What a wonderful location. Washington Square Park is a vibrant cultural hub in Greenwich Village known for its rich history, iconic marble arch, and lively street performances. Did you know it was a burial ground before becoming a park? The land served as a Lenape gathering place, a free Black farming community, and a public potter's field holding over 20,000 graves. It later became a military parade ground before turning into a public park in 1826. Now you will find the iconic marble triumphal arch which honours the centennial of George Washington's inauguration as president. This is a wonderful place to people watch and relax and soak up the atmosphere. read more

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The students are back, and the square smells heavily of pot smoking and vapes. Lots of folks hanging out at night. Some influencers taking photos with the crowd or the lit-up arch, and a lightsaber battle being played out in the dry fountain spot. read more

At the heart of Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is one of New York City's most lively and recognizable public spaces. Famous for its iconic arch, fountain, and tree-lined walkways, the park is always full of energy, with musicians, street performers, chess players, students from nearby NYU, and people simply relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere. It's a great place to sit, people-watch, and experience the character of the city. What makes the park especially enjoyable is that there's always something happening. Its central location also makes it an easy stop while exploring Greenwich Village, SoHo, or the West Village. read more

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

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Beautiful park. Nice shaded areas within the park where you can sit. Literally right across from NYU which is the reason we were in the area. Kiddo is looking at colleges and NYU is on the list. Also found the monument and got to take some photos before heading back out. read more

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Washington Square Park is a great place to hang out, take a walk, and enjoy the atmosphere. There's always something going on! You can browse different vendors selling art and handmade items, grab something to eat, listen to live music, or simply sit and people-watch. It's a fun and lively place to spend some time while exploring the city. read more

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

Not a large park, but a pretty one. The Arch reminds me of Paris and of course, the film "I am Legend" exterior shots. I loved the Greenwich area. Would recommend checking out this park during the day. read more

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

Great park. Always packed with people, always something to see and do. It's a massive vibe. Pretty. Maintained fairly well for the most part. read more

Incredible! The annual Washington Square Park Dog Parade is, without a doubt, the most joyful and hilarious event in NYC every Halloween season. My neighbor and I were enjoyed attending this years event on October 25th. From the moment you approach the Arch, the energy is infectious. Thousands of people gather, all smiles and laughter, united by a shared love for these amazing, costumed canines. The creativity on display is off the charts! We saw everything from "Labubus's to Louvre thieves, perfect Willie Weiner's hotdog cart, and even a "Dachshund Downtown Express". The dedication of the dog parents is truly something to behold. The parade route around the park's perimeter was well-organized, and everyone was incredibly friendly, stopping to let strangers pet their pups and share stories. The atmosphere felt like a true community gathering. The highlight was definitely the costume contest in Garibaldi Plaza afterward. The emcees were great, and seeing the adoptable dogs from Waldo's Rescue on stage was such a heartwarming touch. The event was sponsored by The Farmer's Dog this year, and everything ran smoothly. There was a performance by HONK NYC that added to the festive atmosphere. Honestly, this free event is priceless. If you want to experience the true soul of Greenwich Village and see some of the happiest dogs on earth, you have to attend the yearly dog parade. It's a living, breathing mosaic of the city's spirit! Tip: After the parade we drove to Brooklyn to see the house of lights on 79th Street! Photos Uploaded! read more

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Very nice and popular park with a huge arch. Many people pulled to come here to Look at the arch, sell things, work out or even take their dog out on a walk. I came on a nice weekend day and it was pretty crowded. read more

Expectations vs. Reality I'd seen this park in so many movies and had a picture of it in my mind, but honestly, it felt pretty trashy. There was secondhand marijuana everywhere, and I had to move seats three times just to find a spot with fresh air. Vendors & Cleanliness There were a lot of vendors with blankets selling various items, but it all looked tacky and messy. The park felt dirty, and I was constantly worried about my bag. Activities On the bright side, there was a free salsa class going on that anyone could join. That was the highlight of the visit, and it made people-watching more enjoyable. Overall Experience If your goal is to people-watch, the salsa class was a fun touch. Otherwise, there's not much else to see, unless you're into second-hand marijuana, in which case this might be the spot for you. read more

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

Criss-crossing New York, I came across this park and cut through on my way to and back from Astor Place Theatre. Small, and simple, but it offers a nice alternative away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Plus, a nicer way to make your way than the sidewalks and nicer scenery as you traverse your way around the city. read more

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So.... I get the hype but um do we all know there are about 20k bodies buried under due to Yellow Fever? Idk about you but it just felt weird to me. Like the rest of NY this place does not discriminate. There were families, cosplay, artists, musicians, people sitting at the lawns, on the park chairs. It was a great vibe. A little too busy for my liking but it was cool to see this is a very diverse spot where people can just exist. We walked to here from out hotel in Manhattan but there were plenty of parking areas near the NYU buildings. Maybe it looks pretty during the holidays or so but I didn't find it attractive enough to want to come back. Especially due to its history read more

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

Washington Square Park is more than just a green space; it is a living testament to the city's history, culture, and community spirit. As one of New York City's most iconic landmarks, the park continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in its rich heritage. The park's central plaza, anchored by a large fountain, serves as a communal hub for visitors. The fountain's central location and the surrounding seating area make it an ideal spot for people-watching, picnics, or simply relaxing in the heart of the city. The fountain is a popular gathering point and has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, further solidifying its place in popular culture. Used first as the Washington Military Parade Ground in 1826, the site became a public park in 1827. Following this designation, prominent families, wanting to escape the disease and congestion of downtown Manhattan, moved into the area and built the distinguished Greek Revival mansions that still line the square's north side. The marble Washington Arch, designed by noted architect Stanford White, was built between 1890-1892 and replaced a wooden arch erected in 1889 to honor the centennial of the first president's inauguration. Statues of Washington were later installed on Arch's north side - Washington as Commander-in-Chief. Today Washington Square Park, rich in history, remains one of the jewels in the park system, serving as a dynamic commons for local residents, chess players, students, performers and tourists from around the globe. read more

Located in close proximity to New York University, Washington Square Park plays host to student artists of all concentrations to include performing arts, dance, music, sculpture, poetry, photography, sketch, painting, and various forms of crafts and provides an environment for peddling or showcasing. You would be surprised by some of the items for sale. read more

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Washington Square Park is a rectangular plot of land between University Place and MacDougal Place, and 4th and 6th Streets. Named after George Washington, a memorial arch modeled after Paris' Arc de Triomphe stands on the north edge of the square, dedicated on the centennial of his inauguration. While it's on the smaller for a public park, it serves many functions including being the de facto student square for NYU activities, a central meetup location, and common venue for both local performances and protests. Often in the park you'll see artists drawing/painting/sketching, intense chess enthusiasts mid-game, poets reading and writing their literary works, buskers singing, playing music, or dancing, a couple fortune tellers set up with small tables,dogs and owners at the dog run, little kids with parents at the playground, skate boarders, and inevitably nowadays a couple groups of people smoking cannabis. This park is also a popular filming locale for tv shows and movies, I recall seeing at least a few different scenes of shows like Law and Order, CSI, the Amazing Race, Person of Interest, Hawkeye, When Harry Met Sally--with scenes nearby or in the park. Around the park are a mix of NYU buildings, some local and national businesses leaning towards appealing to the student and artists population in the area, as well as some older lower-rise residential buildings. Since it's Greenwich Village you have fewer corporate high rise commercial buildings in the immediate vicinity. It's one of the more interesting parks to people-watch, if you're in the area and want to see some greenery and admire the fountain and arch, and watch some local performers, come on by! More info available at: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/washington-square-park read more

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TikTok showed me a version of this park that does not exist in reality. It looked like a beautiful Italian square and that is not what you get here at all. It is packed with people and the smell of marijuana is overwhelming. This park felt very trashy and I wouldn't recommend it. You can just skip it and not feel bad about it. read more

Washington Square Park - A million people watching a guy on drugs - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

This is the un-official center of New York University, my son's new school. It is nice and peaceful in the early morning, but gets busier as the day progresses. Then at night it becomes a zoo, very crowded and the aroma of pot is prevalent. That's a common odor in NYC along with urine and trash. It's very dark in the park at night around the benches. There is park and campus security, but I still didn't feel safe. Lots of street people congregate there also. Sally left Harry here! read more

Washington Square Park - Is that smell cigar or marijuana? - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

One of the places you need to stop by in NYC. Try and win some chess games or just watch the dogs at the dog park. They have a few playground sections for kids. read more

Very interesting park. Probably the best for people watching as it's very crowded and there is something always going on and something to look at. Unfortunately too many people are smoking. It's also pretty loud. Near lots of food places. read more

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

Right at the entrance, there are people playing chess. There is the famous Washington Square Arch and the central fountain. The park has many benches where you can sit and relax. There is also a play area for kids. Just out of the park is Will Smith's "I am Legend's" house. May be I went with high hopes seeing all the wonderful reviews and then reading about how many movies were filmed here. But, it was disappointing really. It's such a beautiful park but when I visited, a section of it was filled with homeless people and the police had to be called to break up their fight. There was smell of weed in some areas. There was trash in some places. If you give it a miss, I won't blame you. Spend your time some where else. Not worth the time. P.S. Just 10 minutes walk away is the famous Monica Gellar's apartment. Playground There is a small play area for kids. read more

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What a lively park!! I've been here in the day time and at night on the weekends - it's always packed with people, artists, musicians, etc. I love the atmosphere and the vibes here! read more

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

Pretty interesting spot that deserves at least a visit. I have been here at least 4 times during my trips to NYC in the last decade and had a great experience every one of them. People come here to connect with art, have fun and chill. As any place in Manhattan, there is always a nearby subway station. The best times to visit are early in the morning when there are less people or during sunset which delivers the best colors and pictures. read more

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Obviously iconic and a must see if you're visiting NYC. Came here when we passed by on the way to a stamp shop. This park is always lively and never disappoints to walk through on a beautiful spring day. read more

Washington Square Park is the living heart of Manhattan. I've been coming here my entire life and it never gets old. This place will cure boredom instantly. This is one of the best places to go in Manhattan that costs nothing, and at the same time is absolutely priceless! If you want to feel Manhattan, not just see it, Washington Square Park is where you have to go. It's not a landmark. It's not a backdrop. It's a living, breathing mosaic of the world as it really is. You'll see literally everyone and everything here: artists, poets, acrobats, protestors, preachers, street philosophers, chess hustlers, jazz musicians, lovers, loners, and the endlessly curious. I've watched chess masters lose to locals, bought original art, and even paid a poet for a personalized poem written on the spot. This park is the pulse point of Greenwich Village, and when the weather's right, there's no better people-watching in the city. First time in Manhattan? You haven't really been here until you've stood in Washington Square Park and let the city happen around you. Fifth Avenue starts here and this is the place to begin or end a very long walk in Manhattan you'll not soon forget. Pro Tips: * Keep an open mind--this is raw, unfiltered New York. *Be street smart, but not paranoid. If something's not for you, just keep walking. *There's almost always a police presence, and the vibe, while intense, is rarely unsafe. *Use the park as a hub--you're steps from MacDougal's legendary bars, restaurants, and comedy clubs, and a short walk from SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown. Whether I'm solo, with my soulmate, our kids, or colleagues, Washington Square Park always delivers something real. It's a place where you're free to just be yourself--no pretense, no polish. This isn't sanitized Manhattan. This is the real thing. And if you miss it, you missed the soul of the city. read more

Washington Square Park - Even in the Winter this place is phenomenal! - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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it's a vibe ~~~ especially on those nyc summer days it's so warm and sunny and nice with everyone outside. but even when it's cloudy the arc is majestic read more

This 10 acre park is located in Greenwich Village across the street from NYU. Students. artists, locals and visitors come to relax in the lush and shaded park. Some musicians may be playing, children running, while others laze on the grass or on one of the many benches. A good place to take a break or people watch while the day passes. A much needed rest was enjoyed. Public bathroom facilities are available. read more

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Washington Square Park Washington Square New York, NY 10012 This park may be small, but don't judge a park by its size. There is plenty of entertainment and good eats. Please see below reel excerpt. #washingtonsquare #washingtonsquarepark #georgewashington #nyparks #chessplaza #chess #dogpark #w4thstreet read more

A reviewer commented that Washington Square Park is the heart of New York, but having visited, I will have to respectfully disagree and feel that it should be equated with a body part on the other end. Loud music, disturbed individuals, tons of smoking, overflowing trash cans with trash strewn about the this otherwise beautiful park with its large trees and open spaces as well as the landmark arch. Too bad the locals here don't care enough about this beautiful part to keep it nice. read more

Washington Square Park and Central Park are my two of my favorite parks in New York City to visit. I love the culture and how artists and musicians gather here. The park is named for and honors George Washington and was created in 1871. It is near New York University and Greenwich Village. I have taken many naps in this park's grassy areas. There are many trees here that give the park and its walkways a lot of shade. It is a nice place to relax and people watch while listening to some music. Washington Square Park is known for its famous 77 foot high arch. Washington Square Arch has been seen in many popular movies and photos. It is made up of white Tuckahoe marble and commemorates the centennial of George Washington's 1789 inauguration as President. This park is one of my favorite places to take photographs when I am visiting New York City. Depending on which side of the arch that you are standing, you can get a nice photo of the Empire State Building or the Freedom Tower through the arch. The fountain near the arch is a popular spot for people to hang out. Artists, musicians and entertainers congregate here to perform and showcase their craft. Many protests have also taken place in this park over the decades. Situated around the park are some statues and monuments of historical figures like Giuseppe Garibaldi, Alexander Lyman Holley and George Washington. One of my favorites things to do is to grab a bite to eat in the West Village and then come here to relax afterwards. Washington Square Park makes for a nice break from the crowded New York City areas. read more

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Pretty much any American city has something named after Washington. This landmark is a park with a water fountain, a large arch, and a sprawling green space with benches and chess tables. This is the city that never sleeps, and it was quite packed (and hot) well into the night. The plentiful seating is notable given the cramped streets nearby filled with people waiting in line to get in to various things, as well as the takeout food options nearby. So I sat a bit, and managed to eat my food before New York's famously lively rodent population managed to get it. The arch and fountain were quite impressive, and the rest of the park was one of the more spacious areas in this part of the city. And you really need some fresh air sometimes in Manhattan. read more

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

I mean it's New York, you're gonna find parks everywhere. So what makes this one unique? I don't know per se, there's a LOT of parks to explore, but this one in particular has a really cool arch! When I went, it was a heated summer day, but sitting on the fountain and feeling its mist and splashes was quite refreshing. Not to mention there were people EVERYWHERE! There was a lot to observe and be entertained by. There was music blasting (the party kind), and there were several vendors set up all around the fountain selling some crafty things. I noticed that there were a lot of crocheters -- it was so popular! I would come back to hang out and chill at this park anytime. But then again it's NYC... it's hard to go wrong, isn't it? read more

Even though, it was in the middle of November, this park was still quite busy with locals, tourists and many students since there's an university is nearby. Plenty of sitting area to rest or to enjoy this area. After seeing the arch in so many pictures and shows, I wanted to check out the area. Glad I did. read more

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I graduated from NYU in 2010. I visit NYC fairly often, but it had been a while since I visited Washington Square Park. On a recent visit with a friend a few weeks ago, we wandered by/through the square after dinner in the West Village. It was probably 9-10pm on a Sunday night. Washington Square Park's Arch is iconic and it's well worth a visit to see it if you're in NYC for the first time or haven't been in the neighborhood before on previous visits. However, I'd recommend going during the day and not in the evening. When we visited, it was not quite vacant didn't feel like a place I'd want to hang out long. I'd like to return for a nostalgic visit on an upcoming visit during the day to see it teeming with people and activity. read more

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

Quite a unique place. It is large park with an Arc de Triomphe and lots of people hanging out. You will see chess players, musicians, students, and an eclectic mix of people. Find a place to sit and you can be entertained for hours. read more

My first visit found it full of people. There were beautiful flowers and walking paths. Nice place to take photos. read more

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

I used to love walking through this park and enjoying the water fountain with my daughter when she was little. However, since marijuana became legal, it feels like that's all people do here now. Today, we decided to stop by the park since we were on Broadway shopping , hoping the kids could play on the playground and enjoy the sprinklers. Unfortunately, we couldn't stay for more than 20 minutes due to the overwhelming presence of homeless individuals and people smoking around the children's area. read more

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

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A marsh. A cemetery. A parade ground. A gathering spot for avant-garde artists. A battleground for chess enthusiasts. A playground for canines and children. Washington Square Park has served various roles for its community throughout the years, adapting to meet its needs. Well-known for its arch, honoring George Washington, the man for whom the park is named, and its fountain.....Washington Square Park also houses several other monuments and facilities. Located north of the SOHO district and east of the Village, this nice urban park is easily accessible by foot, bus, subway, train, etc......On any day you can see people sitting, walking, exercising, or just taking in the nice green beauty of the space. read more

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

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Came by the other day and it was a good spot for people watching in an otherwise hectic Manhattan! There were all walks of life doing their drugs?!?, Selling drugs?!? Along with couples hanging out and families going to the park. There were vendors selling both legal and illegal substances in broad daylight.... The water fountain area was comfortable and relaxing way to enjoy a Saturday morning. read more

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

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This is one of my most favorite parks! There is always so much fabulous people watching and goings on here! Shuffle board, chess, music, vendors, podcasts, interviews and more! I actually was interviewed for not only a podcast but a project on social justice! So I was asked twice to be interviewed. You can always talk to anyone here - so friendly. There is a playground here and NYU surrounds the square as well. It has the famous arch and I always love seeing it no matter how many times. Love that you can take a respite from the city life and hang out here for a bit. read more

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Stopped here to rest a bit before heading to dinner. The arch and fountain are the main draw, but what a cool little park in the city! It was busy, but not overly crowded. We enjoyed sitting for a while "people-watching" and just taking in the sights. read more

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