Must-seeThe park is free and endless; the Met beside it is one of the world’s great museums — do both.
843 acres of lawns, lakes and woods in the middle of Manhattan, with the Metropolitan Museum of Art on its eastern edge — an unbeatable pairing.
What to see at Central Park & the Met
- Walk or bike: Bethesda Terrace, the Mall, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle.
- The Met — Egypt to Van Gogh (non-residents pay a set admission).
- Central Park is free, dawn to 1am.
- Winter: ice skating at Wollman Rink.
Visiting tips
Enter the park at 72nd St for the greatest hits, then cross to the Met — a perfect half-day.
How long: Half a day · Best time: Morning; autumn for the colour.
How to get there & what’s nearby
Central Park & the Met is easy to reach on New York City’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island and Empire State Building. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our New York City travel guide.
Central Park & the Met in pictures
Plan your trip
See the full New York City travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.
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Frequently asked about Central Park & the Met
Is Central Park & the Met worth visiting?
Yes — it is one of the top things to do in New York City. 843 acres of green beside one of the world’s great museums.
Do you need a ticket for Central Park & the Met?
No — it is free to visit.
How much time do you need at Central Park & the Met?
Most visitors spend from under an hour to a few hours, depending on how much they want to see.