Central Park

Overview

Central Park is an 843-acre masterwork of landscape design in the heart of Manhattan, stretching 2.5 miles long and half a mile wide. It is the most visited urban park in the United States, welcoming 42 million visitors annually.

Highlights

• Bethesda Terrace & Fountain: The ornate terrace with its tiled arcade and the Angel of the Waters fountain at its center — the scenic heart of the park.
• The Ramble: A 36-acre wild woodland garden with winding paths and hidden waterfalls, famous as one of the best birdwatching spots in North America.
• Bow Bridge: The elegant cast-iron bridge spanning the Lake, offering one of the park's most photographed views.

History

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, construction began in 1858. Over 10 million cartloads of material were moved and 270,000 trees were planted to transform rocky, swampy terrain into the pastoral landscape seen today.

Visitor Tips

• Orientation: Enter at 72nd Street (either side) for the most iconic scenery. The Conservatory Garden (105th St) is the quietest, most elegant section.
• Rowboats: Rent a rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse to explore the Lake with Bow Bridge and the skyline as backdrop.
• Duration: 2–4 hours.