One of the most underrated perks of living in Manhattan is the ability to easily enjoy the beautiful and unique parks that the city has to offer. While Central Park is far and away the most well known park in New York City, there are a number of lesser known parks that seem to fly under the radar. Locals frequent these spaces and enjoy the peacefulness that comes in part from being tucked away from tourists. In this piece we will share five of the must visit parks in Manhattan. Some of these parks are hundreds of years old while others are still in their infancy. We won’t disclose some of the local’s favorite spots for the sake of privacy and preserving the tourist free nature of New York’s hidden gems.
Central Park
When it comes to parks in New York, Central Park is the king of them all. Covering 843 acres between the Upper East Side and the Upper West Side, Central Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world. Designed and constructed in the mid 19th century, Central Park is also one of the oldest urban parks in the world. Central Park features miles of walking trails and paths, the Central Park Zoo, and some of the most beautiful views in the world. An interesting fact that is worth noting is Central Park is the most filmed location in the entire world. Dozens of famous movies feature scenes filmed in this iconic park setting. Whether you are visiting the city for a weekend or you call New York home, Central Park is a must visit.
Little Island @ Pier 55
If you have a craving for modern aesthetics Little Island at Pier 55 is a park that you can’t miss. Completed in 2021, Little Island is New York’s newest and arguably it’s most unique public park. This park is located near the Meat Packing District and is actually located on a man made island. Little Island features a unique design that is meant to mimic the look of a leaf floating on water. The idea behind the park was to connect art art in nature and provide a unique escape for residents and visitors to New York. Due to it’s extreme popularity upon opening, Little Island required reservations for time slots during the summer of 2021. Those looking for a unique experience should definitely plan on visiting Little Island at Pier 55.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is an incredible place to visit if you are looking for a beautiful place to relax outdoors in the heart of the city. Located in Midtown Manhattan between fifth ave and sixth ave, Bryant Park offers 9.6 acres of green spaces. The lawn at Bryant Park serves as a popular location for picnics and also hosts many different events including Bryant Park movie nights during the summer and the Bank of America Winter Village in the winter. There is even a carrousel in Bryant Park for families to enjoy. This park offers breathtaking views of incredible architecture found in Midtown. Be sure to visit Bryant Park the next time you swing through Midtown and enjoy some time outdoors.
Washington Square Park
Located in Greenwich Village Neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, Washington Square Park is another great outdoor space that is offered by the city. Featuring incredible architecture and over 9 acres of outdoor space to enjoy, Washington Square Park is one of New York’s finest and most instantly recognizable parks. Part of Washington Square Park’s notoriety comes from the Washington Square Arch that stands at the northern entrance of the park. This massive 77ft tall arch was constructed to celebrate the centennial of President George Washington’s inauguration in 1889. Since then the arch has seen a few different renovations. The arch in Washington Square Park is merely a fraction of what this park has to offer. The fountain in Washington Square Park is one of the most popular spots for photographs or even just relaxation in the entire city. Along with the Arch and the Fountain, Washington Square Park offers great greenery to be enjoyed after a long day of being inside.
The High Line
Before the opening of Little Island @ Pier 55, the High Line was New York’s newest and most unique park. Stretching nearly one and a half miles through the west side of Manhattan, the High Line serves as a beautiful greenway that is elevated above the busy streets. The High Line is built on a retired portion of the central railroad and offers beautiful foliage as well as a unique perspective of the bustling city streets below. The High Line stretches from the Meat Packing District down to the Hudson Yards development to the south. The High Line can be busy at times but is certainly a must experience for anyone who gets the chance.
The above are just a few of the incredible green spaces that have been developed in Manhattan over the centuries. Each one offers a unique perspective of the city and offer a different collection of features and amenities. Part of the excitement and intrigue of New York is that there are always new progressive things to see and experience. When you move to the city you are able to experience an unparalleled diversity and see fresh new perspectives on just about everything you can imaging. The best thing you can do is start exploring New York for yourself and find parks and green spaces that inspire you.