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How Safe Is Central Park?

Updated: February 20, 2024

This post answers a frequent question from tourists, “How safe is Central Park?”

The short answer is yes, especially if talking about daytime. Nighttime requires some caution.

We understand that you might be unsure about the safety situation which is why we wrote this post.

Our local tour guides are very familiar with Central Park, both from giving tours and spending free time there. This post is based on their thoughts about safety and Central Park. 

To offer a perspective other than our own, we asked the more than 230,000 members of our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group what they thought.

Our Facebook group is made up of locals, regular visitors to NYC, and those just getting to know the city.

At the bottom of this post, you'll find what some of our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group members had to say.

There's no need to join the group to read the comments and recommendations. So go take a look at our group for more ideas!


Is Central Park Dangerous?

Every year over 40 million people visit Central Park. It's a must-see on a trip to New York City and a wonderful location for NYC photography!

Locals love Central Park as it is an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of life in NYC. 

With so many people and things to do, Central Park is very safe during the daytime.

However, it is a very large park and it is easy, even for New Yorkers, to get lost. 

There are a few densely wooded areas in the park, like the North Woods and The Ramble.

The Ramble and North Woods are safe during the day, but perhaps a little less so than the wide-open spaces like the Sheep Meadow, the Great Lawn, or Belvedere Terrace

If you would like to explore the park with us, we offer pay-what-you-like guided walking tours of Central Park, including the lower and middle sections of the park.

We also have a GPS-led audio tour you can take at any time.


Central Park Hours

The park opens at 6 a.m. every day. Central Park closes at 1 a.m.


Is Central Park Safe At Night?

Even though you can go there until 1:00 a.m., it's best not to stay that late.

You should probably end your visit after dark, and certainly by 9 pm.

Always avoid densely wooded areas at night, especially The Ramble, referred to above.

The northern section of the park above the Reservoir (96th Street) has fewer popular spots to see areas and is not as busy as below the Reservoir. 

Steer clear of the North Woods at night, a wooded area located on the Northwest corner of the park.

Note that if you are attending a special event at night, like SummerStage concerts or Shakespeare in the Park, you have nothing to worry about. 

Just don’t overstay your nighttime visit and head out of the park along well-lit paths and with others leaving the park.


Tips To Stay Safe in Central Park

1. Don’t stray from paved paths. It’s easy to get lost in the park. Be sure to have a map so you don’t stray into desolate areas. Here is a downloadable map from the Central Park Conservatory.

2. Keep your bags with you at all times. If you leave it on a bench and walk away for a few minutes, it might not be there when you come back.

3. Keep an eye out for anyone who looks dodgy. Given the size of the park, you may come across people who are there for more than an enjoyable time.

4. It’s a good idea to stay in areas where you see at least a few other people, especially if you are traveling solo.

For more safety tips for all of NYC, read our post, “Is New York Safe to Visit for Tourists?


What Do Locals and Travelers Think?

Here are some thoughts from members of our New York Travel Tips Facebook group about Central Park and how safe it is.

Most members talked about safety in the park at night and they echoed our advice.

Ellyn, a local, has had a lifetime of experience and steers clear of the park at night.

Brendan is a Group Expert and like Ellyn, he advises that it’s not wise to wander at night without a specific reason.

Overall, people felt safe during the day, provided you don't stray from the paths or head into the northern part of the park where there are some heavily wooded areas.

This member feels safe at all times, day and night, and mentions the strong police presence.

While we agree with the comment about police presence, we stick with our advice above to not visit the park late at night.

Now that you have a heads-up about what you can expect in terms of safety in Central Park, go enjoy it!

See what there is to do in Central Park, the best spots to take photographs, and the 7 best picnic areas.


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About The Author

Courtney Shapiro

Courtney is a lifelong New Yorker fascinated with the city’s history, culture and cuisine. She loves exploring the world, as well as sharing her travel expertise with others. She joined the Free Tours by Foot team in 2011, first as a guide and then as a writer. She has a law degree, a teaching degree and a worn-out passport. Her motto is “Have backpack, will travel”. READ MORE...
Updated: February 20th, 2024
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