Central Park
The Central Park (1858, 341 hectares) is the green heart of Manhattan — a masterpiece of landscape architecture by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, separating one of the most expensive real estate locations in the world from another. The park is 4 km long and 800 meters wide and hosts lakes, forests, meadows, bridges, a castle, a zoo, and over 18,000 trees.
The Highlights
- Bethesda Fountain & Terrace: The most iconic spot in the park — the fountain complex by the lake (The Lake) is known from dozens of films. The terrace with its arcades and tile mosaics is architecturally beautiful. Street musicians almost always play here.
- Bow Bridge: The most photogenic bridge in the park — a cast-iron arch bridge over the Lake, with views of the San Remo Apartment Towers. In autumn, when the trees glow in gold and red, this is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
- Strawberry Fields: The John Lennon Memorial — a circular mosaic with the word "Imagine" at the park entrance on 72nd Street (West Side), directly across from the Dakota Building, where Lennon lived and was shot on December 8, 1980. Fans lay flowers here and play Beatles songs.
- Belvedere Castle: A Victorian miniature castle on a rock — the highest point in the park with panoramic views over Turtle Pond and the Great Lawn. Free of charge.
- The Great Lawn: The large meadow in the heart of the park — New Yorkers picnic here, play softball, and enjoy the view of the skyline. In summer: free concerts and events.
- Central Park Zoo: A small but fine zoo at the southeastern entrance (5th Avenue / 64th Street). The sea lion feeding is the highlight. Admission: $19.95. For children: the Tisch Zoo next door ($8.95).
- Boating: Rent rowboats on the Lake (from $20/hour) or the gondoliere Venetian gondola (from $45). In winter: ice skating on the Wollman Rink (October–April, from $15) — with the skyline as a backdrop.
Shakespeare in the Park: In summer (June–August), the Public Theater performs free Shakespeare plays at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Tickets are free, but highly sought after — line up from 6 am or try your luck in the online lottery.
💡 Tipp
Central Park is huge — don't try to see everything in one day. For first-time visitors: Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields, and Belvedere Castle as a circular route (about 2 hours). In autumn (mid-October to early November), the park is at its most beautiful — the foliage in gold, orange, and red is breathtaking.
