Bryant Park

Tucked behind the New York Public Library in the shadow of the Manhattan skyscrapers is beautiful Bryant Park, one of the most popular spots in the city for New York locals. With its lush tree-lined green lawns and colourful gardens, this urban park provides a picturesque retreat from the busy streets of midtown Manhattan.

A Free Public Space

A park since the mid 19 th century, Bryant Park is named after the New York Evening Post editor and Romantic poet William Cullen Bryant. Spanning four acres, the park features tables and chairs for lunching and people-watching, an outdoor reading room, a carousel for kids and a venue for free shows and concerts. Bryant Park even offers free Wi-Fi and electrical outlets.

Summer Movie Nights

The summer film festival makes Bryant Park a very popular destination every Monday at dusk. Moviegoers snag a spot on the lawn, sit back and prepare to enjoy an outdoor film. The movies presented span a broad range of genres; past screenings have included Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Dog Day Afternoon, Bride of Frankenstein and Annie Hall.

Chess & Backgammon in Bryant Park

Bryant Park is a very popular setting for film and TV productions, and the area where people sit at tables hunched over a game of chess is a scene you are likely familiar with from movies and television shows. The Chess Area is set up with chess, backgammon, checkers and Scrabble boards which anyone can play for a small fee.

Free Activities at Bryant Park

Looking for a free yoga class in New York? Yoga lovers and Tai Chi enthusiasts should check out the calendar of free fitness classes available at Bryant Park, which are suitable for all ages and experience levels. Mats are provided for the yoga classes which are led by expert yoga instructors. The Tai Chi classes are taught by the Tai Chi Chuan Center.

The park also offers free dance and movement classes- a great way to stretch your arms and legs after a day hunched behind a desk. Free fencing classes are also available; you don’t need to have any experience and they provide the equipment. There are free Ping-Pong tables at the park and free lessons in Pétanque, the French game in which players throw metal balls.

In the winter months you can skate for free at the Bryant Park pond, the only free ice skating rink in New York City. Skate rentals are available and the park often hosts skating shows.

Dining & Shopping at Bryant Park

Rooftop dining is available at the Bryant Park Grill, which is located behind the library on the park’s Upper Terrace. The seasonal outdoor Bryant Park Café offers light fare, as do Tom Colicchio’s ‘wichcraft kiosks located throughout the park.

Visiting Bryant Park in New York City

Bryant Park is located between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues in midtown Manhattan (behind the New York Public Library.)

The park is open year round. For more information call 212-768-4242 or visit the Bryant Park website for a calendar of current events.