Bryant Park in New York

Bryant Park in New York is the green heart of Midtown Manhattan. The park is home to the New York Public Library and many other interesting activities and events, including an ice skating rink in winter. Bryant Park is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenue on 42nd Street, just a few minutes walk from Times Square.

The park is the go-to place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, and where locals gather for lunch or after work. All sorts of activities are organised so there is always something to do in Bryant Park!

Bryant Park in New York

When in New York, be sure to pass by Bryant Park at some point. It’s a few blocks away from Times Square, making it very central. The Hop on Hop off bus also makes a stop here.

Many people gather in Bryant Park at lunchtime or after work to have something to eat or drink. People picnic on The Lawn, which is the large grass area in the middle of the park. There is always something going on, making it a very cosy and vibrant park. When shopping on Fifth Avenue, Bryant Park is a great place to take a break.

Public Library

Bryant Park is famous for being home to the New York Public Library. This classical building opened its doors in 1911 and has imposing corridors, staircases and halls. You can visit the Treasures exhibition, stroll through the corridors and see the building’s beautiful architecture.

Free toilets

It is always useful to know where to find a toilet in New York! Bryant Park has one of the most famous free toilets in the city. You are greeted by fresh flowers, classical music playing and staff on hand to keep the toilets clean.

Food and drinks in Bryant Park

Bryant Park is a great place to unwind during your trip to New York. You can get some food and eat it at one of the many tables or on the large lawn.

The park also has a number of kiosks where you can grab something. There is a coffee stand for coffee or tea to-go, as well as sandwiches and all kinds of pastries.

If you prefer to dine at a restaurant, Bryant Park has you covered! The Porch is a completely outdoor restaurant, serving American classics such as burgers, pretzels and mac & cheese. More upscale options are Bryant Park Grill and Bryant Park Cafe, which can be found on the Public Library side.

Summer in Bryant Park

Bryant Park is very pleasant during the warm summer months. Besides the naturally tranquil atmosphere of the park, there are also activities organised during the summer that make it even more relaxing. For instance, free yoga, Tai Chi and dance classes are available, and you can also go to one of the movie nights or see a performance of Broadway songs.

Broadway in Bryant Park

During this free event, you can see Broadway cast perform hits from the most popular Broadway musicals. The event takes place around lunchtime, so grab something to eat beforehand and enjoy an entertaining lunch break on the big lawn!

The 2024 schedule looks like this:

• July 11th:
  "Back to the Future", "Hell’s Kitchen", "The Who’s TOMMY", "The Wiz", "Water for Elephants"
• July 18th:
  Disney on Broadway: "Aladdin", "Frozen" & "The Lion King"
• July 25th:
  "Chicago", "Moulin Rouge!", "The Book of Mormon", "The Great Gatsby", "The Notebook”
• August 1st:
  "& Juliet", "A Wonderful World", "SIX", "The Great Gatsby", "The Outsiders", "Wicked"

Bryant Park Movie Nights

On Monday evenings, make sure you visit the Bryant Park Movie Nights. The Lawn is transformed into an outdoor cinema where many locals bring blankets and snacks to catch a movie. Be on time to secure a spot.

The 2024 schedule looks like this:

• June 10th: Forrest Gump
• June 17th: The Talented Mr. Ripley
• June 24th: Boomerang
• July 1st: Gladiator
• July 8th: Old School
• July 15th: Funny Face
• July 22nd: Cinema Paradiso
• July 29th: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
• August 5th: Arrival
• August 12th: Titanic

Winter in Bryant Park

There is something magical about winter in Bryant Park. You might see the fountain on the 6th Avenue side completely frozen, or you can put on your skates to brave the ice and do your Christmas shopping at the holiday market. Winter Village in Bryant Park is like a real Winter Wonderland!

Ice skating in Bryant Park

From October to March, The Lawn is transformed into an ice skating rink and you can ice skate in Bryant Park surrounded by New York skyscrapers. Entrance to the rink is free and you can rent your skates there. If skating isn’t your thing, you can opt for bumper cars on the ice instead (there is a portion of the rink cordoned off for this).

Christmas market in Bryant Park

If you are travelling to New York around the Christmas season, you simply must visit the Christmas market in Bryant Park! From October to January, it hosts the Winter Village; a market with more than 125 stalls. You can find all kinds of gifts made by local entrepreneurs and artisans, and eat goodies from the wide variety of food stalls.

Hotels around Bryant Park

There are a number of hotels around Bryant Park. Opposite the park, you can find the Bryant Park Hotel. You can book a room here with views overlooking all the greenery. Right next door is the Park Terrace Hotel, which is also located adjacent to the park but faces the Public Library. Opposite the entrance to the library, on Fifth Avenue, is Andaz 5th Avenue.