Central Park Tours and Activities

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


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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Top Central Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

4 out of 5
811 7th Ave, New York, NY
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Empire Hotel

Empire Hotel

4 out of 5
44 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Empire Hotel
Loews Regency New York Hotel

Loews Regency New York Hotel

5 out of 5
540 Park Avenue, New York, NY
Loews Regency New York Hotel
Night Hotel Broadway

Night Hotel Broadway

2.5 out of 5
215 W 94th St, New York, NY
Night Hotel Broadway
Hyatt Grand Central New York

Hyatt Grand Central New York

4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street, at Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY
Hyatt Grand Central New York
The Lucerne Hotel

The Lucerne Hotel

4 out of 5
201 W 79th St, New York, NY
The Lucerne Hotel
Arthouse Hotel New York City

Arthouse Hotel New York City

4 out of 5
2178 Broadway at W 77th St, New York, NY
Arthouse Hotel New York City
Hotel Belleclaire

Hotel Belleclaire

4 out of 5
2175 Broadway, New York, NY
Hotel Belleclaire
Hotel St. James

Hotel St. James

2.5 out of 5
109 W. 45TH ST., New York, NY
Hotel St. James
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 exciting activities, including free guided tours and various tour options that highlight its stunning landscapes and historical landmarks. You can also enjoy a cinema experience nearby, adding to the vibrant entertainment scene. Don’t miss the chance to explore local art and indulge in shopping, all within this iconic green oasis in the heart of New York City.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots include Macy's, a vibrant shopping mall 3.2km from Central Park, and Tiffany & Co., a luxury store just 1.6km away. You can also visit Grand Central Market, a lively public market 3.2km away, offering a unique city vibe.

Recreation

For wellness activities near Central Park, consider the SoJo Spa Club, just 4.8km away, offering rejuvenating treatments and relaxation vibes. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Carnegie Hall, located 1.6km from the park, for uplifting musical experiences, or revel in the sports energy at Yankee Stadium, 6.4km away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the ExtraVertical Climbing Center, where you can tackle outdoor climbing challenges only 1.6km from Central Park. For a fun family day, visit DreamWorks Water Park, located 9.7km away, offering a splash of adventure. Don't miss the Central Park Tennis Center, a mere 1.1km away, perfect for some friendly competition.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Central Park with a visit to the Broadway Theatre, just 1.6km away, offering family-friendly films and romantic vibes. For a cultural experience, the Beacon Theater (1.3km away) and Gershwin Theater (3.2km away) provide captivating performances in a charming atmosphere.

*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 in New York offers a delightful blend of urban parks, art museums, and iconic skyscrapers, perfect for tourists seeking cultural experiences, family outings, and city exploration. Whether you're wandering through the park's scenic paths or visiting nearby attractions, you'll find plenty to engage with and enjoy. Don't miss the chance to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic destination.

  • Times Square: Experience the electrifying atmosphere of Times Square, a bustling hub filled with bright lights, massive billboards, and a constant flow of people. It's an iconic gathering place where you can enjoy street performances, shopping, and a variety of dining options.
  • Broadway: Immerse yourself in the world of theatre along Broadway, renowned for its spectacular shows and musicals. This vibrant street is a must-visit for culture enthusiasts, offering a chance to see some of the best performances in the world.
  • Grand Central Terminal: Marvel at the architectural beauty of Grand Central Terminal, a stunning landmark that showcases intricate design and historical significance. Take in the grandeur of its celestial dome and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this cultural gem.

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 Central Park visit, plan your trip between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance, or check Expedia's last-minute deals for potential savings. Sundays typically offer the best rates, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter options by budget and eco-friendly hotels. Additionally, consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Walking is a fantastic way to explore Central Park without spending on transport!

  • 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. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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: Expedia's search feature enables you to specify your budget, preferred destination, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodation options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Central Park hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.