WHEN IT COMES TO GORGEOUS GREEN SPACES, THERE’S MUCH MORE TO NEW YORK CITY THAN MEETS THE EYE.
FROM MANHATTAN TO QUEENS, THE CITY IS BRIMMING WITH MAGNIFICENT PARKS, HAVENS OF GREENERY OF ALL SIZES THAT OFFER AN INVITATION TO STROLLING AND RELAXATION. AN OVERVIEW OF THESE SPACES NOT TO BE MISSED ON A TRIP TO THE BIG APPLE.
Prospect Park, Brooklyn’s Central Park
Designed by the architects of Central Park in 1867, this central park in Brooklyn is – just like its big brother in Manhattan – the lung of the neighbourhood: people come here to picnic on the vast green esplanade of Long Meadow, wander through its Ravine (the last forest in New York) or around its photogenic lake, discover the magnificent Japanese gardens of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, attend summer concerts as part of the Celebrate Brooklyn! festival or simply get their fill of greenery. Not to be missed!
The High Line, part tree-lined walkway, architectural stroll
Inspired by Paris‘ Coulée verte René-Dumont, the High Line has become one of the most visited spots in the Big Apple since its first section opened in 2009. And you can quickly see why. Installed on the former railway tracks of the New York Central Railroad and raised all along its route, this tree-lined walkway winds a path between the Meatpacking District and Chelsea past truly remarkable modern buildings. Along the way, you can admire, among others: the Whitney Museumdesigned by Renzo Piano, the IAC Building by Frank Gehry, 100 11th Avenue by Jean Nouvel or the HL23 residence by Neil Denari, no less!
Washington Square Park, Lower Manhattan’s melting pot
Washington Square Park
- City : New York
- Country : United States
- Nearest airport : Newark International Airport
With its Beaux-Arts arch and iconic fountain springing up opposite 5th Avenue, Washington Square Park is a one-of-a-kind place: in this park linking two quite different neighbourhoods, the affluent West Village and the more working-class and cosmopolitan East Village, you come across students from nearby New York University, artists and protesters gathered on the central plaza, concentrating chess players, overexcited children in the play areas and, just about everywhere, workers soaking up this eclectic atmosphere over a sandwich. A totally New York melting pot!
Brooklyn Bridge Park, under New York’s most iconic bridge
Running along the East River over 34 hectares, Brooklyn Bridge Park is a must for any first stroll through New York’s most densely populated neighbourhood. It is appreciated for its vast lawns and surprising little beach, its panoramic view – one of the most beautiful – of the Manhattan skyline, Governor’s Island and the Brooklyn Bridge, its constantly lively atmosphere and the many high-quality restaurants – including the River Café, awarded a star in the Michelin Guide – found nearby.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the World’s Fairs
Symbolised by its impressive Unisphere – a stainless steel representation of the Earth reaching 12 storeys high, Flushing Meadows is the most iconic park in Queens. Popular with families, this site, which hosted the two World’s Fairs held in New York in the 20th century (1939 and 1964), is brimming with pedestrian and cycle paths, play areas, picnic areas and family activities (kayaking, cricket, etc.). The 364-hectare park is also home to several cultural institutions, including the fascinating New York Hall of Science.
Hudson River Park, Manhattan’s green façade
Nestled along the Hudson River in south-west Manhattan, this linear park punctuated by a dozen green spaces and leisure facilities (skate park, crazy golf course, football pitches, etc.) offers countless opportunities for walks and activities. Don’t miss Little Island, the most recent portion that opened in 2021 at 14th Street: positioned on 132 tulip-shaped concrete stilts, this small artificial island boasts an exceptional collection of flowers, shrubs and trees carefully arranged into walks by landscape architect Signe Nielsen.
Pelham Bay Park in The Bronx
Last but certainly not to be left behind is this precious NYC Park. Pelham Bay Park is a municipal park located in the northeast corner of the New York City borough of the Bronx. It is, at 2,772 acres, the largest public park in New York City. The park is more than three times the size of Manhattan's Central Park. Area: 2,772 acres (1,122 ha)
Coordinates: 40°51′56″N 73°48′30″W / 40.86556°N 73.80833°W Coordinates: 40°51′56″N 73°48′30″W / 40.86556°N 73.80833°W
More than three times the size of Manhattan's Central Park, Pelham Bay Park is the City's largest park property. Visitors to the park enjoy miles of nature walks and so much more.