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: New York, NY 10012, USA
Official Website: Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park Reviews
Rated out of 5
Washington Square Park is a lively and iconic park in New York City. The famous arch, street performers, and vibrant atmosphere make it a great place to sit, relax, and people-watch. The park is usually busy but feels safe and full of energy. A perfect spot to experience the real NYC vibe and take great photos. ⭐🌆
Ali Talib - a month ago
Iconic public park in the heart of Greenwich Village, famous for its arch, fountain, and lively atmosphere. Great spot for people-watching, street performances, and relaxing outdoors. Surrounded by cafes, shops, and NYU buildings, making it a vibrant and energetic area to explore.
Amin Sameni - 4 weeks ago
The vibrant, chaotic heart of Greenwich Village. It's a living showcase of NYC: musicians ring the iconic fountain, chess players strategize, students fill the lawns, and every type of person coexists. Perfect for world-class people-watching, a sunny break between neighborhoods, or free entertainment. Use the W 4th St subway stop, pin the fountain to meet friends, and soak in the unforgettable energy.
Jason Whitmore - a week ago
A bit slippery ngl but it was quite nice even during winter. There was a strong soldier building a fancy snowman ans also a pigeon master who was telling the pigeons to do laps around the arch or the fountain and they were listening to him! Quite the sight to see!
Maria Louiza Andritsou - a month ago
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 - 4 months 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
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Accommodations near Washington Square Park:
Photo Gallery
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Washington Square Fountain at night cc licensed photo by eschipul -
Photo Credit: Olivier Bruchez - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ahisgett - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Olivier Bruchez - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Me in ME - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: mtchlra - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Olivier Bruchez - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Phil Roeder - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: David Jones - cc license via Flickr
