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    East River Esplanade

    4.1 (17 reviews)

    East River Esplanade Photos

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    Chris K.

    It's partially under construction for the renovation but it's a nice area to run, walk, or sit and watch the boats go by. It's a beautiful view of Roosevelt Island.

    Emily J.

    The parts of the Esplanade that work are spectacular. It provides open views of the East River, Randall's Island, Roovevelt Island and Parts of Queens. There is greenery planted along the path and there are intermittent benches where you can sit, enjoy the view, and even fish. It falls short of tranquil due to the fact that it runs directly beside the FDR and it's heavy 45mph traffic. The esplanade technically runs from runs East 114th Street all the way down to the South Street Seaport. There are several spots along the way where the path cuts out for a significant number of blocks, forcing a detour onto adjacent roads (with little if any signage marking the exit and reentry points). There are a nuamber of stretches with big sinkholes or other obvious defects that have not been fixed in years. And the city doesn't always bother to shovel weeks after it snows, so the path can become a bit treacherous in winter. I generally travel the north portion that runs approximately 3 miles from East 110th down to East 59th (where the trail cuts out) but have also walked from the Seaport up to East 14th Street. The north section features a footbridge to Randall's Island Park at East 103rd street, a ferry terminal at East 90th Street, and abuts Gracie Mansion and Carl Schurz Part from East 87th to approximately East 77th. The Carl Schurz Park area is the widest and most bustling area of the Esplanade and includes a number of benches, gardens, a child's playground and a dog run. Just south of Carl Schurz, around East 77th there is a narrow, steep decline that leads to a more narrow path south (prone to bottlenecks in some areas). The remainder of the path south has intermittently place benches but otherwise unremarkable until you approach East 59th Street. East 59th sits atop a hill, with a small dog run at its foot. If you climb the steep hill, you will find yourself on a big coveted concrete patio area with slab benches and tables where you can sit and play chess, watch boats or the Roosevelt Island Tram go by. All in all it's a great place to get out for a walk or a run.

    60th Street Entrance to 91st Street
    Heila N.

    If you live on the East side this is a great place for running! Call this your little getaway from the tourists over on 5th ave into the open air along the water. Surprisingly, it doesn't get too crowded with people (on good weekend days that changes) and you can run about 6 miles with out having to stop to pass the slow poke in front of you. 60th Street to 125th Street 60th Street ramp along York Avenue (right near the 59th Street Bridge) is the start of the 62-block path. From there you just run straight/uptown. As you head north you'll get a nice view of Roosevelt Island and Queens. This path is pretty straight forward so don't expect a change of scenery on your way back. You'll get a nice view of the 59th Street Bridge and the Air Tram crossing the river to Roosevelt Island. The path is paved well- there are no pot holes or elevated patches where you have the possibility to trip. There are steep flights of stairs you must hurdle to continue along the route and the blare and pollution from the traffic isn't all that pleasant- but the breeze from the water and the views of the river make it worth the while. John Finley Walk- From 81st St. to 90th St., the Esplanade rises above the FDR Drive and merges with Carl Schurz Park. The paved promenade lined with benches along the river includes small flower gardens and a dog run. The Esplanade can be reached via 63rd, 70th, 78th, 81st-88th, 96th and 111th Streets and the path links up with several parks along the way, including John Jay Park (76th St.), Carl Schurz Park (84th St.) and Thomas Jefferson Park (111th St.-144th St.)

    Evening run on dock off of 63rd and York.
    Magic D.

    So I'm in love. You know that feeling when your heart swells up into a big air balloon? And you find yourself suddenly light-headed enough to float above ground? Yes, I am talking about that four letter word that we use too much and seldom mean enough. There is something magical about crossing that ramp on 63rd Street. Perhaps it's the white railings against the gray of NYC. Or the expansive promenade that runs off into the horizon. Maybe it's the whiff of the East River teasing your nostrils reminding you of days far away where there are less things but more meaning. Regardless of the time of day or year, you're bound to be enchanted here. Give the breeze permission to carry you for a bit. Listen to the waves crash against the cement wall as the birds chirp in harmony. Let your feet dance upon the pavement. Don't be afraid to be seduced by the open air--yes, that is the sky your eyes are indulging in. Don't think. Just be. Leave yourself behind. Come only as you are. Allow yourself the vulnerability to fall in love.

    Jing X.

    Great long path along the East River from 63rd to 125th Street. It has views of the Queensborough Bridge, Roosevelt Island, and Queens and as you near the upper end: Ward's Island, Randall's Island, and the Triborough Bridge. Entrances and exits can be found on 63rd, 70th, 78th, 81st-88th, 96th and 111th Streets although it merges with Carl Schurz Park in the 80s. You'll always find people jogging or biking here during the day and evening. Make sure to have earphones in since it's right next to the busy FDR Drive.

    Noah Happy Face having a blast at the dog run!
    Ana P.

    I always bring my doggie here! We love it! The dog run is big, usually clean and the view is amazing! I love that there is a dog run near the water, the breeze is always nice. The walk path is a few blocks long, great for exercising.

    Anthony G.

    This "park" is about as appealing as watching a neighbor take out their trash in the rain. Nestled beside the Manhattan Bridge where you can see views of Roosevelt Island. Barely ok to even jog here it's just another concrete slab along the river. I wouldn't waste your time coming here unless you need a place to rest for a few minutes.

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    11 years ago

    What a find!! Views make you feel like you have left the city!

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    Ask the Community - East River Esplanade

    Review Highlights - East River Esplanade

    “You'll get a nice view of the 59th Street Bridge and the Air Tram crossing the river to Roosevelt Island.”

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    Madison Square Park - Park vibes

    Madison Square Park

    4.4(419 reviews)
    2.1 mi•Flatiron

    This is a big park that is very well maintained. All the lawns are cut evenly. The park has a lot…read moreof trees and there is a big water fountain at the end of the park next to the children's playground called "Police Officer Moira Ann Smith Playground". The playground is very crowded on the weekends and almost every part of the playground is taken. Many kids on the slides and swings. The only area in the playground that is pretty empty is the water area where there are sprinklers coming out of letter and number cubes. The park is somewhat small in my opinion and has 2 entrances/exits. There are some nice artwork statues in the park for the public to enjoy and view like the fire hydrant and hot air balloon. They are large in size to capture the audience. Shake Shack, the first location is also still here. This is the famous Shake Shack that started all Shake Shacks. There are plenty of benches and garbage disposals all over the park for people to sit and chat. It's pretty crowded on the weekends. There are events held in this park from time to time. You just need to see the advertisement posted on the park to see what event is going to be held. This park is just right next to the R and W train station on E 23rd Street. It's one block away from the 6 train station.

    I walked through this park on a day out in Manhattan. Though small it has a calm and charming…read moreatmosphere in the midst of a bustling city. There was even a live performance with an instrument taking place as I walked out of the park! If you are in the area and need a short break definitely consider stopping by this park.

    Photos
    Madison Square Park - Sunny Fall 2024 day

    Sunny Fall 2024 day

    Madison Square Park - Shake Shack seating

    Shake Shack seating

    Madison Square Park - Sunny June day

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    Sunny June day

    Bryant Park - Carousel rules

    Bryant Park

    4.6(1.4k reviews)
    1.4 mi•Midtown West

    Just blocks from Times Square and the Theater district in Midtown Manhattan, Bryant Park is…read moredirectly next to the main branch of the New York Public Library. It's a park that my wife and I have passed by during the day on visits to New York City. But we finally saw it come alive as a community gathering place at night, with its many tables to talk or eat, permanent and temporary food trucks and carts, and a large greenspace lawn that was cordoned off this night, but can be the location for free summer movies on the lawn and an ice skating rink in the winter. On a warm summer night, the night atmosphere was magical, especially walking through the walkways with the London plane trees, after a great Broadway show. The current park is 9.6 acres and is located on two city blocks (5th and 6th avenue on the NW/SE, 40th and 42nd street on the NE/SW). The western half of the park contains a lawn, walkways, and a french-inspired carousel. Down below are the repository/stacks of the public library, located on the eastern half of the park. It opened in 1847 as Reservoir Square, later renamed for abolitionist William Cullen Bryant in 1884. It fell into disrepair in the 1960s. In 1980, the Bryant Park Restoration Corporation was formed as a non-profit, to try to create a long term solution for the maintainability of the park. Massive renovation was planned and implemented, with a complete rebuilding of the park (after the library stacks had been first built underneath). It reopened in 1992, to great acclaim. Since then, the value of the real estate around the park has greatly increased, attracting new development. The reclamation of the park has been often used a model for a successful urban renewal.

    Bryant Park had set up countless chairs on their courtyard to commemorate the ones who had passed…read moreduring 9/11. Today being 9/11, we were able to observe many family members coming to this park to place a flower on their loved one's chairs. I am not sure if I would call this place a park but technically I guess it counts as one because it has tables where people can come and sit down and eat or drink their morning or afternoon coffee. There are also random places where kids can play including a carousel and playground for little ones. There are other places where you can grab snacks, coffee, and hand held bites but we didn't try any of those today. We did sit around the table to enjoy our New York bagel and coffee from blue bottles. The trees around the park were super tall which I enjoyed looking at trying to crane my neck as far back as it would bend lol. I appreciated small birds and pigeons that seemed used to being around people. Overall it was a relaxing experience. This park is located nearby other landmarks you can choose to check out after experiencing the park.

    Photos
    Bryant Park - Fountain view

    Fountain view

    Bryant Park - Skating rink

    Skating rink

    Bryant Park - First snow of the season

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    First snow of the season

    St. Vartan Park - Stunning high rise right across the park.

    St. Vartan Park

    4.1(22 reviews)
    1.4 mi•Murray Hill, Midtown East

    Nice big park great for different age groups! Entrance on 1st ave for big playground and bathroom…read more Plenty of benches and equipment to play on. There is also a basketball quart and small field. Pretty clean and safe.

    Slowly trying to hoop at all the basketball courts in the city, so I came here after work before a…read morelong weekend. We were on our 4th game of 5 on 5 on this slanted, slippery court with double rims as the Midtown skyline looked over us. We had gone 3-0 and already on wobbly legs but wanted one more to really push ourselves to exhaustion and be WHOOPED. A group of 5 17 year olds showed up and I was lowkey like damn I don't wanna play these little kids for our last game but whatever, they got next. We were going back and forth, and to be fair they were actually pretty good but just too frail to give us any problems. At 5'10 174 lbs, I'm a BIG guard. I'm left handed, but shot a right handed floater fading to my right as I'm trying to get better. If you can hit a weak hand floater on the run you will be tough to stop. I bricked it and this little 17 year old kid goes "that's a TERRIBLE shot" looking at me dead in the eyes. Like bro y'all are losing and you suck why you talking? He woke me up and I started actually trying really hard and lowkey busting their ass... but tbh normally I'm not even that good. It was just one of those days where everything was falling. I hit a 3 and yelled out "THAT'S A LAYUP." I drove hard left, euro stepped and hit a tough finish through 2 and yelled "I"M TOO BIG," while flexing. I switched onto little homie and he took a terrible stepback shot after I turned him 3 times and bricked it. I just whispered to him "I don't even gotta say nothing after that one it speaks for itself" which really pissed him off. Then I hit the game winning 3 and did the Dame wave to him as he walked off the court PISSED as hell. I sat down and then he got the courage to say "STOP TALKING SO MUCH" while he put his hand together to mimic me YAPPING. I almost stood up and said "HOW BOUT U GET WIN?" But then I realized I'm a grown ass man and there is absolutely no reason to be jawing at this little kid on a beautiful Friday in New York City. I just kind of laughed at myself and asked what is wrong with me lol. All in all, these runs were kind of weak and this court is in horrendous condition. The court on the westside highway is still my favorite in the city. IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov_reviews

    Photos
    St. Vartan Park
    St. Vartan Park - Park entrance

    Park entrance

    St. Vartan Park - Summer colors in 2025

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    Summer colors in 2025

    Pier 63 at Hudson River Park

    Pier 63 at Hudson River Park

    4.6(11 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    •$

    Amazingly beautiful pier…read more Some of the best views of the city are from here. I can come by this pier & relax honestly for the remainder of my life. Will for sure be back.

    As a park I used to come here all the time years ago when I lived within walking distance. I…read morepractically grew up here and remember when it used to be a roller-blading/ice skating rink. They've since then cleared all that out and created a green and flowery oasis with pleasant concrete walkways that compliment the scenery of yachts, passenger ships and of course the Hudson River (avoid the bodies! Lol, I kid, I kid). I'm reviewing this as purely what it became for the past two weekends. An outdoor music venue. I came here Saturday night for Converse City Carnage featuring The Kills, Black Bananas and Viva Viva. As a venue it was pretty great! The sound was crystal clear, it felt kind of intimate, the weather was perfect. But seriously, can they not afford to find better security? There is a women on their security team (probably doesn't have anything to do with the Hudson River folks or Chelsea Piers for that matter...) but this woman was so incredibly bitter and I was quite happy-go-lucky when she accused me of yelling at her. She'd better hope I never see her again or I may go hulk smash on her. Looking forward to enjoying the greenery this park has, but this one security guard really marred my recent experience here - and I never really let someone affect me as much, but sometimes it only takes that one awful person...

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    Pier 63 at Hudson River Park
    Pier 63 at Hudson River Park
    Pier 63 at Hudson River Park

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    Herald Square - Da bar

    Herald Square

    3.4(93 reviews)
    1.8 mi•Midtown West

    Ian's Cookie Jar (Located in Herald Square Holiday Market)…read moreW. 35th. St. & Broadway New York, NY 10001 The Bucket Located in the Herald Square Holiday Market adjacent to Macy's is a chocolate chip cookie kiosk. This secret recipe was handcrafted by food influencer Ian Martin and Hungry Gnome bakery owner Danielle Sepsy. All cookies are freshly baked on the spot in these cookie ovens. An entire batch is immediately scooped up with a french fry scooper and handed off for your enjoyment. The Bucket: The primary ingredients in these cookies are all butter, brown sugar, and premium Callebaut chocolate. As soon as you try your first one, you will be far from done. They are warm and crispy on the outside while gooey on the inside. As a bonus, the holiday themed visual design on the bucket was hand drawn by Ian's sister. There is a decent amount of seating at the holiday market for you to enjoy your dessert. Be sure to arrive early because Ian's cookies are immensely popular and they will sell out. Stop by Ian's Cookie Jar kiosk at the Herald Square holiday market and indulge in this warm, gooey treat during the most wonderful time of the year. #ianscookiejar #chefdaniellesepsy #IanMartin #thehungrygnome #TheBucket #chocolatechipcookies #HeraldSquare #heraldsquareholidaymarket #nycholidaymarket #imma_eat_this #callebautchocolate #40cookies

    I really enjoy coming to this area of the city. So much to do and see, lots of shopping and food…read moreoptions. Madison square garden is also nearby. The historical Macy's Herald sq is here. It's beautiful in this area esp during the holidays. However, expect heavy crowds on weekends or after events like concerts

    Photos
    Herald Square - Christmas day at Macy's

    Christmas day at Macy's

    Herald Square - 05/02/25

    05/02/25

    Herald Square - Holiday carousel

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    Holiday carousel

    East River Esplanade - parks - Updated September 2026

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