We were in the neighborhood so I had to take my bf to Washington Square Park. It wasn't because I thought it was some cool park or because it gave me nostalgia from my youth but because the arch here has been in so many movies and tv shows, I knew he'd recognize it right away. The park hasn't changed much since I first visited when I was a student. I didn't hang out here a lot because I didn't go to NYU. My stomping grounds were Lincoln Center, UWS and the Bronx. What I do remember from the past is that there were quite a bit of students, street performers, vendors and various homeless constantly in this park. While the people and products sold (WEED! In the open!!!) may have changed, this is still the same. If you want a busy place to people watch in a park, this is the place for you. read more

Washington Square Park - Washington Arch - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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One of my favorite places to escape in New York. I think everyone here's about Central Park, but this was is easily overlooked. Did you know this park houses the Washington Square Arch? It's supposed to commemorate the inauguration of President Washington. Super gloomy - it also used to be a grave yard during the epidemic of Yellow Fever in The 1800s in NYC This park has the oldest Christmas lighting in New York. IG: QueenOfAdventureNYC read more

Next to Central Park, this is my next favorite park in NYC. This park may be substantially smaller, however the diversity and things to do are just as plentiful. This park has excellent music playing throughout the park from local bands, an incredible arch to take photos near, excellent street food (looking at you Dosa Man!) as well as an intense chess scene with a bunch of outdoor boards embedded in tables! read more

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Lovely park in NYC. Stopped here in Sunday and even the park was full of people it was still easy to find a shady bench to sit to enjoy the atmosphere and jazz music. The outside Chess board made the family really excited! read more

Washington Square Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

No matter the season, Washington square park is an iconic place to be. The Arch, the fountain, the skateboarders, all great to watch. There are vendors and interesting people, lots of dogs and babies. Right now, there are spring blooms putting in a show. Just go. Sit awhile. It's lovely. read more

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This park used to be quiet and peaceful vibe in the past....I guess since pandemic, so many things changed. It used to be cool artists came. nowadays, hippies, street sellers, loud music etc...I don't feel the same like it used to be. I also feel quite dangerous vibes. I don't really recommend hanging out here. about 10blocks down from here is called Vesvio park is like similar vibes it used to be. if you're interested, there's a small pool till 9/10 and free. this is more neighborhood park. not here at Washington sq park anymore. if you've never been here, you can look but it's not conifer as a park.... read more

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This is a super beautiful park. It reminded me of Paris. Maybe because of the cool arch that is located here. It attracted a lot of tourist coming here to take photos with the arch. I love how NYC has parks everywhere and especially it serves the purpose of grabbing food to go and eating it at the park. There is a giant round area that you can sit or have someone perform in the middle. I am guessing it must have or used to be a fountain but who knows. The park is in the middle of Manhattan busy area. The park is huge and can get quite busy. Also it is a great place for Pokemon players. Pokemon Gyms are found here. There are statues for more picture taking. I think this is a cool park. read more

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Great park. Diverse crowd (I mean it's a tourist trap right by NYU). Old. Young. Students. Professors. Professionals. Amateurs. In the summer. In the winter. This park is always lively - love it! read more

Washington Square Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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Washington Square Park is one of my favorite parks that can be considered a New York icon. The arch stands proudly representing it as a myriad of activities have taken place for decades and still continue to do so. The water fountain would offer relief to the oppressive hot weather in the summertime when many people wade about or jump right in. As an NYU graduate, I always had a fondness for this park. Skateboarders, chess players, musicians, psychics, artists, students, non students, dog owners/walkers with their dogs, sunbathers, those having picnics all enjoy the beauty of this park. You can make your visit short or long--WSP will welcome you. Fancy a classic movie? In the past, this park held movie night during the summer. Whatever your reason for making a pit stop here, it will certainly be a pleasant one. read more

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Of course we had to check out the iconic Washington Square Park while in NYC. Just a hop from the NYU Bookstore that we stopped in. There's a small but fun playground just inside the arch with two different play structures and a swing set. The water fountain is fun for the little one and plenty of places to find shade, seats, or a grass spot. It was graduation season when we stopped by so there were plenty of purple robes around. It was exciting to see all the graduates and the energy was celebratory. Glad we stopped by and would again if in NYC. read more

Washington Square Park - Playground - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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It has been exactly two weeks since the first rally and peaceful march organized by China Mac and William Lex Ham at Seth Low Playground. Today, I spent another afternoon showing my support for a second rally and peaceful march organized by China Mac and William Lex Ham at Washington Square Park. I got off the West 4 St-Washington Square station and it was less than a 5 minutes walk to the park. Our rally took place in front of the Washington Square Arch. Wow, I got to meet Lori Tan Chinn (Nora from Queens) who came out to show her support! Many special guests attended such as Actress Lori Tan Chinn, Steve Lee for Assembly, Womankind, Community Leader Don Lee, and Franck Joseph from the NYC Commission on Human Rights! This world has been filled with so much hate and racism towards the Asian community due to COVID-19. Have you heard the story about the 89-year-old Asian woman that was attacked and set on fire in Brooklyn? We came together today to show our support for the 89-year-old Asian woman and our community! Let our voices be heard loudly! Enough is enough! read more

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See all the touristy things, including this one. People watch. Have lunch. It's all a good vibe.

A stunning park. So much character. It was an absolutely beautiful day out. Live music everywhere. Characters out left & right. You could easy spend an afternoon here read more

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Washington Square Park is a fun spot to do some people watching and get a great photo of the arch and fountain. We walked through one evening while in the area and it was nice seeing a lot of diversity and many people enjoying the park. The arch is beautiful at night all lit up! I'd love to see it during the day. There's a small dog run area and a stage. What a great park for those in the city - can't wait to come back again someday. read more

Washington Square Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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I was here on a nice long walk with a New Yorker friend of mine and made a stop here. This is one of his go-to parks and he talked about coming here every weekend and enjoying live music and other activities. I love New York in the fall and this was what I had in mind when I think about NYC in the fall...a beautiful walkway lined with leaves of different colors and a lot of greenery. Great views of the Washington Square Arch. read more

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Don't get me wrong with the 4 stars; it's still a very beautiful park and of course can't ignore the iconic Washington Square arch.....it's just that after visiting other well-known parks in NYC I wished that this park was a little more clean and well-kept. Benches for days so it's a great place to simply relax, read a book, or eat food bought at local food spots. read more

Washington Square Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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It's an NYC experience. You'll see lots of locals hanging out. It's not a must-see in my opinion, but it's a nice place if you have the time. read more

I never thought I'd be a person who reviews parks, but wow what a lovely space! It wasn't this nice when I lived here so I loved just sitting on a bench, bringing up old memories. The arc de New York (that's just what I call it lol), is a worthy photo op and the park itself is just a wonderful place to picnic, play, prattle, or just to pass the time. read more

Rainy and cold... any weather! This is a beautiful place to see. I love this place. In the heart of nyc and the home to so much history and important to our culture since the beginning days of our fabulous city. It's such a special place. Enjoy the quirky performances. The night appear a piano player or a cello player.... an artist my draw your picture for a few or a fella might write you a piece of original poetry. Just enjoy a chat with your friend in a bench. People watch. There is so much goodness in this city. I love enjoying my life in this very place!! read more

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Lots of NYU students eating, drinking, smoking & chatting in the park. Grass & benches were taken. Pretty clean & sedate at lunchtime. Vendors, musicians & a man selling weed. Bikers, skateboarders, mopeds ... everything flying through the park. There were students near the fountain, it looked seedy in the corners of the park. read more

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I had no idea I was coming to this location, visiting my Brother in NYC, we were exploring SOHO, and had to stop off in H&M so I could pick up an outfit for a party. After that we were walking around some more and he said hey before we go this way let's make sure we go to Washington square park. No idea what was there, but said ok sure! We walked in and I saw the arch, now this is a famous arch that I think is actually in a lot of movies! I was a total tourist and gasped at the sight. I'm not ashamed it's cool to see for the first time. I got some pictures of the arch and the fountain because it's famous and I've no shame in being a tourist. Since it was so hot we decided to sit on some benches for awhile and people watch. I noticed that NYU was right near the park and I even got to check out some more statues :) read more

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I love everything about this park. There's honestly nothing not to like. Firstly, that arch though. From a distance, it really does look like the Arc de Triomphe. There's something for everyone here. I happened to be there on a Sunday so there was so much happening. There was live music and food vendors. My nephew and I chilled here for a hot second to rest on our walk to lunch in the East Village. We sat on a bench facing the grass area by the arch. It's the best spot to people watch. People watching here is so much fun. The crowd tends to be more local folks. I've always found it interesting that tourists only like to be on the other side of town. There's something super romantic about small parks. This one to me is far superior than the others. read more

New York has so many amazing parks to visit with Central Park being one of the most notable. However, Washington Square Park is just as intriguing. Located within the beautiful Greenwich Village district, Washington Park is often filled with street musicians, skateboarders, college students, tourists, and families. It is best known for its' distinguishable arch that stands near the Washington and 5th Ave entrance. The arch has a triumphal shape and it composed mainly of marble. It was built in 1892 to commemorate George Washington's 1789 inauguration into presidency. The arch stands 77 feet tall and is often the subject of many pictures. Aside from the arch, the park has a small amphitheater, a kid's play area, and several rest benches. It's a common meet up and hang out spot amongst both locals and tourists. It located about a block away from NYU's Art & Sciences center, and seems to also been a popular hub for many NYU students. The park stays pretty busy from day until night. I came to the park during the night time and felt very face. It's very well lit and tons of people hang out here throughout the day. There was a musician performing right under the arch. During the holidays, you'll get to see a glowing Christmas tree next to the arch too. This was one of my favorite parks to visit while I was in New York. It's clean, safe, and there seems to be a lot going on even well into the night. It's definitely worth a stop if you're roaming around Greenwich Village. read more

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Definitely a place to visit snd check out but filled with NYU students or homeless individuals. So much was going on in April with NYU students. It was great to see how vibrant and alive it was. read more

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What you would be surprised to know about New York is that they have a lot of pretty public parks that you are able to just sit and chill in. This park is so pretty on a sunny day, you can see so many people coming out and playing chess, and also just talking and sitting around/laying around. It is a small park but I think just getting here you will see pretty houses and that it is very close to NYU. Honestly if I could rewind time and go back I would of wanted to apply for a university on the east coast and experience that east coast vibe. The feel of this is completely different from a park in Los Angeles!!! I just loved it and took it all in. Overall if you have time visit a park in New York and you will see there is a huge difference. read more

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Small park that is a comfortable size. Lots of people walking around and spectating whatever is happening near the arch on the perimeter of the park. On the day I went here, there was a drum performance and a single person doing some kind of dance. An older gentleman feeding the pigeons seeds from a target shopping bag. The main feature of this park is the large arch located on one of the entrances. Unfortunately police are constantly patrolling this park even during the day time. read more

Beautiful green oasis with a lovely feel. Love the fountain. Bathrooms are clean as well.

A small oasis in the middle of the Village. A lot less wild than it used to be, but still full of colorful characters. Plenty of benches and plenty of shade, with a dog park and bathrooms available. The Arch and fountain are s beautiful s as ever. read more

Came to take a picture of the arc landmark. Got that Friends vibe feels. read more

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This is my favorite people watching park, by far. Central Park is more touristy and Prospect Park feels dominated by stroller moms and dogs. Most of the other parks dotted around the city are hyperlocal and feel more homogenous. Washington Sq. Park is the one that feels most like the wild west. Under the arch of this park or around the water fountain is where you'll find the most eclectic group of people, be it buskers, students, chess players, or people just trying to chill out. You never have to try too hard to come by someone hustling to make a buck, whether it's to draw a portrait of you or sell you a nutcracker. People cry here, people fight here, people smile here. It really feels like a park for the people. I've taken to the grounds of Washington Sq. Park to protest, to have serious conversations, to have picnics, and just to feel alive. Sure it never feels clean and can get pretty crowded, but there is a gritty, grimy, beauty to the place that just feels so New York to me. read more

The first thing that I noticed at this park is that there are so many benches to sit on which is great. All benches were taken though so I couldn't sit anywhere when I came to visit. It was still lovely to stay for a few minutes. BRIEF HISTORY -- The park is a New York City public park out of the almost 2000 parks in NYC. You'll see alot of students here because it is on the campus of New York University in Lower Manhattan. It is in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood of NYC. The Arch at the park was built and modelled after the arch in Paris. I took a photo in front of the famous ARCH which looks similar to the 'Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile' in Paris. I have never been to Paris, France but this made me feel as if I was in Paris. PHOTO TIPS -- when you take a picture in front of the arch, make sure to take a photo on both sides. I later found out that the north side of the arch has a sculpture of George Washington in front of it. For some reason, I spent my time taking photos on the south side of the arch and I didn't go to the front of the arch (the north side). Take photos in front of the beautiful waterfall as well. The park is clean and well kept. There were musicians playing instruments when I visited in October 2018 which was lovely. Overall, I recommend coming here for taking great photos, people watching, or sitting on a bench with a friend. *** - This is my 179th total Yelp review. - I have written 133 Yelp reviews in 2018 read more

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Beautiful park especially during nice weather. Large enough so that you can take a comfortable walk and when you walk it feels peaceful and small enough so that it doesn't feel impossible to reach the other side. read more

Monday, May 23rd, 2022 70 degrees Absolutely fantastic!!!! Stunning fountain, plenty of people, people watching, shady areas with benches, sun tanning area, skateboarders, dogs, some vendors and street performers, bathrooms, fresh air, cool breeze, nice place for a cool drink to sit or stroll, nice place for a picnic, all ages and walks of life here, very cool vibe and good energy. WE LOVE IT!!!!! We could have spent an entire day here in a blink of an eye. We did smoke (legal in NYC) on a bench nearby with the perfect view of it all away from most people. It was surreal. read more

Washington Square Park - One view of the fountain - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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Gorgeous and scenic place. But this place comes out at night with music, skaters, and people. Even during the pandemic, people were out in full force. The cops did shut this place down around 11pm or so and cleared out the place. When I first arrived in August 2020, this park was the place to be. Buy a couple of beers and some take-out food from the awesome restaurants around and you got yourself a good Thursday night. There's also some guys selling some jungle juice for $10 or something. Momma told me to never buy random drinks from strangers in a park, but I really couldn't resist. It was definitely very strong and tasty. Got me pretty trashed later on in the night. During the day, you got lots of people watchers, people with dogs taking their furry pets for a stroll, or people looking for a nice spot to take a break and eat their lunch. Hoping this place gets back to normal after the pandemic. read more

W e are so lucky to live nearby A ll year long this park never fails S ure, it could be dirty at times H onestly I don't mind; it's NYC! I ts dog park has different sections for small ones N ight or not people are here enjoying themselves G oodness performances here and there T here are even street vendors! O rdinariness doesn't exist in this park N icer if people clean after themselves S ound everywhere, be prepared Q uestionable characters? Sometimes U sually hang out one side of the park A lluring greens and flowers R omantic vibes E verywhere you look, P eople are happy A fter all, this is magical Manhattan R emember, be nice and K ind to each other @thedogtrine read more

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It is a very interesting and energetic park, but unfortunately there are a lot of drug addicts and heroin addicts here. Unfortunately, I saw two black boys trying to steal the wallets of two women, and in the corner of the park, a black man was hitting on a white woman, and in the other part of the park, a The lady was sucking for a man, so I was very embarrassed and came out early read more

Washington Square Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Nice visit to this park after numerous visits in NYC this was first visit to this beautiful park. Nice place to bring a blanket and enjoy picnic , exercise , walk and play with dogs fun for everyone to enjoy. read more

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Love the energy and people here. Super friendly! My favorite part is playing chess there! read more

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I love this park because of the cultivation of people and liveliness the park brings to the area. I always walk through when I'm in the area! read more

Washington Square Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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This is a cool park to hang out whenever you want to relax and enjoy some nice day. if you lucky enough to seat by the water fountain park you will feel the water in your face in a cool windy day. I am very descriptive here really in a hot day this feels amazing. is walking distance from union square and east village neighborhood. read more

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