New York City Sights

Bryant Park

#11 of 1871 things to do in New York City

#37 of 19917 things to do in USA

3 reviews | Write a review

Good for: people watching, warm days, lazing around, free movies

  • Address
    • 42nd St btwn Fifth & Sixth Aves
  • Transport
    • B, D, F, V to 42nd St-Bryant Park, 7 to Fifth Ave
  • Website
  • Phone
    • 212-768-4242
  • Hours
    • 7am-11pm Mon-Fri, to 8pm Sat & Sun in summer, 7am-7pm Jan-Apr & Sep-Dec

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Lonely Planet review for Bryant Park

Nestled behind the grand New York Public Library building is this lovely square of green – once a patch of squalor, referred to as ‘Needle Park’ throughout the ’80s – where local Midtown workers gather for lunchtime picnics on warm afternoons. Among its offerings are impressive skyscraper views, European-style coffee kiosks, the Brooklyn-constructed, French-inspired Le Carrousel offering rides for $2, and frequent special events, from readings to concerts. This is where the famed Fashion Week tent goes up every winter, and is also the site of the wonderful, outdoor Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, which packs the lawn with post-work crowds lugging cheese-and-wine picnics. And it becomes a winter wonderland at Christmas-time, with holiday gift vendors lining the park’s edge and a popular ice-skating rink sprouting in its middle. The Bryant Park Grill & Café, a lovely restaurant and bar situated at the eastern end of the park, is the site of many a New York wedding come springtime. When it’s not closed for a private event, the patio bar is a perfect spot for a twilight cocktail or two. And if you’ve got your laptop and it’s a nice day, grab a seat and surf the web in the park, which is a free wi-fi hotspot.

 

Traveller reviews for Bryant Park (3)

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    Perfect lawn.

    reedalvarado recommends this,

    Great place to people watch, and catch a tan.

    Good for: people watching

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    Needle Park no more.

    remelila recommends this,

    I wasn't allowed to come anywhere near this place when I was a kid, but thankfully NYC renovated it completely and kicked out the junkies. Now it's a gorgeous place to spend a sunny day in Midtown. In summers they show free movies on Monday nights – bring a picnic blanket and some friends (but scope out a place to sit before the suits get out at five).

    Good for: warm days, lazing around, free movies

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    Park in the Middle

    alistnyc recommends this,

    Bryant Park is a small park surrounded by Skyscrapers and the New York Public Library. It's a nice park to take a break in while touring midtown. This park is a great example of how well a small space can be used - from Fashion Week, to the new Ice Skating Rink to movies in the summer, and of course plenty of chairs and tables for nearby workers to eat lunch.

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