Famous Squares and Plazas to Visit in New York City

Squares and Plazas in New York City

New York City offers a number of squares and plazas where visitors can relax and take in the sights. Many squares are filled with vegetation and they usually offer benches or seats where you can rest your tired legs. These squares often serve as gathering places for locals, who get together, exercise, or even organize protests or cultural events in the open space. For tourists, these central squares offer a glimpse into daily life in the city. Below are several of the most popular squares and plazas in New York City.

Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Lower Manhattan is one of the city's most famous public parks. Visitors here can find the huge Washington Arch which is a large, marble triumphant arch which serves as a landmark and honors the nation's first president. In front of the arch is a nice fountain. The arch also serves as the terminus for 5th Avenue. Also located in the square is a monument to Alexander Lyman Holley, along with some walking paths, benches, and shaded tree areas which make for a nice and relaxing picnic spot.

Washington Square Village, NYC, New York

Website

Times Square

Times Square is one of the most famous areas in New York City. It's known for its brightly lit billboards which really brighten the city at night. But even if you visit during the day you'll find the area filled with energy, activity, and people. If the crowds get to be too much, there are bleachers set up on one side where you can sit and take a break. Times Square is also recognizable as the location of the iconic ball drop on New Years Eve. It's also an entertainment center for the city.

Times Square is in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue.

Website

Interested in more travel advice for New York City? Check out The Best Iconic Skyscrapers to Visit in New York City and The Best Planetariums to Visit near New York City.

Flatiron Plaza

Flatiron Plaza is a triangular pedestrian plaza that offers a great view of the famous Flatiron building. It's also right by Madison Square Park. During the warmer months, this plaza comes to life with live music or other forms of entertainment, but it's a nice place to relax and people watch any time of the year.

Union Square

Union Square Park is a popular place to tourists and locals alike. The park is a hub of activity and there always seems to be something going on. Locals are often in the park playing chess, and there are performers that entertain tourists and those passing by. The park also has lots of public artwork as well as the Metronome and Countdown Clock, which shows 24 hour time from left to right and also counts down the time that's left in the day. Various markets are also held here at different times of the year, such as Christmas.

St. Vincent's Triangle Park

This triangular plaza is in the middle of Greenwich Village and is the location of the New York City AIDS Memorial. The park also has beautiful vegetation and plenty of seating where wanderers can rest their weary legs. Whether you want to watch the people passing by or just take a moment to reflect to yourself, this is a nice space to spend some time.

SoHo

SoHo has evolved over the years from an eclectic artsy neighborhood in the 1970s and 1980s to the trendy shopping district that it is today. SoHo stands for South of Houston Street, and while there are still many galleries, much of the local vibe has been replaced with high end commercial boutiques. The neighborhood also has many great restaurants and boutique hotels.

NYC, New York, 10012

Plaza 33

Located on 33rd Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, this square has a public amphitheater, some green space, and one of the Roy Lichtenstein Brushstroke Group sculptures. There are wooden bleachers where you can relax and there is often music or other activities going on by the amphitheater.

Louise Nevelson Plaza

Located by William St. and Liberty St., this plaza is where you'll find the seven sculptures called "Shadows and Flags." You'll likely pass by it on your way to catch a boat to see the Statue of Liberty. There are several glass benches in the area as well where you can relax for a bit before continuing to explore Lower Manhattan.

Interested in more travel advice for New York City? Check out Free Things to Do in New York City and The Best History Museums in New York City.

How much does it cost?

Prices for activities, things to do, and tours range from $33 to $200. The average cost for a tour or tickets is $122. A few of the best options are below.

Where to Stay in New York City

More Ideas for New York City

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

About BudgetYourTrip.com

Search for Travel Costs

Interested in more travel advice for New York City? Check out A Nature Lover's Guide to New York City and The Best Outdoor Activities in New York City and The Best Places To People Watch In New York City.

Share This Page

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.