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’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
Central Park
Central Park is the largest park in Manhattan. This huge green space attracts both New Yorkers and tourists. Visit on the weekend!
High Line New York
This planted promenade connects Hudson Yards to the Meatpacking District. A beautiful 2.3 km (1.4 mi) walk with lovely views.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is the most iconic park in New York. This patch of green sits in the middle of Midtown Manhattan's tall buildings. You must see it.
Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park is a peaceful park, just steps from the Flatiron Building. The atmosphere is very New York, especially at lunch time.
Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park sits in the heart of Greenwich Village. The atmosphere is bohemian. Don't miss the chess players.
Little Island New York
Little Island is a park that opened in 2021 in New York. This unique park sits entirely on stilts above the Hudson River.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park offers stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Financial District, and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. A park you should not miss.
Domino Park
Domino Park is a park that opened in 2018 on the banks of the East River, near the Williamsburg Bridge. The views of Manhattan are stunning!
Governors Island
Governors Island is an oasis of green in the middle of New York Harbor. Climb to the top of the artificial hills built at the south end of the park.
Other parks to see in New York
Battery Park
Battery Park is the main park in New York's Financial District. It offers the best views of New York Harbor.
Liberty Park
This small elevated park gives you a beautiful view of the 9/11 Memorial.
Union Square Park
Union Square is a park that always hosts demonstrations and events. You will also find an organic market there.
Gramercy Park
Gramercy Park is a private park reserved only for residents of the buildings surrounding it. A unique feature!
Tompkins Square Park
This park sits in the heart of the East Village neighborhood. It is very popular with locals and busy at all hours.
Riverside Park
Riverside Park offers a wonderful 6.4 km (4 mi) walk along the Hudson River. You can explore it on foot or by bike.
Prospect Park
Prospect Park is the twin of Central Park in Brooklyn. It is one of the largest parks in New York.
Four Freedoms Park
Four Freedoms Park was built at the tip of Roosevelt Island to honor President Roosevelt.
Gantry Plaza State Park
This Queens park runs along the East River. It sits directly across from Midtown and offers beautiful views of New York.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Flushing Meadows Corona Park is located in eastern Queens. The park is known for hosting the US Open tennis stadium.
New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden is by far the most beautiful park in the Bronx. Its gardens feature a wonderful variety of plants.
Pelham Bay Park
Pelham Bay Park is the largest park in New York. It is located in the northeast Bronx, far from Manhattan.
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
Bike rental in Central Park
Rent a bike and explore Central Park at your own pace.
Pedicab ride in Central Park
Explore Central Park on a pedicab ride.
Scooter rental in New York
To explore Central Park or Riverside Park.
Picnic in New York
Have your picnic delivered to 3 locations in New York.
Picnic and bike rental in Central Park
Package includes bike rental and picnic.
Carriage ride in Central Park
Discover the highlights of Central Park by carriage
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.