New York, in the words of Alicia Keys, is a "concrete jungle where dreams are made of". It is clear to see why, with 262 skyscrapers on the relatively small island of Manhattan. To me, this makes the spots of greenery that more special. The juxtaposition of metal skyscrapers to the sprawling fields of Central Park feels like you are in two worlds at once - you can sit in Central Park's Lawn and know that in 1857, someone sat in the exact same spot as you, perhaps having a picnic or reading a book, but would be looking up at a very different New York skyline. From the High Line to Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the parks are a place you can go to find some peace and calm in the city that never sleeps.
Central Park
There is so much to do in Central Park that it cannot all be put here, so I have wrote two articles on it. The first is a simple ticklist off everything to do in Central Park. The second is a detailed list of everything with information, history, photographs and locations.
Check List
Detailed List
The High Line
Manhattan’s West Side - 10th Avenue (see below for a list of entrances)
The High Line is a park created on an abandoned elavated railway track - an idea that began in 1999 but finally opened to the public just 6 years ago. It is beautifully done - the historical attributes of the railway track have been preserved and remain intact and juxtapose with the greenery When I walked the High Line, I realised that this type of project is what makes New York so amazing. The community of New York achieves that fine balance of updating something without loosing the essence of it. This can be seen in the greenery they chose to plant in the garden - most of which where the plants that had naturally grown in the rail bed when the track was abandoned.
Gansevoort and Washington Street (elevator access)
14th Street (elevator access)
16th Street (elevator access)
18th Street
20th Street
23rd Street (elevator access)
26th Street
28th Street
30th Street (elevator access)
30th Street and 11th Avenue
34th Street and 12th Avenue (ramp access)
Bryant Park
It is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and between 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown Manhattan.
Bryant park is a treat and a treasure. There are books to read which the library puts out on display, over 9000 chairs and 400 tablesaround the park to enjoy the view and for great people watching. Kiosks serve fun foods and there is a small carousel for kids. Two nicer restaurants are at the back of the park, reservations are recommended for the Bryant Grill or Bryant Park Dining. Short performances are held throughout the summer at various times for free.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY
This stunning 52-acre park is famous for not only it's beautiful horticultural displays but also it's speciality gardens within gardens. It has three plant pavilions, an art gallery and a museum.
It costs $15 for adults to enter the park and is free for members ($65 which includes a huge amount of perks!)
Riverside Park
Follows the Hudson River from 72nd to 158th streets.
Riverside Park offers walk and running paths, dog-friendly areas, eateries, bathrooms and a wide variety of sport and recreation facilities as well as playgrounds. Recently WIFI hotspots have been installed. In addition to an easily accessible park are monuments and sculptures, seating/benches and other landmarks.