Sitting right in the middle of the island of Manhattan in New York City, Central Park might be the most recognizable urban park in the world. It is the most filmed location on earth, and is visited by millions of New Yorkers and tourists each year.
While this 843-acre park likely won’t be your only reason for visiting New York, it’s definitely worth spending a day exploring. Here, you’ll find a fascinating display of the city’s history surrounded by the kind of nature you wouldn’t expect in one of the world’s largest urban areas. Before you go, learn what you need to know about Central Park below. But first, let’s explore the right visitors medical insurance .
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers visiting Central Park – FAQs
Can you guarantee that you won’t get sick or hurt tomorrow? Of course not. None of us can predict the future. You could wake up with the flu, sprain your ankle, or break a bone. This is just as likely during a vacation or business trip as it is at home. So, you need to have insurance that’s valid for your trip. That’s visitors medical insurance.
Do I need visitors medical insurance for Central Park?
From a legal perspective, you aren’t required to have visitors medical insurance to visit New York or the United States as a whole. But if this is your first time visiting the US, be warned. Healthcare here is extremely expensive. It only takes one sickness or injury to wipe out your life savings if you don’t have visitors medical insurance.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before visiting Central Park?
There’s no shortage of great healthcare available in New York City. Some of the finest hospitals and clinics in the world are located here. But they all have one thing in common: They aren’t cheap. If you show up in need of medical treatment and do not have medical insurance that is valid, your bill could be tens of thousands of dollars or more. Since few people can afford that kind of expense on their own, you need to have visitors medical insurance for your trip.
Central Park’s Most Popular Activities
Central Park offers a lot to see and do. Even a whole day or several days spent exploring won’t give you a chance to experience it all. However, we would recommend starting with the following attractions:
Central Park Zoo
The Central Park Zoo is an ideal family attraction, with animals from all over the world including snow leopards, grizzly bears, lemurs, and red pandas. Naturally, the penguins in the Polar Circles area are always a favorite with kids. The zoo also features a fantastic 4D theatre that’s designed to appeal to all visitors age six and up.
Belvedere Castle
Belvedere Castle isn’t a real castle. It was actually designed and built back in 1869 as a park lookout. After falling into disuse in the mid-20th century, the castle was renovated. Today, it houses a visitor’s center and a gift shop. Some of the most famous views of Central Park can be had from Belvedere Castle, including views of the Great Lawn.
Conservatory Garden
Looking for an oasis of peace and quiet in the middle of the Big Apple? Look no further than Central Park’s Conservatory Garden. The garden consists of six acres of tranquility that are packed with thousands of trees, shrubs, and other plants divided into French, English, and Italian styles. This area is particularly popular in the spring when the fruit trees are in full bloom, and flowers begin showing their spring colors.
The Mall and the Literary Walk
You’ve undoubtedly seen The Mall in films and television shows. It’s frequently featured as a backdrop to stories told in New York City. This wide and straight path is lined with benches and mature trees, making it one of the most popular places in the city to go for a walk. Attached to The Mall is the Literary Walk, with statues of famous authors such as Sir Walter Scott and William Shakespeare, among others.
Central Park Carousel
Central Park has played host to a carousel for over 150 years. The current carousel has been in place since the early 1950s, and was fully restored in the 1990s. It features 57 hand-carved horses to sit atop. This is one of the most popular attractions in Central Park, with over a quarter-million people going for a spin each year. Being such a fantastic photo opportunity for kids of all ages, it’s no surprise.
Key Guidelines for Travelers visiting Central Park
Being such a large park in the middle of a bustling city, a visit to Central Park can seem a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these tips to make your Central Park visit more enjoyable.
Download a Map
The biggest issue most tourists have when they visit Central Park is getting lost. The mapping app on your phone can only do so much, and attractions are spread out. You’re best off using a map. And while there are plenty of vendors throughout the park who would be happy to sell you one, they’re going to charge tourist prices for it. Save yourself the money and simply download a map ahead of time. You can even print it out if you’d rather not risk having your phone out all the time.
Pack a Picnic
Just as they sell maps, plenty of vendors sell food around Central Park. And while no one can blame you for wanting some authentic NYC street food, it’s not the most economical way to get lunch. Instead, bring some sandwiches, drinks and a blanket, and enjoy a picnic lunch on the Great Lawn. It’s the perfect way to relax in the middle of a hectic vacation.
Rent a Bike
With so much ground to cover, it can be tough to see everything in Central Park on foot, and motor vehicles aren’t allowed in most of the park. A good way to get around faster is by renting a bicycle. Bike paths run throughout the park and lead to most major attractions. You can even look up guided bike tours of Central Park if you’d rather not navigate yourself.
Look Up Events
In the warmer months, Central Park constantly plays host to different events like live plays and musical performances. You can join the locals to enjoy an event and take a break from the usual tourist activities. All you have to do is look up a local event calendar for the time you’ll be visiting. This can also let you know when the park will be especially busy, in case you’d rather avoid the biggest crowds.
Watch for Pickpockets
Pickpockets are an unfortunate fact of urban life. A place like Central Park that’s packed with pedestrians is naturally full of ne’er-do-wells who would like to relieve you of your wallet or purse. To avoid being a victim, keep your valuables in a money belt. If you carry a purse, be sure to wear the strap across your body. If you insist on keeping money in your wallet, store that wallet in your front pocket. And of course, never leave a bag or other belongings unattended. It likely won’t be there when you get back.
Before You Visit Central Park – Do This
- Pack sunscreen and a bottle of water if you plan to spend much time outdoors.
- Be sure your phone is fully charged for a full day outside of your hotel.
- Purchase visitors medical insurance so you’re prepared for unplanned mishaps.