Central Park, one of New York City’s most famous landmarks, has over the years become the green lung of the Big Apple. But first-time visitors may wonder: Is Central Park in Manhattan?
While New York City is famous for its skyscrapers, Empire State Building VS Summit One Vanderbilt, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed when visiting it for the first time.
There are thousands of people running around, buildings almost reaching the sky… That’s why it’s extremely important to visit the best parks of New York City during your trip.
⭐ We are here to tell you precisely where Central Park is, its history and how it fits into the larger context of New York City. Additionally, we will recommend other great parks in NYC. ⭐
Is Central Park in Manhattan?
Now to answer the burning question: where is Central Park located?
Central Park is indeed located in Manhattan. More precisely, it lies in the heart of Manhattan, stretching from West 59th Street (at the southern end) to West 110th Street (at the northern end). The park is bounded by Central Park West to the west and 5th Avenue to the east.
Because of its central location, Central Park is easily accessible from almost every part of Manhattan. Its position in the middle of one of New York City’s most populous and iconic boroughs gives it considerable importance, both historically and culturally.
🌃 TOP TIP: the surroundings of Central Park are definitely some of the best areas to stay in New York for the first time!
What is Central Park?
Central Park is a massive public park in the middle of Manhattan, spanning 843 acres.
It is the most visited urban park in the United States, and possibly the most famous park in the world.
Central Park features walking trails, extensive gardens, forests and meadows, as well as beautiful lakes. It is also home to iconic landmarks featured in movies, such as the Bethesda Terrace, the Bow Bridge and the Central Park Zoo.
New Yorkers consider it their space for outdoor activities, such as picnics, jogging, biking, boating on the lake, or even ice skating in winter.
The History of Central Park
Opened in 1858, Central Park was the first landscaped public park in the United States. It has since become a model for parks worldwide. Let’s dive deeper into the significance it holds in Manhattan and the broader NYC landscape.
Why was Central Park created?
Central Park was the response to Manhattan’s rapid industrialization and growing population during the 19th century. As the city grew, public health concerns led to the need for a green space where residents could breathe some fresh air.
How was Central Park built?
In 1853, the New York State Legislature authorized the development of Central Park. They held a design competition. Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux won.
Their project blended wilderness areas with nature spaces carefully designed by man. Construction began in 1857 and was completed in 1873.
Why is Central Park important today?
Central Park’s central location in Manhattan has made it an important cultural symbol of New York City. Over the years, it made its appearance in countless movies, books and photos… It’s a place of recreation, a sanctuary, a place of community… You name it!
What to do in Central Park?
Now that you know that Central Park is in Manhattan, and why it was created, you might wonder where to go in Central Park. Here are some of the park’s most iconic spots.
Bethesda Fountain
First, the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. Because of its beautiful arches, it became a hotspot in Central Park where buskers come and go. When we were there, we heard an incredibly-talented gospel choir and I still remember it vividly to this day.
The Bow Bridge
As there are many lakes and rivers in Central Park, there are also a few bridges for walking trails. The Bow Bridge is the most elegant and is often chosen to feature in films.
Strawberry Fields
Another famous spot in Central Park is Strawberry Fields, in reference to the song “Strawberry Fields Forever”. This is a massive part of the park, laid out in tribute to rock musician and activist John Lennon. It includes a beautiful mosaic for their song “Imagine”.
Boat tour on the lake
Near the Bethesda Terrace and the Fountain, you can hire a small boat to explore the lake! First of all, you’ll be surrounded by tall trees in the foreground, and skyscrapers in the distance. It’s all very impressive.
Secondly, there are TONS of turtles in the lake! It’s very funny to try to spot them all.
The Great Lawn
Any music fans here? That is a huge open space to host concerts, or other events. That’s very cool to be partying in this iconic park.
The Central Park Conservatory Garden
This garden is probably older (and maybe cooler, no offense) than you and me. It opened in 1937 and has been, since then, a favorite of locals. The amount of plant species there is insane, it’s really worth visiting!
Is Central Park Only in Manhattan?
Although Central Park is huge, it’s located solely within Manhattan and doesn’t extend into the neighboring boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens or the Bronx.
However, it’s not the only major park in the city. In fact, there are many more in Manhattan and, more generally, in New York City!
Best Parks in NYC
The fact that Central Park is only the fifth largest park in New York City shows how green the city can be, if you go to the right place.
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
This is one of the most famous parks in NYC, although it’s only the 10th largest one.
This is probably due to its ideal location north of Brooklyn, and the diversity of activities it offers. You can play sports, fish, visit the Zoo or the Audubon Center, go ice skating in winter or enjoy the summer sun…
TOP TIP: Here are the best things to do in Brooklyn in September 🌻
Marine Park, Brooklyn
The biggest park in Brooklyn is Marine Park. It spans over 798 acres, almost as big as Central Park. It’s not possible to walk through the whole park, however, as much of it is a nature reserve or salt marsh. It’s a very important place for New York’s ecosystem.
The accessible park is big enough for visitors though. it is one of New York City’s largest parks after all! It’s home to a skate park and other sports areas.
Randall’s Island Park, Manhattan
You may be surprised to read that Central Park isn’t the only major park in Manhattan. Randall’s Island Park covers 255 acres. It’s three times smaller than Central Park, but it’s still a great park with lots to see and do!
And what we haven’t mentioned yet, but which might interest you even more… It’s actually an island in the middle of the East River! This park is very environmentally friendly, and is home to a large vegetable and fruit farm.
Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
Against all beliefs, Pelham Bay Park is THE largest park of New York City. It is 3 times bigger than Central Park actually!
Located in the northeast Bronx, it’s bordered on one side by the Atlantic Ocean. This means it has access to the ocean and even its own beach! In addition to its beach, you can do almost any kind of sport in Pelham Bay Park. It has tennis, gold and soccer courts, among others…
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens
Slightly the same size as Central Park, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is centrally located in northern Queens.
In addition to its walking trails, skating rink in winter and science museum, this park is most famous for its statues. It houses the world’s largest globe, 140 feet high and 120 feet in diameter.
The Greenbelt, Staten Island
Finishing this large NYC parks list with the second largest: the Greenbelt in Staten Island. Although it is not officially a national park, but more a national recreation area, it looks like it.
It covers 1,778 acres, or 3,000 if you consider the whole area. You can hike, camp and stay in the park for days if you like!
Is Central Park in Manhattan? Yes, and…
And no, it is not overrated! Central Park is as good as it looks. It is an urban oasis of tranquility and nature, we couldn’t imagine New York City without it.
Another place we can’t imagine the Big Apple without, is the DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View. This is a magnificent street with red stone buildings, offering a view on the Manhattan Bridge. A must visit on your New York one-day itinerary!
If you wish to explore beyond New York City, we recommend going on a New York to Maine road trip or exploring the hidden places in Upstate New York.
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