Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park featuring a garden and bird life as well as a small group of people

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In a city with many pretty parks, this is one of the most beautiful. You may recognise its iconic arch and fountain from a movie or postcard.

The best way to enter Washington Square Park is from the north, on 5th Avenue. As you pass high-end medical offices and views of the Empire State Building, you will emerge by the enormous archway and memorial that rises well above the rest of the park. Proceed under the arch and walk to the centre of the park for another of its highlights. Here, you will find an enormous fountain that was once a popular hangout for bohemians, academics and artists.

Built in 1871, the park is named after the Washington Square Arch, a memorial erected to celebrate the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration as president of the United States. Take a walk around all the beautiful gardens enclosed in this area.

On the western side of the park, play a game of chess for money. The men who play here are skilled, so be careful if you have not studied chess before. For the seasoned player there are enough opponents to fill multiple afternoons. In the past, they included director Stanley Kubrick, who made money by playing matches here.

Sit for an impromptu concert. Buskers come to the park with accordions, guitars and even baby grand pianos to play a wide variety of genres of music. Some are highly skilled and sell their music on CDs.

Washington Square Park is located in Greenwich Village. The West Village is only two blocks to the west and the Bowery is only two to the east. While the park has undergone major restorations and is much safer than it has ever been, it is still best to visit during the day. Though the centre is usually lit and crowded later in the day, avoid walking alone through the western side of the park at night.

While you’re in the Washington Square Park area, visit the IFC Centre on 6th Avenue, and see an independent film. Enjoy a walk in this cluster of New York City’s most charming and distinctly European neighbourhoods. Linger for a while in an antique book shop and sit down for an afternoon cappuccino.

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Top Washington Square Park Hotel Deals

Chelsea Inn
Chelsea Inn
3 out of 5
46 W 17th St, New York, NY
Chelsea Inn
Hyatt Grand Central New York
Hyatt Grand Central New York
4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street, at Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY
Hyatt Grand Central New York
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
4 out of 5
481 Eighth Ave., New York, NY
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager hotel
PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager hotel
4 out of 5
215 Chrystie St, New York, NY
PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager hotel
The Marlton Hotel
The Marlton Hotel
4.5 out of 5
5 W 8th St, New York, NY
The Marlton Hotel
Washington Square Hotel
Washington Square Hotel
3.5 out of 5
103 Waverly Pl, New York, NY
Washington Square Hotel
The Dominick
The Dominick
5 out of 5
246 Spring Street, New York, NY
The Dominick
Moxy NYC East Village
Moxy NYC East Village
4 out of 5
112 EAST 11TH STREET, New York, NY
Moxy NYC East Village
Arlo SoHo
Arlo SoHo
4 out of 5
231 Hudson Street, New York, NY
Arlo SoHo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.