Wollman Rink, Central Park – Ice Skating with the Manhattan Skyline
Few images say “New York in winter” quite like skaters gliding across Wollman Rink with the Midtown skyline rising behind them. Set in the southern end of Central Park, this open-air ice rink is one of the city’s most magical cold-weather traditions — and a beautiful stop on a pedicab tour at any time of year.
⛸️ Skating beneath the skyline
Wollman Rink first opened in 1949 and has been delighting skaters ever since. What makes it unforgettable is the backdrop: as you circle the ice, the towers of Central Park South and Midtown rise directly above the treeline. It is skating and sightseeing rolled into one, and after dark, with the city lit up behind you, it becomes pure New York romance.
🏙️ A New York winter icon
Over the decades Wollman Rink has become a symbol of the city’s winter season, drawing New Yorkers and visitors alike from roughly late autumn through early spring. In the warmer months the space has hosted other seasonal attractions, but it is the wintertime skating that has made it famous.
🎬 A movie-perfect setting
That dreamy skyline-and-ice combination has made Wollman Rink a natural on screen — most memorably in the romantic film Serendipity, whose lead characters share a skate here. It is exactly the kind of holiday-in-New-York magic the movies love.
🚲 The easiest way to reach Wollman Rink
Wollman Rink sits near the park’s southeast corner, close to the 59th Street entrances. A pedicab brings you right to it and on to the Pond, the zoo and the rest of the park — and in December it pairs beautifully with a festive tour of Central Park at its most magical.
✔ See it on the 1-hour Central Park pedicab tour from $30
✔ In winter, try the Central Park Christmas pedicab tour
✔ Ready to go? Book your ride here
📅 Good to know
⛸️ The ice-skating season generally runs from late autumn into early spring
🎟️ Skating has its own admission and skate rental — separate from the free park
📸 Even if you don’t skate, the view of the rink against the skyline is a wonderful photo stop
🗺️ What’s nearby
Wollman Rink sits by the park’s busy southeast gateway, right beside several favourites:
🌉 Gapstow Bridge — the classic skyline view over The Pond, moments away
🦭 Central Park Zoo — sea lions and the Delacorte Clock
🌳 The Mall & Literary Walk — the grand promenade to the north
❓ Frequently asked questions
Where is Wollman Rink in Central Park?
In the southern part of the park, near the 59th Street entrances on the east side.
When can you skate at Wollman Rink?
The ice-skating season typically runs from late autumn into early spring.
Is it worth visiting in summer?
Yes — even out of skating season, the setting and skyline views make it a lovely stop, and it is right beside other landmarks.
What is the easiest way to get there?
A private pedicab tour brings you to the rink and on to the nearby sights. Rides start at $30.
Skyline views, winter magic and a movie-perfect setting — Wollman Rink is one of Central Park’s most iconic sights, and a pedicab is the easiest way to reach it. Book a Central Park pedicab tour from $30.