New York’s Central Park Obelisk, is the city’s backyard sitting in a lush ground of 843 acres in Manhattan. Countless attractions are enjoyed year-round by tourists from across the globe. See below what you cannot miss.
a. Observe an Ancient Artifact- Obelisk
One of the famous attractions at Central Park is the Obelisk, the oldest public monument in NYC and the oldest standing object in Central Park. Also referred to as Cleopatra’s Needle, the Central Park Obelisk, has been around for over 130 years. It was established by Pharaoh Thutmosis III and sent to New York in the 19th century. Located between the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Great Lawn, Obelisk carries a fascinating history, a journey that takes you back to ancient Egypt.
b. Belvedere Castle
The Belvedere Castle may not be an actual castle but a miniature design that was created to provide a vantage point since 1869. Resting atop Vista Rock, Belvedere Castle provides breathtaking aerial views of the entire Central Park and NYC from the rooftop. To the north are the green Great Lawn and the famous Delacorte Theater that hosts Shakespearean performances by famous actors. Looking to the south you will see the Ramble forest.
c. Nell Singer Lilac Walk
To the north of Sheep Meadow is this wonderland with blossoming lilacs. They welcome romantic visitors with white, pink, and purple colors. There is a fragrant allure in the Nell Singer Lilac Walk which was created in 1970.
d. Gapstow Bridge and The Pond
The southernmost water body in Central Park is The Pond. This is an artificial pond that receives water from the main supply system of NYC. Over the pond is the Gapstow Bridge that offers spectacular Midtown views. This is a great photoshoot area and a popular venue for romantic picnics.
e. Hallett Nature Sanctuary
To the northwest of the Pond is this four-acre nature conservancy. Get a professional guide to take you through Hallett Nature Sanctuary. Since 1934, it was a bird sanctuary and was later restored around 1980. Meet a plethora of animal species including woodchucks, rabbits, and raccoon, and a massive population of birds.
f. Central Park Zoo
Though it was not part of the initial plans of Central Park, the zoo started with people leaving exotic animals as gifts in the park. Numerous bears and swans found their way here until the city created an official zoo. It is the second zoo in the US, from Philadelphia, to be publicly owned.
Many movies have been shot in the meadows, scenic hilltops, ball fields, and the skating rinks of the Central Park. The area is huge and you may not exhaust every attraction in a single day.
