The Best Parks in New York City
New York is a city of extremes: gigantic skyscrapers, surrounded by two rivers, located next to the ocean, and yet it has many green spaces. Sometimes they are quite small and feature a waterfall like Paley Park in Midtown, and sometimes they are as huge as Central Park, the green oasis in the heart of Manhattan.
The best parks in NYC including our insider tips as to what activities you should try there or why you absolutely have to go there (for example, to take great pictures), can be discovered here!
These are the Best Parks in NYC
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01
Central Park
Park in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
Central Park spans from Midtown Manhattan all the way up to Harlem. There are about 340 hectares of land and is a popular meeting place for New Yorkers. With about 35 million visitors per year, the man-made park is an attraction not only for tourists. New Yorkers love Central Park and its tranquility. Many events are held here such as the NYC Marathon. There are also tons of green spaces, walking lanes, and bike lanes. Central Park is home to Sheep’s Meadow, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, Central Park Zoo, and many other things as well.
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02
Bryant Park
Park in Midtown Manhattan
Bryant Park is located right in central Manhattan and is a quiet oasis between 40th and 42nd Street. Bryant Park is right in the cetner of Midtown Manhattan between 40th and 42nd Street, yet it still lends you the peace and quiet you need to get away for a few moments from the bustling city. Withg many small cafés dotted throughout the park this is the perfect place to unwind or relax when the weather is nice.
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03
Astoria Park
Park in Astoria
One of the most beautiful spots in Astoria, Queens is Astoria Park. This popular park on the East River is a popular retreat for New Yorkers, especially in the summer. On hot summer days, they jump into New York’s oldest public pool to cool off. This is a rare sight, by the way, because you hardly find any outdoor pools in New York. Astoria Park just recently went under renovation as well and has revamped its track and field.
Not only do you have a beautiful view of Manhattan, but you’re also right under the RFK Bridge and have a direct view of Hells Gate Bridge.
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04
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Park in Dumbo
You will find the beginning of Brooklyn Bridge Park just below Brooklyn Bridge. With amazing views of the skyline across the water and some great places to sit and enjoy the view, this park is a must-visit! For those of you who like running, this is an amazing place to do so, especially with the amazing Manhattan skyline view. There are also tons of green spaces, basketball, volleyball courts, and soccer fields.
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05
Cadman Plaza Park
Park in Brooklyn Heights
Cadman Plaza Park is a peaceful green space located in Downtown Brooklyn, serving as a gateway to the Brooklyn Bridge. Surrounded by historic buildings and tree-lined paths, it’s a popular spot for relaxation, picnics, and outdoor activities.
The park also features memorials and monuments, making it a meaningful place for reflection amidst the bustling city. -
06
Domino Park
Park in Williamsburg
This beautiful park opened up in Williamsburg in 2018. It’s called Domino park because the former Domino Sugar factory was located at that very spot. Now, it’s filled with greenery, food vendors and a playground for kids. It is located directly on the East River and you have a great view of the city from here. The park invites you to play volleyball or have a picnic.
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07
Prospect Park
Park in Park Slope
The park is the counterpart of Central Park. Both parks were designed by the same architect. The 2.4 km² large park has a lot to offer. Just like Central Park, Prospect Park has numerous green spaces, a lake, the Litchfield Villa, a zoo, courts for sports, entertainment possibilities and even a botanical garden. Prospect Park is a great alternative if you would like to escape the busy lifestyle in Manhattan.
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08
Greenacre Park
Park in Midtown Manhattan
Greenacre Park is a hidden oasis located in Midtown Manhattan, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets. This small but beautifully landscaped park features a stunning 25-foot waterfall, lush greenery, and comfortable seating areas, making it a perfect spot for relaxation.
Opened in 1971, the park is a privately owned public space that invites visitors to enjoy its peaceful ambiance amidst the urban environment. -
09
McCarren Park
Park in Williamsburg
Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, McCarren Park is a vibrant urban oasis offering a refreshing blend of leisure and recreation. Whether you’re looking to dive into the public pool, break a sweat on the tennis courts, or enjoy an alfresco film during the summer movie nights, McCarren has something for everyone. Children can gleefully play in the designated areas, while joggers and bikers make the most of its expansive trails. Don’t miss the bustling farmers’ market, ensuring a fresh taste of New York’s finest produce. A must-visit for locals and visitors alike!
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10
Gantry Plaza State Park
Park in Long Island CityOur Highlight
Gantry Plaza State Park is a beautiful escape right on the East River in Long Island City. The park is very beautifully laid out, with many wooden benches (also with ergonomic design) and dunes with sand and a small green space. There are apartments and small restaurants and cafes lined up on the back of the park. The piers also add a nice touch to the park as well. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll while enjoying the Manhattan skyline across the river. Also in sight is the beautiful 59th street bridge that connects Manhattan and Queens.
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11
Madison Square Park
Park in Flatiron DistrictOur Highlight
Located right next to the Flatiron Building, Madison Square Park (opened in 1847) is a popular green oasis in the Flatiron District. The park extends along 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue from 23rd Street and 26th Street. Especially during lunchtime, many New Yorkers use the park for their lunch break.
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12
Tompkins Square Park
Park in Alphabet City
Tompkins Square Park is the little green heart of Alphabet City, where you can relax. Concerts take place here from time to time – I find it most authentic on Sundays, when the weekly market (“Tompkins Square Park Greenmarket”) is held.
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13
Washington Square Park
Park in Greenwich Village
Washington Square Park, centrally located in the Village, extends over almost 4 hectares. Close to New York University with its distinctive Washington Square Arch, a triumphal arch inaugurated in 1895, the park is a popular place to be when the weather is fine. Through the Arch you have a wonderful view along 5th Avenue to the top of the Empire State Building.
If you are lucky, you can even enjoy a free jazz concert from the many jazz artists of the Village. Here, friends and family meet to relax, play chess, or just in general have a good time.
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14
East River Park
Park in Lower East Side -
15
Paley Park
Park in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
The entrance to the park, which is only 390 square metres in size, is at 53rd Street – and what immediately catches the eye: the 6-metre high waterfall. During the day in summer the waterfall’s spray mist is wonderfully cooling. And: it “swallows” all surrounding sounds and the park is such a spot with a really fascinating atmosphere! Midtown’s Paley Park is one of those secret places in New York that almost nobody knows about. A normal tourist doesn’t even consider the existence of such a park, but a New Yorker doesn’t either. The fact is that it is an oasis that radiates an aura of peace in the middle of the New York hustle and bustle.
