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Central Park

The Green Heart of Manhattan

32stops
4.1miles
2h 29mwalking
Freein the app

Central Park, the sprawling green oasis nestled in the heart of Manhattan, is a masterpiece of 19th-century landscape architecture. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the park was envisioned as a serene escape from the urban chaos of New York City. Officially opened in 1858, it was the first landscaped public park in the United States and remains a testament to the transformative power of nature in urban planning. Stretching across 843 acres, Central Park offers an enchanting mix of meadows, woodlands, lakes, and cultural landmarks. Over the decades, it has served as a backdrop for countless films, novels, and pivotal moments in New York’s history, embodying the dynamic spirit of the city itself. Whether you’re captivated by its tranquil beauty, intrigued by its storied past, or drawn to its vibrant events, Central Park offers something for everyone.

Starts at
1. Central Park Zoo
Ends at
32. Gapstow Bridge
Nearest subway
5 Av/59 St NRW · 5 min walk to the start
Along the way
5 top sights and 2 food stops
Map of the Central Park walking route with its 32 stops
The route of the Central Park walk. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

The 32 stops

The full stories, photos and directions for every stop are in the app.

  1. 1Central Park Zoo

    Nestled within the park’s southeastern corner, the Central Park Zoo is a small yet captivating menagerie that has enchanted visitors for over a century.

  2. 2Tisch Children’s Zoo

    A short walk from the main zoo brings you to the Tisch Children’s Zoo, a delightful space designed to connect children with nature.

  3. 3Balto Statue

    Erected in 1925, the statue of Balto commemorates the legendary sled dog who led his team through a perilous blizzard to deliver life-saving medicine to Nome, Alaska.

  4. 4Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument

    Standing proudly on Literary Walk, the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument features bronze statues of Sojourner Truth, Susan B.

  5. 5The Mall

    The Mall, Central Park’s grand promenade, is a picturesque stretch lined with towering American elms, forming a canopy of green in the warmer months and a golden tunnel in autumn.

  6. 6Bethesda Terrace and Fountain

    Bethesda Terrace is the park’s architectural crown jewel, designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould.

  7. 7The Lake (and Row Boat Rental)

    The Lake is Central Park’s largest body of water, offering a picturesque setting for leisurely activities.

  8. 8The Central Park Boathouse

    The Central Park Boathouse is more than just a place to rent rowboats.

  9. 9Pilgrim Hill

    Pilgrim Hill, named after the bronze statue of a Pilgrim at its crest, is a seasonal treasure.

  10. 10Conservatory Water (Central Park Model Boat Sailing)

    Conservatory Water, affectionately known as the Model Boat Pond, invites visitors to indulge their nautical fantasies.

  11. 11Hans Christian Andersen Monument

    Located near Conservatory Water, the Hans Christian Andersen Monument celebrates the beloved Danish storyteller.

  12. 12Alice in Wonderland

    The Alice in Wonderland statue, a fantastical bronze sculpture, invites visitors to step into Lewis Carroll’s classic tale.

  13. 13King Wladyslaw Jagiello

    The imposing statue of King Wladyslaw Jagiello located near Turtle Pond, pays tribute to the revered Polish monarch who led the historic victory at the Battle of Grunwald in 1410.

  14. 14The Obelisk (Cleopatra’s Needle)

    Cleopatra’s Needle, the oldest man-made object in Central Park, dates back over 3,000 years to Ancient Egypt.

  15. 15Alexander Hamilton Monument

    The Alexander Hamilton Monument honors one of America’s Founding Fathers and a key architect of the nation’s financial system.

  16. 16Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir

    Encircling the expansive Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is a 1.58-mile track beloved by joggers, walkers, and sightseers alike.

  17. 17Arthur Ross Pinetum

    For a pine-scented escape, visit the Arthur Ross Pinetum, a grove of 17 species of pine trees that transports visitors to a coniferous wonderland.

  18. 18Delacorte Theater

    Home to the famed Shakespeare in the Park series, the Delacorte Theater is an open-air amphitheater that has hosted free performances for millions since 1962.

  19. 19Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre

    The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre brings fairy tales to life with its enchanting puppet shows.

  20. 20Shakespeare Garden

    Nestled near Belvedere Castle, the Shakespeare Garden is a lush, romantic space filled with plants and flowers mentioned in the Bard’s works.

  21. 21Belvedere Castle

    Perched on Vista Rock, Belvedere Castle offers sweeping views of Central Park and the surrounding cityscape.

  22. 22Bow Bridge

    Bow Bridge, with its elegant cast-iron arches, is one of Central Park’s most iconic features.

  23. 23Cherry Hill

    Cherry Hill is a tranquil knoll that transforms into a breathtaking pink-hued paradise during springtime when its cherry trees burst into bloom.

  24. 24Strawberry Fields

    Visit Strawberry Fields, the memorial to John Lennon, marked by the ‘Imagine’ mosaic.

  25. 25Le Pain Quotidien

    For a cozy break, stop at Le Pain Quotidien, a rustic café nestled near Sheep Meadow.

  26. 26Tavern on the Green

    A Central Park icon since 1934, Tavern on the Green combines culinary excellence with a storied history.

  27. 27Sheep Meadow

    Sheep Meadow, a sprawling 15-acre lawn, has been a place of relaxation and recreation for over a century.

  28. 28Central Park Carousel

    The Central Park Carousel, with its whimsical, hand-carved horses, has been delighting riders since 1871.

  29. 29The Dairy Visitor Center and Gift Shop

    Originally built in 1871, The Dairy was conceived by Olmsted and Vaux as a whimsical, cottage-like refreshment stand where children could enjoy fresh milk, hence its name.

  30. 30Chess & Checkers House

    Perched on a small hill, the Chess & Checkers House has been a beloved gathering place for strategists and casual players since 1952.

  31. 31Wollman Rink 🎟

    Wollman Rink, a seasonal attraction, transforms into a skating paradise in the winter and a pickleball haven in the summer.

  32. 32Gapstow Bridge

    End your Central Park journey at Gapstow Bridge, one of the park’s most photographed landmarks.

Central Park · Free in the appComing soon