These are some of the best parks in New York City. New York City's many great parks offer a welcome respite from the concrete jungle of New York City, with activities from concerts to guided tours and open spaces for picnicking and relaxing.
Central Park
Central Park features 843 acres of public space in the heart of Manhattan with 7 bodies of water contained within it's boundaries. Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux, Central Park first opened in the winter of 1859. Central Park is a surprising contrast to New York City's popular image as a "concrete jungle" -- lush greenery, big open spaces and natural beauty dominate this wonderful park.
Prospect Park
Like Central Park, Prospect Park was designed by landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in the 1860s. Located in Brooklyn, Prospect Park's 585 acres of space attract over 7 million visitors a year. Prospect Park features a variety of events, including Philharmonic in the Parks and Metropolitan Opera in the Park in the summer. Prospect Park's Grand Army Plaza is the site of an enormous annual New Year's Eve celebration, complete with fireworks.Bryant Park
Located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, Bryant Park offers a welcome oasis from the bustling streets of Times Square and the surrounding business district. Bryant Park is located between 5th and 6th Avenues from 40th to 42nd Streets with the New York Public Library at the southern end of the park. Bryant Park hosts a variety of popular events, including outdoor film screenings, Broadway in Bryant Park, and Ice Skating.
Union Square Park
Bound by 14th Street, 17th Street, Union Square East and Union Square West (1 block east of 5th Avenue), Union Square Park is well known as the home of New York City's largest year-round Greenmarket. The Summer in the Square Series features a variety of free events, including concerts, yoga and dance performances. Union Square also offers free wi-fi access, as well as free weekly walking tours.Washington Square Park
Washington Square became a park in 1828, but before that time, the nearly 10 acre park in Greenwich Village was a cemetery, execution site and parade ground. The iconic landmark of Washington Square Park is the Washington Arch designed by Stanford White. The Washington Arch was built to mark the centennial of George Washington's inauguration in 1885.
