There are many things to see and do in Central Park. Plenty of quirky sculptures, breathtaking architecture, and famous filming locations are all hidden in the heart of Manhattan. This serene spot is a New York must-see.
With 843 acres of wide-open spaces, there’s plenty to fill your wanderlust but almost impossible to accomplish this in one day, especially if you’re walking around. Bike riding in Central Park might be a better option and a comfortable solution to this.
Central Park is in a prime location and is the best place to explore after visiting some of the nearby museums like the Museum of the City of New York (near the North Woods), Metropolitan Museum of Art and American Museum of Natural History, and the Guggenheim (all between the Lake and the Loeb Boathouse).
You can grab a bike from the Fancy Apple, located at the entrance of Central Park. We offer many bike options to make sure your journey is as comfortable as you want. Once you’re ready to begin your journey, start peddling towards the top 10 Central Park things to see:
Central Park Bridges
With almost 30 exquisite Central Park bridges and arches offering beautiful views, it made sense to highlight two of the must-see:
- Bow Bridge: Right next to Cherry Hill, named after the cherry trees that bloom in the spring, you can find Bow Bridge Central Park. This bridge was the first of the cast-iron bridges in the Park and the second oldest in America. With vibrant nature that changes with the seasons, this spot is the most beautiful of Central Park bridges and arches.
- Gapstow Bridge: As one of the first landmarks you bike through upon entering the park, this bridge sets the scene, separating some of the most incredible views of the New York City skyline with the Park’s lush greenery. Your view on the bridge dramatically changes each season. You’ll see local park-goers ice skating on Wollman Rink in the winter, and relive your childhood through the Victoria Gardens Amusement Park through the summer.
Caption: Bow Bridge Central Park during the peak fall season
Belvedere Castle Central Park
Belvedere Castle Central Park is one of the top places in Central Park things to see. Located halfway between North Woods Central Park and Gapstow Bridge, visitors flock to this miniature castle for its panoramic views of the Park. Named after the Italian meaning “beautiful view”, the castle offers bike riders and park-goers just that.
Inside the castle, you’ll experience a mini-museum of natural history as you explore a vast collection of artifacts such as papier-mache birds and skeletons, as well as microscopes and telescopes to show guests how naturalists study the world around them.
Zoo Central Park
Zoo Central Park brings uncommon animals to you in the middle of a bustling city. While it started by accident, the oldest zoo in the country brings people from all over together for their enthusiasm over uncommon animals.
The zoo opened when New Yorkers began leaving “gifts” of exotic animals in the park, and after a few years of this, the city of New York erected an official zoo. The structures you’ll bike past today have undergone some major renovation since its opening in the 1860s.
The most groundbreaking is the insertion of the Sea Lion Pool because the designer studied sea lion habitats to create as natural of an environment as possible. Each renovation ensures the zoo incorporates well into the park through natural, open habitats.
While cycling in Central Park with your kids or friends, you can pause your tour with us to check out the zoo. Since it’s open year-round, it’s always a good time to see animals from all over the world like snow leopards and red pandas.
Strawberry Fields Central Park
Named after the late Beatle John Lennon’s favorite songs, “Strawberry Fields Forever”, this memorial is a must-see for any music fan. He took frequent walks around this part of the Park as his former apartment building is across the street from the memorial. Strawberry Fields Central Park is a touching memorial with an “Imagine” mosaic in its center and is usually flocked by musicians playing Beatles songs.
Bethesda Fountain and Terrace
Right in the middle of the park sits the Bethesda Fountain with the famous “Angel of the Waters” statue sitting on top. The angel carries a lily in its left hand, a symbol of the water’s purity as the fountain commemorates the first water system, the Croton Aqueduct, that provided New York City with fresh water. This world-famous fountain is usually filled crowds taking in the serenity that surrounds it, which makes biking in the early morning, just after sunrise, our favorite time to stop by this masterpiece.
Bethesda Terrace is considered the heart of Central Park, and its stunning architecture themed on nature, science, art, and love should not be missed. It sits at the end of a long, tree-lined promenade that offers solace through rain or heat, and incredible views of the Bethesda fountain and the lake. Its open-air arcade joins the two together and is known for its colorful ceiling, comprised of 16,000 handmade and elaborately patterned tiles.
The Bethesda Fountain and Terrace are a must-see when bike riding in Central Park. Ride with us today so you can check this off your NYC guide.
Conservatory Garden
Central Park’s 6-acre Conservatory Garden is the perfect place to stop and smell the roses (and chrysanthemums and sage). Three European-style gardens make up the blooms you will see. Entering through historic wrought-iron Vanderbilt gates, you will come across the Italian Center Garden filled with crabapple trees, bursting with pink and white blooms all through Spring.
A little more north sits the French-style garden that offers seasonal displays of tulips in spring, and Japanese holly through the fall. Towards the south lies the English-style garden that contains a water lily pool, making it feel like spring year-round. Wherever you end up, you’ll be greeted by beautiful views.
Central Park Carousel
The Central Park Carousel has been a beloved tradition for almost 150 years. The Park Carousel has had some renovations since its inception. In the 1870s, it was operated by a mule and a horse that would walk in circles and stop when the ride’s operator tapped their foot on the ground.
It now has nearly 60 hand-carved and hand-painted horses and two chariots that “gallop” along to music produced by a mechanical organ. You and loved ones will surely want to take a break here and enjoy time slowing down. The carousel is one of the largest in the country and also one of the most popular getting people from all over 7 days a week.
Caption: Relive your childhood at The Carousel
Loeb Boathouse
Another incredible rest spot (and change in transportation) is the Loeb Boathouse. On warm summer days, you can get a Central Park boat rental or ride on a Venetian gondola to enjoy the lake’s views and the Park or grab a quick meal at the restaurant.
Many have enjoyed this tranquil location on the east side of Central Park Lake since the Park’s inception. If you would like to stay closer to shore, you can enjoy the intricate and charming Victorian designs that envelop the boathouse and its second story terrace that offers breathtaking views of the Park.
Sheep Meadow
As a designated quiet spot, Sheep Meadow is a go-to for days you want to read a book, sunbathe, or have a nice picnic. Speaking of picnics, Fancy Apple can provide a classy one for you to sit back and enjoy the stunning Manhattan skyline.
This vision of green is an oasis in the middle of New York City. Its transformation from rocky land to lush lawns is a testament to New Yorker’s dedication to their city and perfect, tranquil place to take a break after cycling in Central Park.
Shakespeare Garden
Steps away from the Belvedere Castle Central Park hide the Shakespeare Garden. It was designed to illustrate the English countryside and honor the poet and playwright. Shakespeare’s fans may recognize some of the flowers and herbs mentioned in his work, several of which have bronze plaques quoting the relevant text.
This quiet corner of the park is one of our favorite Central Park things to see because of its perfect location for a romantic tour. You and your significant other can enjoy a pedicab tour that takes you across this dreamy landscape.
To Sum Up
There are plenty of cast iron bridges, lush greenery, and marvelous architecture to see when bike riding in Central Park, and this article has only skimmed the surface. When the skies are clear, stop by the Fancy Apple to pick up a bike and begin exploring all Central Park offers. On days you would like a guide to take you through the Park, you can book one of our bike or pedicab tours. We have many options available so you can start cycling in Central Park today.