Central Park's Literary Walk
Central Park's Literary Walk
4.5
6:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Monday
6:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Friday
6:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 1:00 AM
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Lincoln Square
How to get there
- 66th St – Lincoln Center • 3 min walk
- 72nd St • 6 min walk
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4.5
86 reviews
Excellent
51
Very good
29
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
0
johnnnita
Napa, CA2,397 contributions
Mar 2022
This is what I see as a "can't miss" area to visit in Central Park. On our day in March, the weather was perfect just for such a leisurely walk. From Wollman Ice Rink you can find it along the walk path after crossing East 66th/65th street.
Upon approaching you can find several statues on each side as well as down the wide walking path. Be sure to notice at the beginning the pavement features that show various celebrities and notable people who have contributed to the garden area nearby. They are little 6 sided emblems from people like Carly Simon of all people, as well as the dedication by the Central Park Conservancy.
As you continue your walk, please stop and admire the most recent statue addition: The Women's Rights Pioneers that shows Sojourner Truth, Susan B Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Further up along the Walk, you will see to your right offset what looks like a small bandstand (half shell) in concrete. There is a very small plaque on it on lower right and dated 1923. The official name of it is the "Naumburg Bandshell" where they have performances during certain times of the year.
You do want to walk down this main avenue. It's wide and if it's late spring, summer, or better yet fall, no doubt the trees lining both sides will add to your enjoyment. They were leafless during our visit in March
Upon approaching you can find several statues on each side as well as down the wide walking path. Be sure to notice at the beginning the pavement features that show various celebrities and notable people who have contributed to the garden area nearby. They are little 6 sided emblems from people like Carly Simon of all people, as well as the dedication by the Central Park Conservancy.
As you continue your walk, please stop and admire the most recent statue addition: The Women's Rights Pioneers that shows Sojourner Truth, Susan B Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Further up along the Walk, you will see to your right offset what looks like a small bandstand (half shell) in concrete. There is a very small plaque on it on lower right and dated 1923. The official name of it is the "Naumburg Bandshell" where they have performances during certain times of the year.
You do want to walk down this main avenue. It's wide and if it's late spring, summer, or better yet fall, no doubt the trees lining both sides will add to your enjoyment. They were leafless during our visit in March
Written 9 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravellingTFP
Montreal, Canada148 contributions
July 2015 • Couples
The Literary Walk is an iconic 1/4 mile paved walking path in Central Park, flanked by majestic American Elms, wood benches, artists and statues. It is easily recognizable from an endless amount of Hollywood scenes filmed there. It starts at around the south-mid section of Central Park, at 66th street to about 72nd. There is no subway stop exactly there, but perhaps a 10 minute walk from the following stops: From the east: 68st/Hunter College, alternatively Lexington/63rd; from the south: 5av/59St.
Start your walk at the fountain at the southern end, featuring a statue of The Bard, and head north. Statues of Robbie Burns & others, beautiful overhanging Elms, artists, performers and vendors along the way. Stop at any bench for a bit and just observe for a while. On a beautiful day in the summer, it does not get much better.
From there, continue north to the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, overlooking The Lake. You will see rowboaters slowly passing by, with willow trees by the lake. Head west from there to the iconic Bow Bridge (SpiderMan), then south west through Strawberry Fields and continue south by The Lawn, ending at the south west corner of the park at the Greyshot Arch (Cloverfield). Even if you are not into movie locations, the entire walk has stunning views and is entirely pleasant. Especially for couples, this is a must do when visiting NYC.
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Start your walk at the fountain at the southern end, featuring a statue of The Bard, and head north. Statues of Robbie Burns & others, beautiful overhanging Elms, artists, performers and vendors along the way. Stop at any bench for a bit and just observe for a while. On a beautiful day in the summer, it does not get much better.
From there, continue north to the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, overlooking The Lake. You will see rowboaters slowly passing by, with willow trees by the lake. Head west from there to the iconic Bow Bridge (SpiderMan), then south west through Strawberry Fields and continue south by The Lawn, ending at the south west corner of the park at the Greyshot Arch (Cloverfield). Even if you are not into movie locations, the entire walk has stunning views and is entirely pleasant. Especially for couples, this is a must do when visiting NYC.
If you thought that this review was thorough and helpful, please click *Yes, Helpful* below to let us know. We rely on tripadvisor for solid advice before trying new attractions, hotels and restaurants, and we leave feedback for others :-)
Written 21 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alec D
Seattle, WA2,603 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
If you're visiting NYC you need to plan on spending some time visiting Central Park. The Literary Walk is an interesting part of the park...in the spring the tree's are just beginning to bud. Doing some reading about the sculptures may make your walk more fun (you will be more informed).
Written 18 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JCPCol
Victoria, Canada48 contributions
June 2019
We go to NY for a week once a year and the literary walk is always in our plans.
It is always relaxing and offers wonderful variety for people watching.
It is always relaxing and offers wonderful variety for people watching.
Written 12 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rumples
Tucson, AZ11,708 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
We loved our short stroll down Literary Walk, on the Southern end of Central Park's mall. This stretch earned its name from the statues of four literary figures here -- William Shakespeare, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and the only American, poet Fitz-Greene Halleck. I still can't figure out why a statue of Christopher Columbus stands near the start of the walk.
But the myriad towering American elms represent the best part of this pedestrian walkway for me. Fenced off from the wide path, they form a cathedral-like canopy above pedestrians ambling along the only straight line in the park. These magnificent trees remind me of my New England hometown, where they thrived until destroyed by Dutch Elm Disease. One stood in our front yard and I still miss its presence. I sat on one of the many benches in the area to look at the trees and recalled the scene from the 1979 film "Kramer vs. Kramer," where the father, played by Dustin Hoffman, used the walkway as a place to teach his son how to ride a bicycle.
We strolled here around 9 a.m. on a weekday and few others were out at that time. Most were walking their dogs. I found it pleasant to be enjoying relative silence in the middle of a major city, and I will always remember those elms.
Literary Walk occurs in the mid-park section, between 66th and 72nd streets.
But the myriad towering American elms represent the best part of this pedestrian walkway for me. Fenced off from the wide path, they form a cathedral-like canopy above pedestrians ambling along the only straight line in the park. These magnificent trees remind me of my New England hometown, where they thrived until destroyed by Dutch Elm Disease. One stood in our front yard and I still miss its presence. I sat on one of the many benches in the area to look at the trees and recalled the scene from the 1979 film "Kramer vs. Kramer," where the father, played by Dustin Hoffman, used the walkway as a place to teach his son how to ride a bicycle.
We strolled here around 9 a.m. on a weekday and few others were out at that time. Most were walking their dogs. I found it pleasant to be enjoying relative silence in the middle of a major city, and I will always remember those elms.
Literary Walk occurs in the mid-park section, between 66th and 72nd streets.
Written 8 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike G
Winnipeg, Canada12 contributions
Oct 2019
My first visit to NYC and walked through here to the Met. Beautiful fall day with a light rain. Great spot to get out of hustle and bustle of city and relax for a while.
Written 26 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China174,697 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
The Mall (Literary Walk) is a shaded pedestrian avenue between 66th and 72nd street that is a nice area to spend time in visiting Central Park in NYC.
Here you find a straight avenue lined with monuments of mostly of prominent poets and writers such as Fitz-Greene Halleck, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and William Shakespeare. You'll also fin a statue of Christopher Columbus status as well as a handful of other monuments in the area and near the end of the Mall. These are nice for those who enjoy monument viewing during their travels.
There is a nice flowerbed (beautiful in Spring) at the south end of the The Mall, which is lined with rows of American Elm trees, creating a canopy of shade. Benches line the pedestrian avenue as well, providing opportunity to take a seat, rest your feet and enjoy the scenery. Art dealers and souvenir stands are usually open and a busker or two can usually be seen and heard in the area as well.
Here you find a straight avenue lined with monuments of mostly of prominent poets and writers such as Fitz-Greene Halleck, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and William Shakespeare. You'll also fin a statue of Christopher Columbus status as well as a handful of other monuments in the area and near the end of the Mall. These are nice for those who enjoy monument viewing during their travels.
There is a nice flowerbed (beautiful in Spring) at the south end of the The Mall, which is lined with rows of American Elm trees, creating a canopy of shade. Benches line the pedestrian avenue as well, providing opportunity to take a seat, rest your feet and enjoy the scenery. Art dealers and souvenir stands are usually open and a busker or two can usually be seen and heard in the area as well.
Written 15 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luvs2TravelAnywhere
New York City, NY7,191 contributions
June 2015
This famous quarter mile walk has 4 of 5 statues of poets and writers and is delightful in any season. There are many park benches lining the path so have a seat and enjoy!
Written 30 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kwnphoto
New York49 contributions
June 2013 • Solo
Bookworms will also want to take a walk on East 41st Street from Park Ave to Fifth Ave. The sidewalk is decorated with bronze plaques containing quotations and art from dozens of classic books. At the west end you will want to explore the New York Public Library; at Park Ave follow another set of plaques memorializing the local skyscrapers. Sometimes it's worth looking down. http://youtu.be/SdyVwvyq40s on youtube is a slideshow highlighting all 96 plaques.
Written 9 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcus P
Stockholm, Sweden711 contributions
June 2019 • Couples
Great walk with some statues that are truly realistic. Great artwork. You'll notice though that it's only men that are presented, or at least I couldn't find any woman.
Leading down to Bethesda fountain and a lake. Highly recommend this walk
Leading down to Bethesda fountain and a lake. Highly recommend this walk
Written 19 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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