Bethesda Fountain, New York City: Address, Phone Number, Bethesda Fountain Reviews: 4.5/5
Bethesda Fountain
Bethesda Fountain
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Bethesda Fountain
The area
Neighbourhood: Central Park
How to get there
- 72nd St • 7 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
8,894 within 5 kms

Loeb Boathouse Central Park
3,831
0.2 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Laduree
453
0.6 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Bakeries • French • Cafe

Bemelmans Bar
494
0.6 km₹₹₹₹ • American • Bar

Cafe Boulud
1,200
0.6 km₹₹₹₹ • French • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Sant Ambroeus
468
0.7 km₹₹₹₹ • Italian • European • Vegetarian Friendly

Tavern on the Green
3,371
0.6 km₹₹₹₹ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly

The Leopard at des Artistes
303
0.7 km₹₹₹₹ • Italian • Mediterranean • European

Lady M Cake Boutique
430
0.7 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Bakeries

Caravaggio Restaurant
209
0.5 km₹₹₹₹ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options

Via Quadronno
334
0.5 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Italian • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
1,551 within 10 kms

Daniel Webster Monument
7
0.3 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Bethesda Terrace
84
59 mArchitectural Buildings

Bow Bridge
74
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges

Wagner Cove
15
0.2 kmScenic Walking Areas

Hans Christian Andersen Statue
79
0.3 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Frick Collection
8,670
0.4 kmArt Museums

Alice in Wonderland Statue
573
0.4 kmMonuments & Statues

Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial
1,823
0.4 kmParks • Monuments & Statues

Central Park
1,33,177
0.8 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
54,789
0.9 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Art Museums
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
754 reviews
Excellent
407
Very good
286
Average
59
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Deb W
Reno, NV2,188 contributions
Apr 2022
I'm sure this is much better when there is water in it. We were there in early April and were told it would be filled soon. It was still a nice place to stop on our bike tour.
Written 22 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
StephenCross
Dublin, Ireland16,906 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
The fountain is located in Central Park and a lovely feature when it’s operating properly. It’s in front of the lake and a popular spot.
Written 19 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA12,734 contributions
Oct 2021
One of the crown jewels of the Park, this fountain is a 19th Century gem. It's old and classic, but in great shape since we all love it so much. Can't miss it in the middle of the most-used part of the Park.
Written 4 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
blairkk25
New Jersey2,863 contributions
Dec 2021
I walked five times in Central Park in December 2021 and each time visited Bethesda Fountain. The Mall, Bethesda Terrace and Bethesda Fountain are my favorite part of Central Park and I never get tired of it. The Bethesda Fountain was dry because it was December but it still was a great photo opportunity. Also great was standing near Bethesda Fountain and then looking up at Bethesda Terrace and seeing the tall buildings of Central Park South in the distance. Nearby is The Lake and the Loeb Boat House. It is a great part of the park to visit.
Written 21 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
FDinger
Florida1,070 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We stopped at Bethesda Fountain on our traverse of Central Park. It was bustling with people. There were some viewing the beautiful fountain, others rowing on the lake, a few enjoying a street musician, and even a couple having their wedding pictures taken. It was a great scene on a warm summer day.
Written 14 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AndyB5542
Minneapolis, MN3,741 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We stopped by the fountain but didn’t stay long. There were too many people around, and the street performers were so loud that we had to leave.
Written 4 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lucycan
Minneapolis, MN2,949 contributions
May 2021
Visited here for the first time. Such a great spot. The site of many movies. Wonderful fountain and lots of places to sit around and people watch. Well worth the effort to get there. Yet another great free thing in Central Park!
Written 19 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
The Swiss Nomad
Lugano, Switzerland3,109 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Just before going back towards the concrete jungle, we quickly headed to Bethesda fountain, where we hoped we would find a toilet.
The toilet was closed, but we enjoyed checking out the beautiful fountain and in particular the lovely tiles on the ceiling under the terrace. Just look at the fountain, turn around and walk towards the stairs while looking up. Due to the dimness you may pass by without noticing, but it's really worth checking out this landmark.
The toilet was closed, but we enjoyed checking out the beautiful fountain and in particular the lovely tiles on the ceiling under the terrace. Just look at the fountain, turn around and walk towards the stairs while looking up. Due to the dimness you may pass by without noticing, but it's really worth checking out this landmark.
Written 25 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gaurav C
New Delhi, India3,090 contributions
Jul 2019
Bethesda fountain overlooks the lake in the central park...it is practically a hub of events and activities in the central park...you can see the place thronged by visitors from all over...It has the angel of waters statue...such a nice place to visit
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lane the English traveller
Huddersfield, UK566 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
This is a tourist hotspot. Everyone is patient when it comes to taking a photo. Looks amazing on a sunny day. You relax by the lake and listen to the buskers.
It is truly a beautiful place.
It is truly a beautiful place.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RandBArmstrong
Mason, OH29 contributions
Does anyone know what months the fountain is or isn't running? I know they shut it off in the winter but was trying to find out when it was going to be back on. Thanks, couldn't find an answer online.
drmikenyc
New York1,286 contributions
The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind... literally.
It's the weather, not an arbitrary date which determines the fountain's functioning. It's been turned off in warm weather too, if there's a drought, and times when it might freeze in April. So, sorry, there may be guidance for the park engineers about environmental & plumbing accommodations. But it's weather. You won't find an annual schedule, ever, anywhere, that I've seen.
smilesalot15
Erlanger, KY274 contributions
Or is there a way to get to the fountain without walking a tremendous amount?
Tom M
New York City, NY1,694 contributions
Yes. There are entrances to the park at west 72d street and Central Park West and East 72d Street and Fifth Ave. The Terrace Drive is essentially an extension of 72d Street and connects the two entrances. The Betthesda Terrace and Fountain are on the North side of Terrace Drive, midway between the east and west entrances-- about 1.5 crosstown city blocks from either entrance. The West 72 Street entrance is right across the street from the B and C subway station. Easy to take a taxi to either entrance. Since "tremendous amount" is a relative concept, let me add that the southern entrances to the park are on 59th street, so slightly more than a .5 mike walk. Hope this helps.
smilesalot15
Erlanger, KY274 contributions
Can I take an uber ride to the mall and walk to the fountain from there?
Tom M
New York City, NY1,694 contributions
On weekdays -- yes. but it is tricky, doable on weekdays only and probably a bad idea. Get out your map. On weekdays, not weekends, cars can enter the park until 6 or 7PM at 6th Avenue and Central Park So. (59th Street) and must exit the park at East 72d Street. Now, the road entering the Park at 6th Ave is known as Center Drive and it merges with and becomes East Drive at about 66th Street. There is a traffic light at the merger point and the south end of the Mall is just off to the left of the merger point. Your driver has to leave you off on the right side of the road, and he will not know any of this. Worse comes to worse, you driver will have no trouble leaving you off at 72d Street exit and from there it is a easy walk to the fountain.
Maca C
Asunción, Central, Paraguay
At what times does the Fountain turn on and off?
Betty P
San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina2,589 contributions
Hi! I agree with the previous answers. A place to be visited in the daylight I would say. I don't know the times it is turned on as the times I visited it it was on. By the way, I was there early in the morning once and after lunch the other.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Bethesda Fountain
- We recommend booking Bethesda Fountain tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 52 Bethesda Fountain tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Bethesda Fountain:
- 45 Minutes Central Park Tour (From ₹ 10,493.59)
- Guided Bike Tour of Central Park New York City (From ₹ 3,497.86)
- Central Park Highlights Small-Group Bike Tour (From ₹ 3,808.01)
- Central Park Highlights Walking Tour (From ₹ 2,031.09)
- Standard Central Park Horse Carriage Ride (Long Loop - 45 Minutes) (From ₹ 15,468.32)
- Hotels near Bethesda Fountain:
- (0.63 km) The Mark Hotel
- (0.55 km) The Surrey
- (0.96 km) Lowell Hotel
- (1.17 km) The Sherry-Netherland Hotel
- (1.15 km) 1 Hotel Central Park
- Restaurants near Bethesda Fountain:
- (0.19 km) Loeb Boathouse Central Park
- (0.31 km) Le Pain Quotidien
- (0.56 km) Laduree
- (0.63 km) Bemelmans Bar
- (0.58 km) Cafe Boulud