New York City: Parks, Art and Urban History
Accommodation in New York City
New York City reveals its special diversity not only between skyscrapers and bustling streets. Expansive park landscapes, elevated paths featuring art projects and historic sites offer different ways to experience the city. When planning a trip, you can therefore choose between encounters with nature, the urban present and American history, and select your accommodation based on which themes you want to shape your stay.
Central Park: Landscape in the Heart of the City
Central Park was created in 1858 to meet the recreational needs of the rapidly growing city and to offer city dwellers an experience of rural life. Its design encompasses 843 acres with extensive lawns, picturesque wooded areas, winding streams, large lakes and meandering paths. It also includes a carriage road and a bridle path. As a result, the park offers very different impressions without requiring you to leave New York City for a change of scenery.
Wildlife is also part of Central Park's character. The park provides habitat for wildlife and serves as a stopover on the Atlantic Flyway for more than 200 bird species. Those who enjoy including nature observation in a city trip can focus on a quieter experience here. A prominent landmark is Belvedere Castle: The complex was completed in 1872 and was intended to serve as an open-air observation tower. Today, Belvedere Castle houses one of Central Park's visitor centers and a souvenir shop.
High Line: Urban History on an Elevated Route
The High Line is a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. It was built on a historic elevated railway line, combining a distinctive form of urban exploration with industrial history. The original railway line opened in 1934 and transported millions of tons of meat, dairy products and produce. This past remains an important part of the site, even though the High Line is perceived as a park today.
Art enthusiasts will find an additional feature here. High Line Art commissions and produces more than 30 art projects every year. These include site-specific commissions, exhibitions, performances and video programs. If you are traveling with a range of interests, a visit to the High Line can therefore combine landscape, architecture, history and contemporary art. When choosing your accommodation, you can consider whether this urban mix or the expansive park landscape of Central Park should be the desired focus.
Discover Historic Sites in Manhattan
The Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site is located in Manhattan's Gramercy Park neighborhood. It is open year-round from Wednesday to Sunday, providing a clear reference point for planning your trip. Castle Clinton takes you to the southern tip of Manhattan and looks back on 200 years of history. The site marks the place where New York City began. Castle Clinton is accessible by car, bus, subway and ferry, allowing you to combine this historical focus with different ways of exploring the city.
More Destinations for Orientation
For your further selection, here you will find Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Bronx and Brighton Beach.
To the higher-level travel overview: New York City.
