by Peggy Tee

Created on: August 15, 2011   Last Updated: August 16, 2011

Spanning 843 acres, Central Park is the green lung of Manhattan, located right in the center of New York City. The Park was opened in 1857, and was granted National Historic Landmark status in 1963. The Park's boundaries are bordered by West 110th Street and West 59th on the north and south ends, and by 8th and 5th Avenues on its west and east sides. Central Park is one of the must-see places on many tourists'

itineraries when they visit New York, for good reason - it is a quintessential part of the New York City experience. The area has its own rhythms and secret spots, and offers respite from the hustle and bustle of New York.

Things to do

Central Park is a vital part of New York City. Visitors, both tourists and local, come here to jog, roller blade, cycle, skateboard or simply enjoy the peace and space of the park. There are 6 miles of track within the park and while these are open to traffic on weekdays, on weekends and after 7pm, runners, families, cyclists and joggers have the roads to themselves. Families love the Central Park Zoo, and children also enjoy feeding the ducks at the pond. There are playgrounds a plenty scattered around the Park, and a variety of different sports available such as baseball in the summer at the playing fields and ice-skating in the winter at Wollman Rink. In the summer, you can rent boats from the Boathouse and go for a paddle on the lake.

Sights

You can tour the park via horse drawn carriage, pedicab, rented bicycle or on foot. Sights include the Carousel, the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, the Boathouse, Bethesda Terrace, Belvedere Castle, Bow Bridge and Strawberry Fields. The main attraction of Central Park is not just the buildings within it, but the foliage and the landscape. There are many grassy spots, ideal for a picnic or two, and benches along the paths for quiet contemplation. The water features in the park, which includes a few natural-looking lakes and ponds and a waterfall, have all been artificially created. The park is at its most atmospheric in the fall, when the leaves turn red and golden.

Events

Central Park plays host to different events through the year. From communal yoga on the Great Lawn to Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theatre, to symphony orchestras and the New York Film Festival, there is always something going on at Central Park. For a schedule of events, go to Central Park's website.

Places to eat

There are a number of options when it comes to dining in Central Park. The Loeb Boathouse, near East 74th Street, is a wonderful venue for a Sunday brunch, with a view across the water. Other restaurants include Sheep Meadow Cafe, at East 69th Street and Tavern on the Green, a formal establishment located near West 66th. For a more informal meal, try the concession stands located at Wollman Rink (East 63rd), the Leaping Frog Cafe (East 64th), Ferrara Italian Cafe (West 61st) and Ballplayers House (65th Street near the Carousel). 

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