New York Parks
Discover New York's best parks beyond Manhattan. From the iconic Central Park to Battery Park, explore the green side of the city across all five boroughs.
New York has more than 1,900 parks and gardens throughout the city. They come in all sizes, and not all are as large as the enormous Central Park, the biggest park in New York. Some parks deserve a visit, especially the High Line and Bryant Park, a park at the base of tall buildings.
New York’s parks are essential to any visit to New York, so you should add them to your itinerary. Here are the top parks to see.
New York’s parks are essential to any visit to New York, so you should add them to your itinerary. Here are the top parks to see.
The best parks in New York
Other parks to see in New York
List of parks in New York
Parks in Manhattan
| Central Park | Central Park is the most visited park by tourists. This park is iconic to New York! |
| High Line | This elevated park has become a must-see in New York. A unique green space! |
| Bryant Park | Bryant Park is perfect for a break between sightseeing. Quintessential New York atmosphere. |
| Madison Square Park | Madison Square Park is a welcoming space where tourists and New Yorkers mix. |
| Washington Square Park | Washington Square is New York’s most lively park, filled with musicians and chess players. |
| Little Island New York | This park sits on a surprising floating island. Stunning views of New York! |
| Battery Park | Battery Park is the departure point for the Statue of Liberty. Many monuments nearby. |
| Liberty Park | This park overlooks the 9/11 Memorial and One World Trade Center. |
| Union Square Park | This park is home to one of New York’s best markets. It’s always a vibrant space. |
| Gramercy Park | Gramercy Park is one of New York’s private parks. View it from the outside only. |
| Tompkins Square Park | Tompkins Square is the main park in the East Village neighborhood. A nod to counterculture. |
| Riverside Park | This park runs along the Hudson River and faces New Jersey. Perfect for sunset views. |
Parks in Brooklyn
| Brooklyn Bridge Park | This park sits at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge. Stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline. |
| Prospect Park | Brooklyn’s largest park. It was designed by the same architects who created Central Park. |
| Governors Island | This former military island is now a sprawling park. You’ll find a spa here! |
| Domino Park | A park created in 2018 at the foot of the former Domino Sugar Factory. Panoramic views of Manhattan. |
Parks in Queens
| Gantry Plaza State Park | This park offers stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline, with the Chrysler Building directly across. |
| Flushing Meadows Corona Park | This park marks the former site of New York’s World’s Fairs. A very local park. |
| Four Freedoms Park | This park is located on Roosevelt Island. It honors President Roosevelt. |
Parks in the Bronx
| New York Botanical Garden | Explore the greenhouses and gardens of the New York Botanical Garden. A peaceful retreat! |
| Pelham Bay Park | Pelham Bay is New York’s largest park. It’s also one of the least known because of its remote location. |
Activities to book in New York's parks
Frequently asked questions
What is the largest park in New York?
The largest park in New York is not Central Park but Pelham Bay Park, located in the Bronx. Pelham Bay Park covers about 11 km² (4.2 sq mi), compared to roughly 3.4 km² (1.3 sq mi) for Central Park. That said, Central Park remains the largest park in Manhattan.
What are the opening hours for parks in New York?
Each park in New York has its own opening hours. Generally, Manhattan parks open at 6 am or 7 am and close at 11 pm or midnight. Bryant Park, for example, is open from 7 am to 11 pm, while Battery Park opens from 6 am to midnight. Park hours also vary by season. In summer, some parks stay open until 1 am.