Central Park is one of the most well-known parks in the world, and New York City locals and visitors alike fill this park every day. This beautiful city is over 750 acres large, and it was originally intended to help New York compete with similar European cities. With so much to see and do in Central Park, it can be hard to make the most of your time in the park! Here are five tips for exploring Central Park.
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1. Get active by renting a bike
With so much ground to cover, it can be impossible to see all of Central Park in a limited amount of time. The best way to see most, is to do as the locals and ride a bike. Central Park is extremely bike friendly, and the bike paths weave in and out of the major attractions. For a guided experience, there are Central Park bike tours for $29. Biking around Central Park is the perfect way to spend a day in the Big Apple! Plus, a guided tour is the best way to learn more about the fascinating history of Central Park.
2. Bring a Central Park map
Central Park is huge, and the biggest problem visitors face is getting lost. If you’re in a crunch for time, you want to be able to get your bearing quickly so you don’t waste valuable time. There are a lot of vendors in the park who sell the handy maps, but they can be expensive. Save yourself time and money by downloading a printable version of the map before you leave for your trip!
3. Visit during an event
Central Park is always hosting some sort of an event no matter the time of year. The best time to attend a Central Park event is in the summertime when the weather is best. Take a break from usual tourist activities and join the locals with an event. Some of the most popular events include Philharmonic in the Parks and Shakespeare in the Parks. There’s something for everyone, just be sure to check the local event calendar before your trip!
4. Enjoy a drink with the best view at the Loeb Boathouse
The Loeb Boathouse has been one of the most popular places to dine in the Big Apple for years now. With beautiful views of the lake and paddle boats, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a quiet afternoon away from the hustle of city life. While many people know about the restaurant, less are aware of the outdoor bar. The Loeb Boathouse outdoor bar lets you enjoy a variety of drinks in nature. They even offer happy hour several times a week which is the best time to visit!
5. Pack a picnic to bring to the park
On a nice day, you’ll catch sight of lots of locals picnicking in the park. Not only is picnicking in Central Park a relaxing experience, it’s a great way to save money. Pack your favorite meal to enjoy in the park for lunch or dinner, and just sit back and people watch. You might even get mistaken for a local! Picnics are also great to bring if you’re attending an event in the park!
Make the most of Central Park
With several world-famous statues, landmarks, playgrounds, and more, it’s no wonder Central Park is on the top of every visitor’s bucket list when in New York City. With so much to see, you’ll need to do some prior planning to make sure you have a great time. Whether you prefer a guided tour or drinks by the Boathouse, you’re sure to find something special in this park!
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Paul and Carole says
Great tips for visiting, would love to go back! Have pinned for future reference. #feetdotravel
Shona says
Like everyone else, I’m a huge fan of Central Park. I take a different path each time. Even if I only have a short time in NYC I always manage to get in there and breathe. Renting a bike is a great idea and I wasn’t aware there were guided tours. The view of the park from the Rockefeller Centre is incredible too. 🙂
Angie (FeetDoTravel) says
When I visit NYC, Central Park is one of the places I definitely want to see so these tips are perfect – especially hiring a bike, I will do that! Thanks for the advice, pinned #feetdotravel
Carmen Baguio says
Some of my favorite memories of NYC came from afternoons spent in Central Park. I love the people watching and all of the sounds of the street musicians! And of course you have to get a hot dog!
Mishelle says
I don´t visit NY yet but if I do I definitely use this tips. Thanks for sharing!
Mishelle // voyagecompass.com