Times Square to Central Park (Self Guided), New York

A leisurely self-guided stroll from Times Square to Central Park will take you to some of NYC’s prominent locations, each worth visiting in their own right.

At 49th Street, Fifth Avenue lives up to its lofty reputation with the Rockefeller Center, one of the world’s biggest business and entertainment complexes, and a triumph of Art Deco architecture. Like the neighboring Times Square, the adjoining plaza is one of the must-visit spots on the journey, but slightly less crowded and particularly awesome during the winter (Nov–Jan), when the skating rink and Christmas tree are set up for the holidays. A great place for photo ops in other seasons, too!

Next on the way are two Gothic masterpieces which stand almost opposite each other – St. Patrick's Cathedral and St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, followed by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), which houses almost 200,000 artworks ranging from Post-Impressionist classics to an unrivaled collection of modern & contemporary art. A large expansion and comprehensive renovation has made the famous museum a gigantic affair where you can explore each floor as a coherent loop before heading on to other floors via central staircases or elevators.

After a while inside the MoMA, proceed to the Gapstow Bridge toward the Central Park’s main promenade – the Mall, where artists and vendors gather. When you reach the end of it, walk around the Bethesda Terrace whose grand fountain dates as far back as 1859. Whether you’re visiting Central Park for the first time or the umpteenth-time, this classy place with superb views should always be a must-stop!

Take this self-guided walk to soak in Midtown Manhattan’s architecture, ending with the many hidden gems of Central Park at your fingertips!