Top 10 Parks in NYC
Things to Do, Travel Tips — By elizabethmonson on March 25, 2010 at 9:51 pmThere’s no city like New York City, that’s for sure, but when the huge skyscrapers, bustling streets, and crowded subways get to you, there’s no better place to seek refuge than in one of the city’s great parks. Central Park may be the most famous, but there many more grassy patches to discover amidst the urban landscape from “Best Kept Secret” parks to sculpture parks, active parks, and historic parks.
Here are our top 10 favorite parks:
By far the favorite outdoor hangout of New Yorkers, Central Park serves as the perfect park for every season. Winter finds tourists and locals ice skating on one of the several rinks, on the first sunny day of spring the Sheeps Meadow is filled with sunbathers as joggers circle the park, summer hosts free concerts and Shakespeare in the Park, and it is the perfect place to see the leaves change come fall.
Lining the West Side with green space, biking and jogging paths, tennis courts, and playgrounds, Riverside Park gets a lot of use from those in the neighborhood. With a great view of the Hudson River and New Jersey, this is actually one of the city’s most scenic parks, in addition to being highly functional.
Conveniently located in the East Village, Tompkins Square Park is a popular neighborhood hangout. Grab a coffee at one of the many nearby cafes and come watch the local dogs and their equally quirky owners.
Through the gates of Gramercy Park
A classic example of wealthy exclusivity in New York, Gramercy Park is closed to the public except for a few days of the year. Built in the 1830s, it was meant as a park for residents of the surrounding buildings and has remained unchanged for almost 80 years. Guests of the Gramercy Park Hotel are given keys, but even if you can’t enter, it is worth a look at the historic park and amazing surrounding homes.
Located at the very base of Manhattan, this is the perfect place to observe some of New York City’s most famous monuments. Take in the view of the Statue of Liberty or ride the ferry over to visit Ellis Island. The Staten Island Ferry also leaves from Battery Park and for just the price of a subway fare, you can see a gorgeous view of Lady Liberty, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.
Long Meadow in Prospect Park
This Brooklyn park was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, who was also responsible for Central Park. It features many of the same amenities, like rolling hills, expansive lawns, and public space for concerts and skating rinks. Stop by the Brooklyn Museum which borders the park, or explore nearby Park Slope.
This small beautiful park is located in midtown Manhattan, which makes it a popular lunch spot for workers nearby. Adjacent to the majestic New York Public Library, this is a great place to take in a glimpse of New York City history while grabbing a sandwich. The park also has free WiFi, so check in for new locations to check out nearby on Nile Guide’s “Next Stop” iPhone app.
Take a trip out to Queens for this unique and interesting sculpture park. With a great location, right on the East River, this park isn’t stuffy, encouraging visitors to be hands-on. Aside from the great view of the Upper East Side, the park hosts free movie screenings and yoga classes in the summer.
The Arch of Washington Square Park
You’ll likely find this park filled with NYU students and West Village residents, but with one of the most classic images of New York, the arch and fountain, this is a must-see. The park also recently underwent a renovation, making it more beautiful than ever.
Not one of the prettier locations, this park is often filled with commuters, skateboarders, shoppers, and homeless, Union Square is a great place for a meet up before heading downtown. They also host a greenmarket several days a week with some of the city’s best local produce.
[photos courtesy of Ed Yourdon, uriba, macgeek800, Ed Yourdon]
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