Rising above the Hudson River on its distinctive tulip-shaped pillars, Little Island is one of the…read moremost unique public parks in New York City. The park combines beautiful gardens, winding pathways, open lawns, viewpoints, and performance spaces, all packed into a relatively small area. The design feels creative and peaceful, and the elevated walkways provide great views of the Hudson River, New Jersey skyline, and surrounding waterfront. There are quiet spots to sit and relax, landscaped gardens that change with the seasons, and a variety of free performances and events throughout the year.

Little Island sits on the Hudson River at Pier 55 in the West Village and is one of the more…read moregenuinely inventive public spaces added to New York City in recent years. I walked onto a park built on a series of tulip shaped concrete columns rising from the river, and the structure itself was striking enough that the architecture became part of the experience rather than just the platform for it. The design is compact and the island is smaller than most first time visitors expect, but the thoughtfulness of the landscaping made the space feel fuller than its footprint suggests. I followed walking paths that wound through planted gardens, with seating areas distributed throughout. Two elevated hills at either end of the island offered different vantage points looking back at the skyline and out over the river. The Hudson River views were wide and unobstructed, and the perspective on the surrounding city from the water level was one I do not get from the street. Sunset is the most popular time to visit and draws the largest crowds. I came on a weekday morning, which gave me a more relaxed version of the park with better access to seating and a quieter atmosphere. Food trucks were present, and the proximity to Chelsea Market makes the surrounding area practical for extending the visit into a meal nearby. Admission is free and the park is accessible via ramps throughout. The small amphitheater hosts performances during the warmer months, which adds another reason to check what is scheduled before going. For a stop that requires no planning and delivers consistently, Little Island is one of the easier recommendations in the city.

Did you know that Pier 57 was slated to be a open air market designed to emulate Singaporean hawker…read morecenters and Asian night markets based on the vision of the late Anthony Bourdain? However, the plan got nixed in 2017 due to logistics and financial problems. Enter Google and James Beard Foundation. Today the pier is home to City Winery, Several Food Eateries and event spaces on the vast two acre expanse on the Hudson River with gorgeous views. There are a few public gathering areas with views adjacent to Little Island to its south. It's worth the hike out far west and a great addition to the environs of Chelsea Market and the High Line. Thank you so much for reading.

Set along the Hudson River in the Meatpacking District, Pier 57 is much more than a food hall. The…read morebeautifully restored waterfront destination combines a diverse collection of restaurants, cafés, public spaces, and one of Manhattan's best free rooftop parks. The atmosphere is modern, lively, and welcoming, with stunning river views and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. It's a great place to take a break while exploring nearby attractions like Little Island, Chelsea Market, and the High Line. The food hall features vendors serving cuisines from around the world, making it easy for groups with different tastes to find something they enjoy. Don't miss the rooftop park, which offers panoramic views of the Hudson River, Little Island, and the Manhattan skyline without the crowds of some of the city's more famous observation points.

The Hudson Yards 28 acre mixed use development has gone viral. It's now one of the busiest and…read morepopular tourist attractions because it is new. Not yet opened is the observation deck (coming 2020) to be called the Edge. Or some of the proposed hotels surrounding the area. They are starting to sell residences within however. In addition to the main building with a shopping center and restaurants as well as the Jose Andres-led Spanish food court on the ground floor, among other outlets.... There's the Shed, an arts center that officially debuted in early April. The Shed looks like a big square white bubble. It has rollers in a couple places so that the "building" size can be expanded. They're already advertising various concerts, etc. to be held there. It's not much to look at from the outside (only; you can't enter), but will be another draw to the area. Then, there's the most famous architectural element, already. It's called "Vessel" -- not "the" in front of it. Basically it's a place name for the artsy "sculpture". It will be renamed at some point by crowdsourcing. Standing 150 feet tall, Vessel consists of 154 interconnecting flights of stairs. The structure offers views of the Hudson Yards complex, midtown Manhattan and the Hudson River. The outside appears coppery chrome and reflects various sites. Plus it serves as the most photographed -- with selfie reflections being very popular. And it's been a hit on Instagram. Tickets are free to enter, and climb, but there was a very long line to get them. The earliest entry time was 4 hours later and we weren't going to wait. Supposedly you can also reserve times on line. We walked around inside the mall building... just to see some of the high end shops. Everything is quite spread out on 5 floors. And then went to to the Spanish food court downstairs. You even had to stand in line to take the escalator down. They controlled the number of people entering.. Signage is not the best throughout the main building. I'd suggest studying the layout on line before coming. And if you want to climb Vessel, try to book online ahead of time. But make sure to see the other major sights in New York City first before coming here...

It's a nice Park. There's food carts, the train station, and benches. I'm sure the landscape will…read moreimprove when flowers bloom. Well, I'm not telling the truth. What I saw was in need of a facelift. I'm a fan because I felt comfortable there. It's a nice place to stop after walking over to Hudson Yards. I wouldn't set aside time to go see this park unless you visit the High Line and the park in the other side near the High Line Entrance. That's by the Vessel. I'm reviewing the part by the public transportation entrance to the 7 Train. Go see and you'll understand what I'm talking about....

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.

If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you notice about Bryant Park is how everybody…read moreis trying so damn hard to act like they're having the time of their life. I walk by there on my way to Grand Central Terminal to get Metro North to my goddamn job at the law firm whichbis 45 minutes away, its so far,I think im gonna quit. It's right behind the New York Public Library on 42nd Street, trapped right in the middle of all these massive, skyscrapers looming over the trees like giant glass monsters. ​During the warmer months, they've got this giant green lawn laid out, and people sit around in these little green metal folding chairs looking like they're in some kind of advertisement for happy urban living. You see all these tourists and families sprawling out on the grass, taking pictures of each other with their fancy phones and fancy shopping bags and laughing at what seems to me like absolutely nothing. They sit there eating overpriced sandwiches and pretending they aren't surrounded by millions of tons of steel and exhaust fumes. It depresses hell out of me, it really does. Every single one of them acts like they just discovered nature because someone put a patch of sod between 5th and 6th Avenue. ​Then in the winter, the whole place transforms into this "Winter Village" deal. They put up a big ice skating rink right in the middle and surround it with all these tiny wooden kiosks selling fifty dollar scarves and gourmet hot chocolate whichbis pricd probably at about ten bucks. The tourists go completely crazy for it. You watch these parents pushing their little kids out onto the ice in those goofy plastic skate aids. Half the grownups are wobbling around like they're about to break a leg, but they keep smiling for the cameras because they want everyone back home in Ohio Belgium or wherever they are from to think they're having a marvelous time in New York. ​I mean, the kids are alright, it's actually kind of nice seeing a little kid who hasn't been ruined by everything corporate yet having fun on the ice, but the whole commercial spectacle of it kills me. Everybody's acting, and everybody knows everybody else is acting, but they just keep on doing it anyway. ​It's not the worst place in the city, I guess. If you need to sit down for ten minutes and watch a bunch of outta towners pretend to be relaxed, you could do worse. Just don't buy the hot chocolate unless you want to spend your last ten bucks on hot water and cocoa powder.

It is a nine-acre green space on the East River devoted to appreciating its surroundings. While…read moremany folks claim that Sunset Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, or their kitchen window has the best Manhattan- - New York view, we at New York Habitat crown the Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park as the best place in Brooklyn to gaze at the Manhattan skyline. Whether you're coming or going, laying out on the lush lawns, visiting Jane's Carousel, or being a shutterbug, this go-to location, nestled between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, is not to be missed. Don't miss out rooftop- Housed in a former warehouse and coffee roasting facility, Empire Stores features retail shops, restaurants, a rooftop beer garden, and a museum of the Brooklyn Historical Society.

This is where they filmed the movie Empire Of The Sun (which was originally to be called Empire Of…read moreThe Fulton Ferry State Park). This is an absolutely stunningly beautiful park, with one of the best views in any city in the world. The view of Manhattan here is absolutely unrivalled and unparalleled. I'm so in love with it that I would give it 10 Stars if that were an option. I come here just for the view, basically every time I'm in BKLN, especially if I'm with a girl.

Very beautiful park…read more 1) The park is very well maintained & clean. 2) Awesome views of NYC. 3) You can also catch the ferry from here.

"We fell in love down at the pier, Soon we were sharing a…read morebeer" (Blondie) The North 5th Street Pier and Park was a wonderful oasis of sights and sounds all wrapped up in three relaxing acres on the East River waterfront. Gorgeous views and interesting sights can be seen in every direction: the river, the North Williamsburg NYC Ferry terminal (where we saw a ferry lumber in backwards to rendezvous at the dock), lovely views of the Manhattan skyline and Williamsburg Bridge, high rise apartments, public art in the form of the Crescendo sculpture, piers, cobblestone walkways, wooden boardwalks, and benches are everywhere. You'll also see trees, grass lawns and artificial lawns for you and your dogs to enjoy. Speaking of dogs, we saw dozens of friendly dogs and their human companions. All of the dogs were leashed, and we struck up a few fun conversations with their owners. We also saw plenty of families out for an invigorating stroll on the brisk Sunday morning we were there.

I always enjoy time spent on Governor's Island. Quaint and historic, there's a lot to do on this…read moreIsland though food spots are few. Bike riding? Yes. Historic buildings and old prison? Yes. Gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline? Absolutely yes. How about squeezing in cardiovascular steps? 100% yes. A spa on site and additional four wheeled activities. You'll feel you're transported elsewhere. Though I might not visit frequently, it's always a great NYC escape. BTW, ferry ride from BK Bridge Park makes it so much more accessible.

Governors Island New York, NY 10004…read more Located below the southern most point of Manhattan is a 172-acre recreational island that does not have access to any automobiles. All visitors may reach the island via ferry boat only. While there are multiple ways to reach Governors Island, I choose the Battery Maritime Building on South Street because it is the most accessible from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and/or Penn Station. All visitors are each required to purchase a $5 round trip paper ticket from a kiosk or anyone can scan a QR code to download a ticket to their iPhone. (There is no fee on the weekends before 11:00 AM.) As you exit the gangway, an Information Booth is located only footsteps away. Volunteers will help you navigate your way; a complimentary map of Governors Island is provided. As you explore Governors Island, take advantage of several recreational and dining amenities. Visitors may rent bicycles or quadracycles from Blazing Saddles or from a Citi Bike kiosk. If you need a spot to sit or lie down, take advantage of the red hammocks at Hammock Grove. You shouldn't have a problem finding a resting spot because there are 50 hammocks. Slide Hill has four slides for all age groups. Three of the slides are not as long and appeal to a younger audience. The fourth slide will definitely draw attention to teenagers and the older crowd. This curvy, thrill seeking  57-foot slide is the longest in New York City. Climb your way to the pinnacle of Overlook Hill for the most serene, tranquil views of the city. Witness the Verrazano Bridge, Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan Skyline. If you don't feel like walking to Overlook Hill, there are multiple beaches around the island to catch these breathtaking views. Attend Collective Retreats for an overnight glamping extravaganza. The inside of the canvas tents have full size beds and are practically hotel rooms. Because Governors Island was once a military base, there are many historic buildings on site including Castle Williams and Fort Jay. While you are perusing the island, you will probably get hungry. Many outdoor dining kiosks are conveniently available to purchase food or drinks. This island may only be 2 miles wide, but it is so full of life. You can easily spend the entire day or even the entire weekend with several activities Governors Island has to offer. You won't need a car to explore from afar! #governorsisland #fortjay #castlewilliams #slidehill #overlookhill #blazingsaddles

An array of pretty tulips are in Pumphouse Park. It is serene and peaceful here looking at the…read moretulips in shades of red, orange, white and pink. I want to hug each one. This park is easy to find as it is outside Brookfield Place. New York has such beautiful gardens. Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

Pumphouse Park is an urban park along the Hudson River with a spacious green area popular with dog…read morewalkers and dogs. When it snows in New York City, families can be found playing in the snow at the park as well.