The Conservatory Garden in Central Park

Written By Sophie Diehl
Colorful tulips around a statue of three children dancing, Central Park Walking Tours, The Conservatory Garden, New York, NY

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A must-see New York hidden gem.

Are you looking for something to do in the city that will provide the best Instagram photos, chill vibes, and gorgeous scenery? Come to the Conservatory Garden in Central Park. Tucked into the northeast corner of the park, the Conservatory Garden is one of the best hidden gems NYC has to offer. It’s the park’s only formal garden, completely removing you from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Enter through the grand Vanderbilt Gate on Fifth Avenue at 105th Street, and you’re immediately met with sweeping lawns, sculpted hedges, and floral displays so meticulously arranged they look like they’ve been painted into place. The Vanderbilt Gate you just walked through was donated to the park by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the founder of the Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC.

Bright flowers and green shrubs along a walkway, Central Park Walking Tours, The Conservatory Garden, New York, NY

Why should you visit the Conservatory Garden?

Central Park is the most popular outdoor attraction in the city, so it’s a challenge to find a quiet place to soak in some peace. The Conservatory Garden goes against all laws of tourism and offers a tranquil ambiance, perfect for a peaceful stroll or a relaxing afternoon with a book. 

Another reason to visit the Conservatory Garden is that it’s one of the best spots to take pictures in NYC. It’s got colors to match every outfit and flower beds for perfect engagement photo backdrops. All of the photos I took when I was there were taken on a Canon EOS T5 (paid link), an easy-to-use camera that takes high quality pictures. If you’re looking for an introductory camera as a beginner photographer, or someone who wants to take clean, high-quality travel pictures, this is the perfect camera.

And of all the nice places to walk in NYC, the Conservatory Garden is undoubtedly the most well-groomed. The garden feels like it was frozen in 1937 when it first opened, with not a leaf out of place.

You’ll find many benches tucked into shady nooks, two sets of water fountains for a refreshing drink, a public bathroom, and winding paths between the hedges. And of course, you’ll see colorful flowers that you won’t find anywhere else in the park.

How was the Conservatory Garden designed?

The Conservatory Garden is a well-thought out, intricately designed attraction, spawning from the mind of Central Park co-designer, Calvert Vaux. The garden is divided into three distinct sections: Italian, French, and English, each with its own character, from the symmetry and stonework of the Italian Garden to the wildflower drifts of the English.

The Italian Garden

Also known as the Center Garden, the Italian section is the first you’ll see as you enter through the gates. You’ll feel as if you’re trespassing onto the lawn of someone’s mansion, with perfectly groomed grass and a stunning one-jet fountain to greet visitors. Every spring, the crab apple trees blossom alongside the garden’s perimeter. You’ll also notice that this section is symmetrical, giving it that clean Italian feel.

Beautiful green lawn and garden with a fountain, Conservatory Garden Central Park, New York, NY
Crab apple trees and bench in a garden, Conservatory Garden Central Park, New York, NY

The English Garden

In the South Garden, which showcases English-style design, you’ll see balloon-like flowers of every color. You’ll walk beside shining coneflowers and Joe-Pye weeds, while hydrangeas and roses bid you hello. In the center of the garden, you’ll meet the Burnett Fountain and her serene waterlily pool, where pink, blue, and green lotus-like petals float atop the water. The statue is a polite homage to the British-American author and playwright, Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Fountain of two women playing the flute and holding a bowl next to a small pond with lily pads, Conservatory Garden Central Park, New York, NY
Red flowers in garden, Conservatory Garden Central Park, New York, NY
Pink flowers in garden, Conservatory Garden Central Park, New York, NY
Pink and purple flowers with green stems in garden, Conservatory Garden Central Park, New York, NY

The French Garden

The North Garden is home to French design. In spring, the tulips headline the show; in fall, the chrysanthemums take over. And in summer, you’ll see luscious displays of greens and reds. In the center of the garden sits the Three Dancing Maidens fountain, sculpted by Walter Schott, a German sculptor. 

Red, yellow, purple, orange, and white tulips in a garden near a statue of three children dancing, Conservatory Garden Central Park, New York, NY
White flower surrounded by weeds in a garden, Central Park Walking Tour, Conservatory Garden, NYC
A bench surrounded by red, green, purple, white, yellow, and pink flowers in a garden, Conservatory Garden Central Park, New York, NY
Green and red flower bed with weeds and hedges in a garden, Central Park Walking Tour, Conservatory Garden, New York, NY

The best time to visit the Conservatory Garden is in the spring, summer, and fall. Regardless of when you choose to stroll the grounds, you’ll want to have your camera ready. If you haven’t added this spot to your Central Park walking tour, you should move it to the top of your list immediately.

Flower bed with weeds and yellow flowers and lavender, Central Park Walking Tour, New York, NY


Sophie Diehl
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