NYC's 10 Best Attractions & Things to Do in Central Park

NYC’s 10 Best Attractions & Things to Do in Central Park

5. The Central Park Reservoir. 85th Street to 96th Street, East to West. The Reservoir is large and covers 1/8th of Central Park. Originally used to help with the Manhattan’s water supply, the Reservoir was taken offline by New York in 1991. The Central Park Reservoir, formally named the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, has the best views of the city’s skyline, is great for bird watching, or going for a run on the 1.58 mile track. Many races sponsored by the New York Road Runner’s Club start and finish within the Reservoir. See: New York City’s Best Running Events and Races.

4. Central Park Zoo. 5th Avenue & E 64th Street, Central Park. A bargain at around 10 dollars per ticket. The Central Park Zoo is the most visited feature inside Central Park. Although very small, it is clean and well organized. All the animals are active and it is a perfect place in Central Park for children. Lines to get in can be long and crowds of children are everywhere. A good stop for the animal lover if you do not have time to get to the Bronx Zoo.

3. Belvedere Castle. Central Park West & W 81st Street. This monument designed by architect Calvert Vaux was meant as a looking point for the beautiful surrounding landscape. It has since also been used as a weather station and for bird watching as well as contains exhibits featuring natural sciences and history.

2. Strawberry Fields. Between 71st and 74th Streets, Central Park West. After John Lennon was shot in 1980, this tear drop shaped area was designated by the city for Strawberry Fields. Yoko Uno donated money to have the area re-landscaped. At the center lies the famous “Imagine” mosaic which always draws a crowd. The Dakota building, where John Lennon and Yoko Uno lived and where he was shot, is visible from Strawberry Fields across Central Park West.

1. The Lake. Mid Central Park from 71st to 78th Streets. Minus the Reservoir, this 22 acre lake is the largest body of water within Central Park. Rent a rowboat from shore and paddle out for some peace and quiet, a true escape from urban life. Cruise along the shore to take in all of the details and terrain of the surrounding land.

NYC’s 10 Best Attractions & Things to Do in Central Park (10 to 6)

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