Washington Square Park

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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.

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Facts For Your Visit

Fee: no

Washington 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 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating The iconic arch in a great park in the middle of lower Manhattan. This park is a nice break in the busy area. Public restrooms are here. Dog park. Kids play area. And general benches to unwind and listen to musicians and water fountain. ⛲️ Highly Recommend a visit ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
LIEM - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating This is one of the other parks apart from Central Park which people love going to, especially during weekends and summers. It might not be as big as other parks in the city but it's vibrant enough to grab your attention. It's right beside the NYU campus, so do expect a lot of localities as well as tourists.
Shrenik Ramani - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Nice park with a spectacular arch on its side. Park is huge with lots of green space and benches under huge trees. There are lots of people enjoying the park, including artists, musicians, and more.
Koray Kurtay - a week ago

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5 Star Rating Great space to enjoy. The arch makes the park much more interesting and picturesque. Good to have your takeout food, spend time with friends or walk around. Could be bit busy given it's a landmark. Highly recommend to visit on your walk through NYC.
Chanaka Hettige - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating I recently attended an Eid prayer at Washington Square Park, and it was an experience to remember. The park, known for its iconic arch and vibrant atmosphere, provided a serene and welcoming setting for the celebration. As I arrived early in the morning, the beauty of the park was immediately evident. The lush greenery and well-maintained grounds were a perfect backdrop for the gathering. Despite the large number of people, the park remained impeccably clean, a testament to the efforts of both the park staff and the visitors. The sense of community during the Eid prayer was palpable. People from all walks of life came together, sharing in the joyous occasion. The open spaces of the park allowed for a comfortable and spacious prayer area, making it easy to find a spot and participate in the prayers peacefully. After the prayer, I took some time to stroll around and enjoy the park’s various features. The blooming flowers, well-kept lawns, and tranquil fountains added to the overall charm. Washington Square Park truly offers a slice of nature amidst the bustling city, making it an ideal place for both events and relaxation. I would definitely come back to Washington Square Park, not just for future celebrations but also to enjoy its beauty and peaceful environment. It’s a gem in the heart of the city, perfect for a variety of activities and a great place to unwind.
Hassan Hashi - a month ago

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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.