Do you enjoy walking and want to really get to know Central Park, not just the bit near the entrance? Then this walking route for Central Park is for you. The park is huge, but on foot you’ll reach places you can’t get to by bike, and that’s precisely where the park is at its most beautiful. I’ve put together this walking route of around 4.3 miles (7 km) myself, taken all the photos myself and revisit it regularly to ensure the information stays up to date. Using my Eric’s New York App, you can start the walk whenever suits you, entirely at your own pace.
Download the app and buy your walking route for New York here
Eric's Index
Highlights of the Central Park Route
At over 340 hectares, Central Park is vast, which is precisely why a mapped-out route is so handy. When walking Central Park with this itinerary, you won’t have to search for your way or walk back, and you can be sure you’ll see the park’s most beautiful spots without walking any unnecessary miles.
Along the way, you’ll walk past places you’ll probably recognise from films and TV series, as well as hidden corners that most visitors simply walk straight past. Among other things, you’ll see a centuries-old Egyptian obelisk, the park’s oldest monument, and you’ll climb a real castle offering a magnificent view over the treetops.
At each stop, I’ll share the story behind what you see. Sometimes it’s a bit of history, sometimes a fun fact, and sometimes it’s simply why I find this spot so lovely. This makes your walk through Central Park that little bit more enriching than if you simply walked through it on your own.
How’s this walking route?
This route is suitable for anyone who can manage a brisk walk of around 4.3 miles (7 km). You’ll be walking mainly along the park’s paths, but along the way you’ll also climb a little, and the route sometimes veers off the beaten track. You should therefore wear shoes that are comfortable to walk in.
Are you less mobile? If so, this route may not be entirely suitable, but with a slight adjustment you’ll still be able to complete it. You can avoid the steep climbs and unpaved sections by taking a short detour along the main paths; the app shows you on the map where it’s best to do this.
You can take a break anywhere: the park is full of benches, and there’s no shortage of grassy areas. You set your own pace, and the walk is easy enough even with children, as there’s always something to see: from animals and playgrounds to buskers.
Central Park: a break from the hustle and bustle
Central Park is the most famous city park and a popular place for New Yorkers to unwind. Designed and laid out entirely in the 19th century, every hill, pond and tree in the park is there for a reason. After spending a few days navigating the busy streets of Manhattan, a stroll through Central Park is a breath of fresh air. In the heart of the park, it’s sometimes easy to forget that you’re in a city of millions.
Whatever the season, Central Park is always a lovely place to go for a walk: in spring the blossoms are in bloom; in summer the lawns are full of New Yorkers; in autumn the park turns shades of orange and red; and in winter you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped straight into a Christmas film.
Practical Information
- Starting point: South-west entrance
- Distance: 7 kilometres (4.3 miles)
- Duration: approximately 2 hours, depending on your pace
- Price: from £2 as part of a package
- Best time: in the early morning, you’ll have the park almost to yourself, whereas at the weekend, after 13:00, it fills up with New Yorkers. Sunday is the favourite day for New Yorkers to visit the park.
Pairs well with:
Do you enjoy walking? With my walking routes, you can explore every part of New York at your own pace. For example, this route pairs nicely with the Tudor City walking route. Do that one first, as the end point of the Tudor City route is the starting point of this Central Park route.
How does the walking route work in the app?
All you need for this walk is my Eric’s New York App. The route works entirely offline, so you can still find your way even without a signal. You’ll be on your way in just a few steps:
- Download the free Eric’s New York App from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Tap the ‘Routes’ icon at the bottom, or the menu button in the top right-hand corner of the home screen.
Select the Central Park walking route. - Tap ‘Buy route’ and complete the payment.
- You’ll now see the full route in the app, with all the points you’ll pass. At each point, you’ll find my stories, tips and photos.
- On the map, click on the green figure to view the route and your own location. That way, you won’t get lost along the way.
You don’t have to wait until your trip: buy the route in advance and have a look at what’s in store for you from the comfort of your own home. Once in New York, you can follow the map at your own pace. Of course, you’re welcome to stop for a coffee or take a detour; the route will simply be waiting for you when you’re ready to continue.
If you’re on your mobile, you can open this link directly to the walking routes in the app
Tip: Budget-friendly walking routes through New York
Would you prefer to follow several walking routes during your trip? If so, opt for the package in the app. This allows you to buy several routes in one go, which is much better value than buying them all separately. That way, you can explore the most beautiful parts of New York over the course of a few days.
View all walking routes and packages in the app
