Take a chill pill from the concrete jungle and explore Bryant Park

Bryant Park is my favourite park in the city. That’s is a bold statement when you’re comparing it with Central Park. But here is your first local tip: there is a crazy silly amount of walking to be done in this city and finding somewhere decent to sit – for a minute or a while – without having to purchase something is not all that common. 

Midtown especially can be overwhelmingly chaotic but Bryant Park is your moment of peace. As well as, very clean public bathrooms, which are even less common.

The trees mellow out the lawless sounds of the city, trees offer shade, and there are plenty of seats for all. It’s a wonderful place to rest your feet, catch up on some reading with books provided by the Reading Room, play some ping pong, get in that morning yoga session, ride (another) carousel, grab some bites and drinks, and even catch a free movie on the lawn in the warmer months.

Image Credit: bryantpark.org
Bryant offers a lot of free activities - which is great when you need a break and ping pong with a stranger sounds like a breather you needed.



The Reading Room provides free books and other reading materials.



The lawn is a summer treat. In the winter, the park is almost unrecognizable with a winter wonderland and skating rink. But in the warmer months, it's all about grass.

Though very popular with visitors, you’ll probably encourager more locals taking a well-deserved break from their work days.