.
  • Rockefeller Center: A historic complex featuring stunning art deco architecture, Rockefeller Center is an ideal destination for families. Enjoy the outdoor skating rink in winter, seasonal events, and beautiful gardens, making it a lively spot for relaxation and entertainment.

Best time to go to Central Park

The best time to visit Central Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Central Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Central Park falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Central Park

To save money on your visit to Central Park, plan your trip between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and consider Sunday stays, which are cheaper than Saturdays. Check Expedia for last-minute deals and use their price filter to find affordable options. Additionally, combine your hotel, flights, and activities into a package for further savings. Take advantage of free activities in Central Park, such as walking tours and picnics, to enjoy the park without spending much.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Central Park are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Central Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Central Park is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Central Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your selections based on your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel that suits you best. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation in Central Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.