Whether you are there for 5 days or 5 hours, these 5 parks are must sees, especially number one!
5. Madison Square Park
Like the Garden a few streets north, Madison Square Park is a landmark. It features quaint grassy lawns for people to stretch out, read books and enjoy a lunch in the open air. One corner of the park always has a massive sculpture that changes every 3 months. By far the best part of the park is the south end where a long line of people wind their way up to any foodie's heaven: Shake Shack's ordering counter. This burger and shake place is beloved by all New Yorkers.
4. Elevated Acre
This little place is one of the Financial District's best kept secrets. It has a nice little square of grass turf with enough room for two people to comfortably play catch. You can also lean against the rails and watch helicopters take off and land at the nearby pier. The intimacy of this secluded little paradise also makes it an ideal location for romantic, late-night rendezvous.
3. Central
It was impossible for this classic park not to make it in the top five. Between its iconic spots (Poet's Walk, The Reservoir) and grand open lawns, Central Park is a staple for anyone's itinerary. Sheep's Meadow is a great spot to go lay out, catch some rays, and go meet some people tossing a frisbee or kicking around a soccer ball. You can also try to catch a New York Philharmonic concert or Shakespeare in the Park performance during the summer.
2. Highline
This converted elevated railway is unique in that it's more of a decorated walking path than a park. But its overabundance of flowers and trees makes it hard to tell the difference. Between the food stands, wooden chairs and benches, and a full mile of walking space, this is an essential destination for sunsets and early morning jogs.
1. Riverside
Riverside is superior to every other park. There is no one characteristic that puts it over the top - you have to go experience it for yourself. It has multiple levels to it, making it seem like three parks and not one. There are soccer and baseball fields, as well as basketball and tennis courts, skating rinks and running paths. Dog parks and playgrounds provide recreational space for dogs and babies. Its proximity to Columbia University guarantees an endless supply of pickup games, while its location on the Hudson offers a scenic walkway that brushes right up next to the river. At night, just when you thought the park could not be more wonderful, the streetlights illuminate the park, transforming it into something out of a fairy tale. For all these reasons, and even ones that cannot be put into words, Riverside Park takes the cake.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
