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You can take a gondola ride in Central Park NYC

Central Park is probably one of the most visited places in New York – and it’s nice to visit no matter the season. Whether spring, summer, fall or winter, it is always nice to appreciate the immensity and beauty of this oasis in the middle of the city. But as with the rest of the city, there are activities in Central Park that only happen during certain seasons – such as ice skating – which happens during fall/winter – and the picnic season during the warm months. Another activity that also only happens during the spring/summer is the gondola ride in Central Park. Yes, you did not read wrong: you take a gondola tour in New York. An official gondola, a gift from the city of Venice to New York, the first gondola in history to be given as a gift.

Woman taking a gondola ride at The Lake - Central Park - NYC - and the gondolierWoman taking a gondola ride at The Lake - Central Park - NYC

The official season runs from April to November – weather permitting. The ride – which lasts for half-hour and runs on The Lake, the lake that sits in the southernmost part of the park – is a delight. First, because, as there is only one gondola, it becomes the main attraction of the lake. Impossible not to feel kinda “celebrity” with everyone looking at you, lol. Second, because it gives you a new perspective of the park and the city. The two gondoliers are Andres Garcia and my friend Joseph Gama, a Brazilian. Joseph is very nice: he has incredible charisma, he is super friendly and knows a lot about not only Central Park but also about the city. You can learn many curious facts! In addition, it is a romantic ride option – Joseph has seem more than 400 proposals  – and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Ashton Kutcher have been on the gondola.

Gondolier and the gondola at the lake in Central Park NYCGondolier and the gondola at the lake in Central Park NYC

The gondola has a capacity for up to 6 people and a half-hour ride costs $50  plus tips. You can make your reservation by phone (212.517.2233) or try to contact them by the form, available here. Yes, there are also boats on the lake for rent – but do not forget they are different experiences.

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  • […] 16. Boat ride at Central Park – Another cool idea is to rent a boat in Central Park – it costs $ 15 an hour and each boat holds up to four people. But if you want to feel spoiled, how about experiencing the gondola? Yes, you can take a gondola ride in Central Park. Learn more. […]

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  • […] Another cool idea is to rent a boat in Central Park – it costs $ 15 an hour and each boat holds up to four people. But if you want to feel spoiled, how about experiencing the gondola? Yes, you can take a gondola ride in Central Park. Learn more. […]

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