Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is popular with locals and tourists alike
Where Harry met Sally, Washington Square Park is one of New York's most loved parks and has been a community meeting place and community center since it opened in 1826.
With an eclectic past as a cemetery, public gallows and military parade ground, Washington Square Park is well-known for its eccentricity and is emblematic of the Beat generation and hippie movement in bohemian Greenwich Village. Now, avant-garde street performers are a more common sight than the shifty types that plagued the park in the 1980s and Washington Square Park is once again one of the city's most popular spots for locals and tourists.
One of the most prominent features of Washington Square Park, Washington's Arch, was built in 1889, modelled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, to commemorate the centenary of President Washington's inauguration. Originally built in wood and rebuilt in marble in 1891, cars were allowed to drive through Washington's Arch until 1971 when the park was redesigned and closed to vehicular traffic.
Washington Square Park's previously unnamed fountain was recently refurbished and relocated to the center of the park and controversially renamed the "Tisch Fountain", after a wealthy family of NYU benefactors. While officially access to the fountain is denied and a fence has been erected as a deterrent, it hasn't stopped visitors from using the fountain for its original purpose as a wading pool.
Children's play areas, dog runs, shady greens and walking tracks draw thousands of people to park daily. Chess tables in the southwest, where Stanley Kubrick played in his youth and featured in Searching for Bobby Fischer, always attract a crowd. Nearby cafes on Bleeker Street and MacDougal Street are lovely options to relax after a stroll in the park.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: noWashington Square Park Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Address: Washington Square, New York, NY 10012, USA
Official Website: Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park Reviews
Rated out of 5
I visited Washington Square Park to see the iconic arch, and I was not disappointed. The park is beautiful and lively, bustling with both locals and visitors. Although the fountain was drained for the winter, it provided a unique opportunity for skateboarders to enjoy the space. There’s also a charming play area for kids to climb and explore. It’s a vibrant spot with something for everyone to enjoy!
WDW_Princess - a month ago
I found this place insta worthy. The place is big with enough benches, walking and cycling trails . It took us sometime to walk from the subway and it started raining as well so got bit messy yet we enjoyed it . November was our visit month and weather was cool and good . The leaf still has fall colors and makes the park look overall very pretty. Would like to visit the place again .
Sumaira Yusuf - a month ago
Park is great, arch is a great place to take pictures. You can see performers during the warmer months, there is also a nice fountain towards the middle of the park. It’s a great place to people watch if that’s your thing. Great to stop and walk around between classes. Plenty of seating. Highly recommend during the warmer months
Dave M - a month ago
The place was packed with NYU students hanging out, playing music, and just enjoying the day. The vibe was lively but still chill—perfect for people watching or just soaking in the atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area
Steven - a month ago
Very nice park used essentially by New Yorker
This is a really nice park in NY used essentially by locals. It appears in lots of NY movies. We really enjoyed visiting it. If you are around here it worth it, specially in summer.
Paul Vivas - a month ago
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| A, B, C, D, E, F or M | West 4th Street | 3 minutes |
| N or R | 8th Street / New York University | 5 minutes |
How to get to Washington Square Park by Subway
Take the A, B, C, D, E, F or M train to West 4th Street, head northeast on 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), turn left on Washington Place or take the N or R train to 8th Street / New York University, head southwest on Broadway, turn right onto Washington Place.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Washington Square Park:
Photo Gallery
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Washington Square Fountain at night cc licensed photo by eschipul -
Photo Credit: ahisgett - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Olivier Bruchez - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: mtchlra - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Phil Roeder - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: mtchlra - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ajay_suresh - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Elvert Barnes - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rob Young - cc license via Flickr
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