In a city of hustle and bustle, loud sirens, and obnoxious drivers honking their horns finding a spot in the midst of the concrete jungle is like discovering a unicorn. Paley Park is a quiet hideaway, a small escape full of peace where you can relax to the sounds of a waterfall while surrounded by greenery and flowers. Free to the public with tables and chairs available. Bring a book, have a coffee, or eat lunch, kick back and breathe. Even for just a few minutes. read more

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A cute and small park offering some surprising tranquility in the hub of New York. A pleasant place to stop n unwind and relax from the hustle n bustle. read more

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A bit of serenity im the busy city. Of course it's impossible to block out the city sounds completely but the sight and sound of the waterfall is still very relaxing. If you sit up close to the front it's even better. Tables and chairs available so you can sit and enjoy food or just read or watch the water cascade. There's a food stall by the entrance. I didn't get anything from tje stand as I had already eaten lunch . The park is accessible by stairs and theere is a short ramp on the left . Park was clean and there was a park worker on site maintaining the area when I was there. I think it's a nice little place to enjoy a break . read more

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Tucked just steps from MoMA, Paley Park is one of Midtown's most calming hidden gems. Slightly elevated above street level, it immediately feels like you've stepped out of the city and into a peaceful garden. The towering 20-foot waterfall is the star of the park, beautifully masking traffic noise and creating an atmosphere that's genuinely serene. Surrounded by ivy-covered walls, honey locust trees, and seasonal flowers, the park offers thoughtfully designed seating with Saarinen tables and Bertoia chairs, plus a small refreshment stand. It's an ideal spot to pause, unwind, and enjoy a few quiet moments during a busy day. A true example of how a small urban space can deliver outsized tranquility. Opening to the public in 1967, Paley Park was established by CBS founder, William S. Paley as a memorial to his father, Samuel Paley. read more

Paley Park - Paley Park Lunch Box - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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A nice little hideaway. A small place to get off your feet and enjoy a little bit of peace and solitude while in the city. Quiet and peaceful (or as much as one can get in the middle of the city. read more

Paley Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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One of the most beautiful hidden gems in midtown, Paley Park. Came across Paley during last summer just roaming around midtown after work. Didn't wanna hit up a happy hour but just took a stroll and came across this beautiful water fall structure with seating for those who just wanted to relax outdoors. This is a great nook if you want to relax for a bit after a long walk or just wanna hear the sound of the water coming down. Definitely a nice suggestion for a romantic setting on a nice night out. read more

This little park located in the Midtown area of NYC is owned and operated by the Greenpark Foundation and supported by the Paley Foundation. Considered a pocket park, every detail of the park was crafted in order to mitigate city noise and create a peaceful space in the middle of urban life. The entire park is slightly elevated from street level by several steps. The stunning high waterfall spans the rear boundary of the park. Twelve Honey Locust trees were planted within this park along with tables and chairs to enjoy this unique urban space. read more

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Paley Park 3 E. 53rd. St. New York, NY 10022 Yelp will not allow me download the entire reel, but I included an excerpt. #midtownmanhattan #urbanoasis #honeylocusttrees #waterfall #thelunchbox #williamspaley #paleypark read more

Every time I visit NYC, I like to spend time checking out new (to me) parks. On this trip, I found a couple that had waterfalls which seemed unique for a city. It's a very small park, but it's cute. The waterfall adds a nice element to it. There isn't really grass or anything here, but there are plenty of trees so it's nicely shaded. It's also close to Greenacre Park so you can visit two parks with a waterfall. I'm not sure I'd add it as a must visit, but it would be a nice spot to eat lunch. read more

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I stop at Paley Park whenever I can. I admire it if I cannot take a moment to sit down. This is among the most important public spaces in Manhattan. It is all the more so because it is private land. It serves a civic cause, thanks to an owner who felt a duty, and not in the sense of noblesse oblige. William S. Paley, founded of CBS, stated: "As a New Yorker, I have long been convinced that, in the midst of all this building, we ought to set aside occasional spots of open space where our residents and visitors can sit and enjoy themselves as they pause in their day's activities. When I was casting about for an appropriate way to create a memorial to my father, it occurred to me that to provide one such area in the very center of our greatest city would be the kind of memorial that would have pleased him most." The best feature, beyond the existence of the place at all, is the waterfall. If you could plot the ratio of the height of a waterfall to the pleasure it brings people, this would win over any other similar feature, natural or artificial, anywhere in the world. The park suffers only a single flaw. Pets are not allowed. (I don't mind. Although I am now a New Yorker with a dog, I do not bring her around the City.) This cannot be called a secret. I was chatting with my wife as I went by on the other side of the street. We were on FaceTime. I swung around to show her this spot. She said, oh yes, of course. We have been there together. I don't believe I have spent more than ten minutes at a stretch, but it is a great use of that time. I have always believed in these breaks. I consider them vacations, micro vacations. This is the perfectly corresponding space. Although tiny, it is a respite to dozens. I would go so far as to say people should not seek it out (except for architecture students or urban design aficionados or professional geographers -- you get the concept). The reason, if you allow me, is that the raison d'detre is you come across Paley Park while going about your crazy day. It would defeat the purpose if you planned to come here and went out of your way. It is for those who are stressed, who need a moment away -- yet it is within sight of the street and everything happening. If more people built similar sites, the world would be a better place. Here is a celebration of diversity (any can sit) and democracy (again, any can sit); it is not limited to the privileged. Bravo, Mr. Paley. read more

What a charming little "pocket" park just a few steps from Rockefeller Center and MoMA! Literally a hole-in-the-wall park with a waterfall (many Instagrammers here) that cools the air and drowns out all the traffic noise for a bit of urban respite. You don't have to buy anything or donate anything to sit there and cool your heels (but if in need of refreshments, there is a small food and beverage stand that services the park). What a great idea and hats-off to the Paley Foundation for such a magnanimous gesture to the city, residents, and tourists alike. Well worth a stop and a look from all your shopping and touristing! read more

Paley Park - Wall of water - instantly Instagrammital! - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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Amazing spot. 1) If you are around the area. Probably the best spot to unwind. 2) Whenever in life, I needed a place to think and reflect; I very much enjoyed coming here. 3) Can't believe this spot is free to the public. read more

OMG !!! While taking my daily strow aound the town I hear the gental flow of a water fall. A few more steps and I can the water cascaing down a wall into a step sloping watering hole  with Green ivy growing along the surrounding walls nesceled into a urban grotto. What a lovly park I have found it even had a tiny resturant vendor from a shop that was no bigger and a doorway there too. So sooner than when I took my first Yelp photo I was overcome from a cloud of nicotine coming from chain smokers puffing everywhere.  They ruin everything , even the pigeons knew better not to venture here. I soon came to the realization the park is private and is part of the building next to it and that smoking is not prohibited, which explains the many portable ash trays made available and scattered thought the park. If you need to smoke consider this place your sanctuary. read more

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My friend Mark brought me here back in My college days. (Many years ago) He said it was a cool place to take a date. Free, romantic and with the waterfall, romantic. I come here for the quiet (the sound of the falling water blocks the traffic noise), a comfy, shaded seat and a snack - the hot dogs are decent. There are a few vest pocket parks in the City. This one, I think, was the site of the stork club back in the day. It's a surprise, maybe even a shock, that this remarkable space still exists. 5th ave real estate is worth millions so dedicating this park to the weary New Yorker is one of life's good things. Please visit, put the phone away and relax. read more

Paley Park - A quiet moment on a cold holiday. The park was closed but I still love it. My favorite place in the city to sit and think. - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Quiet Peace and relaxation! Waterfall flowers and a place to sit for lunch. Come and see for yourself. :-) read more

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Of all of the waterfalls hidden in Manhattan the one at Paley Park is my favorite. The sound of the rushing water magically quiets the sounds of midtown and for just a minute you forget that you're right in the middle of all that hustle and bustle. To be in one of the biggest cities in the world and then find this little respite is truly lovely. read more

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Five stars would not have been enough in the past. I absolutely loved this pocket park - until now! I always enjoyed feeling the tension draining out of me, as I smoked my small cigar - read, had a meal from the concession. It was a friendly, clean spot. There is no foliage, equipment, or picnic spot, so no reason for children to be there. It was the perfect spot for a smoker. I returned this week - and was horribly disappointed to find that smoking now is prohibited. I thought this park was privately owned. If so, please reconsider! It was the most relaxing spot in all of Manhattan, and the last place where smokers could relax. read more

A quaint and relaxing park in the middle of midtown. I often go here to relax by the sound of the waterfall and will occasionally order food from the small food stand which still tasted pretty good, despite being a tiny little hit. read more

Paley Park - Spicy chicken sandwich - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

I had to go to this park for a school project sort of thing. But it is a very nice spot to relax. I won't have known about this place unless told (by my prof. that assigned the project) I like it a lot- although I didn't get to see the waterfall :( This park would most likely be passed by if not unnoticed if you don't know about it. I sure would had anyways. It's a nice little area to rest up and to get away from the busy life in Madison / the city.It's more quiet from the city life and not as fast paced, It's deff a good place to just relax and maybe even think. The trees are all beautiful and green - which gives in a very nature\natural feel to it all. I wish I was able to just sit there for a long while. Whoever works around this park should really have a lunch break here, even sitting and eating alone in this park should be nice. I would like to go to the park again to just relax, I mean I love the city. But sometimes it gets so fast paced and overwhelming that it's a good thing Paley park is there to get you away from it all. I think it keeps a person more down to earth and earth bound if anything n_n read more

Paley park is located on 53st. Before it was paley park. This site used to be home to the famous NYC stork club! I know my grandfather had mentioned that club to me. Apparently the stork club was a real hot spot for celebrities at the time. I guess, just like everything else in the city. They demolished the club. It's nice to see they built a park. Paley park really isn't a park in my opinion. It's more like a eatery. There is a really cool waterfall in the backdrop. There is plenty of seating and there is a French style cafe. I have gotten tea here. You can also get pastries. I have stopped here before while walking back to the UES. Nice place to sit and listen to the water fall. They are usually not filled with tourists. Most tourists are walking by see the waterfall, take a quick picture and keep walking. On a nice day I would come here just because it will be less crowded than going to Bryant park or Central Park. Overall. Paley park is nice. I would recommend coming here if you want to get a coffee and a tea and listen to the waterfall. I will def be back when the weather is nice. read more

Paley Park - Rainy day at paley park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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A very beautiful little oasis in Midtown. Unfortunately they have a strictly enforced no dogs policy. So the moment I sat down with my coffee and small, well-behaved, trained dog, I was asked to leave. So I moved to the steps near the sidewalk, and was again shooed away by park security. Ironically, smoking is allowed (true to the dirty tobacco money used to originally construct the park). Odd what rules people make and enforce in NYC. read more

This place is an amazing oasis in the midst of crazy midtown nyc. Probably one of my favorite parks in nyc. The thinly elegant trees dancing in stillness, with the backdrop of a veil of waterfalling silkiness; its just a serenely understated piece of landscape architecture. And yes I am a connoisseur of such matters. As of October 2014, the piece of the berlin wall is not present for restoration. read more

Paley Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

We love this peaceful little park in midtown Manhattan. It's a great place to have lunch, coffee, or just to relax like a reading a book. The waterfall is definitely soothing. This park is also pretty clean. Definitely worth stopping by whenever you're in the area read more

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Amazing place to just sit down and enjoy a nice waterfall and some peace and quiet in the middle of all the sky scrapers, every time I visit New York this is a must for me read more

Paley Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Great park for a midday break or breather! Dose of serenity in chaotic midtown Manhattan. read more

This is my favorite hidden little park in New York City. Heck, it's my favorite secret oasis in a huge city. The waterfall is beautiful, relaxing, and elegant. 99.9% of visitors to New York City never visit and let's keep it our secret. read more

its about the small man made waterfall that makes paley park worth the visit on 53rd st off 5th ave .its not much of a park per say as you cant bring the brats or rover to play or drop the ball around with the boys as its a small space of concrete floors and walls anchored by a cool non stop flowing waterfall . they added a food joint so you can grab a drink and snack while relaxing on one of the many metal chairs and they recentley updated the greenery around by adding trees and plants around including adding ivy leaves on both walls. the space is named after cbs a big shot william paley . some folks like me just like to hang out a while and relax to the sound of the waterfall which in manhattan is not common to see at all. read more

A small private plaza the public can actually enjoy... It's great to indulge in the outdoors while smoking one's preferred tobacco product. In New York City public parks, smoking is prohibited, at Paley Park it's welcomed. Other patrons are often lighting up and ash trays are located throughout the plaza. Some ash trays are portable and small enough to be moved to a preferred seating area. The 20 foot or so waterfall is not only a pleasant sight, it also serves the purpose of muffling out the noise of the concrete jungle. Green ivy grows along both walls of the park, greatly helping adding greener in such a limited space. It was very clean, as a maintenance worker was on site and diligently preformed tasks. Most patrons of the park appear to be very respectful and clean up after themselves, which is not always the case in public spaces. I have yet eaten at the food stall in the park, from the reviews it appears the vendor changes throughout the years. Next time I visit, I will surely make a purchase. To those judging smokers at this space, leave the snarky looks on the street. read more

Paley Park - Smoking is welcomed! - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

This is an urban oasis. Once you walk in, you're transported to another place. The falling water drowning out the sounds of New York City - cars honking, construction, people talking on their cell phones. Paley Park is definitely what makes New York City unique. Which is why I chose to propose to my girlfriend here. During the day, it's nice and peaceful, a great "getaway" spot. But at dusk, when the waterfall is lit up from below, it's simply magical. "Romantic" and "healing" are two other words that come to mind. What else can I say? The woman I proposed to at the park said "Yes!" Thanks Paley Park! read more

Serene and peaceful park right next to Le Pain and a burger joint. It's the Perfect place to stop and have a breather if you're around this area. Go grab some food either from their cafe or a nearby restaurant and just sit and relax here. Everybody needs a little water therapy in their lives. read more

Paley Park - Waterfall in Paley Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Samuel Paley started his cigar factory in 1896 - La Palina. His son, William, born in 1901, bought what is known today as CBS, to promote the La Palina Cigars. To honour his father, William Paley provided the site of the Stork Club, for the realization of a private park where cigars could be enjoyed. This oasis in the middle of the vibrant city was opened in 1967. Today, cigar and pipe smokers have their open smoking space - the only park in New York City, where smoking is allowed. tags: #PaleyPark #NewYorkCity #nyc #Manhattan #WilliamPaley #SamuelPaley #CBS #SorkClub #nature #openspace #cigars #LaPalina #tobacco #botl #sotl #cigarhistory #cigarculture #cigarsnob #cigaraficionado #cigarsmokers #pipesmokers #attraction #tourism #cigarworld #cigarsociety #cigarlife read more

Peaceful little park. Always cooler than the hotter stretches. The waterfall is soothing and the park is not usually rife with bums. Great place to relax for a bit during your busy week. Kept clean and I love that. read more

It's seems the waterfall in the back of the park was designed to give off a zen like feel for those seeking a peaceful mind while having an outdoor lunch One thing is for sure there is no such thing as zen here! Beware of the disgruntled custodian who will yell at you across the park if you pull out a chair onto "the walkway." Beware of the angry clerk who runs the refreshment stand. Here's my experience that made me feel zen-less: $1 and $1.50 soda was indicated on the sign, requested for a can of Sprite and the angry clerk who is on the phone arguing replies $1.50, I take a double take on the sign and replied shouldn't it be $1? "Refreshment prices on the sign are wrong! Do you want or no!?" said the angry clerk. I later found out that the angry clerk does the same to all those that question his pricing. So if you plan on having lunch here please bring the following: your lunch, a beverage, and your iPod if you want to have a peaceful lunch with a zen like view....... read more

A gorgeous retreat in the concrete jungle that is NYC. There really is no other way to put it. The water fall is so nice to sit by. There is a small coffee/bagel stand right at the park where you can get a bagel/coffee combo for $2. read more

Paley Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Love this park--it's a little slice of serenity in the tourist/ business wasteland that is midtown. Granted, I'm a sucker for waterfalls, but there's something so great about turning into this tiny park (which is cited in many architecture books, btw, as an almost-perfect example of a pocket park). The air is cooler, the walls are covered in ivy, there are birds and people just relaxing. The food menu is limited, but decent and decently-priced, and it's a great place to sit and unwind for a few minutes. Bad day? Watch the water flowing down the stone wall in the back--better than yoga. And have you ever noticed how the waterfall really does look like the Matrix code if you watch it long enough? Or is that just me... *cough* read more

The hidden jewel of NYC! Right off of 5th by Rockefeller Center, this park is merely some trees, seating, and a beautiful waterfall to drown out the noise of your day. Haven't tried the lunch stand, but I hear you can get a pretty decent hot dog at very decent prices! The lucky office workers of this area has the greatest sanctuary I've seen in any city! read more

A leisurely sit-down in Paley Park puts you in the midst of the Midtown lunch crowd & those who know smoking cigars is totally legal here. This small public green space, known as a "pocket park," offers a bit of serenity in the bustling city. Picture it (Sophia Petrillo-style) -- ivy-covered walls, pretty potted plants, relatively clean chairs & tables, & an impressive waterfall -- sandwiched by brick and concrete buildings on three sides. The first few times I walked past, it was early in the evening. I made it a point to visit in the daytime & found that night or day, Paley Park is enchanting. read more

A great place to have lunch outside if you work in Midtown. The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to come early so that you can snag a table and chairs... Arrive a little after noon and you will not find a seat unless you're ready to fight!! read more

I came here yesterday to read before meeting friends for dinner. The waterfall truly does block out the city noise, which is great. It's also really beautiful. The only downsides were (1) that people had trouble hearing each other talk, since the waterfall is kind of loud and (2) the park worker turns off the waterfall and closes the park at 7:45, which is kind of early! read more

One of the few places you can legally smoke a cigar outside in NYC. Bill owns La Palina cigar company and is a great guy for allowing cigar smoking there. Beautiful park and some great hotdogs available from a vendor there. read more