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New York City Central Park guideExploring Wollman Rink, Strawberry Fields, the Reservoir and more
New York City is a great city to explore but a visit isn't complete without seeing the sights of world famous Central Park.
Quick factsCentral Park runs from 59th street, called Central Park South up to 110th street called Central Park North, bordered by Central Park West and 5th Avenue. The park is just over 150 years and was created by legendary designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. It is a manmade park but has truly become what the designers had originally envisioned, an oasis for city dwellers to relax and enjoy nature. The park has also developed over the years to be a must see for visitors worldwide, so definitely take some time to explore its beauty. AttractionsSouth EndThis is the most popular and most easily accessible area that runs from 59th street to 72nd street. Popular attractions include the Sheep's Meadow, the Carousel, the Zoo and Wildlife Center, Wollman skating rink, the Naumberg Bandshell on the Mall, statue of Balto, Tavern on the Green, and rowboats on the lake around Bethesda Terrace. A leisurely half day can be spent here wandering around the paved walkways and ending up with lunch at the Boathouse overlooking the lake. Horse carriage and pedi-cab rides can be found around 59th street and 5th avenue. The pedi-cab rides are more environmentally friendly and recommended over the overpriced ($70+), smelly, and who-knows-what-kind-of-animal-rights-the-horses-get carriage rides. MiddleThis part of the park runs from 72nd up to around 90th street. Attractions here include the Ramble, the Shakespeare garden and theater, Belvedere Castle, the Great Lawn, and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. Quieter than the southern end, this area is nice to stroll around and watch the sunset over the reservoir. In the summer free tickets to Shakespeare in the Park can be obtained from the Delacorte Theater. Towering over the Great Lawn is the Belvedere Castle and nice skyline views can be seen from there as well. Visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art is just a quick walk from the Great Lawn. North EndThe least visited but still very interesting area runs from the top of the reservoir to 110th street. Urban families make use of the northern area and you will see more diversity up there. Bird watchers will love the quiet North Woods, with its rambling paths and leafy old trees. Lasker pool has free swimming in the summer and free ice-skating in the winter. Harlem Meer and the Conservatory Garden are next door to the pool and a quiet and picturesque stroll can be found. Getting thereTake the A /C or B/D or 1 train to the 59th street stop. For local train service to 72nd, 81st, 86th, 96th, 103rd, 110th stay on the C or B trains. There is bus service heading south on 5th avenue not recommended for a long distance. More Upper West Side info: Historic Upper Manhattan More neighborhood info-NoLIta: Mott Street -West Village: West 4th Street More NYC: Free sights Transportation info: Getting to and from NYC airports
The copyright of the article New York City Central Park guide in New York Travel is owned by Lisa Schroeder. Permission to republish New York City Central Park guide in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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