Central Park

Size: Central Park covers 843 acres, making it larger than the principality of Monaco and one of the largest urban parks in the United States.

Visitors: The park welcomes over 42 million visitors each year, making it the most visited urban park in the United States.

Landscaping: The park was largely man-made, with over 20,000 workers transforming the land, including the creation of its lakes, woodlands, and meadows.

Attractions: The park features numerous attractions, including 29 sculptures, 36 bridges and arches, 7 bodies of water, 21 playgrounds, and the Central Park Zoo.

Film and TV: Central Park is one of the most filmed locations in the world, having appeared in hundreds of movies and TV shows, including "Home Alone 2" and "Friends."

Running Path: The park’s 6.1-mile loop is a popular spot for runners and cyclists, offering stunning views of the park's varied landscapes.

Wildlife: Central Park is home to a surprising diversity of wildlife, including over 270 species of birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.

Events: Central Park hosts numerous events throughout the year, including concerts, theater performances, and the famous New York City Marathon, which passes through the park.

Central Park is beautiful at any time of year, but your experience can be very different depending on the time of day you visit.

Early mornings are ideal for a peaceful walk or jog, as the park is quieter and the soft light enhances the beauty of the landscape.

The park opens at 6:00 AM, making it perfect for an early start.

If you’re looking to enjoy the park’s vibrant atmosphere, late morning to early afternoon is when you'll find the park bustling with activity, from families enjoying picnics to street performers entertaining visitors.

Evening visits offer a more tranquil experience, with the park bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

Central Park closes at 1:00 AM, so there's plenty of time to explore its paths and attractions throughout the day.

Central Park stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West, so it's served by more than a dozen subway stations along its edges. The best entrance depends on what you want to see.

For the southern landmarks, take the A, B, C, D, or 1 train to 59th Street–Columbus Circle at the southwest corner, or the N, R, or W to Fifth Avenue–59th Street at the southeast corner near the Zoo and Gapstow Bridge. For Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, and Bow Bridge, take the B or C to 72nd Street. For Belvedere Castle and the Great Lawn, use 81st Street on the B and C, and for the Met and the Reservoir, take the 4, 5, or 6 to 86th Street.

Use our interactive NYC subway guide to plan your exact route from any hotel or neighborhood before you arrive.