Bethesda Terrace
New York City, NY
Situated in the middle of Manhattan's Central Park, Bethesda Terrace is among Central Park's many stand-out architectural attractions. It features two grand staircases, an arched arcade, and a centerpiece fountain crowned with a large angel sculpture nicknamed the Angel of the Waters.
The basics
Bethesda Terrace—and its beloved fountain—feature on most tours of the park. There are loads of options available, from pedicab and horsedrawn-carriage tours to themed tours that focus on filming locations in the park (spoiler alert: Bethesda Terrace has graced the screens many times). Tours with electric scooters and bikes are active options. Book a private walking tour if you have time and want a comprehensive view of the park's history.
Things to know before you go
- Bethesda Terrace is a must-visit for art fans and photographers and is a great spot for people-watching.
- There are no restrooms at the terrace, but you'll find some near the Central Park Lawn Sports Center, a 6-minute walk.
- The fountain level of Bethesda Terrace is paved with bricks and connects to flat pathways accessible to wheelchair users.
How to get there
Bethesda Terrace is situated on the southern end of Central Park’s Lake. It’s about a 6-minute walk from the park's East 72nd and 5th Avenue entrance or about a 10-minute walk from the entrance at West 72nd and Central Park West, where you'll find the 72nd Street subway station (lines A, B, and C).
When to get there
Central Park is a year-round attraction, so there's never a bad time to visit Bethesda Terrace, but make sure to bundle up if you visit in winter. While the park opens very early in the morning and stays open well into the night, you may prefer to visit in the daytime, when the views are better and the park feels safer.
Things to see in Central Park
Although Bethesda Terrace is a park highlight, there are plenty of other things to see in Central Park. Must-sees include the Belvedere Castle, a fairytale-like structure with great views out over the Great Lawn, and the Ramble, a trail-filled forest area inspired by the deciduous forests of upstate New Year. Fans of the Beatles flock to Strawberry Fields, a John Lennon memorial and peace garden a few minutes walk northwest of Bethesda Terrace.
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