Manhattan’s Green Lung
Beautiful, natural landscape, luscious meadows, serene lakes and dense woodlands… Thinking of these buzzwords, would you believe that we’re talking about a place right in the heart of Manhattan?
Indeed, New York City is known to be a bustling concrete jungle that only really gets somewhat silent when it freezes over once every winter. But there is indeed a green sanctuary amidst the bustling cityscape: Central Park.
The green lung of Manhattan spans 843 acres and is probably one of the most well-known public parks in the world. You cannot think of New York without the most-famous sights, like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square or, well… Central Park, shooting up your mind.
First opened in 1858, it has since turned into one of the most famous and most visited public parks in the world.
Besides the amazing nature, Central Park also serves as a venue for numerous cultural events and concerts. These include the Summer Stage Festival, the JVC Jazz Festival and the Shakespeare in the Park Festival.
There is also the possibility for visitors to take guided tours through the park in order to get an understanding of the history of the park from a tour guide.
But in short Central Park is a must-see for anyone traveling to New York City, enjoying the beautiful preservation of nature here, contemplating an oasis in an otherwise noisy city and experiencing its tranquility is not to be missed.
Activities in Central Park
Central Park in New York offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the most popular things to do in Central Park:
Hiking and walking:
The green oasis in the heart of Manhattan offers a network of more than 8 km of hiking trails for long walks that you can explore. Alternatively, you can of course hop on your bike and go on a bike ride. If you don’t have your own bike to hand, you can hire bikes from numerous places.
Off to what water:
Fishing: The park offers several fishing spots where you can try your luck. There are several boat rentals in the park where you can rent row boats, canoes and paddle boats.
Be sporty:
Central Park offers a variety of playgrounds, outdoor theaters, and athletic fields for the whole family to enjoy.
Tours: There are tours of the park that will introduce you to the history and geography of the park. For example, visit the Central Park Zoo or the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, America’s largest art exhibition.
Picnicking: The park offers many green areas where you can have a picnic and simply enjoy nature here.
Ice Skating: In the winter you can ice skate on the ice rink at Wollman Rink.
These are just a few of the many activities you can do in Central Park. Whether your interests are sports, nature, romance, art, or relaxation, Central Park has something for everyone.
Central Park’s Best Photo Spots
Whether you want to snap some souvenir snaps or are an Instagram influencer who loves to be photographed in the trendiest hotspots: Central Park in the heart of Manhattan is one of the best spots in NYC for urban and nature photography.
Take a look at the following photo spots, for example:
- Bethesda Terrace and Fountain – This terrace offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding countryside and is great for photos.
- Bow Bridge – This well-known bridge offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
- Central Park Conservatory Garden – This formal garden is filled with colorful flowers, foliage and aquatic plants.
- Belvedere Castle – a recreation in the style of medieval European castles. It comes fully equipped with towers, battlements and a courtyard and serves as the Central Park Conservancy visitor center.
- The Lake – The lake in Central Park offers a calm and peaceful atmosphere, although this location is a good spot for photos, it’s worth putting the camera aside here too.
