It's on 12 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
The first warm Saturday where it hits 65 degrees and sunny, Central Park fills up like someone sent out a citywide text message. And I am always there. Always. With a blanket, snacks from Trader Joe’s, a good book, and absolutely no plans to leave for several hours.
My favorite picnic spots. Sheep Meadow is the classic and it is genuinely magical on a spring day. The Great Lawn is bigger and slightly less packed. The North Meadow up around 97th Street is the quiet option where you can actually spread out without being next to strangers.
For the picnic itself, I keep it simple. Good bread, good cheese, some fruit, sparkling water, maybe a bottle of wine (technically not allowed but literally everyone does it, just be discreet and use cups). If I’m feeling fancy I’ll grab a spread from Zabar’s on the Upper West Side. Their smoked salmon and cream cheese situation is unmatched.
There’s something about lying on a blanket in Central Park on a spring day, with the skyline peeking through the trees and people playing guitar nearby and dogs running around, that makes me think “yeah, this is why I live here.” It costs nothing and it feels like everything.
Bryant Park in summer, with a free movie on the lawn and the library lit up behind you, is one of my favorite versions of this city.
Bryant Park is perfectly tucked into the shadow of towering office buildings that make up the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Located right behind the stunning New York Public Library (one of the New York’s most famous buildings), it’s not uncommon to find all the chairs and benches full during sunny days.
During the busy lunch hour this park swells with folks who work in the surrounding office buildings as well as folks looking to try and escape the hubbub from Times Square just a few blocks away. This park feels very European with a large tree canopy, tables with umbrellas, cafes, a vintage carousel, and a charming winter market. And while winter is nice, my favorite season to visit Bryant Park is summer because of the free movies hosted on the lawn.
You’ll also notice library carts full of books, park visitors are encouraged to grab a novel and read under the shady trees at their leisure. There’s a friendly librarian on hand that keeps track of the books to ensure they don’t get swept up.
Bryant Park is perfectly tucked into the shadow of towering office buildings that make up the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Located right behind the breathtaking New York Public Library, it’s not uncommon to find all the chairs and benches full during sunny days.
Clocking in at 9.6-acres, thisn’t the largest park in New York City by any stretch of the imagination, but it often feels the most full. It’s a hub for the folks that work in the office buildings that surround the park. The park benches swell with locals during the busy lunch hour most seasons of the year.
My favorite season to visit Bryant Park is summer because of the free movies hosted on the lawn. The entire field is filled with cheery folks on picnic blankets, it’s the epitome of joy. In terms of romantic things to do in New York City, this one is hard to beat.
Trust me. Order whatever the person next to you is having.
Bryant Park, nestled amid midtown’s skyscrapers, is found behind the New York Public Library. Visitors can borrow books from library carts to read under shady trees, or enjoy some lunch from nearby restaurants. If you’re visiting Manhattan in summer, make sure to catch a free outdoor movie at Bryant Park, it’s great fun.
After lounging in the park, head to the New York Public Library, which opened to the public in 1911. When the library first opened it was considered the largest marble building in the country (construction took 16 years!).
The library showcases an extraordinary collection of rare items, recently unveiled for public viewing for the first time ever, including Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence and the original toys that inspired Winnie the Pooh. This best part? This exhibit is completely free to visit.
Located just one block from Times Square, Bryant Park is perfectly tucked into the shadow of towering office buildings that make up the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Located right behind the breathtaking New York Public Library, it’s not uncommon to find all the chairs and benches full during sunny days.
It’s a hub for the folks that work in the office buildings nearby. The park benches swell with locals during the busy lunch hour most seasons of the year. My favorite season to visit Bryant Park is summer because of the free movies hosted on the lawn.
You’ll also notice library carts full of books, park visitors are encouraged to grab a novel and read under the shady trees at their leisure. There’s a friendly librarian on hand that keeps track of the books to ensure they don’t get swept up.
Bryant Park feels like a true break from the fast pace of Midtown. Tucked behind the New York Public Library, it’s filled with tables, food kiosks, trees, and a big open lawn that’s perfect for a quick break. I’ve spent lazy afternoons here with a book, quick lunches in between meetings, and spontaneous evenings listening to live music under string lights.
Come early. Seriously. The crowds hit hard by noon.
It’s not huge, but the feel is what makes it special. In the summer, there are movie nights and free yoga. In the winter, it transforms into a holiday market and ice rink. The park is surrounded by some of the most visited attractions in NYC. Times Square, Fifth Avenue, Grand Central, but it always feels a little calmer here.
Clocking in at 9.6 acres, Bryant Park is far from the largest park in New York City, but it often feels the most full. The park is nestled amidst towering skyscrapers in Midtown and attracts locals year-round. But summer seems to have the largest draw, because Bryant Park hosts nostalgic family-friend outdoor movies in NYC.
I never get tired of this view.
Now in its 31st season, the lawn opens every Monday at 5pm but the films don’t start until after sunset (around 8pm). Food and beverages (including beer) are available for purchase and all movies are played with subtitles, to ensure everyone enjoys the show.
The kind of place you’ll tell friends about, and then wish you hadn’t.
The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park stands out as one of the best NYC Christmas photo spots, thanks to its diverse backgrounds. In winter, the park undergoes a charming transformation into a European-style Christmas market featuring 100 vendors, all surrounding a magical ice skating rink tucked in the shadow of the Empire State Building. Capture a photo of yourself gracefully ice skating with the cityscape as a backdrop, or take a casual shopping snapshot at the charming shops that adorn the scene.
Further Reading: Do you have more time on your hands? Check out 10 Cheerful Christmas Markets in New York City (Worth the Visit!).
Date. All of August
For those of you visiting it looking for things to do daily, set your GPS to Bryant Park and don’t look back.
Bryant Park is perfectly tucked into the shadow of towering office buildings that make up the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Located right behind the breathtaking New York Public Library, it’s not uncommon to find all the chairs and benches full during sunny days.
The park is constantly bustling with different activities and hosting multiple events throughout the entire month. There’s simply no shortage of things to do in NYC this August at Bryant Park. Don’t believe me? Check out the park’s calendar.
A popular destination year-round, Bryant Park transforms into a European-inspired holiday market and heralds the start of the Christmas season. Centered by a striking Christmas tree, there are more than 100 vendors selling festive decor, handmade crafts and unique jewelry at the market.
I’ve been here in every season. My favorite? Fall, when the light hits just right.
But what really earns Bryant Park a spot on our list of the best it is the 17,000-square foot open to the public for free. The only catch is you need to bring your own skates, otherwise you’ll need to rent them onsite.
There’s no better way to end a summer evening in New York City with kids than by watching a movie in the park.
Summer has the largest draw, because Bryant Park hosts family-friend outdoor movies in NYC.