First trips should be memorable!
If hustling hard takes you to New York, you definitely have every right to enjoy each amazing minute you’re in the city. Truly a place of our dreams (and our favorite movies) New York City has iconic spots everyone must visit once in their lives. And if you’re going for the first time, exploring Central Park is a perfect way to kick off your New York trip!
So while we're at it, jot down these 8 things on your bucket list and cross them off as you go!
1. Dining at Loeb Boathouse on The Lake
If you're seeking a unique dining experience in Central Park, you can enjoy dining here on a heated balcony overlooking the lake all year round. As a popular venue for weddings and formal gatherings, this Boathouse has become a popular restaurant with an enclosed dining room and an outside lounge area along the water's edge. Although the boathouse is a century old, it is still open to the public and rents rowboats for sightseeing and picture takings.
Source: Loeb Boathouse on The Lake Facebook
Loeb Boathouse on The Lake
Address: Park Drive North, E 72nd St, New York, NY 10021, United States
Contact Information: +1 212-517-2233
Social: Facebook
2. Ice Skating in Central Park
Who wouldn't want to miss out on ice skating in New York City? Indeed, ice skating is a must-do activity if you're visiting the city in the winter. For someone else, skating here was a childhood dream worth marking off the bucket list. So, if you're as enthusiastic to skate as we are, Central Park provides two exciting options for you: Wollman Rink and Lasker Rink.
Source: Wollman Rink and Laser Rink Facebook
Situated near the Central Park Zoo, the Wollman Rink offers skate rentals and viewing tickets for tourists. Meanwhile, the Lasker Rink has two main functions: it is a skating rink in the winter and a swimming pool in the summer. Although the Wollman Rink is more pricey, going ice skating there is still worth the expense.
Wollman Rink and Laser Rink
Address: 830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States for Wollman Rink and 110 Lenox Ave, New York, NY 10029, United States for Lasker Rink
Contact Information: (917) 492-3856
3. TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour
Coming as no surprise, New York is a favorite spot for shooting our beloved shows and movies! And, guess what? Iconic film sets are still alive and well around the city, which you can visit on a guided walk. This walking tour includes visits to the sets of Breakfast at Tiffany's, Home Alone 2, Sex and the City, and many more. Explore the Central Park landmarks that have appeared in popular television and film productions, and learn where your favorite movies and television series were filmed!
Source: On Location Tours Facebook
On Location Tours
Address: 435 E 85th St, New York, NY 10028, United States
Contact Number: +1 212-683-2027
4. Cherry Tree Blossoms
Take a romantic stroll around New York's center in the spring, when the cherry blossoms blossom into a blaze of pink and white, marking the start of the warm season. Central Park features two types of cherry trees: the Yoshino and the Kwanzan. The Yoshino blooms in mid-April, whereas the Kwanzan blooms in early May. The ideal spots to see both types of cherry trees are near the lake's shores. Yoshino trees can be spotted at Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill, and Neil Singer Lilac Walk, while Kwanzan trees can be found at Cedar Hill, The Glade, and the Great Lawn.
Source: Central Park Conservancy Website
Central Park
Address: New York, NY, United States
Contact Information: +1 212-310-6600
5. Family Picnic at Harlem Meer
This secluded spot in the city is home to a variety of aquatic wildlife, including turtles basking on rocks in the summer. Along the Meer's edge, a walkway lined with chairs and grass offers many spots for resting, picnics, and sunbathing, as well as overlooking shoreline plants and the Fort Landscape to the south.
Source: Central Park Conservancy Website
This is a must-see New York attraction with a variety of activities for families to enjoy outdoors such as fishing, skating, and swimming. The Central Park Conservancy's Charles A. Dana Discovery Center is buzzing with activities and also functions as a tourist hotspot that hosts exhibits and community initiatives.
Harlem Meer
Address: 199 Central Park N, New York, NY 10026, United States
Contact Information: +1 212-310-6600
6. Horse and Carriage Rides
With over 150 years of precedent, a trip in a horse-drawn carriage awaits you at one of New York's most romantic attractions. Some of the sights you'll meet along the way during the 45 minutes Central Park tour are the lake, strawberry fields, tavern on the green, rumsey playfield, and conservatory water which is around two miles long and covers the South End Quadrant. There are also many romantic opportunities here, and booking ahead of time can save you from hassle if you're planning on proposing to your partner.
Source: Central Park Horses Website
Central Park Carriage Rides
Address: New York City, New York
Contact Information: +1 212-470-7893
7. Bike Rental
Bike across Central Park in comfort, hybrid, mountain, or children's bikes from a convenient rental service. You may explore the bike-friendly trails at your leisure, with the help of a map and the staff's supervision. Since you'll be the only one looking forward to this vacation, book your reservations early because the bikes sell out quickly. Wear your provided helmets as well for safe roaming around.
Source: Bike Rental Center Park Website
Bike Rental Central Park
Address: 1391 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States
Contact Information: +1 212-664-9600
8. Cantor Roof Garden Bar
Another must-see in New York is this popular rooftop bar housed within the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Set on the east side of Central Park, tourists can witness the skyline view of the park and its surrounding cityscape from the roof terrace. You may go up to the upper level of the museum for free if you've taken a tour, but drinks, sandwiches, and salads are also available for purchase on-site. This could be your moment to party like a New Yorker so grab that drink and go for it!
Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Facebook
Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Website
Cantor Roof Garden Bar
Address: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
Contact Number: +1 212-535-7710
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be a responsible traveler! All information on this post are accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations and guidelines are updated frequently and may change without Klook’s prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective LGU’s and establishments directly before your travels.
