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Bryant Park - I wish I could start every morning here

Bryant Park is amazing for a lot of reasons, but I'll start with the biggies; It's clean, it's green, there are things to do all the time and there's FREE wireless Internet!

Anyways, Bryant Park can be found just a few blocks from Times Square behind the NY Public Library. Located smack-dab in the middle of Downtown Manhattan, it's a stunning piece of real estate for the shear fact that they keep it so clean and green. It's also surrounded by a ton of restaurants and bars, and there's a ton of seating on the pathways outside the green-space which make it a great place to do homework, check your email, read a book or just chill out. If you're meeting someone for a blind date in Manhattan, I'd suggest meeting them in Bryant Park. (Not that I have any experience with those kinds of things...)

Most people think of the Carousel when they think of Bryant Park. And while the Carousel is awesome (and a must if you're with the kids), it's the smaller things about Bryant Park that make it what it is. The free Wi-Fi (thanks to the next-door NY Public Library), the surrounding cafes and the low-key vibe on the green are constants. However, most nights there's something going on at Bryant Park, whether it's a summer concert or a movie on their big-screen. (When I was in town, All About Eve was playing as part of their Summer Movie Series.) Keep an eye out for upcoming Bryant Park events if you're in the area; they regularly offer yoga classes, meet-ups and all kinds of cheap or free fun.

What I loved most about Bryant Park was stopping by the nearby Dunkin Donuts each morning, walking over to one of their shaded tables and catching up on my email. In a city as dense as New York City, a little fresh air can't be beat. Bryant Park has tons of that, along with beauty, character and a personality all its own. Definitely check out Bryant Park if you need to take a breather on your next trip to the Big Apple.

Bryant Park - Oasis in the Core of the Big Apple

Bryant Park is arguably less famous than Central Park and un-debatably smaller in size, but I found it offers the same magical vibe that only a park in the middle of New York City can provide - and between the two, it’s a close call, but I’d probably call Bryant Park my favorite park in New York City.

From photos, research and speaking to local New Yorkers, I know that during the warm months of the year, Bryant Park has a lively green lawn with chairs and umbrellas set up for locals and tourists to spend free time relaxing and observing passer-bys.  Since I visited Bryant Park at the beginning of November, I felt lucky to see the other side of Bryant Park.  This also used to be the location of Fashion Week, where the large white tents would be set up each Spring and Fall.

Adjacent to the main branch of the NY Library (one of my favorite buildings in the City), Bryant Park is in between 5th and 6th Aves, and 39th and 42nd Streets, right in the middle of Midtown Manhattan.  Walking down 5th Ave, I saw my first glance of Bryant Park – with an ice skating rink (Citi Pond) and tiny shops set up, as if a mini festival had been built in the center of the city.

The semi-permanent (for certain seasons) vendor shops are individually built, constructed completely in windows with one door for customers to come inside and just enough room for the product they’re selling.  From known coffee and sandwich chains, to independent vendors selling everything from specialty socks to holiday ornaments, fudge and jewelry, the Bryant Park shops are a great place to window shop (literally) or find unique gifts and souvenirs.

People of all ages are welcome to rent or use their own ice skates and take a spin around the ice rink too, and there are chairs and tables set up for patrons can eat and drink, and general park-goers can sit and watch the skaters go by.  At night, the park is lit up and there’s even an outdoor bar lounge with swing seats, pretty white lights and heaters. 

Bryant Park is a wonderful park for anyone to spend time in – families, friends, singles, everyone can enjoy the scenery year-round, from grass and trees to Citi pond and shops!  This became my personal favorite spot in the New York while travelling alone. I could easily sit and people watch for hours, taking in the City around me.