Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is popular with locals and tourists alike

Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park cc licensed photo by Doc Searls

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: 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: 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 Whenever we visit NYC we try to spend some time in the funky, vibrant and colourful Washington Square Park, which is a 9.75-acre public park in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Lower Manhattan. It's a meeting place and center for cultural activity, dominated by the Washington Square Arch at the northern gateway to the park and the large fountain in front of it. The park has a tradition of celebrating nonconformity attracting many students from the surrounding NYU (New York University) and you could get high from just inhaling the smoke from all the cannabis joint being smoked without having to smoke one yourself 🤣 There was a diversity of people of all ages & nationalities enjoying the hot late summer sun in the park, playing chess, cooling off in the sunken seats next to the big fountain, together with vendors, artists and musicians - there was a slightly edgey feel within the park, but not in a bad nervous feeling way🤔
Hong Lee - a month ago

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4 Star Rating This square has a European feel to it. It is a nice place to visit though a section of the park seems to attract drug users. Be vigilant especially if you visit with kids. I love the live music vibe here. As for the psychics that offer their services here, I am yet to be in their company.
Legends l - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating Washington Square Park has such a relaxed vibe. It's a lovely place to sit by the fountain, enjoy the sunshine, and watch the mix of people passing by. Street performers add a nice touch without feeling overwhelming. The trees give plenty of shade, and the iconic arch makes the view special. Perfect spot to unwind and take a break from the city's rush.
Maciej K - a month ago

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4 Star Rating Washington Square Park is one of the most iconic and lively places in New York City. Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, it’s full of energy, music, and life all day long. The famous Washington Arch creates a beautiful entrance and makes the park instantly recognizable. The fountain area is always buzzing with activity — people chatting, musicians performing, and students relaxing between classes. It’s the perfect spot to sit, listen to live music, or just enjoy watching the crowd. The atmosphere feels welcoming and creative, showing the real spirit of New York. You’ll often see chess players, artists sketching, and street performers adding charm to the park. It’s clean, fairly safe, and surrounded by great cafés where you can grab coffee or snacks. During evenings, lights around the fountain and arch make it even more beautiful. Whether you’re a tourist, a student, or a local, Washington Square Park never feels boring. Every visit brings a new vibe and something different to enjoy. It’s a must-visit destination that perfectly captures the culture, diversity, and energy of downtown Manhattan.
Dana Evans - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Pretty interesting spot that deserves at least a visit. I have been here at least 4 times during my trips to NYC in the last decade and had a great experience every one of them. People come here to connect with art, have fun and chill. As any place in Manhattan, there is always a nearby subway station. The best times to visit are early in the morning when there are less people or during sunset which delivers the best colors and pictures.
Frank Garcia - 3 months ago

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Directions

Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
A, B, C, D, E, F or MWest 4th Street3 minutes
N or R8th Street / New York University5 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.

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