I’ve only been in New York City for a few days and already I’m amazed by how many green lungs breathe life into the concrete jungle. Bryant Park is in the heart of Midtown, making it the perfect place to come up for air after the madness of Times Square.
Bryant Park is a little pocket of green lawn, framed by towering, slender trees. It feels very Old New York, with views to the Empire State Building, the tip of the glamorous Chrysler building, the fabulous black and gold American Radiator Building (my favourite) and the New York Public Library, which backs onto the park.
It’s dotted with fabulous fountains, elaborate stone flowerpots spilling over with colourful flowers and is crowded with deep green picnic tables and chairs. Snack kiosks are dotted around the edge, selling waffles of every stripe.
At lunchtime Bryant Park is full of life. Tourists posing in front of the large fountain at the base of the park. Businessmen in suits, hunched over their laptops from a picnic table. Girlfriends catching up for a chat. Locals lost in thought, taking time out from the rush of the city on a park bench.
New Yorkers do a wonderful job of truly inhabiting the city’s public spaces. I guess when you live in a tiny Manhattan apartment, you really appreciate any extra space you can use!
Planning a trip to New York? Check out my New York archives.
The place looks lovely! There’s this park near my town that I didn’t know existed until this summer. Located on top of a hill, it’s very atmospheric, with a gorgeous view of the sea. Otherwise, the gardens in Versailles (yes, France) are breath-taking.
How exciting to make a new discovery like that in your hometown! Yes I love the gardens at Versailles too, I always spend more time in the gardens than I do in the palace!