Although it’s a common misnomer that Central Park is one of the largest city parks in the U.S. (at 843 acres, it isn’t even in the top 100), it still is an iconic park. It also is one of the biggest tourist draws in New York City, attracting an estimated 42 million visitors every year. One of the biggest draws for both visitors and residents is the carriages in Central Park.
Carriage rides in NYC are among the most iconic representations of Central Park. They have been immortalized in TV shows and movies, and they are often among the most sought-after activities for tourists that visit New York City. Horse carriage rides that take place in Central Park usually take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, although you may be able to negotiate rides that are shorter or longer.
What should you expect from a horse and buggy ride? Though horses can gallop at a consistent 27 miles an hour and can reach sprinting speeds up to 55 miles an hour, your carriage ride operator will keep the speed at a trot, so you will go less than 10 miles an hour. That not only makes the ride more comfortable and safer, but it also will make it easier for you to take in the sites around you. Most carriages in Central Park will only go within the park, but some drivers may be willing to take you out of the park.
Beyond carriages in Central Park, there are many other things to do. The park is open year round and only closes for five hours a day, providing plenty of activities. During the warmer months, people like to walk and jog in the park, although that is an activity that’s usually enjoyed by New York City residents than tourists. Other activities that tourists may enjoy in the park include sightseeing, nature watching and picnicking.
If you go to New York City, you definitely want to visit Central Park at some point, but there are plenty of other tourist attractions to see as well, including the Empire State Building, the new World Trade Center, Wall Street and many others.
