Winter in New York City’s Central Park

Central Park is my favorite park in New York City. 

While there are other parks that I love in New York City as well including Riverside Park that overlooks the Hudson River, the green spaces on Governors Island, and Brooklyn Bridge Park with its stunning views of Downtown Manhattan, none of them even compare to my beloved Central Park.

As you stroll through the park at a leisurely pace beginning at the 59th street entrance and head north, you will notice that the crowds start to dissipate before you hit the Reservoir, and more opportunities become available to find peace and solitude.

Outside of the annual holiday market held at the entrance to the park and various events and festivals that occur in the park in the winter, the park still has a lot to offer.

Bow Bridge: Bow Bridge earned its name by being reminiscent of a bow held by an archer or a violinist. Located mid-park near 74th Street, the Bow Bridge is one of the most romantic destinations within the park. In addition, Bow Bridge is one of the park’s most photographed bridges and is one of the most filmed locations in all of Central Park.

The Ramble Central Park

Belvedere Castle

Belvedere Castle: Located mid-park at 79th Street, the Belvedere Castle was created in 1869 by Calvert Vaux, the co-designer of Central Park. Sitting at the highest point in the park, the castle plays an important role in the park as it records both the temperature and rainfall in the park using scientific equipment.

An Ovenbird scurries away from me and hops from branch to branch

The Reservoir

The Reservoir: Walking around the perimeter of the 1.58-mile Reservoir is one of my favorite things to do in Central Park. Despite the water freezing over in the winter, the Reservoir is still one of Central Park’s most picturesque landscapes. The Reservoir is located between 85th and 96th Street and runs from the east side of the park to the west side of the park.

Southeast Reservoir Bridge located at 85 Street

Reservoir Bridge (85th Street): Located to the south of the Reservoir around 85th Street, this picturesque bridge has a lovely wooden footpath and a delicate floral design.

Reservoir Bridge (94th Street)

Reservoir Bridge (94th Street): Located to the west of the Reservoir at 94th street, this bridge was built in 1864 by Calvert Vaux, a British-American architect and landscape designer who co-designed Central Park.

The Pinebank Arch: The Pinebank Arch is one of the five remaining cast-iron bridges located Central Park, and is one of my favorites to photograph. The Pinebank Arch is located on the west side of the park at 62nd Street.

Frolicking in an ice fort created by some local children in Central Park

Have you ever visited Central Park in the winter? What did you do?