I'm not sure how you can give CP any other rating other than 5. Maybe you could take away a star for not having more bathrooms available (they are pretty tough to find). Besides that, the park is clean and beautiful and there is so much you can do there. Sit, walk, run, bike, horse carriage, play sports, let your kids play, have a picnic, take pictures, etc. I don't think anyone comes on here to look on yelp to see if they should visit or not, but I wrote a review anyway, lol read more

This park is AMAZING! It's beautiful and HUGE! As a photographer, I was admiring all the breath taking landscapes and city skyline that are gorgeous for photos like birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, engagements, or prom. The park is just a great place to gather with friends, family, church members, and/or group organizations. There is ample space for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors casually or with planned activities. My brain was just brainstorming all the fun events that could take place here: sports, Field Day, picnics, jogging, scavenger hunts, etc. The place is so vast that you cannot truly appreciate it all in one day and probably will experience new views and wonder every time you come. I'm not from New York, so I literally was in awe the entire time I was strolling through the park. I love how the there is also a zoo and park within the park. You can really spend a whole day here. We didn't have time to go to the zoo this time, but I'm hoping to be back! I bet this place is beautiful no matter the season. This place is a must for everyone, whether you're from New York or just visiting. read more

Oh, you beautiful park, you. Come on....you can't come to NYC and not visit Central Park. Whether if it's your first or 20th visit, you'll always discover new hidden gems. Especially true if your visits are during different seasons. Visited NYC during the middle of April and there were still plenty of cherry blossom trees. Also book a reservation for a 35 min horse carriage ride just so my friend can get the "experience" of Central Park. We booked with NYC Horse Carriage Rides. Look them up on Google...really easy to make reservations. Legit and def not a scammer company. You can easily spend your entire day or two here. There's no way you will be able to cover everything. I suggest researching key points you want to check out and plan a route. We saw plenty of bikers, walkers, runners and of course horse carriages and pedi-cabs. Def take advantage of sunny days because this park is just PERFECT. read more

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A little slice of heaven in the heart of the city make this 843 acre park a must visit place . There are lakes, ball fields, running trails and plenty of open spaces to stop and take in nature, have a picnic or just people watch,plus the zoo is nearby. The park has an interesting history and definitely worth checking out. read more

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There are parks... and then there is Central Park all 835 acres of it. Not a patch of grass squeezed between buildings, but a full-blown emerald kingdom planted right in the chest of Manhattan. Some folks say it's the number one park in America, and after walking it, freezing in it, sweating in it, and nearly killing myself biking around it I'm inclined to agree. When you stand there and look out across the lawns, lakes, bridges, and winding roads, you realize this place isn't just a park. It's a masterpiece carved out of the most expensive real estate on earth. I remember renting a bike once when I was in prime shape lungs like bellows, legs like pistons. The rental guy gives you that innocent little hourly rate, but here's the catch: go over the hour and suddenly the price jumps faster than New York rent. So naturally I thought, "No problem. I'll just blast around the park in under sixty minutes." Friends... let me tell you something. Unless you've got Tour de France legs and a rocket strapped to your back, you're probably paying for two hours. I pedaled like a man possessed, stopped only long enough for a few photos, and still came rolling back humbled. The park wins. Every time. What makes the place magical is how it changes with the seasons. In winter, when the trees stand bare and the cold bites your bones, the park feels almost ancient like some quiet cathedral of stone paths and frozen air. Then summer rolls around and suddenly it looks like a postcard: rowboats drifting across the lake, musicians playing somewhere in the distance, people stretched across the grass like they've discovered paradise in the middle of Manhattan. Spring blossoms, autumn gold every season writes its own poem here. And the surroundings? Forget about it. You've got the world pressing in from every side. The grand old Metropolitan Museum of Art standing like a palace of culture. Just down the avenue rises Trump Tower, flashy and bold. A short stroll away the electric madness of Times Square flashes its giant screens and neon like a carnival that never sleeps. Yet somehow, step into the park and the noise fades into birds, laughter, and the steady rhythm of footsteps on gravel. There's history here too. Designed in the 1800s by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the place was built so ordinary people could breathe a little in a city that never stops hustling. And you feel that spirit today. Joggers chasing personal records, artists painting bridges, tourists staring up at skyscrapers, and the occasional lunatic like me trying to bicycle the whole thing in under an hour. My advice? Take your time. Wander, sit, watch the world roll by. Because in a city famous for speed, Central Park is the rare place that reminds you to slow down. read more

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Even on cold frigid days of winter and covered in snow Central Park is a beautiful place to take a walk or get in a run. Sure, you can't do as much here compared to spring, summer, and fall as its covered in snow but it was fun today to see the many parents with kids sledding on the hills, and the pool turned into to a seasonal ice skating rink with many having fun on it. Also, don't eat the yellow snow. Thank me later. read more

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First off, I am quite shocked that I've never gotten around to reviewing Central Park. This famous, 843 acres park situated between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side neighborhoods of Manhattan is the most visited urban park in the United States. Managed by the Central Park Conservancy, this beautiful plot of greenery really helps you forget that you're actually in a concrete and steel urban jungle. The park is quite large, and there is certainly no shortage of things to do. Including but not limited to: Belvedere Castle, Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, the Davis Center with an outdoor swimming pool, play games at the Chess & Checkers House, or rent a boat right on the lake. There are also no shortage of bicyclists and joggers winding their way through this park as part of their daily routines. For movie and tv buffs, there are tons of famous landmarks that been the backdrop to many iconic scenes throughout this park. Including one of my favorites, Bethesda Terrace, which was featured in several key scenes throughout the John Wick franchise. The park itself is pretty safe and regularly patrolled by the NYPD. However, I would generally avoid winding your way through here after dark when most of the foot traffic has died down. And for the sheer size of this park, I do wish they would put more signage up. Especially near the entrances of the park itself. read more

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I love Central Park! This massive park has a plethora of things to do no matter the season! Summertime? Rent a boat and venture out on the lake! Fall? Go walk around a take in the beautiful foliage! Winter? Enjoy ice skating at Wollman Rink! Spring? Have a picnic! Additionally, they're always having all kinds of events here, an example is Shakespeare in the Park which takes place in the summer months. Love love LOVE this park! I come here any opportunity I get. read more

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We didn't spend a lot of time in Central Park and just dipped our toes in, grabbing a pretzel and re-surfaced back into Lincoln Square. The size of this park is daunting for sure, and would be best to enjoy a day or at least an afternoon to explore what is there. Amazingly we got parking nearby which made it easy to get in and get out on this short trip to New York, it was a must-see. Well worth the trip! read more

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Empire State of Pom's hosted the cutest Pomeranian Halloween meet up! All of the dogs were so cute, excited, and happy to be outside playing in the park! Central Park is the perfect place for humans, and dogs to enjoy open space! I truly love and enjoy each opportunity I have to visit Central Park! read more

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Side notes for tourists: Buy drinks and/or other stuff beforehand, as all the carts are as expected pricey. If you have to eat here, the Central Park Boathouse has a reasonable enough kiosk outside, and there's Tavern on the Green if you're looking for something fancier. Also, if you are (for some reason) going to use one of the pricey pedicabs, make sure to check the price beforehand, as many charge by the minute, and this can add up very quickly (I would recommend negotiating beforehand.) The same applies to carriages until the horses are eventually banned. Anyway, I'm unsure why I never wrote a review of this wonderful park which, in my opinion, defines New York better than Times Square and other tourist destinations. The only thing to dislike about it is that it gets too crowded, which is especially true around certain areas, and that it's a bit difficult to walk through from one side to the east to west (or vice versa) without getting lost unless you use the very boring transverse roads scattered throughout parts of the park. Outside of this, it is wonderful and my favorite park in the city, besides Bryant Park, though that one is much smaller. I personally love the reservoir, and everyone loves Bethesda Fountain for a reason, with Belvedere Castle also being another highlight. If you want to get away from the tourists, I would recommend the North Woods, which is essentially north of 80th Street. read more

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Central Park is an essential part of Manhattan. It's our living room and our playground. The park is more manicured to the south and wilder as you go north. There are many things to see and do, from the zoo to the reservoir. The cherry blossoms are always great. There are concerts, buskers and sports. The people watching is great. Amazing place to get away from the city in the city. read more

Wear comfortable shoes... I can't stress this enough. Me and my friend Tom ventured here on a mission to find spots where Die Hard With a Vengeance was filmed and also to see / experience the Egyptian Obelisk that has a permanent home on the north east side of the park. I wore flat dress shoes that day for reasons at this point that escape me - next time walking shoes / sneakers will be the footwear of choice! This park is surprisingly more hilly than I had imagined it. I'm a bit biased, though, now being a Floridian of 13 years running. Flat is our standard. It's also old - not run down old but design-wise there are steep inclines and declines, as well as some cobblestones sections that you need to be cautious about navigating. Bring something to hydrate with, and a snack. Large swaths of walking are vendorless and you can easily walk several miles in the twisting and turning pathways throughout the park. We did this during daylight - can't speak to how it is at night but I've heard stories from the 80s and 90s suggesting this should be avoided. read more

Central Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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Out of all the parks in the United States (or even the world for that matter), the iconic "Central Park" is quite possibly one of (if not) the most iconic and heavily traveled parks that millions of locals tourists flock to on a regular basis. It has sent the benchmark for countless movies, TV shows, photographs, weddings, and everything in between. Contrary to popular belief, this is actually the 6th largest park in New York City but arguably the most popular as people from all over the world visit here. Tucked in between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side neighborhoods of Manhattan in New York City, Central Park runs roughly 2.5 miles long (from 59th to 110th St) and 0.5 miles wide (from Fifth Ave to Central Park West). The park itself is roughly 843 acres which is maintained daily for wildlife, pedestrians, and pets while being owned by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. It is also very accessible as you can get here via-Subway, bus, rideshare, taxi, or arriving by foot or bike. During my visit which was a drizzly but comfortable 67°F autumn day (on Saturday 10/11/2025), we took a NYC Yellow Cab to the Museum of Metropolitan Art and proceeded towards one of the main entrances. During our walk, there were tons of people walking (with kids & pets), joggers, skateboarders, bicyclists, and scooters. On the more sunny and comfortable days, you will find people soaking in the sun while breathing in the fresh air. And with the landscaping here, this is an escape from reality to the normal hustle and bustle of the New York lifestyle. My advice is to definitely visit if weather permits and dress comfortably as this park covers a lot of ground. The weather in New York City can vary day-to-day as it does rain year round with all four seasons in effect. Some of the other activities that are offered here includes playgrounds for kids, beautiful floral arrangements, statues, small bodies of water, sports fields, woodlands, architectural features, and much more. There are also several water fountains and public restrooms. Again, no visit to New York City is complete without a visit to "Central Park". My rating, a unanimous five stars. read more

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I love Central Park!!! Seriously so beautiful even in the winter. Great spot to go for a walk and to get pictures with the city in the background. Lot of people running so be sure to pay attention to your surroundings. Beautiful!! read more

Central Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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Central Park is going to be one of my goals this Fall. I haven't been spending as much time here as in the past. The allergy season is getting longer and more powerful. The air quality has been unusually bad this year and more frequent because of so many fires. It hasn't been fun for me to be outside in nature. Central Park is a heavenly refuge from city streets. I've always loved going to parks in every State I've lived and visited. I'm a big supporter of conservation in Central Park. They have also added more security measures to protect visitors. I'm highly recommending you spend time here in every season. read more

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I was in New York City, I really had to check out Central Park just so I can check off some touristy things to do in the city. This place is incredibly beautiful and it's way better in person than what people describe on TV shows and depicted in movies! First of all, this place is like a cultural hot bed of events! There are people hanging around and open lawn area. Another part of the park is having a roller derby themed event. You can keep walking and the trails will get all hilly and mountainous while it feels like you're walking through a Japanese garden. People are kayaking in the lake at the same time. There are even tons of people walking and jogging throughout the entire Trail! There is absolutely so much to see and do here I was here for nearly 2 hours and I Can Only Imagine to explore half of Central Park! I found his place absolutely incredible and I highly recommend visiting here. Food vendors are here too, even if you restrooms are present. read more

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No trip to nyc is complete without going to Central Park. My friend and I stayed relatively close to Central Park and absolutely loved it! We went there several times, including just people watching. I've been there several times during my trips to nyc and it always feels like something new is going on. Some particular fun spots includes the mall, where you see vendors all around you. Obviously, check this park out to get away from the hustle and bustle of nyc! read more

Central Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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Central Park is my favorite park in New York City. I had the pleasure of spending many lunch breaks here daily while my office was conveniently located just across the street on 6th Avenue. I have spent beautiful spring and summer days here with my daughter, colleagues and close friends. Central Park is humongous and it makes getting in your daily steps effortless. It's easy to get confused when this park has so many different entrances and spans for miles and several blocks. Making it unique of its kind. I would advise you to visit during the day and not after dark. There is no place like home. Thank me later ! - A New York City Girl read more

Central Park - Enjoying a springtime stroll and ride in the playground portion of the park. - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

This park is huge and has so many little pockets to discover from Alice in wonderland to the boathouse to the imagine mosaic for John Lennon to abandoned buildings and also the infamous mall that you seen in tons of movies and tv shows where people are just sitting feeding birds You can get lost or get confused lol but hey thanks to gps! In the day you see runners and picnic'ers and tourists and locals just enjoying and honestly felt safe It was lush and green and also was clean read more

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I've been 3 times to Central Park so far. It's an expansive NYC historic landmark. It's so vast that it would take a whole day or even more to see it all. On this last visit and first time visiting in the winter, I finally saw The Lake and the famous Bethesda Fountain. It's a nice a contrast of seasons from walking in humid weather in the park, to milder weather in later August, to experiencing chilly winter weather 30 degrees walking through. You get a lot of steps in walking through any part of iconic Central Park. In the wintertime, they have an ice skating rink that's larger than Rockefeller Center's rink. read more

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Central Park is the most amazing let alone beautiful place in the world. Man, I wish I lived in New York it is one of the coolest places ever!! This park is a statement of how you can have a stroll, bicycling, eating, and just watching the entire spot to know this place is legit awesome. Plenty of trees, people, kids, benches and so much to see and do! This place is so gigantic that I don't think I have ever walked the entire thing before. If you come in different seasons you will see the leaves change, bird watching, and flowers blooming. Just so much life is in here that I wish I were a part of it in my daily life. read more

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We had a picnic here while visiting from california, so fun & really pretty quiet. Lots of famalies & couples all around, it was very safe when we went & our 5th ave subway entrance was right on the park. I would have liked to explore much more of the park but we were with our new baby niece do we pretty much stuck to one area. Views of the city are awesome over the trees and Ill bring my real camera next time read more

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I always find it's fun to explore this park every time I visited, and there's beauty for the nature in all seasons. The Central Park is the first landscaped park in the states, and this urban park is located between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side neighborhoods of Manhattan in New York City. I walked here each time, while I saw people running, biking, riding on carriages etc., and I'm sure there's a way you'll like to explore this park. read more

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If you're in NYC during spring, don't miss Central Park when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. We stumbled upon this beautiful spot where a massive cherry tree was in full bloom, and people were lounging under it, sunbathing, picnicking, or just taking a nap. It honestly felt like a Ghibli movie scene. The sky was crystal blue, the light filtered softly through the petals, and the entire park felt calm and dreamy. It's one of those days you don't plan, but end up remembering for a long time. Photo tip: There are a few stunning cherry blossom trees near the lake area. Go around 4 PM for golden light and soft shadows -- perfect for portraits. I shot these with a Fujifilm X-T4 + 35mm lens. No edits needed! Getting there: Enter from East 72nd Street and walk towards Bethesda Terrace -- that whole section is full of open lawns, lakeside views, and some of the most photogenic trees in the park. read more

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Central Park is truly a dream. It's hard to put into words what it feels like to wander through this beautiful, vast, historic park. At times, I felt like I was inside all my favorite holiday movies, and at others, like I was part of something truly special. I did a bicycle carriage ride tour around the entire park, and it was an incredible experience. My guide stopped at all the iconic spots and took amazing photos of me. He shared so much interesting history about the park, making the tour even more memorable. Since it was December and quite cold, he also had a warm, cozy blanket ready for me, which made it even more comfortable. It was honestly such an enchanting and magical experience. I highly recommend visiting if you're ever in New York--I know I'll definitely be back! read more

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Very stinky smell all throughout the park. It may be the horse wagons that are running around. read more

Central Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Central Park is still where New York City dreams come true. I have enjoyed Central Park as a New York City resident for over 15 years and it never gets old. Each main entrance has its own personality and vibe. I've spent a lot of time in particular on the east side of where it is a bit more quiet as well. The best advice I have is don't come in to the park already needing to eat and pee, you should take care of yourself before venturing in - the park is really quite large. Bring a yoga mat, a book, snacks, and you'll be set for a good part of the day. A wonderful place to throw a picnic as well or just kill an hour people watching. read more

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Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall, I take my daily walk in Central Park whenever I'm in NYC. Serene scenery; beautiful foliage; mesmerizing sculptures. Lovers walking hand-in-hand; children's laughter; small creatures scurrying around. The street musicians; the summer stage; the zoo. The boat house; tavern on the green, the pretzel cart. It's all wondrous and fantastic here! CHEERS! read more

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I can finally check Central Park off my New York City bucket list. I understand why it's in so many movies and tv shows...there is something special about this sacred grass plopped in the center of the biggest and busiest city in the United States. We visited on an August afternoon and it was busy as ever, but I expected nothing less. Family reunions, dogs chasing frisbees, people reading, and everything in between. If you enjoy people watching, this just might be the best spot to do it. Watching the sail boats on the pond was so much fun! I need to come back and experience Central Park in every season. read more

We visited the northern part of Central Park, coming in at the Gate of the Exonerated. There is a building just a short walk down the path to learn about the Central Park gates and how they got their names. They also have some binoculars and books on bird watching and other subjects for purchase. It was a beautiful stroll with lots of trees, and a few waterfalls as well. We saw turtles and birds of all kinds. The air was cool and refreshing and for a few moments we forgot we were in NYC. This part of the park seems less crowded than the other areas of the park we have visited, although they are working on building a pool and ice skating rink here. Wonderful way to get some exercise, vitamin D, and spend time in nature. Plenty of green space to picnic or sunbathe. read more

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The Park is such a special place in NYC and has something for everyone at all ages and stages. Playgrounds for kids and benches for reading. Plants and flowers to enjoy in warm weather and snow when it's cold. Bring your friends, your dog, your kids, your family, and everyone else to see the magic of the green space in the heart of the city. I can't say enough good things! read more

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Beautiful park! Came here for winter and fall! Worth stopping by. Definitely my top pick during winter right after snow read more

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Absolutely gorgeous especially this time of year. The beautiful display of Autumn colors had me feeling so very blessed. The foliage was stunning! And the cutesy squirrels were so friendly and unafraid had me feeling like I was in a Disney movie. lol It was lovely strolling along Central Park. I highly recommend coming here this time of year. read more

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It's one of the most famous parks in the world for a reason, people! To be in it is to feel like you're a part of something bigger. So easy to appreciate, so easy to get lost in, and so easy to explore. I love the intentionality and oasis vibes of Central Park and the way it works as a small city unto itself. I've been countless times throughout my life, but on a recent visit I found myself in solitude, able to just enjoy views of the pond and people watch. Bring a journal, grab yourself a coffee, and amble. Make a plan before arriving based on what you most want to see. Love shouting "Oooohh GISELLE!" at all the cross bridges like me? You're in luck! Endless opportunity here to have your own Enchanted reenactment. I look forward to my next trip to the City's backyard. Hoping to bring my dog someday and enjoy all the park has to offer. read more

Central Park is an absolutely beautiful oasis in the middle of a loud, bustling metropolitan area. When you walk through the park, if it wasn't for the giant skyscrapers you see peaking over the tall trees, you would have no idea you were in the middle of one of the largest cities in the world. You can easily spend all day in the park experiencing everything that it offers. And if you went the next day I'm confident you will have a completely different experience. There's always some sort of performance or event going on that it's ever changing. My wife and I came to the park with no plans. All we wanted to do was to just roam the grounds and experience it. And I think that is the best way to do it. There are hidden gems all throughout the park that you would easily miss if you were only determined to go to one or two specific locations on the grounds. Parts of the park can get quite busy from tourists, but others are so empty that it's pure peacefulness. I really could go on and on about all the specifics of the park and what makes it so great, but like I've said, I think it's best experienced. Don't take my word for it and just go to Central Park yourself. read more

Gorgeous park. Definitely see why it's such a famous park located in the center of NYC. In fact, the oldest public park in the U.S. Such a vast place to explore and settle down for a good eat. Some portrait artist set-up in the park for service as well. Sometimes, musical artist are playing too which is a joy. They have historical statues of significant people throughout the park on the straight away. Really loved this park. (Winter) The horse rides are a rip off, being way too expensive during the winter season. Ice skating is available of course. Would love to experience the park in the warmer months! read more

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We went here for a family picnic. It's so amazing with so many trees and nice grass to lay on. It was a beautiful August day with beautiful clear skies. There's so many paths to take and this park being so popular, it's so huge, you don't have yo worry about it being overcrowded. We did see a beehive high up in a tree nearby, which was pretty cool. I would also plan to bring a picnic blanket to sit or lay on, because I was informed that there have been people who have gotten ticks here. Didn't happen to us, but just be aware. read more

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Central Park is the most well-known and presumably the principal park of America's most populous city. In its five boroughs, all of which are more spread out than Manhattan, New York City has many parks, some of which are bigger. However, in dense Manhattan, which is what most people reflexively think of when they think of New York, Central Park eclipses this borough's others and could even overwhelm the visitor, albeit in a good way. That's because of its vast array of natural features, landmarks, and even museums at its eastern border. Having been to New York many times since graduating from college, I finally ventured into Central Park. Intending to make it leisurely, I slowly walked through a good part of it. In the past, I'd only seen it from along its 5th Avenue and 59th Street sides. This time, I entered the park from the west side near the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir and made my way south to exit at Columbus Circle. Unless you live here, it's difficult to remember all the nodes and names in Central Park. Because of time constraints, I did not see the northern part of the park. Its map and labeling indicate that there is a more organic scheme and rustic trail system up there, and fewer built features. The upper left corner of the park is not too far from the campus of Columbia University. I marveled at the reservoir and headed south, passing the Great Lawn, the Belvedere, Strawberry Fields, the Bow Bridge, and the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, at the very least. I had never seen or heard of the Bethesda Fountain before, so it was a pleasant surprise. How to circulate and who is circulating in Central Park is also interesting. The park goes from 59th Street all the way up to a 110th Street, just south of Harlem. It is bounded by 8th Avenue, billed as Central Park West, and 5th Avenue, on which there are three major city museums. Vehicular traffic only has a handful of proportionately spaced and gently curving roadways crossing the park from the west to east side of Manhattan. Its outline is rectilinear, thus like Golden Gate Park in this regard. As for other types of circulation, pedestrians seem to dominate and, here, the pedestrians are far from pedestrian. That means the people watching is off the charts. To this, add cyclists, joggers, scooters, horse carriages, rental boats, and a few NYPD squad cars, which I am glad are there. The counterbalancing of New York energy and a relaxed affect is palpable. Some of the broader paths, such as near the Great Lawn, have wrought iron benches and people really take to them. There is no script here and the prevailing vibe is very individualistic, even more so than in what is now America's "Second City" ... and my hometown. To that, add the tourists from different countries and, if reading them, one can tell that they are really enjoying Central Park. There is much more that I want to see and mostly I'm referring to the northern part of the park and the museums. If one has been near Midtown's Plaza Hotel and Billionaires' Row high rises that literally cast shadows on the park, they've probably seen its southern border. The park's western and eastern sides are bounded by townhomes, apartments, and flats whose prices aren't for the faint of heart. The pavement of the external perimeter sidewalks has its faults, but can you imagine how fit a person could be If they walked around the park's perimeter daily? It might be something to aspire to. Frederick Law Olmsted won the competition to design Central Park. There's an analogous relationship here: Olmsted also designed Montreal's Parc du Mont-Royal and, because of its being built on and around the mountain rising 1,000 ft. in the middle of that city, it has a more organic shape and varied topography. It would get my 5 stars versus 4 (still very good) stars for Central Park. (The logic continues in that I'm at 5 stars for visiting Montreal versus 4 stars for visiting New York.) Even if comparatively constrained and rectilinear, it would be hard to imagine a Manhattan without this grand green space in the center of the island - it synergistically defines it, softens the impact of the concrete canyons, and makes it a better place. Central Park is not without its flaws. There is a police presence for a reason. For one, people are advised against going into the interior of the park when it's dark outside. Along with a host of other sites, visiting Central Park is almost necessary to understand Manhattan, and New York City in general. People from all walks of life coexist in the park ... people without a lot of resources might opt to enjoy the greenery, playgrounds, benches, and picnic areas while folks working long hours or visiting might be jogging and cycling, or in a horse carriage, respectively. Central Park is sort of a microcosm ... it showcases the breadth of New York City and also matches the grandeur of America's most populous city. read more

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Central Park is one of the best things New York has to offer. Its sheer size is remarkable. A standard run through the park's main road is around a 10k (~6.2 miles) Once you leave the entrance to the park at the south, you can escape the smell of manure and really get to experience all the park offers. read more