Is Central Park Safe at Night?

[@ruffturbo9119]

Rule one, if the path is dark, don’t run - it looks sketchy. Rule two, even some well lit areas of the park are potentially dangerous as bad things have happened there. Rule three, run at your own risk as there aren’t enough police to have them when you may need them.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

That's a pretty good summary of the video. Nicely done! -Brian

[@ak2b]

My how things have changed. When I moved to Manhattan in the 70's the park was a rough place to be. The squirrels were mean and belonged to gangs and had tattoos of their favorite vendors on their tiny shoulders like the Sabretts and the Fritos.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Oh man that was hysterical. I can't tell you how hard we laughed reading this. Thanks! -Brian

[@koek1122]

lol... like squirrels are more trustworthy right now. I'm not racist or anything, but squirrels cannot be trusted. honestly.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

hahaha

[@dimepapi6801]

Was your mom in a gang as well ?

[@dimepapi6801]

@therealnightwriter was that your mom's gang ?

[@urbanbeliever8528]

As a native New Yorker with a Criminal Justice background, I will say that it is safer today than it was during the 80s. However, you should avoid running alone at night, ESPECIALLY if you are a woman. If you do run at night you should: 1. Have a partner with you 2. Stick to well-lit areas 3. Be aware of your surroundings - THIS MEANS NOT WALKING THROUGH DARK AREAS WHILE COMPLETELY ENGROSSED IN YOUR PHONE OR WITH EARPHONES IN OR ON YOUR EARS! In addition, carrying pepper spray, especially if you are a woman, is a good move.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Great tips. Thanks for sharing.

[@urbanbeliever8528]

Perfect Little Planet, you're very welcome! Happy to help! 👍

[@Commenter839]

Today I walked through Central Park alone in an area with barely any lights while going on KZbin on my phone (Galaxy S9) in the dead of night. I'm proud to say nothing happened to me.

[@mariaestheraguilar7483]

In Xochimilco park México city ..is the same ..you cant walk or run ..at night ...only if you have a gunn ..but I think is safe just in the early day ...

[@christabel7718]

That's really good because I love the weather at night and it helps with my anxiety but I want to be safe at the same time! Thank you.

[@katebader3103]

I've been a daredevil and run in the park at night. The problem is when there isn't anyone around for a while because you're running at different paces, or they exit before you. Then, my run becomes very stressful because I start feeling like I'm in a horror movie looking for the killer, and I'm trying to hurry up and find another person who's also running. Best case scenario is finding and joining a runner's group or bringing something protective if you run alone, or running at the Y at night. Sometimes it's just not worth the risk because the stress, as a female, is killer.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

For sure. I definitely think I have a different perspective as a male. I know my wife doesn't run in the park at night. But finding some friends to run with or joining a group is definitely the way to go. -Brian

[@veadri7936]

Say that to alone in the dark 2008, you're literally stuck inside the park at night and its filled with fissures and raveins, as well as a really dark and destroyed new york buildings/ambience

[@WAYAWAYWithAsh]

That is some serious Pokemon hunting. Sheesh!! -Ash

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

The game is still alive and well in Central Park! :)

[@carpejkdiem]

I know right. Talk about easily programmed by the occult. Blinded by the craft. Now the movie is here. Predictive programming. Lastly the mases walk off cliff scene. Sadly :-) At least they wont see it coming and get to die doing what th hey love. :-)

[@nicolegarcia9166]

I feel like I've definitely looked like one of those 'sketchy' people in central park late at night, but really I was just a teenager smoking weed, avoiding the cops haha. These are GREAT tips, I always recommend bringing a friend, flashlight and/or pepper spray if you're going to be in CP late at night, ESPECIALLY after park hours.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Haha, yes. A friend, flashlight, and pepper spray and you can go anywhere you want in the Park. -Brian

[@jacksalami9945]

your so cool & funny haha, you made me LAUGH OUT LOUD HAHAH!

[@sirarnie9837]

They were actually filming Iron Fist there.

[@martind349]

Plausibility is the soul of conviction

[@MontiLP]

I loved running around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir at night. It's the only part in NYC that I was pretty much alone except for some racoons and an awesome view.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Haha, the raccoons and the awesome view are my favorite part of running the reservoir at night too! :) -Brian

[@helloiamhuman1146]

ITS SUCH A VIBE HOLY FUCK. i literally cant imagine being in central park like that by yourself. its so cool. even a person who doesnt usually go for runs, i totaly would here.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Yeah, the place is magnetic - it just keeps pulling you back there no matter how many times you visit.

[@a.c.4616]

ive walked in central park at night after 12am.. like you said its super sketchy...ive actually walked off the path and my adrenaline was super high and it kept me alert. keep in mind that if you walk during the summer at night to spray your body with mosquito repellant because they will attack you by the millions

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Luckily, mosquitos don't like me very much, so I've never thought about that. I'm sure that's a good tip for a lot of people though. Thanks! -Brian

[@Phenom157]

I have four Rottweilers and I walk them every night in the park. I have NEVER had a problem.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Problem solved.

[@oliverganski3509]

Phenom157 I’m pretty surprised that you haven’t got a single problem

[@awesomeconservative]

Central Park is the part of Manhattan that speaks 'rural' more than anything in Manhattan, NY. Like, dark unlit roads are normal to people in rural areas. Honestly, Central Park would sound like a lot of fun to drive through at night, or even ride a bicycle. I would really like to visit Central Park one of these days just to do that.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Yeah, driving across the transverses at night is trippy. It's like you leave the city for a minute and then come right back to it. It totally feels rural, especially when you're wandering the North Woods.

[@jorgemontijo3736]

some people just want to smoke and they wonder if some random jogger is going to snitch.

[@tyresew.4233]

ChillinLikeA DCVillain dude nobody's going to waste their time over a teenager smoking weed in a park.

[@jorgemontijo3736]

Tyrese W. Soccer moms

[@Esmarvelous]

You'd be surprised, i'm at central park at least 10 times a month to wander around and probably catch a little smoke sesh with some friends, the things we've run into we're pretty crazy and a couple people don't enjoy the weed smoke/ smell i dont get it.

[@briankelly9347]

@@tyresew.4233 Crack

[@briankelly9347]

We do crack here

[@sburch1529]

I find it fascinating to watch stuff like this where men guide you around safe areas. My brother and I have argued about this in the past. As a women I wouldn't have wanted to be in the majority of the places pointed out. Bushes close to the path, large trees in the darker sections of a path.... all of these are placed a woman can be dragged to in seconds. My brother, built like a brick shithouse, laughs but my sisters agree.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

That is an excellent point and one that, at the time I made the video, I was so naively ignorant. Although you'd probably be fine in all the places I went, as a woman, it's not worth the risk. I'd stick to the well-lit and popular loop path. -Brian

[@mrpopo5097]

When I visited New York for the first time, my first thing on the bucket list was to roam around Central Park. As a visitor, I loved the vibe

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Did you go at night?

[@gsus7125original]

In the early 90s you would be attacked if you went there at night 100% for sure

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

For sure. That's actually why I wanted to make this video. A lot of people still think Central Park is dangerous at night because of all the crime that happened here a few decades ago. It's MUCH safer now. -Brian

[@wink37]

For what it’s worth, I walked into Central Park one night in 1990 well after 1:00 A.M. with a group of college friends and......nothing happened to us. We walked into the West 90th St. entrance but didn’t go very far. We simply sat down and stared at the stars. We must’ve been in there for about 30 minutes. I do remember a few men wandering around, glancing curiously at us (they were likely homeless). Eventually, a cop car passed by, noticed us, shone a bright light at us, and (through a bullhorn) demanded to know what we were doing there. We explained that we were tourists (a lie), and then they softened a bit, reminding us that the park was closed and that in any event it wasn’t safe to be hanging around there at that hour (one cop said, “People get mugged in here all the time”). With that, we got up and left and went back to the nearby apartment we had been visiting. So it was possible to go into the park late at night in those days and survive the experience, but it’s also true that the park (and the city itself) was DEFINITELY sketchier and more tense. The cops we encountered were very angry/uptight before they found out who we were. I remember one member of our group claimed he went into the park late at night by himself quite often around 1990, with nothing bad happening to him. I believe him, but I do recall thinking he was crazy. I wouldn’t have gone in there alone late at night by myself back then. He was just lucky.

[@kenw9681]

wink37 The probable reason, that you made it safely, was that you were with a group of friends.

[@171TITO]

As a youth, I used to go into Central Park around 2-3am with 2 of my cousins. We used to smoke pot and just lay on the rocks zoned out. We were only concerned with a cop approaching us. We used to hang out in Prospect Park as well. Washington Square Park has an amazing amount of rats.

[@martind349]

Quite right shoe

[@monica012077]

It's not. Not so bad if you're using the transverses but avoid the interior of the park. If you're a Pogo player it's better to walk the perimeter anyways. Also the lower part of the park is safer than portions north of 96 St

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Totally agree with this. I also failed to recognize my naivety of being a white male running in the Park. It's safer for me than it might be for others, so definitely stick to the loop road and I'd actually say cut across at 72nd and just do that loop if you're concerned at all.

[@LongIslandCityLayout]

Today, Central Park is very safe at all times of day/night. Crime in NY is not how it used to be just a few decades ago.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Yeah, from the history clips I've watched about what it was like 20 or 30 years ago it's a complete turnaround. I'm so happy it's as safe and clean as it is now. -Brian

[@UnderAlog572]

Mike D So back in the 80's what were your chances of getting mugged, compared to now

[@GamerNerdFTW]

Yeah you can thank Spider-Man for that.

[@emotionscomeandgo]

Thank you Rudy Giuliani and the Republicans!

[@UnityUprisingHQ]

You should still be cautious.

[@merriem24]

Be safe

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Always. If I ever feel uneasy, I definitely don't keep going. It's important to use common sense and listen to your gut when in a big or unfamiliar city. -Brian

[@Anna-vf9gx]

Having never been to NYC, this video is great to get a feel for Central Park. Thanks for the video!

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

You're welcome. And if you have any questions about New York, feel free to ask. We love this city! -Brian

[@seraph3533]

If your by the boathouse you’ll see various parties as they tend to have catering events once in a while, overall a safe place but some areas can get really silent at night it’s not bad but it’s better to be cautious

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Good call. I've been by the boathouse a few times at night and people are out and around it. Good energy there. Thanks for the tip! -Brian

[@anthonyXDPERU]

I was biking w a friend and we webt through the sheep meadow which there was no lights we thought that it was gonna be a short pathway but it wasn’t and there was no lights and there was a lot of sketchy people there

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Yeah, Sheep Meadow closes at sunset, so I would imagine you'd find some sketchy people in there after dark. How on earth did you get a bike over the fence to ride through it? -Brian

[@anthonyXDPERU]

Perfect Little Planet I meant i went around it

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Ah, yes. The paths both above and below the sheep meadow are dark and sketchy, which is rare for such a popular part of the Park. I didn't even think to mention that. Good addition to the cautions I included in the video. Thanks!

[@MargotMatilda]

I had a sketchy incident walking up the mall at around midnight. I lived on the UES and worked in Midtown and was walking home to 71st street through the park. As I was walking up the mall a black car with two guys in track suits started driving slowly behind me. These were not Park Conservatory cars or cops! Finally I cut off of the mall and toward 5th ave and then they drove on faster toward the 72nd traverse. Super creepy. Don't know why a car would be driving on the mall at midnight... (or why I was walking though the park at midnight, lol).

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

That is really sketchy and super crazy. I've never seen a car driving up the mall - not even cops, only snowplow trucks in the winter. Glad you got out of there safe. How long ago was this? Their car would get stuck at the barriers trying to access 72nd street at Bethesda Terrace now. Hopefully they got stopped and caught. -Brian

[@MargotMatilda]

@@PerfectLittlePlanet It was 2015. Hmm, I saw them turn left. Maybe they turned around in that wide area neat the bandshell. That actually makes more sense because the traverse wouldn't have been as close into view as that area. It was in my peripheral vision by that point bc I was headed right. I've walked the traverse many times at night and was never isolated so I didn't expect the mall to be so empty! Ah, I can't wait to get back to NY.

[@emausderratsuchende5447]

3:39....its this the Place where Dustin Hoffmann Jogging along,in the 70' Movie, I believe it was the "Marthon Man"

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Yes, I haven't seen the movie, but I just watched the clip. That's definitely the Reservoir loop. It's amazing how different it looks now! -Brian (here's the clip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWm9pGerbcSco6c)

[@blandoatmeal3570]

just found your channel and i love your videos! i visited nyc once in 2015 for five days but i'll be moving to south harlem in 2019 :)

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

That's awesome! You'll be really close to Central Park! That's a nice area to live in - bigger apartments and close to the subway. -Brian

[@michaelkobjack3471]

I love your vids. I am 63 and lurked the park late night at 17 in the days no one "ran" or "walked" past sunset! My claim to fame... I peed the side of the Central Park Police Department!

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Haha. My grandpa and a lot of my uncles were cops, so although I can't condone this, I get it. Nice claim to fame. :) -Brian

[@longfordboy2538]

Believe me !! You might really need those cops in Central Park

[@aineearley]

What a lovely guy ❤️

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Aww, thank you! :) You're so sweet. -Brian

[@soapandwater20yearsago45]

Me and my friends would go there at night and drink/smoke and it's really safe. We would go into the dark part and explore

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Good to know. Thanks! -Brian

[@nataliasanchez929]

“i don’t know what happening” *proceeds to follow* literally me😂

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

This also happens when I see a bunch of people in line for something. "What are you standing in line for?" _something cool_ "Ok, I'll stand in line, too."

[@davidevans3175]

When I lived there in the 70s is was most definitely not safe, though the further north you went the more dangerous. The standing rule was "never go into the Park at night!".

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Yeah, I've heard that and seen pictures from that time period. It amazes me how much the Park has changed in a few decades. -Brian

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

I may have been attracted to danger when I was younger, but I don't feel that thrill now. I run in the Park at night because sometimes I work all day and that's my only opportunity. And I choose Central Park (over Riverside Park or some other options) because I feel safest there. Even at night. -Brian

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Oh, no I didn't take offense. I just wanted to clarify in case some people thought I run at night because I'm a daredevil. Far from it. :) I hope to visit Dublin some day soon and maybe I'll get a chance to run through Phoenix Park - but probably in the daytime. Hope you have a great day! -Brian

[@faisaluwu8865]

@Book Worm Ayy another dubliner

[@BigBrother4Life]

I am from Pakistan, I love central park, NYC is the only place on the planet I would love to visit. I just wanna ask , what if I explore the unsafe places at night, what would possibly go wrong?

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Possibly nothing, but there may be some bad people hiding in there that could harass you or possibly attack you to try to steal any valuables you might be carrying. With all the known, safe areas in the Park, it's really not worth the risk to venture into the unknown, darker parts. I hope you make it to Central Park some day! -Brian

[@martind349]

Some declaimant might try to give you the snow job.

[@rickjamez7004]

Go to Baltimore and u will wish were in NYC

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Haha, yeah. I've been to Baltimore and actually had that exact thought. -Brian

[@jeepcollector91]

I think I would still feel safer running/hiking West Side Road in Death Valley after dark...

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Do people run that at night? I just looked it up because I'd never heard of it. I've only been to Death Valley once and that was just driving through. -Brian

[@dbkoobnyc4815]

Pretty much my expert tip would be anyplace below 72nd is pretty much safe to go anything above 72nd can be dangerous. Also the more you are south the better. But still don,t be in the park after 10:00pm

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Yeah, I consider everything below 72nd as the "tourist area" and I feel like that area is really safe. Above it is for locals and we're on our own. :) I've been in the park long after 10pm - as long as you stick to the well-lit paths, I've never felt unsafe. -Brian

[@dbkoobnyc4815]

The only problem above 72nd and this is my opinion and experience as a fellow new yorker other than the reservoir. As your video explains hilly and mostly unlit as well as being by yourself you do not know who is hiding in the bushes. Also you get a lot of homeless people in the park after 10pm. Also getting to and from the park unless you live nearby. I live in queens so getting on most subways other after 10 is a no no. P.S I am thinking about doing my own video series on best walks in Nyc parks if you have any ideas.

[@alvreyes28]

@@dbkoobnyc4815 lol there's still A LOT of people on the trains to Queens at 10pm. I would say even at midnight is still a lot of people riding the subway

[@welshpete12]

I was amazed to see whole classes of very young school children paying there , with their teachers !

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Yes, during the daytime, of course. Most of the schools in the area bring their kids to the Park and learn about nature, birds, plants, and then of course play in the playgrounds. :)

[@hsmith3844]

In 1985 I was jogging at 0500 around the horse path from 96th towards the South a police care drove up to me and advised me to leave for my safety. Now remember this is near 88th and Madison off 5th Ave.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

That's interesting. I would have thought 5am would be fine to run, even back then. I assumed the danger would happen between sunset and 3 or 4am. Crazy how much the park has changed in 30 years, huh? -Brian

[@hsmith3844]

I won't walk/jog in Central park after sunset. I don't even live there after being born there. The prices are ridiculous. YRMV

[@brandonbitsilli1641]

you really go the extra mile to run ahead , then run all the way back to get the camera? lol, dedication man, i love it, and i love your channel, i love education and how knowledgeable you are man, keep on keepin on, you got my sub

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Thanks Brandon! Yeah, there was definitely a lot of extra running in the making of this video - especially on those stairs by the great hill at the end! Thanks for the support! -Brian

[@CHRISDABAHIA]

Yes! I walked through it at 3a.m. a few years back!

[@bellap5556]

take a shot every time he says “it’s pretty well lit”

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Haha, or if you watch any of my travel videos, take a shot whenever I say "cool." You'll be wasted before you get 3 minutes in. -Brian

[@TimSimpson]

Always wanted to see more of central park. Only ever see negative stuff and the tourist shots mostly. This has been a really interesting view of it I've not seen before! Might have to go do something similar around here (Wellington NZ) :D Awesome videos! keep 'em coming!

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Thanks so much Tim! Glad I could show you a different perspective. :) -Brian

[@navajorezathlete1202]

Awesome video. My dream is to visit new York one day

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

I hope you can get there some day. It's an amazing city to explore and experience first hand. I just hope it still feels the same after coronavirus.

[@grantliddiard7742]

Thanks mate. Love your videos. Cheers from Down Under

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Thanks for the support! We lived in Surfers Paradise for 4 months and we fell in love with Australia. We can't wait to go back and explore more. -Brian

[@mike_404]

That entire crowd playing Pokemon Go 😭 2016 was just different

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Right. Such a different world back then. 🥺

[@E180TEKNO]

i'am french and your video on central park is very nice really !

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Merci beaucoup!

[@xyz-hb7uz]

Your videos are great. You deserve more views

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Thank you so much! The views are coming slowly but surely. I'll keep making videos and more people keep finding them. :) Hope you have a great day! -Brian

[@craigfishcake2543]

Thanks - a useful public information film

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@Kikikiki-ev7wc]

omg i only like running at night but doesn't look like it's going to happen on my New York trip because I actually hate hate hate rats they're horrific

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

If you stay on the main loop road, you probably won't run into any rats. They stay off the paths with lots of people on them. The rat you saw in here was on a path that nobody usually runs on. -Brian

[@Raponchy]

Thanks for the video!

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching! :)

[@laurajuarez6282]

Walking Central Park.Staying after dark.People think im craaaaaaazy.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

I think it's really nice and peaceful after dark. You're not crazy at all. -Brian

[@albertomejias9077]

I like every time the NYC central park is beautiful and nice but is necessary like every place be careful some times

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

I totally agree!

[@andyvits]

Great Video! I am visiting New York from the UK in May and this is a perfect video to advise me on my quest to run CP. PS if you're in London, let me know and I can give you the guided tour of our great parks :-)

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Glad I could help you plan your visit! We're in London quite often, so we'll definitely let you know next time we go over there. Thanks for the offer! -Brian

[@longfordboy2538]

DON:T DO IT !!!

[@Huumf]

My mother got mugged in CP in 1982

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

I'm so sorry to hear that. :( I've heard a lot of stories about how different Central Park was back in the 80's.

[@ye-xf5mw]

AJ damn big bro sorry to hear about that

[@katebader3103]

My friend got jumped there in 2012 walking home. Black eye and stolen wallet. Terrible. And sorry to hear your mom was also a victim of CP crime.

[@scoutandscooter]

I'm posting a couple of years after this post and there have been a few incidents lately, but off the beaten path. The ramble and north woods are beautiful escapes, but save them for the daytime. Raccoons have become a bigger menace than rats.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Yeah, I've noticed a lot more raccoons at night lately too. And they're a lot more brazen than the rats are. Sad that there have been a few incidents lately. Hopefully it's not a trend. -Brian

[@cha5]

@@PerfectLittlePlanet We have raccoons in Texas and they're fond of coming right up to our back door just hunting for bugs, Opossums too. You want to be careful coming across them at night, and if you see one of them brazenly walking down a Central Park path or road during the daylight, that's a good sign it might have rabies so stear clear of it.

[@umaxen0048]

It all depends on what area of Central Park you're in. If you drive exactly 1/2 mile north on 5th ave from the north-east corner of Central Park you'll run directly into Marcus Garvey Park. That area is the MOST DANGEROUS area in ALL OF NEW YORK CITY! From EXCEPTIONAL to MOST DANGEROUS in about 1/2 mile!

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Yeah, we lived in the Bronx on 161st St, right near Yankee Stadium. Our street was fine, but if you go up to 162nd, it started to get a little scarier (at least when we lived there). It always amazed me how neighborhoods and streets changed so quickly. -Brian

[@McLovin-xq8gt]

5:15 though u were about to pass out lmaoo

[@McLovin-xq8gt]

good stuff tho thumbs up

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Haha, thanks. Yeah, those stairs on the Great Hill are no joke. :) -Brian

[@DaveT1081]

Visiting NY again in June. Is it ok to just WALK these lit up roads if I stay out of the way of bikes and runners? Do dogs ever bother people at off-leash hours? Interesting new perspective on park and surrounding lights/buildings. Great video.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Totally ok to walk around. In fact, most of the paths on the southern part of the Park are mainly for walking - you can't ride your bike on them and most runners at night stick to the loop road. There are a bunch of dogs around, but they stay on the grass and play with their owners. I've never had an issue with a dog. Have fun! -Brian

[@Melissa0774]

I'm curious how many homeless people manage to safely sleep somewhere in the park overnight without the cops finding them. I bet there are some good hiding places for camp sites if you know where to look. But you sure would be putting yourself at risk, though, especially if you're a woman. I can't imagine there aren't still people who do it, though.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

There are a few places in the North Woods and in the Ramble that I've seen evidence of someone spending the night there, but they're all individual spots. Nothing like a campsite where multiple people could gather and sleep close to each other.

[@Melissa0774]

@@PerfectLittlePlanet Yeah, single people being alone, is what I was talking about. I'd be surprised if there would actually be a camp site with multiple people because that would attract way to much attention and the cops would probably get rid of it in a hot second, right? I know they look the other way on that kind of stuff in other cities like San Francisco, but New York isn't at that point, right? The reason I was curious about this, though, was because of a Seinfeld episode. There was an episode where one of his friends had this weird ritual, where whenever he got upset, he would get a shovel and run into the woods and dig a hole to hide in. He ran off into Central Park to do it again, after Jerry refused to buy a van from him. Jerry rushed after him and found the hole. Then some weird guy approached him and asked, "are you done with that?" It made me wonder if anyone ever actually tries to dig holes in Central Park in real life, whether it be homeless people trying to build stealth shelters, or anyone else for any other reason. Or if anyone ever manages to build any kind of secret shelter there of any kind and they don't get caught. And it's not like I've never been to NYC before. I actually live pretty close by in central NJ, but I've only been to Manhattan a handful of times, for a wedding and for medical appointments. I've love to get over there for a fun reason, for a change, one of these days!

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

@@Melissa0774 Haha, well that depends. I've never come across any super stealth or secret shelters, but I guess if they were really well hidden I shouldn't have found them, right? 😂 But I doubt it, it's just not worth it for the traffic and monitoring that Central Park gets. It'd be much easier to hide out in Riverside Park or Morningside Park where there's less traffic and denser woods.

[@Melissa0774]

@@PerfectLittlePlanet Sometimes people have built secret apartments inside subway stations in different parts of NYC. I don't feel like looking up the links right now, but there are at least two different documentaries about two different guys who did it, here on KZbin. One was in a manhole and the other was in an abandoned utility room. They brought in furniture and wired it for electricity and everything. Unfortunately, both guys ended up getting caught, though.

[@mikewright3029]

I thought the park was closed at night... And some of those cops are on a power trip and are not nice in the day light. I can't imagine how they are at night.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

The park closes at 1am, so long after dark. From what I've seen of the cops, they don't _want_ to get out of their cars, so if somebody gives them a reason to _have to_ get out of their cars, then I can imagine they won't be nice.

[@richardturner6981]

How about including the new nature center in Central Park that reopened in 2017? It's beautiful!

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Are you talking about the Hallett Nature Sanctuary? If so, I made a video completely about it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jorJfImhjqdsfK8

[@richardturner6981]

thanks, i'll have to look at it.:-D

[@taranbasi1457]

I hate that no park in England is safe at night, not even where I live 😭

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

I've heard that a few times actually. That's really sad. Well, even Central Park was really bad 20 years ago. Maybe in a few decades, the British parks will be safe too. -Brian

[@leleiskindofcool]

At least there aren't as many guns!

[@animeacademia4170]

I live in north London to 😂

[@dukeofmecklenburg-strelitz8030]

Just stay away from the parts with a rather...islamic... Demographic...and you should be safe...I didnt want to say it, but it's the truth

[@toutingthomas]

Not true

[@wasalasilasbums8521]

Is there any place in New York where you dont see giant rats? I have allways dreamt of going to New York, but I have a extrem phobia of rats, and nearly every single video I see about new york contains rats xD

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Honestly, rats are just kind of a thing here. I'd say you could avoid them by just staying in your apartment, but then what's the point of living in New York? Rats really only come out at night (or on the subway tracks during the day), so you can avoid them by not staying out past dark and not taking the subway, maybe. -Brian

[@wasalasilasbums8521]

Haha, that would be totally against my lifestyle. I mean, when I would go to New York, I would want to see and experience stuff. Btw. I dont know how I got to this video, but even though I wont be running around in Central Park any time soon, it was quite interesting xD

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Well glad you enjoyed the video, even if it slightly terrified you at one point. Hope you have a great day! -Brian

[@urirozenblit3823]

Roosevelt Island is one of the few places in NYC with almost no rats

[@evilpagan2342]

Wasalasilas Bums Yes, it has lots of human rats, too. Gross.

[@anitaboodram5660]

Beautiful country🌠

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Yes, I think so, too.

[@elizabethhair9017]

Hopefully if you happen to get attacked in Central Park at night, a strange hero called Vincent will come to your rescue and take you to his home in the Tunnels under Central Park.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Wow, that's not where I thought that was going. Had to look it up - I had no idea that they created a Beauty and the Beast in New York. Was it good?

[@enriquitoayala369]

I've been going to central park on my own since I was 14 that's 1984 with my bike . Now I been living two blocks from the park for the last 30 years and I go almost every day. With the electric scooter I go all over the park. Millionaire bum tourest and and local even a crazy person all enjoying the park. 1. Safest place to be a night is anywhere below 86 st. East or west . I see room for improvements when it comes to security . City needs to embrace robotics tech. Robotic drones and path riding drones for surveillance. Cops don't need to come up to you but watch everything they can until they see a crime. Repaint the line on the road with glow paint. Put public bathrooms near police areas.

[@Omegajunior2658]

Hi, I haven't been to New York yet but I'd really love to go there sometime in the future. Yeah visiting Central Park during the night 🌃 probably isn't a good idea and it can be really dodgy. There might be loads of thugs, weirdos, drunkards and mad people hanging around in any area of this park 🏞. Good night from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Yeah, things have changed since I posted this video. The Park isn't quite as safe at night as it used to be. Now I stick to the loop road at dark, for sure. Hopefully you can get to New York some time soon.

[@cirocobama]

Hey man, first of all thanks for the fantastic videos! I highly appreciate your work and effort! One question to 4:35 though: what do you say there? Luke Road oder duke road or what? And isn’t that just East drive anyway? Could you or someone else please help me out? Thanks a lot

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

I call it the "Loop road." Yes, technically it's East Drive, but that get's confusing when you're up at Harlem Meer, because it's on the north side of the Park. East Drive turns into West Drive and then at the south end of the Park, it goes from West to Center to East Drive, but there's no clear indication of when they switch names. Since it's all the same road, most people call the whole thing the loop road, and refer to East and West Drive when you're only talking about a specific section on the east or west side. -Brian

[@nicholsodes3621]

haha, what was with the green screen shot? did you lose the footage for that shot?

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Don't act like I'm talented enough to do a green screen shot! Which shot? What time in the video?

[@nicholsodes3621]

Perfect Little Planet really? Starting around the 2 minute mark it looks like you are layered on the lake background. Why does it look like that? Tricky lighting j

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Haha, you're right. That does look fake. No that's the conservatory pond and that's real. I set it up under a lamp post so the camera could see me.

[@burhanmalik3899]

this is a great video. Iv watched it a few times since last year. Iv been around Europe and then some in the world but something about central park really intrigues me. The huge skyline in the back drop gives me a fuzzy feel and would love to visit it sometime. Iv heard about rape stories however i think you were fairly confident saying its safe so i assume things changed.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Yes, it's changed dramatically over the years. That's why I wanted to make this video - to help people understand how much safer the park is nowadays. There are still some bad things that happen, but it's FAR better and safer than it was in the 70s and 80s. -Brian

[@georgeyounts9391]

Great video. Thank you!

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Thanks! Be safe out there!

[@rogergil1479]

PERFECT!

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Thanks!

[@larryrobinson6914]

For Seal Team Six yeah

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Haha, I didn't think I was that elite.

[@edepillim]

Worth having a read of the Central Park Jogger case of crimes committed on 19 April, 1989. 30 Youths from Harlem went on the rampage attacking Park users. Five were convicted of the brutal rape of a female jogger and got up to 15 years BUT dna evidence did not fit and a man serving life admitted the rape crime. The Central Park 5 are suing the New York City Authorities. Seems to be a lot safer now. Unfortunately, London is experiencing a wave of knife crime and shootings with 120 murders so far in 2018. Seems that New York is safer than London now.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Yeah, I read about that story a while ago. Really terrible that they've been locked up for so long for a crime they didn't commit. :(

[@UnderAlog572]

You say night, are we talking 8 pm or 2 am

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Basically, I mean dark. The park closes at 1am, and I've been in the Park well after midnight in all four seasons. Honestly, it pretty much feels the same no matter what time it is once it gets dark. -Brian

[@carolyngarcia5451]

I really appreciate this! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

You're welcome!

[@lucysky9604]

Once I went there late at night to wandering around to take some pictures. Turns out it was peak of the winter, it as starting to snow and my phone froze so I ended up having to find my way out on my own and without the phone light. Was around the 80th, started walking to find light and ended up in an arch, ugh central park arches gives me chills. There was not a single soul around. Decided to pass thru with my heart in my hands. Everything looked so creepy, I kept walking and end up in the Alice wonderland sculpture, and man! That thing scared the shit out of me! I love that sculpture, visited many times. But at a snowing night, bad lighten, that stuff looks like it came out of our nightmares. I was perfectly sure I was in a terror movie and someone was about to jump from the bushes with a chainsaw 😂😂 Luckily from there I knew my way out so I just ran as fast as I could until a well lite street. Never felt so happy of seeing cars and people. Learnt my lesson that day 😂

[@lucysky9604]

-Central Park is pretty safe, but it can scare the shit out of you -Do not trust entirely your ‘miracle of technology’ most know as smartphone -Always carry a good flashlight when wandering around at night 😄

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

I can totally relate to that story. My phone freezes almost every time I run in the Park in the winter. Fortunately I know my way around well enough that I know how to get out no matter where it dies, but that's a really good tip for visitors. Thanks for sharing! -Brian

[@vegancodingnovice9468]

definitely a meteor

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Woot! So cool. ☄

[@c0rgi115]

where exactly is the path at 3:40?

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

The path with the view of midtown? That's the top of the Reservoir, equal with about 95th street, center of the Park. It's an amazing view and a very popular night run specifically for that view. Enjoy! -Brian

[@aidancalderon1968]

Central park looks like a really good place to bike

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

It's awesome! Here's our video of renting bikes and riding around the park: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6Sbl3uberh8Y8k

[@RODRIGOR300]

What about after 12:00am ??

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

I filmed this from 9 to 10:30pm. I've gone running after midnight before. The Park closes at 1am, so it's still safe to run that late. There are just fewer people around, so I would stick to the loop road.

[@RODRIGOR300]

Perfect Little Planet, thanks for the quick response

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

You're welcome. :) Thanks for the comment.

[@ariela_]

I looked up directions to Central Park and there’s a lot? 103st 81st st etc I don’t get it

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Where are you coming from? And what part of the Park would you like to see (if that matters to you)? I'll give you directions.

[@snarkdiva]

It's a rectangular park that runs from 59th Street to 110th Street. That's about 2.5 miles if you accept the formula that 20 city blocks = 1 mile. It runs (east-west) from 5th Ave to Central Park West. Does this help? Pull up a Google map, it will clarify everything

[@singlesinceforever1964]

Great advice

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Glad I could help. :)

[@JohnLaPaglia]

3:15 - SO CUTE! Just leave the rat alone, he is just trying to survive.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Totally. The rats and the raccoons own the Park at night. I just say hi and then let them carry on with what they were doing. :) -Brian

[@xavier76thman]

You remind me of Steve Nash, good video👍

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Thanks. I've heard that a few times before. Glad he's a good guy. :) -Brian

[@user-go3jv8rw7i]

I wanna live in New York. I want to live in LA a bit more but New York interests me. Accept it’s so expensive

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Housing may be a bit more expensive than LA, but groceries and the rest of the cost of living is actually fairly reasonable, as far as big city prices go. We don't spend much more here than we did when we've lived in the suburbs. -Brian

[@NanceeMarin]

Yes. Housing may be a bit cheaper in California, but transportation is expensive. Gas prices are high, probably the highest in the continental US, and public transit is limited. You pretty much must have your own vehicle to get around anytime. Vehicle ownership is costly. It's not a good investment because of depreciation. I live in Southern California in the suburbs about 60 miles southeast of LA. It's cheaper than LA, but it's not exactly a very hip or cool place to be. On my third visit to NYC earlier this month, I was surprised to see that gas prices were lower. Of course, public transportation is so affordable and accessible there 24/7, especially in midtown and downtown Manhattan and outer borough neighborhoods that are close by. I've read that areas that are farther out have more limited public transit. Now I'm considering moving to NYC after my last visit. I love how everything is just within walking distance or short subway ride.

[@leleiskindofcool]

Don't live in LA unless you want to spend an ungodly amount of time sitting in traffic jams.

[@NanceeMarin]

Yep. I live about an hour away from downtown LA in the suburbs (a bunch of neighboring small towns), yet the rush-hour traffic is also terrible here!

[@leleiskindofcool]

I lived in Santa Clarita. That's why I moved to NYC :). Take care and be safe out there!

[@Marchant2]

NYC is beautiful at night.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Agreed! I love the city views you can see from the reservoir in the Park at night too. -Isa

[@JB-lm5xt]

Thank you.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

You're welcome!

[@RH-vd3yu]

Always wanted to visit New York

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

You should totally come! Where are you from?

[@rubengutierrez1909]

thanks for the tour man hahaha

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Any time. :) -Brian

[@gabrielvevo100]

Anyone else find it so cute that people are all playing Pokémon go lol

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

I do. Feels like a blast from the past now. Are people still playing it?

[@gabrielvevo100]

@@PerfectLittlePlanet i think so lol I don't play it but I bet people still play it lol

[@user-xf1gn1uq4l]

I don't know what's worse, going into central park at night, or being in the woods alone away from civilization but without any sort of weapon.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

If you're in the North Woods, you can do both of those things at the same time.

[@carsonstephens2508]

What happened at the 102nd street transverse?

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Horrific assault and rape that left a woman in a coma for 12 days.

[@carsonstephens2508]

Perfect Little Planet damn. Surprised something that terrible would happen in a place that is so lit up. Goes to show that you can’t assume everywhere is safe

[@alvreyes28]

@@carsonstephens2508 It's a famous case. Central Park 5. It happened in 1989!

[@gokeskitchen9569]

great video

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Thank you! :)

[@lenni3196]

Nice video 🙂

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Thank you!

[@cuztanksrule4774]

That 'meteor' is a ufo (just kidding I have no idea what)

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Right? It's too fast to be a plane.

[@mr.nobody9697]

So basically its the same as any other large city?

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Right, stay where other people are and you should be fine. But a lot of people have the impression that everyone that enters Central Park at night gets mugged, but that's not the case at all and that's what I wanted to show. -Brian

[@mr.nobody9697]

@@PerfectLittlePlanet Exactly. Ive lived in NYC for a short time and have visited many times since I was a kid and you are right. People think NYC is still like it was in the early 90s and 80s. I feel very safe traveling around the city by myself during the day and even at night. btw I'm in a wheelchair. Have never had a problem. Videos like this help dispel the negative stereotypes.

[@kodyscot9360]

this guy looks %100 exactly like steve nash

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Haha, not the first time I've heard that so I'm starting to believe it.

[@bielaggs]

This video is a time capsule of 2016

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Right?! Ugh, and I was so naive back then posting this video as a white dude without a care in the world. 🙄

[@nudist0885]

I'm a 54 year old single white man. Between 1999 - 2004 I walked through Central Park between 11PM & 5AM wearing nothing but my sneakers on at least 15 occasions. Sometimes I would be out for only 1 hour, other times I would be out for more than 3 hours at a time. Most occasions I would never see more than 3 people during the entire excursion. One Sunday night I decided to have a LOT of fun. I walked both inside the park and out on the sidewalks on BOTH sides of the street in certain areas of 5th Avenue, the partk wall sidewalk on 59th Street for a few hundred feet once or twice, and both sides of the street in various sections of Central Park West. In certain "very well lit and traveled areas" I would duck back into the park for anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes but I was having so much fun that when I got to the opening where Central Park West meets 93rd Street I decided to continue walking west all the way to Amsterdam Avenue between 94th Street and 74th Street. I then walked a bit on Columbus Avenue between 74th Street and 67th Street. I was nude from my ankles up between Central Park West and Amsterdam Avenue for at least 1 hour straight (doing a little zig zag type pattern between 94th Street and 67th Street) and was out on THAT occasion for at least 3 1/2 hours total. That was probably my MOST exhilarating public nude SOLO excursion ever. Because of financial restraints I haven't been within 30 miles of Central Park after dark since at least 2009.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Wow. That is quite the story.

[@josephhassett6505]

You`re quite an adventurer.

[@where7847]

lol

[@martind349]

@@PerfectLittlePlanet I'm a fifty year old single white man and if I walked nude through New York City at night I'd have no financial restraints.

[@yoyo8303]

I ll never do that it is crazy

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Yeah, stick to the lighted paths, for sure.

[@COLNAGO1969]

nyc super safe , have you seen the new lately

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Can't tell if that's sarcastic or not.