CENTRAL PARK, Southern Part

In the southern part, you’ll find several bodies of water, including The Pond, the Conservatory Water and The Lake.

The comma-shaped Pond lies below sea level, so when you approach the edge, you’ll be struck by a pleasant sensation of silence. As you cross the Gapstow Bridge, one of the many different ones in the park, you’ll have the chance to take some breath-taking photos of the elegant buildings that look onto nearby Fifth Avenue.

The Conservatory Water, located beyond the Central Park Wildlife Center, the park’s little zoo, is oval in shape, and every day is invaded by hundreds of little sailboats, pushed into its calm waters by hundreds of aspiring little sailors: Hans Christian Andersen in person, seated on a bench, book in hand, seems to be watching over them while a little further ahead, you’ll find a statue of Alice in Wonderland having fun with her friends....