Our Favorite Green Spaces in NYC!
Published: April 19th, 2018Every person visiting NYC knows how much beauty Central Park has to offer, but they often are unaware of the many other parks there are to explore in our beautiful city. Some of these green spaces are home to gorgeous botanical gardens and others to compelling museums. From the heart of Brooklyn to the very northern tip of Manhattan, let us show you our favorite places to spend the day!
Madison Square Park
Located a short walk from Hotel Giraffe and overlooked by the infamous Flatiron Building, Madison Square Park sits in such an iconic location! This park sees some of the best art installations in all of NYC including light shows, floral displays as well as modern architecture! Not only does it offer many lawns in the warmer months for some R&R, but it is also home to the first Shake Shack! With more great food right across the street at Eataly, this park always has something for everyone to enjoy!
Photo courtesy of @metmuseum
Fort Tryon Park
Located on the northern tip of Manhattan is the second largest park to Central Park in Manhattan! This sprawling section of green space is home to some of the best views of the Hudson River as well as the George Washington Bridge! Located inside the park is the Metropolitan Museum’s, “The Met Cloisters”. This branch is dedicated to art, architecture and the gardens of medieval Europe! Everyone always finds something to love along the 8 miles of pathways as well as the city’s largest garden!
Photo courtesy of @prospect_park
Prospect Park
If you are leaving Manhattan, one of your main destinations may be Prospect Park! Designed by the same architects as Central Park, Prospect Park offers a vast amount of green space in the center of Brooklyn! Not only is there a Botanical Garden to visit nearby but this park also features forest areas, an ice rink as well as sports fields! With its completion in 1895, this park has been enjoyed by New Yorkers for over 120 years!
Bryant Park
Centrally located off of 5th Avenue & 42nd street is one of the most visited parks in NYC! Bryant Park, named after a well known poet and editor to the New York Evening Post, sits adjacent to the NYC Public Library and right next to popular 5th avenue shopping (As well as being close to both the Library Hotel and Casablanca Hotel)! Along with its lush lawn, it has a number of options for food as well as events happening all the time! No matter the season, there is something to do including ice skating in the winter or ping pong, putting and even live shows in the summer!
Photo courtesy of @governorsisland
Governors Island
Located off the southern tip of Manhattan is a relatively newer enjoyment in NYC! With its history reaching back to 1796, Governors Island is home to a unique view of Manhattan! The island was originally a military post for over 180 years complete with a castle and fort! After being used by the Coast Guard for many years, the park opened seasonally to the public in 2003! With such an interesting perspective of NYC, it’s no wonder so many people go to visit! Complete with picnic areas, bike riding and recreational green space this is a hot spot for the warm months! The island opens to the public starting May 1st!