Central Park
The 843-acre engineered wilderness at Manhattan's heart, designed by Olmsted and Vaux in 1858.
Example
A two hour first visit runs from 59th Street up the Mall, through Bethesda Terrace, over Bow Bridge into the Ramble and out near the Met.
Related terms
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
America's largest art museum, spanning 5,000 years on Fifth Avenue, from Egyptian temples to the rooftop bar.
Parks
Prospect Park
Olmsted and Vaux's Brooklyn park, considered by its designers their masterpiece, with the borough's best meadow and...
Museums
American Museum of Natural History
The Upper West Side giant with the blue whale, dinosaur halls and the Gilder Center's canyon-like architecture.
Parks
Bryant Park
The Midtown lawn behind the New York Public Library, hosting free summer movies and a winter village with free-entry...
Pages that mention this term
Frequently asked questions
What is the best short route for a first Central Park visit?
Enter at 59th, walk the Mall to Bethesda Terrace, cross Bow Bridge into the Ramble and exit near the Met. Two hours, the park's essence.
Is Central Park safe at night?
Stick to well-lit paths and events after dark, as locals do. Daytime, the park is among the safest crowded places in the city.
Where is Central Park quietest?
The northern end above 96th Street, around the Conservatory Garden and Harlem Meer. It is a longer walk and a fraction of the crowds of the southern loop.
