Now, you don’t have to go far to find a cup of coffee to accompany you in your Central Park tour. Just a few steps from our meeting site, you’ll already smell the best brewed coffees and pastries that will surely spice up your New York City experience.

Great news, right?

Luckily, there are countless of options for you to choose from. And to make things easier for you, we’ve rounded them down to our top 5 picks. We’ve ranked these coffee shops based on taste, ambiance, people’s pulse, and overall experience.

So whether you prefer your drink to-go, or plan to lounge around the comfy establishments–here are the highly recommended places you should definitely visit:

5. Macaron Cafe

If you’re a fan of the French pastry macaron then you’re in for a nice treat at the Macaron Cafe. This cute shop is quite small on the inside but is regularly packed with tourists and locals. The interior decorated with purple padded wall cushions and matched with white painted metal chairs.

The stark contrast, however, is found on the display.

Upon entering the shop, you’ll see macarons of every color and flavor you can think of. Their huge selection of the French treat is truly admirable.

But if you plan to go healthy, then you can always opt to go for a salad which they also serve on a regular basis.

Insider tip: The macarons are best served with a cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee. Top picks macarons: Creme Brûlée, Pistachio and Coconut!

Address @ 44 E 59th St (59 Str & Madison);  Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm.

4.  A.Cafe

Whether A stands for America, we don’t know. But for us, this cafe which boasts of its all-American breakfast deserves all the recognition it’s been getting from the public’s eye–and tastebuds.

If you’re someone who wants to experience something local while you’re in NYC, you can head over to A. Cafe for your coffee and breakfast fix.

Every dish has its own little twist to give it a unique taste and feel. Surely, what A. Cafe lacks in space, it makes up for taste.

Insider tip: Try the Bourbon French toast and cappuccino combination and you’ll understand what the hype is all about.

Address @ 42 W 58th St (58 Str btw 5 & 6 Ave) Hours: Mon-Sun 8am – 4pm.

3. Pain D’Avignon Coffee

Pain D’Avignon — a French bakery known for its superb coffee and freshly-baked breads.

Since the place is located inside The Plaza Food Hall, it’s more preferred by people who needs a quick bite and maybe a cup of coffee they can bring to their next destination.

So if you’re in a hurry, why not grab a cup of latte to-go and see the wonders of Central Park with a smile on your face?

Insider tip: We honestly love every type of bread they make. But if you really have to choose, we suggest you go for the classics: baguette, ciabatta, and francaise.

Address @ 1 W 59th St (59 Str & 5 Ave); Hours: Mon-Sat 8am – 8pm, Sun 11am-6pm.

2. Zibetto Espresso Bar

Just a few blocks away from Central Park is the Zibetto Espresso bar. This authentic Italian stand-up coffee bar is a great way to start off one’s long day with its good food and cozy interiors.

The homey vibe gives every visitor the much-needed rest from the busy city. However, since it is a standing espresso bar, there are no chairs for customers to seat on so you should at least be prepared for that.

We still have no clue how they make their cup of coffee extremely silky and rich in flavor but it doesn’t matter because good coffee is now just within reach.

Insider tip: Their tiramisu and affogato are to die for. Yes, you have to shell out a little more money for a cup of coffee and piece of pastry but as the say, good food comes at a price.

Address @ 1385 6th Ave (56 Str & 6Ave); Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm.

1.  Fika

And now, we proceed to the big reveal.

Our top pick cafe near Central Park is Fika. This interestingly-named place offers not just coffee and tea but Scandinavian food as well.

What made this number one is its evident lack of pretense when it comes to food and service. The place is very welcoming with its seat-in area and cozy interiors.

While the place is not too big, it can accommodate a number of customers who want to enjoy their cup of coffee inside the shop.

Fika’s coffees can rival the best of the best in New York City and their food selection is impressive too.

Whether you’re new to NYC or been living in the city for years, a trip to this place will give an experience you’ll definitely will want to come back to.

Inside tip: Their coffee is quite bold, a bit strong even for regular coffee drinkers. But if you need a real caffeine boost, then by all means, order a cup or two from their selection and get ready to start the day. Our favorite: Macchiato with Chokladbollar

Address @ 41 W 58th (58 Str & 6 Ave); Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm.

There you have it. Your coffee fix is very much within reach. All these best places and more are just a stone’s throw away from the pedicab tour site–making everything better and a lot easier for you.

Go. Grab a cup. Enjoy Central Park and the rest of New York City!

If you are considering to eat in the park, check out Places To Eat In Central Park

Coffee Shops Near Central Park NYC